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.

Featured post

Challenge Meme

Seven years ago I issued a challenge to celebrate 20 years of the modern BJD, that I had also done three years previously. As things have be...

Sunday

Tutorial: Sculpting an Ent

This is what happens when three single objects from my stash come together. :)

1. Cardboard inside of a handtowel roll
2. Kaisercraft oval house number plaque or round MDF base
3. Ceramic mushroom

I debated about using the wooden ones shown (top right) but decided against them, I also chose to use a large round base, rather than the small oval base shown in the first two photos.


You will also need a Hot Glue Gun, Aluminium Foil and a
500gram pack of Mont Marte Air Hardening Modelling Clay.

First I marked where I wanted the Ent and the Mushroom to sit on the base.


After hubby drilled the holes to insert the roll and ceramic mushroom, I used my glue gun to secure them in place.


I then wrapped the tube with crinkled aluminium foil, forming two branches for arms and adding a nose.

  
This gave the tube a rough surface for the modelling clay to adhere to.


Now it was time to add the clay. First I divided it into eight pieces, then softened one piece at a time by kneading it between my fingers, then I squished it until I had thin a sheet. I gradually added each piece in layers over the foil. For the eyebrows and moustache I rolled pieces into strips and added them where I wanted them to sit.


Once the Ent was all covered I began using my sculpting tools to smooth the surface making sure the eyebrows and moustache were firmly and attached before creating the bark like finish.


To give him eyesight and to and add some character, I used a couple of Blythe eye chips, but you could use beads or buttons.

When he's and dry I will paint him and add other plant material to complete a little setting for my fairies to be photographed.

Wednesday

Another Threesome

When it comes to fashion, I'm still all about doing things in threes, it doesn't seem to matter whether it's a comfy top, pair of pants, shoes or bags. Yesterday was a perfect example of this, but the best part was not having to pay for them all.

I love the Colette store and whenever I'm over at the Knox Shopping Centre I can't help stopping at their store to see what's new. This season is all about the mini bag and lovely fresh colours which I adore.


If I am completely honest, I really didn't NEED new handbags. However, when they come in such beautiful colours which compliment the tropical summer prints and you only need to purchase two, to receive a third bag for FREE, it very quickly becomes a temptation I am unable to resist.

I also like that each bag puchased from Colette, comes with a protective cover bag in which to store it while not in use. A very convenient way to ensure your bags are clean and ready to go when you want them.

Friday

Overload

When I haven't been kitting or sewing, I'm afraid Fairyland has been occupying a lot of my time of late. I love the new FairyLine and the RealFee, but just couldn't quite make up my mind whether I wanted another larger doll, even though the Seahorse was extremely beautiful.

Photos courtesy of  Fairyland
After much debating with myself, and already ordering the full set of the Mari Mermaid in the colours shown here, I caved in an ordered two Mari humans as well!
 

She is such a cutie, I ordered her in pink skin and another in tan, but neither with face up or any other attachments. That way I can give them the personal touch to create different personalities.
 

Now of course the long wait until they all arrive, it's going to kill me waiting for these tinies, but it will be worth it.
 
Have a doll meet to go to tomorrow, but I shall catch up with reading your blogs over the next few days and be back soon with some pretty new creations to show you.
 
Have a lovely weekend everyone!