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.

Monday

Furniture Makeover

Firstly thank you to those who commented on my previous post, I've been so busy enjoying myself lately, it's been difficult to find the time to answer everyone.

When I placed my last order from Fairy Meadow Miniatures, I also bought a pre-loved, slightly dishevelled pink velvet settee, chair and footstool which was close to, but not quite, 1:6 scale.

I took this photo of my two little hybrid Monst dolls, to give you an idea of the size.

BTW they finally have clothes to wear and have had their hair re-styled slightly, at least it looks tidy now.

I wanted to cover the set in the green Mid Century fabric I purchased from Spoonflower, but unfortunately the print was too large. I tackled the chair first and used fabric and trimmings from my stash. Next I added some painted beads to make new feet, which provided additional height. Then to give it a little more "personality" I made some cushions and knitted a throw with tassels.

It wasn't the easiest makeover I have done, pulling the chair apart was a challenging to say the least, but aside from the feet looking a bit chunky on the footstool, I'm reasonably happy with the new look.

What do you think? Does it look okay to you?

Now to deal with the settee, wish me luck. :)

Thursday

And A Little Bit More

In this shot, where the girls are chatting over a glass of lemonade, you can see the white panther art deco curtains and the gold columns.

The table and chairs which have been featured before here, are available in kit form from the Fairy Meadow Miniatures online store. I gave the table top a granite look and painted the base & chairs navy blue. I also upholstered the chair seat and back.

Wednesday

Another Preview

Things have been progressing slowly with my diorama plans, but I have managed to begin the revamp of the "White Panther Jazz Club" which I began some time ago for my Integrity Toy dolls.

I changed the walls around, two of which are painted Navy Yacht Race and the third is Sundance Gold. As the third wall has a window, I shall use the old panther fabric to make a curtain. The same black & white tiles which I used for the "Kids Kitchen" is being used for the floor.

I didn't like the old stage and am in the throws of making a new one. To my eyes the mic and piano don't really look right sitting on the floor, what do you think?

As you can see, word gets around quickly in the doll room, so it wasn't long before Kumiko and Hatsuko decided to go check out what I had done. Within minutes of their arrival, they were enjoying a good old sing-along at the piano and mic.

I had no idea Kumiko and Hatsuko were so talented, did you? And so sneaky . . . they certainly wouldn't have dared to go to the Jazz Club had the IT dolls been out of their boxes!