A Year in Review 2019

Although there has inevitably been some new arrivals this year, most have come from charity shops and been real bargains... and of course I have made a lot of dolls this year, which really helped.  The dolls that didn't come from the CS I bought in January before Percy became ill which were on a long term wish list, and a couple that had been on my wish list for a very long time I bought when the opportunity arrived later on in the year.    I'd like to do even better next year on limiting my spending on dolls and doll items.  I will have to anyway as it seems Percy's treatment will be continuing for most of 2020 as well which has come to a bit of a shock to us as we thought the treatment would just be for a year.  So there will still be more dolls that will have to be sold, as well as the ones I still have for sale.  I AM negotiable on them, so if you are interested please don't hesitate to contact me.

Some highlights of the year are:

Henry getting a new head of hair and of course visiting New Zealand 

Finding Kiwi Sindy in an Op shop in NZ...just at the right time, when I needed a 'pick me up'.  She has become a firm favourite of mine.

My £1 vintage Action Man.

The making of Martha the Elephant (and her two sisters for my Mum and Sister) and doing a 50 plus day project with her.

Making my childhood doll Linda her first new dress ever!

Finding sweet baby Natalie for £1.30 in a Charity Shop.  What a high I got from that.

The making of Howard Bear and enjoying him.  

My Tiny Rag Dolls (minus three that were given as gifts)

Kruselings Michael Reivew

Before I knew I would have to sell off a load of my dolls to pay for my treatments I had seen photos of these new articulated dolls that a friend sent me a link of an advertisement of these dolls in New Zealand (and Australia, where they first appeared).  I fully expected them to be quite expensive, but knew I really wanted one, even before I knew what size they actually were.

Well I discovered that they were soon to be released in the UK as well so I waited patiently and my boy arrived on Sunday (at my friend's place and she delivered him to me today).  

His display box has some lovely art work.

Information on the back, which reads

"For a hundred years there had been peace in Dreamland, when suddenly monsters emerged from the Sea of Dreams and upset everything.  Summoned by a glowing red heart, the great Fire Opal, five brave girls were sent out to save the dreams of the worled.  They are Luna, Vera, Chloe, Sofia and Joy."

Plus there is a boy and the back reads:

"Hi!  I'm Michael from Berlin, Germany.  When I'm not playing soccer with my friends, I'm always on the lookout for new adventures."

When I first made enquiries about this doll I was told 'He doesn't have magical powers'.  Well of course that didn't bother me in the slightest.  (Do dolls really have magical powers anyway? ;-)  )  I guess Peggy Sue would be able to debate that one well, and probably Henry too!  

Side of box.

Inside of the box - he is well attached!

I forgot to take photos of the back, but the flaps were taped with sellotape but then he also had plastic tie things that needed to be cut.

Worst of all these were also in the head - and stick out. I will need to find a fine pair of sharp scissors to trim these down.  Personally I wish toy companies wouldn't do this - I really can't see that is necessary.  

Freed from the box.

I like his little outfit.  The jacket does have pockets, but the opening is only big enough for the thumb.  His shoes are plastic with a bit of a split opening at the back.  A little worrying taking the shoes off for the first time as they are quite tight and I wouldn't want to break his ankle joints.  Not sure how easy a child would find this.

The jeans have sewn embellishments - forgot to take a close up photo and they do up at the back.  Yes both t shirt and jeans have the dreaded velcro, but that is easy for children I suppose.

He has a cute little pair of underwear.  Always nice when they come wearing undies!

He has great articulation, jointed at the wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, tops of legs, knees and feet.  He stands very securely.

He can kneel! 

Sit with his leg crossed over.

Has a little K embellished on his tummy.

Lovely face.  His hair is quite nice as well.

His head is a bit wobbly, and doesn't turn very freely.  I am a bit worried about trying to force it to turn in case it breaks as I don't know quite how these heads are attached.  I guess that is one of the biggest disappointing things.  

He is quite the character though and I think quite boyish in his looks and the poses he can achieve.

Side by side with my little Heartstrings Tommy. They can't share shoes, but should be able to share most clothing I think.  He definitely looks older than Tommy.

With my Raikes doll who is a similar height.  I think they might have similar size feet.  

He stands very well and secure and is very easy to pose.

Out in the garden with his 'twin' who also came round today when he was delivered.

His twin heads off without him.

Hey, wait for me!

He catches him up.

He really looks like he is walking.

Checking out the wildlife!

All in all I am really pleased with this little doll.  At a mere £23.99 I think he is a bargain considering the quality of his clothing, and his pose-ability.  I love dolls that can pose well, and of course also love boy dolls.  He is 9 inches tall so a nice portable size.

The major cons (and probably not that major) are the plastic ties stuck into his head and the fact his head wobbles and doesn't seem to turn much.  I would like to see these two things improved, otherwise I think he is great and I am pleased I have him.

I bought this little lad from the lovely Kathy of  'My Doll and Bear'  

Petalina are also going to be stocking them.