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Saturday

An Old Tag from The Wayward Inn

1. List your current BJD family.
My list of BJD's is currently sitting at 80 (they are listed here). Every year I say "no more", but I have absolutely no idea when the compulsion to purchase just one more doll" will finally dissipate. So far this year I have not been tempted by any BJD's.

2. Who is your newest doll?
My newest doll isn't a BJD at all . . . she's a Vestida de Azul doll and stands just 28cm tall (3cm taller than a Little Fee, or half way between a Soom Neo Angel Region iMda 2.6 & 3.0). These little dolls are less expensive, so they don't dent my budget at all . . . and there is very little waiting time until I get my hot little pinkies on them!

3. Who is your oldest doll?
Jax is my oldest (Doll Leaves 1st Anniversary Event Rabbit, Normal Skin) he arrived 4th August 2012. I had not seen a BJD before and he took me quite by surprise, he's quite a cute little bunny.

4. Your favourite doll company?
This would have to be Fairyland. Their sculpts fit my stories better than any other and their dolls pose so well. Being a daydreamer and a big fan of any type of fantasy, I am particularly enamoured by the direction the company has taken with the introduction of the RealFees and Fantasy Art Line.

5. Least favourite doll company?
There are two least favourite companies . . . Supia and April Story. This is certainly not be because of their sculpts, they are really quite beautiful . . . it's because of their service or perhaps I should say, the lack of it. Companies/artists that offer bad/no service no matter how lovely their dolls are, don't last long in this arena, the competition is strong and there are plenty of other companies/artists that are willing to look after their customers.

6. Grail sculpt? Do you own them?
My grail sculpt has been and gone from my wish list. For a long time, I wanted to add a Peaks Woods A.B. Bella the Moon to my collection, though I doubt if I will ever purchase her now, as I have gone right off collecting large dolls, I find them just too difficult to handle..

7. Favourite aesthetic?
This would have to be face and hands. I tend to purchase a doll by the way it "speaks to me" and tugs at my heartstrings, then I look to see if the hands are elegant. I dislike stumpy fingers or hands that are out of proportion.

8. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Now if you are wanting specifics, the answer would depend on what in particular you're asking about. However, in general, my inspiration comes from books I read, fabrics I purchase when I'm out shopping, sometimes it comes from a doll, or simply by allowing my own vivid imagination to wander. I think one needs to keep an open mind and let everyday things like a walk in the park, autumn leaves, or a rainbow inspire us in one way or another.

9. Favourite thing about the hobby?
I had to give this some thought, and to be completely honest, I cannot choose a single thing. It's really a combination of things, rather than one thing in particular, this hobby encompasses so many different avenues of enjoyment. Sometimes it's the dolls themselves, other times it's dressing them (either by sewing, knitting or shopping for them), writing their stories, photographing them and sharing the hobby with other likeminded people.

10. Least favourite thing about the hobby?
(a) Suppliers who continuously lie about delivery dates, giving you hope, then letting you down when it doesn't arrive, not just once, but time and time again.
(b) The recaster leeches who pray on other people, stealing their ideas and their livelihood.

Thursday

On a Jet Plane

Two new sweeties flew in from abroad today.


An other Paola Reina / Las Amigas gal called Claire, and an African Carlota from Vestida de Azul, who I have renamed Zuri Mae.


I was really pleased with both of them and I am also happy that Zuri Mae can wear the clothes I make for Little Fees. I initially chose her to be a sibling to Ella Jane, but I think size and style wise she maybe better suited to Nora (as shown below).


I think Ella Jane maybe a little too chubby and young in the face to be an older sibling. :)

Tuesday

Planning Holidays

I always get the job of planning holidays, most of the time this is easy and I enjoy the whole experience. However, this time I have found it one hell of a headache . . . if anyone is planning to use Stayz to book their accommodation I suggest you read these reviews before you begin!! I wish I had!

While Stayz was Australian owned, we never had a problem. Then Homeaway acquired them in 2011 and subsequently they were acquired by Expedia in November 2015. It's been a gradual downhill run ever since . . . customer's and owners alike, are fuming.

The Stayz customer service centre is run out of the Philippines and frankly my dears they just don't give a damn for the customers, nor the owners. If you check thoroughly on the internet you will find complaints from both sides.

Many of the holiday homes are family owned and operated. Some are caring, others not so, but at least while you are dealing directly with people on Aussie soil, one stands a reasonable chance of getting things sorted to everyone's satisfaction.

I am not an advocate of using Credit Cards online, other than through PayPal. I know there are fees involved on the business end, but as a personal shopper I have always found PayPal safe to use, while keeping one's financial information secure.

Once Stayz has your details, you have NO CONTROL over how your CC is used, and with their system you have to supply that to Stayz BEFORE you can even have a booking confirmed.

If you are thinking of using Stayz or any of it's associated companies, do so at your own peril.

Well my dear readers, that's my huff and puff for today. :) Ah, I feel so much better now . . . time for a cuppa.
Cheers,
X

Friday

Cristi's New Dress

I thought you may just like to see how Cristi looks once she's been all spruced up and dressed.


I think she looks absolutely darling in this lovely dress by Carol Pringle. :)

Wednesday

Storage Box Makeover (Part 2)

This morning was perfect for painting, warm but not too hot, with just a wisp of breeze. That was of course until I actually started spraying!!

Nevertheless, I was determined to paint and post progress shots today.

So after carefully setting up everything in the back garden, I began by sanding the box and drawers using a fine grit sandpaper (P600).

After everything was sanded smooth, I wiped them over with a damp rag to remove any dust.



When dry, I gave all the pieces a coat of primer, followed by a single coat of enamel.

I wasn't overly pleased with the Dy-Mark paint (had never used this brand before) it felt a little grainy when it was touch dry. However, I did like the trigger design of the can, it felt good in my hand and made it much easier to use. Maybe when it's had a second coat it will look and feel better.

Should the weather be a as nice tomorrow, as it was first thing this morning, I will probably give it the second much needed coat.

Me being my usual self, I was curious and impatient to see what it may look like finished, so I loosely attached the knobs.

Now I really need those brass card holders to hurry up and get here, so I can finish the draw fronts and begin using it for the purpose I have in mind (don't worry, you'll all find out soon enough).

Anyone else have any projects happening? They don't have to be dolly related . . . whether they are or not I'd love to see them if you do.

Tuesday

Comparing Bodies

My new gals arrived yesterday and I was quite surprised to see the actual difference in the sizes of these two darling little dolls. The D'Nenes Marieta is much chubbier than I expected her to be, but that face is so cute and I am looking forward to styling this little girl.


The quality of the doll is as I expected, but I didn't think much of the clothes she was dressed in . . . certainly not as well finished as the Paola Reina Dolls clothes. Considering I won't be using them anyway it's no great loss if I toss them!


The measurements shown above were the best I could take using a piece of string to wrap the body and then placing the string along my metal ruler . . . they will certainly do to make her clothes. :)

Saturday

Storage Box Makeover (Part 1)

Firstly, using my ruler and pencil, I carefully measured and marked where I wanted the little brass knobs to go . . . first the centre and then 35mm up from the bottom of each drawer, which left enough room above the handles for the brass name card holders to be placed.

You may be wondering why I placed the knobs so low. For two reasons, (a) this would be a better position to hold the drawer once it had items inside, and (b) to allow ease of placing the name cards into the holders.

Next I drilled the holes in each drawer, making sure I held the drill perfectly vertical . . . I didn't want my knobs being attached crooked. After all there is nothing so terrible as a crooked knob!!

The drill I am using is a single speed cordless screwdriver/drill for general screw driving or simple drilling work, available from IKEA. It's called FIXA and comes in a neat little pack with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 10 screwdriver bits, 2 drills of dia. 3 and 5 mm and 1 bit holder included for $39.99.

The testing stage . . . I had to make sure they were all aligned nicely before I begin to paint.

I actually surprised myself, they were all where they were meant to be . . . and this was all without any help from hubby!!

(She takes a bow and pats herself on the back.)

I shan't be painting today, it's too darn hot! So until the next stage, I'm gonna sit in my armchair, with my feet up and do a little knitting.

Thursday

A New Year, a New Day, a New Project!

A new year, is for me a time of reflection, not just about dolly stuff, but where my life path has taken me over the past year. Of course one also wonders whether there is a likelihood of any unexpected changes awaiting around the bend. I'm sure many of you are doing the same.

The new year is also when I find myself dreaming up lots of exciting new projects, all of which I have full intention of sharing with you.

However, summer is the season I adore, it's when hubby and I venture out and about more often than we aught, and we really let ourselves go! I admit, it's probably when my post writing time becomes scarce and everyone in the blogosphere gets a little neglected. So here I am, guilty as charged begging you to be patient while I finally get my act together. (To be honest, I sometimes I wonder if I ever will.)

All is not lost however, the sun was shining brightly this morning, so I thought to myself "what a perfect day for shopping". I knew hubby wanted to visit Bunnings (yes my 2nd favourite store) to purchase a couple of things and it's so very close to IKEA (my most favourite store of all) that I managed to twist his arm a little by telling him I only wanted a quick visit to purchase a set of mini drawers. (Mind you we left IKEA with more than just one thing as per the norm!)

These are the drawers (Moppe in Birch plywood AU$29.99) . . . I'm sure you have all seen them before.
Because they will sit in my Billy Bookcase, I shall paint them white. I am also wanting to add shiny gold card holders and tiny brass mushroom knobs, so the finger cut outs have to go! How? Easy peasy . . .  I'll just turn the drawers around, how simple a fix is that?
These are the card holders (eBay) and the brass knobs I chose (from Bunnings), which are in keeping with other brass trims I have on the rest of my doll room furniture . . . not exactly the same, but they were an acceptable option when I couldn't find the perfect match.

I will do my best to remember to photograph each stage of this project as it evolves and then show you what I intend them for in the coming week. So stick around if you can . . . there are many more projects in the pipeline. :)