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.

Wednesday

Transformation of Dolly Dingle

It was February 2020 when I found this very cute 1997 Dolly Dingle Garnet doll by Karen Kennedy for Goebel on Etsy. I didn't realise it then, but she would become one of my very favourite dolly makeovers.

My little foundling arrived wearing her original dress, undies, socks, shoes, hair bow, but I wasn't at all interested in keeping them . . . I had other plans for her.

Dolly Dingle was in wonderful condition and had great eyes which really spoke to me. She makes me smile and has the funniest face I've ever seen on a doll . . . it looks like someone has sat on it!

Though if you look below at the original 1922, 1923, 1924 versions of Grace Drayton's Dolly Dingle paper doll illustrations which were published in the Pictorial Review, I think it's probably the closest representation of Grace's idea of rosie cheeks the manufacturers could muster.

It's these illustrations which I based my Dolly Dingle on, none of which have a top knot or ponytail on top of her head.

I had to remove her wig, wash and completely restyle it. I'm so pleased with the way it turned out, now we can all see her eyebrows.

Finally my Dolly Dingle, or as I prefer to call her, Dee Dee, as she is now. Do you think I did Grace's illustrations justice?

NOTE: Born Grace Gebbie on 14th October, 1877 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Grace was considered to be one of the first and most successful American female cartoonists, she was also an illustrator of children's books, postcards, fashion pages and magazine covers. You will also find her work (1904-1911) signed Grace Wiederseim or G G Wiederseim.

Saturday

For Alejandra

Or for anyone who believes in the Elvin Folk. This map is from a book that I wrote about my BJD Elves, back when I was really into writing short stories and poetry, called Tales from the Elvin Forest.

Double click on the map to see the Elvin Forest in more detail.

Thursday

Doll Props

Sometimes it can be a challenge when photographing dolls to make them interesting, that's why I am always on the lookout for props. Where to find good ones isn't always easy, and finding them in a particular scale is even more difficult.

Today I'm sharing a few photos of my BJD's with props that I have found when I've been out and about.

This Fairyland LittleFee Ante is riding a tiny rocking horse I came across in a toy store which only sold wooden toys. This was a tiny version of a child's and the only one in the store at the time.

This time we have a PukiFee Lindt riding a different rocking horse, this one I picked up at a doll and teddy bear show. It is still in need of a mane, the tail is hair from my first dog's ears. The horse's body still needs a paint job . . . I'm so slack at times.

The boys from the 'hood love this Vespa. Left is Iplehouse BID Serca, centre DollZone Choco, right is Iplehouse BID Peekaboo. This was purchased from eBay, it's in excellent condition for a second-hand toy. I'm not sure, but it could be a Barbie bike.

In this photo of my Iplehouse KID Lonnie, she is playing with a miniature ballerina teddy bear which I designed and made by hand. The fabric backdrop I used for this photo has always been a favourite and seems to suit the clothes she is wearing.

Tao Yue is from Doll Family-H, she is a pink skin girl who I have called Suzanne. She has been given multiple jointed hands, which mean she can hold things in them all by herself. Here she is holding an eraser designed to look like a biscuit (cookie). This came from one of the Japanese stores that sells lots of bits and pieces.

Luts Honey Delf Lolly is riding in a mini go-cart and carrying a hobby horse. I cannot, for the life of me, remember where they came from. However the Radio Flyer pull along cart was another eBay purchase.

Terrible photo, but the washing machine and oven shown in this photo with my with Fairyland PukiFee Cadbury, were purchased from Wooja for just $7.50 each.

Lastly we have Suzanne together with LittleFee Bisou in the gardening shed. The rusty watering can and gardening tools were purchased online from either AliExpress or Temu, I can't remember exactly.

Hope that inspires you to post some photos of your own dolls with props. Until next time be happy!