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.

Wednesday

Sharing a Secret

Hello! Let me introduce myself . . . I am Alf, short for Alfreda, and I am a polar bear.

But not just any polar bear . . . a pink and white polar bear. I have huge trupunto feet and a wobble head. But that is so I can stand by myself and say "Yea" or "Nay" without speaking.

I am made from mohair, have ultra suede pads and German glass boot button eyes. My body is firmly stuffed with polyfill and glass beads. Several beautiful shades of pink embroidery forms my nose and I wear a hand made felt pixie hat. I stand nine inches (23cm) tall and keep secrets really well.

This is my little friend, her name is Liandra. She just arrived recently and hasn't been exposed to the world, she's kinda shy and wants me to tell you something.

I am for sale, yes me, Alfreda the magical polar bear! Just a mere US$50 plus postage would have me on the next flight to your house.

P.S. My mummy made me and I carry her label on my butt!

Monday

Before and After

Quite some time back, I ordered two dolls using the Iplehouse Doll Choice, although I like the dolls I received, they were not exactly what I requested. I was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience with the Doll Choice and if you had, would you bother doing it again?

Serca Normal Skin

Peach Special Real Skin Makeup B

I ordered Serca SRS with the Peach Makeup B and this was the result.

Notice the black line where there was none? Fortunately it's not too dark, and I like the rest of the face-up, otherwise I would have sent it back!! I think you all know my feelings about black lines on the mouths of dolls.

Naias Normal Skin Elemental Guardian

I ordered Naias with the face-up as above and made special mention of wanting the teeth to show. This was what I received.

Notice the bottom lip is fuller, also slightly different colour and there are no teeth at all showing. The eyes are quite lovely, but the lips were a bit of a disappointment, even though I preferred the peach colour to pink. Perhaps she will receive a new face up down the track, when I get fed up with the way she looks now.

I think in future, if I don't want a default face-up, I will probably order the doll blank for $230, that's a saving of $105 and almost half way towards an additional doll. I can see why doing it myself is becoming more attractive to me day by day.