Will I or Won't I?

That's the question I have been asking myself for the past week. It's a bit like "To Be or Not To Be" isn't it? Well it's been a real quandary, not knowing whether I should pre-order this gal or not. I thought this version of Poppy Parker was a stunner, I love her hair colour, her eye screening and those pretty pastel lips. Not to mention her absolutely gorgeous gown.

But I was waiting to hear if I managed to score a PP Looks A Plenty Gift Set which I missed out on last year, by not being a member of the 2018 W Club. Then Alasse reminded me of how much she looked like Misty Hollows, who has been on my wish list since the end of last year.

I figured, if I ever did manage to find a Misty Hollows for sale, she probably wouldn't have all her clothes and accessories and would most probably be much more expensive on the secondary market. But Sunday, of all days, I did find two NRFB's. The first was this one listed at US$425 and didn't even list international postage, then this one at US$499.99 plus US$30 postage.

That did it, there was no way on earth that I was going to pay that sort of dosh for a doll, especially when I could purchase a similar doll for a little over quarter of what they were asking. Luckily I managed to sell something on eBay, and I knew I only had to pay a deposit now, so I took the plunge and pre-ordered her! Heaven help me if she comes in at the same time as my BJD though.

Along with a dress that has a detachable train, so she can wear it two ways, she has a better range of accessories than Misty Hollows, with a second set of hands and a personalised clutch bag.

So it's goodbye to Misty Hollows and hello to Midnight Decadence . . . a win, win to me! YAY!!

May all your dolly dreams come true! 

Big hugs,

X

Blast From the Past

I very rarely share personal stuff on here, but I dug up some old photos (and I mean old) while cleaning up my picture file this week that I thought might make you smile . . . so here's the history.

During my career, spanning some forty plus years, I have designed a wide range of things. It never mattered whether I was working within a clients brief to develop a corporate image, illustrating a children's book, dressing a shop window, or preparing display rooms for the Australian Furnishing Fair, it has always required the use of my imagination.

Aside from work, I enjoyed designing whimsical bears and found inspiration for this range of bears, cats and bunnies right in my kitchen at home! You may wonder what on earth would one find in the kitchen to inspire such a design . . . well, it was the little wooden box I keep my onions in, which has teddy bears painted on the front. Virginia was the first one, which I made from mohair and was five way jointed.

This was the second piece in the range . . . a kitty cat named Daphne. She had a long tail weighted with tiny glass beads and horsehair whiskers. In this photo I'm sure she's saying "What'r you lookin' at?"

Then I made another bear (below). This time I played around with the eyes, which I think gave my creation an even more comical look . . . I called her Lucy in the Sky. She almost looks like she's away with the birds! Or perhaps just a little confused.

Then, I really got carried away and made a very girly Prima Bunnyina. I know she's a bit extreme and glitzy, even her eyelashes sparkle, but don't you just love those shoes? I knew as soon as I saw them, what I was going to use them for. Sometimes you don't need to look for inspiration, sometimes it simply finds you.

The close up of her face shows details of the needle felting and shading. I made her teeth from Fimo with a loop that helps you insert them the same way glass eyes are inserted in a teddy bear.

These were all quite large creations standing approximately 21 inches tall. I have, on very rare occasions, considered making some smaller ones along similar lines . . . and maybe, just maybe, I will one day . . . but only if I live long enough.

Well, my working life was definitely interesting to say the very least. Illustrating, designing, utilising textiles and colour has always played a big role right throughout my whole life. However, to still be able to use all the things I have learnt over the years and more importantly, be able to combine them all into one interesting and diverse hobby, is enormously satisfying. So it should come as no surprise to you, when I say, I'm really enjoying what I do now most of all.

I do hope my furry critters bring a smile your way today and that you are enjoying life too!
Big hugs,
X

Finally Shaken the Bug

Well after a good fortnight of sneezing, coughing, spitting and blowing, taking all the yucky stuff prescribed by "the doc" and generally feeling like s**t, I think I have finally shaken the bug.

Today is the first time for weeks that I actually feel reasonably "normal". I have been reading your blogs, but just couldn't think clearly enough to leave comments, so I hope you'll forgive me.

Some news arrived via email this morning, which means the gift hubby was purchasing for me won't arrive at dealers until 8th July, and I probably won't receive her until August, but I think this gorgeous gal will be worth the wait.

She is Victoire Roux ~ Lunch at 21 from Integrity Toys East 59th range of dolls and I simply felt I had to own her, however, I didn't have any dolly budget set aside for her . . . thank heavens hubby stepped up to the plate. She comes with two sets of shoes (red and blue), normal and gloved hands as well as handbag and jewelry.

Well that's about it for today. I hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

Big hugs and thanks to all those who have stopped by. :)

X