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

I may be Missing, but You are Always in My Thoughts.

Don't think badly of me, I know I have been very neglectful when it comes to posting updates, and I'm very sorry I didn't post any Christmas Wishes this year. However, I am here now and hope you will all have a very

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I have sold several play dolls recently, which has been a big relief, for a while there I didn't think anyone was going to give them a home. There are still a few Spanish dolls waiting to find homes and I'm thinking of selling my Helen Kish dolls too, along with the few odd dolls that I have just one of.

The project dolls are coming along slowly, unfortunately I haven't been taking any photos of my progress, which I had fully intended to do when I began. It's just been too difficult to get organised these past few months, what with all the interuptions leading up to Christmas. I'm hoping the new year will bring about some changes for the better.

Anyway, until my next visit to the blogasphere, stay safe and be happy.
Big hugs,
X

Friday

Just in Case

I didn't want you to think I've deserted you, I'm still here, just busy with other things.

There comes a time in your life when you realise it's time to downsize your collection. Not just sending one off to allow you to buy a new one, but really cull them hard. It's always been difficult for me to see them fly off to new homes, even though I may not have "played" with them for a long time.

All my Blythe dolls went some time ago, along with the odd doll here and there. More recently, several of my Paola Reina Las Amigas have found new homes. So I thought it would be a good idea to make photo books of my different collections, before they all go.

The three books I have done so far are all quite different. The first was "Tales from the Elvin Forest", which not only features photos of all my elves, it also includes all the stories I have written for them.

The second one, "Ball Jointed Dolls ~ Human Versions" features photos of the dolls by themselves detailing how I created their characters, as well as some which were used for their photostories.

The third, "1:6 Scale Interiors" features all the dolls which have been photographed inside my 1:6 scale roombox. It also has information about how the rooms themselves were designed and arranged.

Books don't take up as much room as dolls, nor do they take much time or effort to look after. At least now, if I ever have to go into aged care, I can take all my dolls with me!

Wednesday

Photography Experiments

I don't use Photoshop, purely because it's all very techo and far beyond my capabilities. However, I have found a way to enjoy playing around with photos.

Step 1: I took a photo using my phone, of my little Acorn (RealFee Soso) standing on my desk with a very uninteresting background.

Step 2: I used Remove Background to do just that, then saved the "png" image to my computer.

Step 3: I used Paint 3D to import a background which I had previously purchased from Etsy.

Step 4: I overlaid the "png" image of Acorn and cropped the photo to the size I wanted.

Step 5: I overlaid a further "png" image, which I had also purchased earlier, so it looks like Acorn is singing a tune.

This was fun and for an oldie like me, I think I've done a fair job of creating an interesting photo. What say you?