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.

Tuesday

Make Over: Step 2

Remember this face? She's a 1993 My Pretty Topsy Tail made by Tyco, in case you missed seeing it before.

Well the face had a wash! I used 100% Acetone (available at Bunnings) with Swisspers make up remover pads to wipe off most of the paint, then Swisspers cotton tips (both available from the pharmacy), and finally to get into the really tight crevices, I used Mr Hobby GT69 tips (available from Brunel Hobbies).

The eyes came up okay, but as much as I tried, I could not get it all out of the mouth, if you look closely you can see some deep in the creases.

Next was a quick wipe over with Isocol (Isopropyl Alcohol from the pharmacy) just to remove any residue, then once dry (only takes a few seconds), a fine spray of Mr.Hobby Super Clear UV Cut (also available from Brunel's). Later this week I will begin her face up.

P.S. I also removed the paint from her shoes.

Friday

Another Beauty or Two, or Maybe Three!

I fell hook line and sinker for another doll just recently. Although I had heard of the famous German Zwergnese dolls beforehand and viewed a few on the internet, I had never seen one that appealed to me enough to bring home. That was until I met Violet . . . she is 50cm tall, is fully made of phthalate-free vinyl which is harmless to health, has 5 joints for mobility, a hand-painted face, wig, real leather shoes which are deliberately larger than her feet, high-quality clothing and is packed in high quality cloth bag for her journey to her new home.

Her designer Nicole Marschollek-Menzner, has a knack of making her dolls appear incredibly childlike. The combination of an unexpected painted expression with a slightly ungainly posture, and garments which clothe the doll in such a way as to make it look almost alive, simply amazes me.

I can see myself looking for more of these dolls down the track, I really doubt if I could ever stop at owning just one, they are far too pretty . . . don't you agree?

Of course Abigail may find her way into my shopping basket next . . . you know how much I adore little red haired girls!

(All the above photos are courtesy of Zwergnese)

AND

I could also be tempted by this little sweetie by Kath Kruse (if she ever comes back in stock). I mean, she is after all, quite the little darling and very hard to resist with her rosebud lips and all those beautiful loose ringlets. BTW if you want to know more about the artist behind this doll, just click on her name to view her history, it dates back to 1905!

Courtesy of Petalina Dolls UK

Well that just about wraps it up for this post. Hope you are all having a wonderful week!

Hugs,
X

Saturday

Make Over: Step 1

The two dolls arrived today and after looking at the hair on the both of them, this one got a shave, a darn good wash and a lovely curly wig.

I was surprised the shoes didn't come off, and are actually part of the doll.

She probably won't stay this way as I am thinking of toning down the pink lips and shoes. I mean I love pink, but honestly, they are really bright!

I may even wipe the face completely, not sure yet.

The other gal went to the spa ~
After carefully parting her hair into sections, then brushing and combing each one, until I managed to pull the brush straight through. Once all the hair was untangled, I washed the hair with shampoo and added a conditioner.

Seeing her fringe was very crooked, I took the scissors to it and cut it straight. I also trimmed off any fuzzy ends. Then I plaited her hair in sections, hopefully when it's dry it will give it a nice wave.

If the worse happens and the hair looks awful, I shall use my straightener to smooth it out. Oh you may also have noticed the streaks of orange hair ran in the wash, but I kind of like it. :)

Next on the list for these two is some decent clothes, so tomorrow will be spent trying on some I already have, and seeing if any of my dolly stash has any shoes that fit this little gals feet.

Happy weekend everyone!

2/7 P.S. The final hair looks great, though I think I should have just ran my fingers through it rather than brushed it. Excuse the nudity . . . she's been framed. :)

Seeing her naked like this with her hair down, I am thinking she has rather a large head for the size body she is on. I wonder if I can find another body somewhere that would suit her head better???