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.

Thursday

My First Attempt at Quilting

I have a bad habit of promising to show things on my blog and end up becoming so absorbed in doing other things, I neglect to follow through. Now it's been so long I can't remember who asked me to show them this. It's not something I am particularly proud of (the procrastinating), but photographing things to show can take up so much time, so I just tend to keep putting it off.

Each calico panel was drawn, then painted with water colours, then the outlines were embroidered as well as the flowers on the hat in the 4th panel, buttons were sewn on and the glass beads for eyes. The backing is in natural calico. It's not perfect, but I didn't think it too bad for a first try.

I made this quilt some time back for the beautiful antique crib that my sweet hubby bought me years ago, and which my fur baby sleeps in from time to time . . . and often just sits in to watch the passing parade through the window. He's very good with my Zwergnase Nili 3 and the teddy I made, that both sit in the crib . . . he looks but doesn't touch.

The photo below my hubby took another time, where my little furry one was sitting in his own bed inside the crib. You can see some of my dolls in the background which were on display in the studio at the time.

Do any of you make quilts? Do you have any pets? I'd love to see them if you do.

Big hugs,

Tuesday

Let's Share a Secret

Each day as I read the stories and snippets of each of my blogging buddies daily activities and interests, I am reminded of how small a world this really is and how many talented people fill it. I love seeing the friendships that are developing between people living on the opposite ends of the earth.

With this in mind, I thought it would be fun to invite my followers and fellow bloggers to post one thing that I don't already know about them. In essence . . .

I'll begin . . . My hubby calls me a hoarder, I call myself a collector. As many of you already know, I collect BJD's, play dolls, bears, fabrics, yarn and antiques, but you didn't know I am also an avid collector of buttons (though not intentionally) and have enough to start a shop of my own!

Big hugs,
X

Sunday

More on Dolly Thoughts

It's hard to believe it's been six years since I wrote my post Dolly Thoughts and so much has changed. Some of those who commented on that particular post have left the hobby or simply stopped blogging.

Generally, my own journey hasn't changed much, apart from getting much older and less mobile (one seems to age more quickly once they pass 60), I still enjoy all my dolls. From the one and only inexpensive Khurn doll, to my Gotz play dolls, IT fashion dolls, Asian BJD's, and more recently the wonderful Zwergnase Spoon Dolls. They all keep me company and stop me from becoming completely bored.

Now I'm left wondering about those of you who are still posting, though much less frequently. I know some of you are still interested in your dolls, but cannot find the time to chat for one reason or another. Whatever the reason, I hope with all my heart you don't stop blogging all together, I miss chatting with you and seeing what you are doing with your own dolls.

Maybe you have a new hobby that's occupying your time, if so, why not share it. I'm sure there are other bloggers who would all be interested in knowing where this new path is taking you. Although most of those who used to chat regularly through our blogs spoke mainly about dolls, we all have lives apart from dolls that is just as interesting, so if you'd like to share a little, please do.

By the way do you realise it's only 103 days to Christmas?