My Doll Haven

Everyone Needs Playtime

In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing.

When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

There doesn’t need to be any point to the activity beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. By giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap oodles of health benefits throughout life.

Sunday

Just What I Needed

Thanks Dustbunnie! I needed that info you emailed like a hole in the head. It appears Fairyland is coming up with some new temptations which should be released in October. My first impulse was wow! Then I looked at the tail on the larger doll and thought maybe not, but one sweet lady on DOA brought it to my attention that the larger one looked like a Seahorse and the little one a Mermaid. Then my heart sank, how on this earth am I ever going to afford both?

Still I have managed to do a little more on my fairy, but of course she does need a proper face up and the hair was a complete experiment ~ I glued mohair curls straight on to a silicone cap.

I finished the dress last night from Broderie Anglaise and Guipure lace that I purchased earlier in the day from Spotlight, then I made a circlet out of two toned pink paper flowers. The shoes I already had in my stash, but I'm not sure if they will stay.

Friday

Fairies from the Dark Side

While I'm in this frame of mind, I thought it might be interesting to show some male fairy artists. The first is Richard-Dadd, (his painting left) and if you click on the link you will perhaps understand why my title is Fairies from the Dark Side.

The second is another long time favourite, Arthur Rackham. I have spoken about him before, along with a post on Beatrix Potter (probably on a previous blog, as I can't seem find it here). Once again, the link gives you his background and readers of my vintage will probably recognise his work (shown below).

Of course no reference to dark fairies would be complete without including one very special illustrator, so recent, that even the youngest of my readers should be familiar with him ~ Brian Froud. (You can thank Alasse for reminding me about him.)

And simply because I love to share, here is another more recent artist, this time from the land of BIG ~ Texas! Let me introduce you to a whole gallery of lovely fairy art by Howard David Johnson.

Now a little fairy of my own ~ she's a work in progress. I used a pre-loved PF body with the recently acquired PF Soso Event face plate and wings from Bambicrony. I'm not sure what she is going to have on her head, it's a toss up between some sort of cap or a wig. I think I will make her a petal dress, but that could change if it doesn't work out the way I want.

Thursday

Knitting Project

I found this little pattern on ebay and thought I'd use it to make the new clothes for Patsy. It's been quite some time since I've tackled anything like this, (not having any bouncing babes born in recent years) but I think I will manage it okay as the lacey stitch doesn't look too difficult.

Looking at the doll in the photo, also made me wonder what a wig would look like on Patsy. Her painted hair is really quite worn in spots and the wig may help make her look a little less neglected.

I still haven't managed to fix her eyes yet, as I'm still working on removing her head without damaging her. However, Patsy has finally had a bath.

Cheers!
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