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

Another Arrives

This is a Rosemarie Muller Wichtel Rosi who I have renamed Gretel. She is 5 way jointed, but has incredible movement. She is just the cutest little doll and she is hoping I can soon bring home a twin brother for her. :)

Saturday

An Old Tag from The Wayward Inn

1. List your current BJD family.

My list of BJD's is currently sitting at 80 (they are listed here). Every year I say "no more", but I have absolutely no idea when the compulsion to purchase just one more doll" will finally dissipate. So far this year I have not been tempted by any BJD's.

2. Who is your newest doll?

My newest doll isn't a BJD at all . . . she's a Vestida de Azul doll and stands just 28cm tall (3cm taller than a Little Fee, or half way between a Soom Neo Angel Region iMda 2.6 & 3.0). These little dolls are less expensive, so they don't dent my budget at all . . . and there is very little waiting time until I get my hot little pinkies on them!

3. Who is your oldest doll?

Jax is my oldest (Doll Leaves 1st Anniversary Event Rabbit, Normal Skin) he arrived 4th August 2012. I had not seen a BJD before and he took me quite by surprise, he's quite a cute little bunny.

4. Your favourite doll company?

This would have to be Fairyland. Their sculpts fit my stories better than any other and their dolls pose so well. Being a daydreamer and a big fan of any type of fantasy, I am particularly enamoured by the direction the company has taken with the introduction of the RealFees and Fantasy Art Line.

5. Least favourite doll company?

There are two least favourite companies . . . Supia and April Story. This is certainly not be because of their sculpts, they are really quite beautiful . . . it's because of their service or perhaps I should say, the lack of it. Companies/artists that offer bad/no service no matter how lovely their dolls are, don't last long in this arena, the competition is strong and there are plenty of other companies/artists that are willing to look after their customers.

6. Grail sculpt? Do you own them?

My grail sculpt has been and gone from my wish list. For a long time, I wanted to add a Peaks Woods A.B. Bella the Moon to my collection, though I doubt if I will ever purchase her now, as I have gone right off collecting large dolls, I find them just too difficult to handle..

7. Favourite aesthetic?

This would have to be face and hands. I tend to purchase a doll by the way it "speaks to me" and tugs at my heartstrings, then I look to see if the hands are elegant. I dislike stumpy fingers or hands that are out of proportion.

8. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Now if you are wanting specifics, the answer would depend on what in particular you're asking about. However, in general, my inspiration comes from books I read, fabrics I purchase when I'm out shopping, sometimes it comes from a doll, or simply by allowing my own vivid imagination to wander. I think one needs to keep an open mind and let everyday things like a walk in the park, autumn leaves, or a rainbow inspire us in one way or another.

9. Favourite thing about the hobby?

I had to give this some thought, and to be completely honest, I cannot choose a single thing. It's really a combination of things, rather than one thing in particular, this hobby encompasses so many different avenues of enjoyment. Sometimes it's the dolls themselves, other times it's dressing them (either by sewing, knitting or shopping for them), writing their stories, photographing them and sharing the hobby with other likeminded people.

10. Least favourite thing about the hobby?

(a) Suppliers who continuously lie about delivery dates, giving you hope, then letting you down when it doesn't arrive, not just once, but time and time again.

(b) The recaster leeches who pray on other people, stealing their ideas and their livelihood.

Thursday

On a Jet Plane

Two new sweeties flew in from abroad today.

An other Paola Reina / Las Amigas gal called Claire, and an African Carlota from Vestida de Azul, who I have renamed Zuri Mae.

I was really pleased with both of them and I am also happy that Zuri Mae can wear the clothes I make for Little Fees. I initially chose her to be a sibling to Ella Jane, but I think size and style wise she maybe better suited to Nora (as shown below).

I think Ella Jane maybe a little too chubby and young in the face to be an older sibling. :)