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.

Friday

Taking a Stand

After much thought about my collection, I've decided to shed a most of my Spanish made dolls. To begin with I plan on moving almost all of my Paola Reina dolls, except for the articulated ones. As well as my two Vidal Rogas, two Vestida de Azul and two D'nenes.

This will allow me not to feel guilty about pre-ordering this little one.

Her name is Paula (Wichtel Bubi face RM 7.0), but I really do not like that name as it reminds me of someone I am not at all fond of. I haven't decided what I will call her and will most probably wait until she arrives (later this month or early next month) to see what she has to say about her name.

Isn't she just the cutest little doll? As most of you already know, I am always drawn to dolls that show their tiny teeth. Of course she will bring my Wichtels back to an even number so I shall be looking to add another down the track, BUT NOT BEFORE I HAVE SOME ADOPTED TO LOVING HOMES.

Tuesday

What happened to January, February and March???

I cannot believe we're about to leap into April already! I hope you all had a lovely Easter.

Now I've been wondering how many of you, if any, have one of these little cutie pies? They are called Wichtels, which is German for gnomes.

They were designed by the German artist Rosemarie Müller, who describes her gnomes as "balm for the soul". These adorable little ones have the most enchanting faces which are hand painted, full hard vinyl bodies, hand-knotted real hair wigs, and stunning hand blown solid glass eyes from Lauscha.

In this photo we have Heidi (formally Lea) and Gretel (formally Rosi). They are delightful little dolls and so much fun to photograph even though they have only five points of articulation. Both dolls are wearing their original costuming, which is extremely well made and far too cute to replace.

Gretel has a passion for teddy bears (I made this one especially for her) she says they are nice to cuddle and likes to carry one around with her all the time.

Are you a fan of names inspired by fairytales and story books? If so, you may recognise Gretel, from the fairytale Hansel & Gretel made popular by the Brothers Grimm. The name ultimately stems from Margaret meaning “pearl.”

Heidi, with its sweet meaning of “noble and kind,” is a pet form of the German name Adelheid. Heidi is also the name of a classic children’s novel about a spirited little girl living in the Swiss alps with her grandfather.

For a long time I only had the two Wichtels, however, as I prefer to have uneven numbers of dolls I pre-ordered Fiona some time back and she arrived recently.

As I wanted these dolls to have names of a similar vein, I decided to rename her Liesel, which is related to the Hebrew names Elisa and Elizabeth and the German name Liesl. The meaning of Liesel/Liesl is "God's promise." The name was used for the character Liesel Meminger in the novel The Book Thief, and Liesl Von Trapp, the dreamy-eyed eldest daughter who featured in The Sound of Music.

If you look closely, you may notice all these littlies have tiny teeth showing through their very cheeky smiles. However, not all the Wichtel dolls have them, I just prefer the ones that do.

Sunday

In's & Out's for 2023

Well I was going okay at reducing my dolls for a little while saying goodbye to two Wellie Wishers, one Fashion Friend, one Hearts 4 Hearts, a Holala doll and my little Berjuan Eva.

However, I couldn't resist these two very special Zwergnase dolls . . .

Abelone arrived 24th January, 2023. This German made phthalate-free vinyl doll is 50cm (19.7") tall and is referred to as a Junior doll.

Nili, who arrived 6th March, 2023, is a limited edition of 25 dolls worldwide and stands 65cm (25.6inches) tall, which is also the tallest doll I own.

She has a complete phthalate-free vinyl body, which is fully jointed so she can be posed in various positions. Her vinyl colour is cappuccino, she has beautiful olive green hand blown Laucha glass eyes and her face has been painted by her designer, Nicole Marschollek-Menzner.

AND three Gotz dolls . . .

Edda of Edinburgh Signature Edition by Elisabeth Lindner arrived 22nd January, 2023. She is my second Gotz Happy Kidz doll by this Artist.

While checking messages on MDBF to see if they had any news on Nili, I noticed this gal. The one Gotz face missing from my Happy Kidz collection. Laura is designed by Sissel Skille.

Needless to say, I immediately added her to my cart and she arrived on the 17th March, 2023.

Hannah Summertime was an 'Autumn Special' from Götz and she arrived 23rd March. I've shortened her name to Summer.

THEN there was the two Momoko dolls I purchased in Singapore in June while on holiday.

ALSO the six Monst dolls that arrived later in the year, which you have seen become the residents of my 1/6 scale doll rooms.

So in 2023 I really didn't do very well at reducing my doll collection at all!! Let's hope I can do better this year. After all, I have a doll house to decorate and that should occupy me for most of the year . . . I hope.

Still it's really good to be back reading & posting again. 😘

P.S. My second eye surgery went really well . . . thanks to all for your good wishes.