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

Lunette's Arrival

Well after a very long wait, the longest I have ever had (ordered in April), my Lunette from Liz Frost (WizWorx) has finally arrived home!

She stands like a trouper! Actually Liz's dolls stand better than any of my other dolls, possibly because they are so well strung. Here she is before her lovely soft grey blue eyes were inserted.

I am thrilled to bits with her and although I shall give her a nursery rhyme name, I cannot think which until I have decided on the wig she will wear. Though I must admit I'm leaning towards the black one, as I have a blonde and brunette in this trio of dolls already. Let me know your thoughts. 😊

Monique Gold "Roxie" Wig ~ White Blonde

Monique "Shelby" Wig ~ Black

Well not much else to tell you this week, I'll be taking a short break . . . that is, I will after I have caught up on your lovely comments and blog posts.
Hugs,
X

Saturday

Fitting Ruruko

Since female Ruruko dolls are on the stock Azone PureNeemo XS doll body, Ruruko measurements agree with the figures for those bodies (which is useful when selecting clothing or sewing clothing).

Although I first intended just to look for patterns, I ended up looking at clothes for other similar sized dolls including MGA Moxie Girlz and Bratz, as I thought I may find something suitable . . . I did look, but didn't like the fit or quality of the clothes I saw.

I did find (according to online research) clothing from Barbie’s younger sister Skipper, also typically fits Ruruko dolls quite nicely, and there are many individuals reselling Skipper clothes or advertising patterns (which was more of interest to me as I'm more inclined to sew).

There are also quite a few Etsy sellers who design for Blythe rather than for Ruruko specifically, but much of the clothing works interchangeably, with perhaps adjustment for length. My favourite being HelloCoolCat, they've been around a long time and have an extensive array of products including super duper shoes/boots (all under AU$20 a pair).

Then quite by accident, I came across this site ~ TheHandFlower and she had a few clearance items which were intended for the Azone PureNeemo Small Body, but I bought a set anyway.

Not perfect by any means and there will be Velcro to deal with for sure, but for the price I paid (AU$22.20 including shipping), I figure I can make any necessary adjustments.

Well that's it for me for another week.
Big Hugs to you all,
X

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P.S. I thought you might like to see what the knitted dress I made for the Project Mc² dolls looks like on Ruruko. I almost surprised myself, because it looks much better than I thought it would. It's actually knee length when you look straight at her. I think if I used my pattern but knitted it in a slightly lighter yarn, it would be perfect for this size doll.

Thursday

Tutorial: Making a Simple Doll Stand

Supplies & tools needed:

Wooden base (I bought mine from Spotlight). You can use any shape you like and you can also find wooden coasters which are suitable for smaller/lighter dolls.

I already had 12 gauge (2mm) aluminium wire (from Over the Rainbow) however, I'm using their 1/8" (3.2mm) Armature or Modelling Wire which is a little more expensive, but will hold most dolls.

Hollow aluminium tubing (the hole should be large enough to insert the wire doubled, I bought 10 x 1mm from Bunnings).

Needle nose pliers and side cutters.

Hack saw to cut the tubing and drill to make a hole in the base (borrowed from hubby's workshop).

Glue and trims (optional) the one I am making here needs just a little batting to create the illusion of snow, but you could use faux grass or carpet depending on where you imagine your doll to be standing.

Firstly take your wire and using the pliers to help you bend it into this shape (left) and bend it over and squeeze it tight, then cut it off a little higher than the bottom of the "U".

Insert the wire you just bent into the tubing (right), which will give your stand stability.

Sit your doll in the "U" saddle (left) and mark the base level, then cut the tube a little higher. To get the exact distance measure the depth of your base.

Now take your base and drill a hole the same size as the tubing, make it slightly off center so you have enough room for your doll's feet to stand. Sorry I forgot to take a photo of this.

Next you simply push the tubing in the hole and if necessary glue the tubing in place. Allow the glue to dry and decorate your stand however you wish. Mine was a tight fit, so I didn't need the glue.

You can also make a different type (as you see in the 1st photo) using dowel, however, this doesn't have a "U" saddle for the doll to sit in, it just runs up the back underneath the dolls clothes. It works quite well with some dolls, but not for those with very loose joints.

I know sometimes dolls don't come with stands, especially if you pick one up on the secondary market, so I hope this tutorial helps in some way and you have fun making a few stands of your own.
Big hugs,
X