I shall go purple....

So she came out of the shower giggling....

...April now had purple hair!

New arrivals? A Makie for a friend.

So it seems I have an addictive personality, but hey what's new?  I think most of us in the doll collecting world do actually!  Or any sort of collecting for that matter.

So it all happened like this...

My friend in New Zealand fell in love with Wren and decided she would like a Makies doll.   I sent her some links to a couple on Amazon as they were cheaper than from the Makies website, although they were pre-made.  As it turns out she fell in love with one, but couldn't get Amazon to send to her, so asked if I would order her for delivery here and then post her on to her.  She duly arrived on Saturday... speedy next day delivery!

Here she is in her box, which being too big means she won't be travelling to New Zealand in it, but that is okay, we have a smaller more comfortable box for her to travel in.  Shame as this is a fun box.

Hi Mum, she waves, I will be on my way to you on Monday!

Cute face and great little hairdo, this little lady has been named Linnet by my friend after a little bird that she used to see in Guernsey where she used to live.

Linnet meets Wren.

Waving hello again.

Now Linnet wasn't too keen on her travelling clothes so asked for a knitted dress

How could I refuse?

I chose this fabulous colour that looks great on her - it is 100% NZ wool.

She shows off the two little buttons at the back.

Also made was a pair of matching underwear ;-)

Waving again - she sure likes to wave to her new Mum!

Waiting....

Oh hi there Wren, it is time for me to leave.  I am so glad your Mum made you a matching dress as well, as that way we can wear them on special occasions when we want to think of each other.  Linnet says to Wren.

Linnet gives Wren a little hug..

The two girls say their goodbyes and Linnet sets off for her adventure to live Down Under.

Trouble is once she arrived I fell in love with Makies all over again and wanted another little companion for Wren...and I thought I could do with just one!  How could I deprive Wren when she seemed so attached to her new little friend....well I couldn't.  So I decided to take advantage of the Special Edition Makies that were £20 cheaper than what they usually are, plus the free postage from Amazon.  Well she arrived today!

Here she is in her box.  Limited Edition Spring 2015 Rebecca.

I love that they are so easy to 'debox' just loosen the ribbon and viola, they are freed.

Her hair is a bit 'ragged' and a small chunk of hairs fell out when released from the band.

You can see it on the floor behind her.

This was a bit of a surprise, but I can't see any 'gaps' as of yet.

It is quite choppy round her face and under the back, especially her left side (right as we look at her) 

Wren welcomes her.  She is rather surprised to see another friend so soon.

Rebecca tells Wren that her name is really April and that she is actually a green eyed blonde, not brown eyed....easily fixed it seems!

Wren lent April one of her dresses for now.

Here she is.

You can see the short choppy bits at the side.  Not sure if the hair was meant to be like this or not.

She has cute little pixie ears that are pierced...so it seems she will be wanting earrings at some stage in the near future!

Welcome April !

Peggy Sue Down Under in New Zealand

So what do you think of Nan & Pop's place Peggy Sue?  Henry asks.

It is lovely, replies Peggy Sue.  So warm!

Do you want me to show you round?  Henry asks.

Yes please.  Peggy Sue answers enthusiastically.

This is the fish pond, although there aren't any fish in it at the moment.  Nor frogs unfortunately.  Pop doesn't know why.  Henry tells Peggy Sue.

The lily is pretty.  Peggy Sue says to Henry.

It is a good size.  Henry agrees.  Do you want me to show you some other things?  But you got to promise you won't be too scared.

Sacred?  Peggy Sue asks.  Why would I be scared?  It is like paradise here.

Well...  Henry says...

Can you see up there?  It is a cicada shell.  Which is from an insect which is making all that loud noise you can here.  Mum says that it masks the usual sound in her ears that she says sounds like cicadas.

Peggy Sue gasps a little as she looks up.

Look here it is on my hand.  Don't worry there is no insect in there now, this is just the shell.  Henry reassures her and explains.

Here have a closer look, he says as he holds it out towards Peggy Sue.

Peggy Sue is not at all sure, but tries to be brave...but then....

Look, this is a bush weta.  Henry shows Peggy Sue another insect he has on his hand.  It is much bigger than a cicada and has longer legs and a larger body.

Peggy Sue tries to stifle a gasp...it looks quite a scary insect.

Honestly, there is nothing to worry about.  Henry tells her.

Look, it is just sitting here on  my hand.

Peggy Sue isn't convinced and Henry is a little puzzled as to why she can't quite share his love of insects.

It really won't hurt you.  Henry tells her.

Henry leaves her for a while to get over her shock and goes for a wander to see what else he could find.

Oh, another cicada shell!

Henry takes a closer look.

Hey Henry, what have you found.  Peggy Sue calls out as Henry looks around.

Another cicada shell.  Henry tells her.  Come and have a look.

Peggy Sue walks up the hill towards Henry.

She kneels down to have inspect Henry's find.

Oh yes I can see it,  she says.  

Not scary at all is it Peggy Sue?  Henry asks.

No, not really, and quite fascinating.  Peggy Sue agrees.

They have a look round to see if they can find a live one...

....they are successful and stand and watch it for a while making its chirping sound.

Some dolls that came home with me from New Zealand

While I was in New Zealand my Mum gave me a doll.  I am not sure of the age, probably around the 70 or 80s.  It is made from hard plastic and has a crying mechanism - when the doll tips it makes a crying sound.  She is marked Estrela,, and she is Made in Brazil.  The number on the back of her head is 10712-33  M14.  If anyone out there knows anything about these dolls I would be very interested to know more.  She is not the usual sort of doll I would have, but the fact that my Mum gave her to me makes her very special.   She is wearing what looks to be like a young childs dress.  I will have to make her something that fits better.  I have given her my Mum's name, Pauline.

While I was away with my friend for a few days we stopped in at a 'garage' sale.  I found this little fellow which became our car's mascot for the journey.

A Steiff Peter Hedgehog (Mecki) 

My friend thought he was very ugly, but I think he is kind of cute!

Another doll find I had was a Lammily Doll complete in box at a country market day that is held once a month in my parents local village hall.

Here she is complete with her box.

Out in the garden.

I will try and do a full review of this doll at some stage.  Not sure if she will stay with me or head on to pastures new.  She is interesting.

Lastly, I picked up a $1 Bratz doll from an op shop with the thought I might try making her over after seeing these being done early in February before I left for NZ.  I had been looking in our local charity shops for a couple of months, but they don't ever seem to have any dolls in them any more, let alone these Bratz dolls.   On my return I see lots have been trying this out and jumping on the 'band wagon'.  I am sure mine will turn out a huge disaster, but a bit of fun and worth a laugh I am sure.

Here is the poor girl as she is at the moment.

They are pretty unusual dolls, not especially pretty with their garish make up and big lips and clod hoppy shoes.  I wonder how she will turn out....?