In the background

Ladybug - a 50cm high natural cloth doll by Puppenka

Although everything is quite here, and even on my Isnta and Facebook page, there are a few things happening in the background. First of all I have attended a sewing course, to improve my doll clothes making techniques. I learned a lot, really. Small trick and tips, that helps to make my finished dollclothes cleaner. However, I have to say, the most important thing I learned, is that I have to be much more precise and patient, by eminence when cutting out the little pieces for the clothes. This is difficult for me, since when I finally have some time to sew, I want to do twice as much as I can or even more! But that won't work of course. So I have to slow down a bit, ease on the urge I feel, and admit to myself how much I can do during a given period of time.

Netti - a 25 cm high natural cloth doll by Puppenka

Currently I'm working on a little boy. He already has a future papa. It is going to be a long and slow process I know, since I have only 5 weeks left before my baby is born. Working on him helps me to be relaxed, such a pleasure to see a little one forming in my hands, and knowing that a little one is growing inside me as well.

Ladybug a waldorf inspired doll in her apple apron by Puppenka

Lonka and Simon will get new clothes. A little collar dress with cherries and berries for Lonka, and a comfy fishing set for Simon. This time I bought the patterns, and I'm very exited to see how these will fit on the favorite rascals of mine.

I have 4-5 minidolls started, I plan some of them are going to be strawberry-babies, but not everyone for sure. Somehow I want the to reflect the seasons, so there are going to be summer dolls as well.

Netti - a waldorf inspired doll playing with her animal friends by Puppenka

I do have baby sewing and knitting projects as well, I have to finish some bedsheets, baby-socks and baby-hats as well. I'm trying out patterns that I would use later on to create accessories for clothdolls as well.

The photos of Netti and Ladybug helps to make this post more pleasure to the eyes, they really deserve proper introduction, I hope you can read about them soon.

Have playful days!

Lavender harvest with Lonka and Simon - two handmade natural dolls

It was a really hot summer day, from the kind lacking any little whiffs or clouds. Our little family was heading towards Lake Balaton, where Lonka and Simon accompanied us.

- Are we there? - Lonka was asking in every 5th minute during the two hours long roadtrip. Simon, being the calm and smart boy as always, was telling her stories all the way long about flower fairies and other magical nature carers. 

We wanted to pick some huge bouquets of lavender for making some tasteful syrup, which reminds us to the tastes of summer all around the whole year. We also want to make some moths sacks to prevent all our little wool-friends from the always hungry moths. Lonka and Simon are big nature lovers, but they aim at avoiding any kind of moths, its a kind of loving each other from a well defined distance relationship.

The lavender plantation belongs to the Balaton Upland National Park, the huge brushes are under the hill of Tihany, where the beautiful Benedictine Abbey can be found. Lonka and Simon had planned that trip for weeks, so they were kind of excited, when we could catch a glimpse of the Lake.

 

When we reached the plantation Little Miss Tittle-Tattle lost her power of speech. The endless lines of these beautiful lilac-greenish bushes enchanted her. Simon took care for a harvesting tool for everyone, he put a little knife, or scissors in each bag.

Their little pair where so helpful, they were picking lavender flowers for two hours, without taking any break. Both were really careful not to pull on the plants too much, or not to step on the little seedlings. We collected two full bags of the lilac flowers, before decided on having a well deserved rest, eating brilliant handcrafted ice-creams in the shadows of the Abbey.

The tastes of the pale lilac syrup we made will call out of our memory not just summer as it is, but this beautiful trip all around the year.

Here you can find the recipe, if you want to make some lavender syrup for yourself or your loved ones as well:

Cut off the freshly picked flowers from the stem. 

You don't have to remove the little flowers from the stem, just cut off the excess, where there are no flowers at all.

Fill a pot between to its 1/2 or 2/3 height with the flowers.  

Filling it half you get a more fruity flavor with not so harshly characteristic lavender in it, if you want stronger flavors, you should choose to fill up to 2/3 height. 

Pour as much water on it that fills the pot completely, and please count how many liters you used. 

Add a thoroughly washed and sliced organic lemon for every 2 liters.

Put a plate or a cover on it, and let it rest in the fridge for two days.

Take the pot out of the fridge, and add a teaspoon of citric acid for every 2 liters of water you added.

Adding citric acid makes the lavender to stain the syrup into beautiful pale lilac.

Filter it through a dense sieve or a clean kitchen towel. 

Heat it up to a point when it is easier to dissolve the sugar.

Add 3/4 kg sugar per every liter of water you added.

Steer it until all of the sugar is dissolved.

Put it back on the stove and boil it for 5 minutes.

The longer the heating is, the more of the lilac color fades away.

Pour it into sterilized jars with screw on lids, be careful to fasten the lids as much as you can. 

Let the jars cool down under blankets, or other warm-keeping material, to slow down the cooling process.

Our jars rested in an armchair covered with two warm blankets, and cooled down completely in three days.

We are already enjoying this little gift of nature, the other day we had some picnic, and as usual, Lonka and Simon were playing all hide-and-seek, running competition and who-finds-the-prettiest-flower-faster all day. When I could convince them, to have a rest, and sit down for some minutes, they drunk off a bottle of refreshing lavender syrup. Lonka and Simon likes our syrup so much, that they are trying to convince me, that 16 liters won't be enough for us for the entire year.

I hope I'm still in time with this recipe, so if you feel like, you can make some syrup as well. Please let me know, if you used this recipe, it would be nice to know. If you have any questions, feel free to comment as well!

Lulu

Valais Black Nose Hairdo - handmade wool weft for Lonka, a natural doll

I have mentioned before, that Lonka is a special doll for me. I tried out several techniques, while creating her. Creating her hair was one of the most significant experience for me. This is not a tutorial, but you can follow more-or less the whole process from cleaning the wool to sewing on her wig.

The wool, I made her hair of, was originally the possession Pimpa, the Valais Black Nose Sheep.

When I started working with the wool, I cleaned it from plant - pieces and other contaminations. It means I picked every single dirt by hand, paying attention not to damage the beautiful curly locks. During this process, I also made groups from the locks, separating the too short or shaggy ones. To be honest, I watched a million tutorials, and searched as much info as I could, but it was more difficult, than I had imagined.

 

After a long long time, I managed to get a queue of semi-cleaned locks. 

Then I heated some water (it was not boiling), put in some detergent (I used shampoo), and rinsed the locks in it.  Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture on this step. I tried not to agitate the locks too much to avoid felting. I picked the locks out and laid them carefully on a towel.

The next step was dying. I used red and normal onion-skin, approx. the skin of a dozen onions. I boiled them in not too much water, turned off the heat, and soaked the locks in it. As far as I remember, I re-heated the liquid two times, to make the process faster. To fix the dying, I used approx. 1 dl vinegar. When I was satisfied with the color of the locks, I laid them on a towel again, and let them dry. This part was maybe the most exciting, I didn't go for a color, since I never painted wool before. I used onion-skin t paint easter eggs or a few times, but that was all my experience. I love that she turned out to be ginger!

When the locks got dry, I sewed them together, to create a long weft. I crocheted a cap to serve as a base for the weft. Since I couldn't find wool-yarn in a matching color, I dyed the yarn as well.I used 100% wool one stranded yarn, what got the color much faster, than the raw wool. I crocheted the cap, and hand-sewed the weft to it. It is possible to crochet the weft into the cap, but I was not sure, whether I had a long enough weft for this. As a final step, I sewed the cap on Lonka's head. However I really love how she looks, I won't do self-made wefts too often, I'm sure.

Following these steps you may be able to create your own weft, but as I mentioned, this is not a proper tutorial, I neither I took proper photos of each step, nor wrote detailed instructions. If you have any questions concerning Lonka's hair, I'm happy to answer, if I can.

Have playful days!

First snow - adventures of Lonka and Simon, two handmade natural dolls

Lonka and Simon were really happy about their new cloaks, they love to play outside, but I didn't let them to wander in winter without warm clothes. Since I couldn't accompany them, they were just playing in the petite garden of our house. After hours of play they arrived home, and went into raptures over this little garden.

 - It is completely different, when snowed under! - said Lonka.

And they started to share everything they have seen and done out there.

 - We found a snow-slide, that was so high and fast, we slided down for a million times - continued the little girl. 

 - It wasn't a million - said Simon - you couldn't even count to million! But I felt like a bird - he said - the slide was so fast, that it seemed we are flying.

 

- We laid down to gaze the dance of the snowflakes as they falling down from the sky, there were all different! Like lots of beautiful little laces! There were small ones, hardly visible, but there were also huge ones, that seemed like some cotton candies - chattered Lonka.

- We also made some snow-angles, and I found some orange flowers - said Simon. - Do you know their name? -he asked me. - How magical! Flowers under the snow! They are maybe some Zinnias or African Daisies - I answered.

- Then we took a rest under the running-everywhere ivies. They our so beautiful semi-covered with snow! - continued Simon.

Since Lonka is a freezing type, she was really happy about her hand-knitted wool scarf. 

- I love this scarf! It was warm and comfy, when playing outside, the wind couldn't blow through it! Can we make snow every day? - asked her.

- I'm sorry Lonka, but we can't make snow. You know, snow is made of water, falling from clouds, just like rain, just frozen, if the temperature is low enough - I answered.

- Snow isn't like rain! How can you make a rain slide? Or build a rainman?? - asked this little girl uncomprehendingly, and she run away to figure out their upcoming adventures with Simon. 

I hope we will have some snow in February, so these two can have some more fun playing outside with these so cold, but also soft and white frozen - water - flakes.

The First Noel

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel!

 

The time has come to share some moments of our wonderful and cozy Christmas Eve. This was Lonka's and Simon's first Christmas with us, and for me it ment such a heart-warming gift, to be a witness of their awaiting. 24...23...22... they were counting the days from the beginning of December. 

When Christmas Eve arrived....

- Shh! Can you here it! Some bell was tinkling!- whispered Lonka

All lights, but the ones on the Christmas tree were blind, when she and Simon came into the room. The red-golden tree bewitched them. For minutes they were just pore upon it. 

Singing Christmas Carols before opening the gifts is a tradition in our little family, and  their duo were happy to join us! One of their favorites was The First Noel.

There were two similar small packages, wrapped in carmine paper, tied up with white strings, with little cards on the top. Of course, in a second, they found their presents. Lonka was the faster, the little itchy hearted girl, she opened her package, and found out, that whatever she got, it must be something just for her. Something very special, since her favorite flower peeped out of the carmine cover. Simon, the always calm little fellow, found a little red boat on his present. But he also realized, besides these little personal details their presents are matching! 

- Cloaks! - exulted Lonka.

With a great hush, she tried her brand new winter cloak on. Simon seemed to be more touched, and I was wondering why.

- The red boat - he said - I didn't want to wear anything warm, because my boat on my dungarees won't be visible, but this cloak has a replica! I love this cloak!

He also tried on his new favorite piece of clothes. This smart boy pointed out, that it is great to have so similar cloaks, since everyone will know, that they belong to each other, but it is also great to have their personal details, which makes it easier to find out which cloak belongs to whom. He turned to Lonka, and the two little dolly started to plan, what winter adventures they will make wearing these comfy, warm cloaks. I'm pretty sure, you will hear about some of these wanderings. 

Simon's and Lonka's cloaks are made of tweed, base on a self-prepared pattern. Their hoods in lined with fabrics matching their outfits, I used the fabric of Lonka's trousers and Simon's shirts. They closing with little black loops and large unfinished wooden buttons. The flower petals and the little boat are made of wool-felts.

Have playful days!

ps.: The lower branches of our Christmas tree are lacking decoration, to avoid any damage, that a far-too-curious little bunny can cause.

 

Walk by the river

I'm sorry, but Simon is still not ready to introduce himself. So instead of the tale of his story, I tell you about Lonka a bit more.

It was a midsummer day, and Lonka desired to go out into the nature, and spend some time far away from the noise of the town. She decided to take a walk to the nearby river bank. It wasn't a long trip, but she enjoyed the golden warmth of the afternoon Sun.

On the way, she realised some sweet-scented and buzzing friends, so she sat down, to take a greet all the wild-flowers and buggies of the fields. Shhh! Don't tell the buggies but her favourites are the flowers. She really likes them, all kinds, buttercup, forget-me-not, cornflower and all the others.

All day it was so hot out there, but now it is much more friendly. Reaching the river bank, she laid down on a blanket, and listened to the warbling of the river.

On the way home she climbed on a willow, from that height, she could look further, and see much more of the landscape.

 Before leaving she laid down her blanket again, and rejoiced at the sunset.

You can find some more pics of Lonka at my Flickr gallery. 

Have playful days!

Dolls on pedestals

It is so exciting! In this September, I participated with two of my dolls at a national doll and teddy creating contest and exhibition. And I'm happy to inform you, that a special price was given for me by the Hungarian Toy Association. This is my first proving in dollmaking, so I'm really joyful for this acknowledgement.

This is an annual contest, and until now, it was organised in Győr, in the city, where now I live.This year it was moved into the capital city, where I grew up, so we fail to meet each other. How strange and special it is. I planned to participate for some time past. I was hoping my dolls participating at this exhibition in Győr, when I was living in Budapest, but I moved to this small city and now my dolls travelled to my home town.

I'm really happy, that I could make it this year, even with two dolls, and I have to say it was an eventful summer for me. Together with the acknowledgement I also got a really beautiful book about the national handicraft products of the year. It is good to have a look on other fields of handicraft, from leathering to lace working.

Actually this whole is not that remarkable, dollmaking in Hungary isn't that widespread, but it makes me proud and affirms me, that ladies, who have been creating dolls for a lifetime found my dollies meritable for any kind of price.

Lonka

What can I say about Lonka! She and I spent a long long time together, before she could come to life. From the first sketches all the four seasons went by, until she got finished. In the beginning I couldn't see whether I'm working on a boy or a girl dolly. 

Many hours of daydreaming, investigating, trying and trying again ... and slowly her lovely personality took shape. I was working on her on train trips, during holidays, and expecting my baby. We have lots of common experiences, and slowly, step by step, as I was creating her, I got to know her. We found some materials for her cloths, we choose fibres for the shoes and her scarf. I have to say, she had the shoes first, even before her hair was completed. She had a red babushka on her head for a while, before her locks were prepared. I was really keen to finish her, but even a blonde dolly steal her thunder. 

Having her ready was a remarkable event for me! She turned out to be a mischievous little ginger, who has a passion for nature, especially for flowers. Lonka is not dare to stain her pinafore, she loves working in the garden. She has a really kind and always cheerful temperament. Although her pinafore is covered in flowers as well, she loves the shoes better, because of the flower-buttons we found for her! Those are her favourites! By the end of the summer, her freckles turn darker, just to be able to fade during the following seasons. 


Lonka's hair is made of Valais Blacknose sheep locks, she has embroidered mouth and brown eyes. She wears a beige polka dot blouse, repurposed linen dark green trousers, a flower printed calico pinafore and a pair of crocheted shoes made of grey cotton yarn. Of course, she needed a hairpin with a handmade woolfelt flower. She is approx. 45 cm heigh, her skin is made of cotton jersey and her rosy-posy cheeks are blushed with beeswax. She is my first "large doll" so later on you can read her "how it's made" story for sure. And I think after her, my large doll pattern will get the name: PuppLonka.

You can find more photos of Lonka at my Flickr page. 

Have playful days!