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.

Featured post

Challenge Meme

Seven years ago I issued a challenge to celebrate 20 years of the modern BJD, that I had also done three years previously. As things have be...

Friday

Hands Full of Dolls

I've been seriously thinking of downsizing my doll collection. I don't necessarily mean selling off all my dolls, but actually culling them to a doll size that I love to hold in my hands. So before going completely crazy, I wanted to see how many dolls would  fit into my favourite size, roughly 11 to 15" (28-38 cm), so I began this journey by listing both my BJD's and play dolls below ~

Vestida de Azul 11" (28 cm)

Spanish made, flange jointed doll which stands alone, has a full vinyl body with inset eyes, fibre eyelashes, rooted textured hair and natural face paint. (If you click on the photo and open in a new window, you will see how beautiful her face is.)

I own Carlota an African Girl.

These dolls come dressed, as was Carlota before I redressed her, or you can purchase them with just a simple pair of undies and dress them yourself.

Which is what I did with my straight red haired Paulina (shown below).

Neo-AngelRegion 3.0 iMda 12" (30.5 cm)

Sculpted by Dong A Lim, distributed by Soom, these lovely limited resin BJD's are really childlike in appearance.

She poses quite well most of the time, but on occasions I have had a problem with the neck. The head is quite heavy and the top of the neck a little large, it bulges a bit where it fits into the head, so the head sometimes falls forward. This could perhaps be adjusted by changing or tightening the elastics inside, but I haven't tried to do that yet.

I have Babette, with face up done by Brisbane face-up artist Mallory (Petitemarine on DoA).

P.S. I also have a 10.25" (26 cm) Colette by the same artists.

Schildkroet-Puppen Wichtel Dolls 12" (30 cm)

Made from German vinyl which is phthalate free and wonderful to touch. The dolls, designed by Rosemarie Muller, have 5 points of articulation, glass eyes and styled wigs, which are glued onto their heads.

Their are only a small selection of Rosemarie's original molds which Schildkroet are licenced to manufacture.

I own Rosi and Lea.

Although the Schildkroet dolls are not as expensive as Rosemarie's exclusive dolls, they are still not very cheap to purchase. They are however, worth every penny! The garments they come with are beautifully made and their little shoes are made of real leather. It's for this reason, I have kept both dolls in their originals clothes.

Paola Reina "Las Amigas" 12.6" (32 cm)

This cherished Spanish brand is entirely hand crafted using only the finest European materials. They are designed with heart and made with the utmost care and attention to details including hand painted facial features, sparkling eyes, lush rooted hair that can be combed, brushed and styled. They come either ready to dress or dressed with accessories.

I own Claire, Cristi, Dasha, Lui, and Nora.

There were only three molds when I purchased mine, but there is a recent addition. Each of these molds are styled differently, either by vinyl, hair or eye colour and if you wish, clothes.

My Nora and Lui are the same mold, Dasha and Cristi are also from the same mold, Claire is ... well look HERE for yourself, there are many!

Vestida de Azul 13" (33 cm)

Another Spanish made, flange jointed doll which stands alone. She is slightly taller than my other VDA, has a full vinyl body with inset eyes, fibre eyelashes, rooted textured hair and natural face paint.

She came to me nude, apart from her nickers, as I wanted to style her hair myself and see what clothes I had made for other dolls, actually fitted her too.

I own a Paulina with red hair and blue eyes.
Liz Frost "Wizworx" 13" (33 cm)

Liz had been collecting and dressing Himstedt dolls when she first discovered BJDs. The fineness and posing ability certainly piqued her interest. The ball joint system and accuracy it took to make it all work fascinated her.

She was very fortunate to meet Kaye Wiggs and her dolls, and Kaye became not only a friend, but a very generous mentor.

Now this wonderful Australian home grown artist is sculpting the most beautiful resin BJD's of her own.

I own Fifi, Mia and Lunette, with Willowmenia on order.

Personally I prefer Liz's dolls to Kaye's, however, she's not so prolific. I guess in a way, that's a good thing ... her dolls become a little more exclusive.


Corolle Les Chéries 13" (33 cm)

Founded in France over 30 years ago, today Corolle are recognised as one of the world's leading manufacturers of quality vinyl dolls.

Their face, arms and legs are made of touchable soft vinyl, delicately vanilla scented. She also has a vinyl body, sleepy eyes and long silky hair that is easily styled.

They come with a very trendy closet full of chic and pretty outfits and accessories that are the height of fashion.

Corolle have discontinued Les Chéries and replaced them with Ma Cherie Creations, which are nowhere near as lovely. These could be styled though, so it's a thought for the future.

I own Camille.

Effner Little Darling 13" (33 cm)

Vinyl dolls produced from original sculptures by American Artist, Dianna Effner. They are hand painted by a group of artists who have been trained by Dianna and authorised to paint her "Little Darlings".

I own a #1 sculpt beautifully hand painted by Joyce Matthews.

As much as I absolutely adore the four face molds being painted by these selected artists, I think they are way overpriced for a vinyl doll which is only 5 way articulated and the waiting list (which in my opinion, is artificially created to encourage demand) is far, far too long.

The hard vinyl has a matt finish and has a slight grey tinge to it, which is very noticeable alongside other dolls, whether vinyl or resin.

P.S. I have a small 8" version of this doll in porcelain, which is also hand painted, that I purchased for $50 at a local doll show and she is just as delightful.

Petitcollin Minouche 13.4" (34 cm)

Designed by Sylvia Natterer, their vinyl body has five points of articulation, with the ability to stand. Their faces are delicately hand painted and their real looking rooted hair, is durable enough for washing, combing and styling.

They are not an inexpensive doll, by any means, but they have the most  appealing faces, which I find very peaceful and calming to look at..

Extra clothes are available to fit Minouche.

I don't own any of these dolls, but I would love Romy.

Playmates Hearts 4 Hearts 14" (35.5 cm)

In 2010 Playmates aimed to "change the world one heart at a time" with Hearts For Hearts Girls, a line of beautiful, multicultural, dolls that delivered an empowering message to girls around the world.

The dolls won a number of industry awards, including a Doll of the Year award from Doll Reader, a coveted Oppenheim Toy Portfolio award and a Ten Best Socially Responsible Products from Dr. Toy.

They have been discontinued and I don't own any of these dolls, but I'm looking for a Lauryce or Dell. (The photo belongs to Once Upon a Doll Collection.)

Kaye Wiggs Mini Dolls 14" (35.5 cm)

Kaye, an Australian doll artist, began by making porcelain reproduction dolls in 1989 and then sculpted her first doll in 1990. Soon after, she began designing dolls for the Australian company "Dolls From Down Under". Kaye also made molds for reproduction mold companies in the USA and later designed dolls for the Home Shopping Network.

Around 2004-5, Kaye began sculpting BJD's, initially making limited edition dolls and which she cast in resin herself. Now, she collaborates with Grace from J-Pop Dolls in the USA to have her resin dolls factory produced for pre-order.

I own a Mini Layla.

I shan't be purchasing more of these dolls as the US shipping, on top of the already pricey doll, makes it too expensive!

D'Nenes Marieta 14.2" (36 cm)

Styled by Carmen Gonzalez, these all vinyl dolls are manufactured in Spain, in the Alicante town of Onil, with the same artisan processes used for the last 30 years.

The vinyl is quite lovely, very smooth and seam free, and although the body is a little chubby, these dolls easily stand on their own. Eyes are fixed acrylic with a realistic patina.

There are three different face molds and they come dressed. Their little shoes fit well, but unfortunately the clothes tend to let them down.

I own two Marietas; an Afro-American and a Peruvian version.

I may purchase another of these down the track as I'd love a little red head. :)

AG Wellie Wishers 14.5" (36.8 cm)

Vinyl dolls produced by American Girl® and made in Indonesia, this doll is sized just right for younger girls (just like me 😊 ) and features five fun loving characters - Ashlyn, Camille, Emerson, Kendall and Willa.

As you are well aware if you actually read my blog, I am passionate about dolls that smile and show their tiny teeth. I think this is very natural thing for little children to do, so why shouldn't the child like dolls do it too.

I think any face that smiles at you has a way of worming their way into your heart and taking you to a happy place, don't you?

I don't own any of these little dolls yet, but I'm looking for a Kendall or perhaps a Willa.

Here are the dolls all lined up in the nuddy, so you can see the shape of each of their bodies.

I do have several other dolls, some childlike, which are smaller, ranging from 4.25 to 10" (11 to 25.5 cm) mainly Fairyland or Iplehouse BJD's. Of course there are others which would also fit into this size category, but they are more mature in body shape. However, as this post is very long, I will leave them for another time.

Have a lovely weekend everyone, I hope you manage to have some quiet dolly time. :)
Big hugs,
X

Wednesday

Finding Ferny Dale

It was early when the three little elves left their home in the Elvin Forest to go looking for Misty's cousin. The sun had barely risen above the horizon, but they knew if they didn't make the most of the daylight, they may never find Ferny.


When they reached The Ridge (which was really just a moderate mound of grass) Hollow climbed high in an old tree to see if he could see Ferny, but he was nowhere to be seen. And so he climbed a little higher. "Ah hem" he heard, looking all around and seeing no-one, he climbed even higher still. "Ah hem, are you looking for someone? Or are you just climbing all over my limbs for fun?" 

Only then did Hollow realise, it was the tree that was talking to him. "Sorry Mr.Tree, we are looking for Ferny Dale, have you seen him?" he asked. "I don't know a Ferny Dale, so how would I know if I had seen him", the tree replied in a very deep voice. "By the way, I am not Mr.Tree, I'm an Ent and my name is Longbough".


It was then, as he was decending from the Ent, that Hollow saw Ferny hiding below. "Oh there you are!" he decalared. Ferny looked up at him, slightly pink in the face and feeling very embarassed by his situation.

 

Ferny had found a small leaf on the ground with which he managed to cover himself, so he didn't appear to be completely naked. He was pleased they had come to rescue him, but didn't know what to say or do. However, he managed a little smirk in acknowledgement of Hollow's comment.


Misty was very annoyed with Ferny and chastised him for being so stupid to lose all his luggage, even though she did feel a little sad he had been robbed of all his belongings, apart from his specticals and bow tie.

Poor Ferny felt such a fool and really didn't want to come around from behind the Ent at all.


"Stop messing about Ferny, we need to get you home so we can visit the tailor and purchase some new clothes for you", said Misty in her sternest voice. She knew she needed to be forcefull with her cousin or he'd never come from behind the Ent.


Then Mossy tried coaxing him, "You don't have to be embarrassed, it's not like you got robbed intentionally. I mean no-one wants to stroll around in their birthday suit, even in the Elvin Forest."


Finally Longbough chimed in, "I really don't now what all the fuss is about, after all I loose all my clothes every Autumn and no-one cares about my nakedness". After being encouraged by Misty, Mossy, Hollow as well as Longbough, he agreed to go home with them.

So the four little elves said their goodbyes to Longbough and headed home to Beechwood Hall, via the village tailor of course.

-oOo-

Hope you enjoyed this episode. Big hugs, X

Saturday

The Love Is Catching

Hollow Log, Misty Dell and Mossy Rock live in Beechwood Hall, deep in the Elvin Forest and were expecting Misty's cousin to arrive today. However, he lost his luggage enroute, was then robbed of his clothes, has no money to catch a bus and even if he did, he's too embarrassed to be seen naked. The only thing he managed to save was his bow tie and spectacales. So now they are on their way to rescue him.

Hollow: "Will you please stop kissing me!"
Misty: "But I like kissing you,  you're very sweet to help me and my cousin."
Mossy giggles.


Hollow: "Look here Misty, you can hold my hand if you like."
Misty: "Okay, but I'd still rather kiss you."


Mossy: "Now you've both sorted that out,we had better get moving."
Hollow: "Yes Misty, we need to find your cousin, before he freezes."
Misty: "Well he's been very silly to lose his luggage!"

-oOo-


Now I wonder what's in store for these little travellers next . . . can you guess?
Have a great weekend, big hugs,
X