Newbie needs direction... the ins and outs of BJD owning?

[bunnyscotch]

I have been wandering around the boards gleaning info as I find it, but I was wondering if there were some sort of guidelines that the members here who have been "at it" the longest would advise the people who have just discovered the love of BJD's to adhere to...either in what dolls are best to work with or companies to avoid or ones that just make it so worthwhile that it just can't get any better! Maybe we could compile a list that could be made into a sticky somewhere or easily searched. So here I stand...awaiting all the sage wisdom and advice from those of you who have been down the path already and have many things to share...good and bad. Thanks!

[saraquill]

Well, choice of doll(s) is a really subjective thing. There is such a huge variety out there, not all of which can or does please everybody. Heck, one of the main points of the resin lovelies is how you can change them as you please, so one specific mold or body type can vary wildy between owners.

Hence, I would think it unfair to declare, "Company X is horrible, do business with Company Z instead." I will say that you should look up lists of copycat sellers and scam artists and avoid those people as much as possible.

[bunnyscotch]

well, I was talking about quality definitely and scam artists and copycat companies would most certainly be something to watch out for. I would love to see a list of such companies and scammers...is that something I could search for on this site? Or is there an off-site forum that deals more with that kind of information?

Thanks for your input!

[bunnyscotch]

come on, my friends! Give us your insight! :dance

[Voodoo]

In the rules section on den of angels there is a list of doll companies banned from that forum specifically for making dolls recast from other companies' dolls (I can't see a similar one here). It's not a very long list and other doll collectors are usually quick to discover dubious new dolls/companies.

Regarding legitimate doll companies, it may be best for you to decide which dolls you like and then look around for information on what they are like in terms of resin quality/posing/etc.

[Karhys]

Bunnyscotch, I am actually in the process of making a sticky thread that will be a detailed list of any companies that have been involved with any sort of fiasco to do with copycatting other companies. I want to list not only the really obviously known copycat companies, but also ones where no final decision has been made -- merely, I want to present all the facts known in each case so that readers/fans/etc can then make the decision for themselves. I don't know that there's yet a definitive list like this but I think it's important, because while those who are around during each fiasco remember it well, fans that come into the scene later often are completely unaware unless they stumble across a thread or something.

Aside from that, in regards to companies that are good to deal with or dolls that are preferable, that's really a lot more subjective and up to personal decision, so I think such a list would be really impossible to compile. People also have different standards of what they think is most important in a doll -- some prefer posability as their #1 defining criteria, others prefer overall body sculpt as their #1, others prefer individual face sculpt, some might consider resin quality as their #1... etc, etc. I think due to this, and how big and varied the hobby is and how many companies are creating and releasing dolls these days, trying to keep a list like this would just be impossible to maintain! :o Your best bet I think would be to try and decide what your preferred criteria are for a doll and then go out and seek that sort of information about the companies that you're interested in dealing with. :) (For example, if you decide "wow, posability is #1!" do a search about posability in regards to the dolls you're looking at.) And even when you do that sort of research, it can be totally subjective as well, so do lots of reading!

I'm sorry I don't have any more good advice beyond that, but if there are specific companies that you're looking at and want to know more about, by all means just go ahead and post questions about them, there'll surely be someone who knows the answers. :D

[bunnyscotch]

thanks for all of the info! I think it would be helpful to have a top ten list of things to think about and be aware of when starting out in the collecting and playing with BJD's. That's really what I was getting at...not just which ones to avoid or get.

Like, "Keep them out of the sun as much as possible!" "Only use this type of paints or products on them." "Restringing 101". etc.

That's more of the direction I was aiming for...not just bad companies. THE WHOLE STORY...as Kate Bush would say...:clap I think I mis-labled the headline...sorry! Hope this makes more sense now.

[Kiyono]

Your best bet is to go to a local meetup and see the dolls in person. As everyone has said, preference is very subjective.

Just remember not to touch anyone's doll without asking first ;) I know I generally let new people/non-doll owners handle my dolls to get a feeling for how they pose and such, but not everyone is comfortable with others handling their dolls.

What we normally tell first doll owners is: Go for the doll that makes your heart stop :) If your first doll is the "ONE" - the rest can be dealt with.

[bunnyscotch]

meetups here in MPLS are not that easily found...at least not that I am aware of...but maybe I can facilitate one here. I would never touch a doll that didn't belong to me...my mom taught me right! :D Thanks for the suggestions!

[Shizen]

Visiting a doll meet is definitely the way to go so you can browse through various doll models from different companies/artists. Do not trust the pictures from the vendors' websites; it's really better to see them in person, and even take a few shots of them with your own camera. If nobody has the doll you are aspiring to bring home, at least have a look at dolls made by the same company/artist so you can get an idea of the quality of their merchandise.

For everything else, there's always Resinality where you can ask people about your prospective doll. :)

[Karhys]

thanks for all of the info! I think it would be helpful to have a top ten list of things to think about and be aware of when starting out in the collecting and playing with BJD's. That's really what I was getting at...not just which ones to avoid or get.

Like, "Keep them out of the sun as much as possible!" "Only use this type of paints or products on them." "Restringing 101". etc.

That's more of the direction I was aiming for...not just bad companies. THE WHOLE STORY...as Kate Bush would say...:clap I think I mis-labled the headline...sorry! Hope this makes more sense now.

Ahhh! Okay, so you're really after the big, general picture. Okay, in that case, let me think of what I would want to say to someone starting out in the scene as top overall pointers. Hmm... :?

Don't consider your doll untouchably precious. They're meant to be enjoyed and played with. :) Considering the way resin degrades over time, the likelihood of you being able to hand a pristine BJD to your grandchild as an heirloom is pretty slim. So forget about them being priceless, precious, untouchable. Forget about the mindset that says that if you touch them you will devalue or ruin them. There's no point. Just play with them.

Don't be afraid to play with your doll. This is slightly different to the previous. What I mean is, don't be afraid to really get down and dirty with your doll. Not just play with it, but really get to know it. They're not porcelain, and they're a lot more durable than you think. Don't be afraid to touch them, to pose them any which way you can, to really get to know them. If they fall over, or get dropped, it's not the end of the world, and you'll probably learn something in the meantime. Also, they're going to get dirty no matter what you do, so might as well go ahead and get them dirty. They wash off. ;) And if you really, properly learn the ins and outs of posing them, you will ultimately get more enjoyment out of them.

Learn the basics of esthetics. At the very least, I think that every doll owner should know how to change their eyes, remove their heads, hands and feet, and restring their doll. I honestly feel bad for people who can't do this. I think it's vitally important to be able to take them apart and tighten/replace their elastic. It's not something that you should be afraid of, and if you can restring your doll, it will be hugely beneficial to you. One of the most common reasons for bad posability is elastic that is too tight or too loose. Therefore, if you can fix this on your own, life will be a lot easier. Plus, getting to know your doll that intimately is rewarding in its own way.

Be aware of sunlight. I don't mean that you can't ever take your doll outside.. I do a lot of outdoor photoshoots. What I mean is simply that you should be aware that prolonged sunlight exposure ultimately is not good for your doll, so be aware of it in all forms. If they are going to sit in room that gets sunlight at any time of the day, make sure that they're not sitting in a spot where the sun is going to be on them, either directly or indirectly. If you take them outdoors for photoshoots, pop them in the shade if you have to take time out to do other things, such as setting up props or changing your camera's battery. Basically, just keep it in the back of your mind. (I had a friend who went on holidays for two weeks and came back to find that his tan Lishe had apparently been in a spot on his shelf that got regular doses of sunlight across her shoulders and head while he'd been away. He knew this because those parts of her turned bright green. :p Obviously that's an extreme example, but it shows what can happen from lack of thinking about the sunlight issue!)

Don't settle for second best. This is perhaps a personal thing that can vary depending on who you are, but it's one that I've seen enough of that I thought I'd mention it as something to consider. If you want a particular doll, save up and get that doll. Don't settle for something that you don't like as much just because it's cheaper. Ultimately you will end up disappointed. (And I've seen enough disappointed people to say that.) Yes, it works for some people to go for the cheaper option, but if a particular doll steals your heart, just go for it. If you have the capability to save up (for example) $400 then you have the capability to save up (again for example) $800. Yes, it takes longer, but them's the breaks. ;) It's a luxury hobby, after all!


Hmm, not sure what else to note but I will think about it some more. I don't really know what to say regarding paints or products because there's so much varied information out there that I hardly know where to start, and it also depends on whether you plan to do faceups/customize your doll in that regard as well. A lot of people don't. (I don't -- I can restring in 5 minutes but I've learnt from much and repeated attempts that I can't paint worth shit. :p) If you want to paint/customize, read up as much as possible beforehand and take people's advice on the matter. There's no point trying to reinvent the wheel. ;)

I'll also agree with what other people have said about how beneficial it is to meet dolls in person beforehand if possible. Really seeing an actual doll in person, any doll, even if it's only one, makes a big difference to your understanding of them. :) Not only just really experiencing that they're physical, 3D objects, but seeing them in person you can come to understand things about them you may want to consider that you hadn't previously considered. Like some of the aspects I had mentioned before -- you may realise that you need to favour posability over sculpting because you hadn't realised how annoyed you get if they fall over. Or conversely, you may realise that you hate the look of knobbly ball joints/torso joints more than you thought and need to favour body sculpting. Or that a particular type or colour of resin appeals to you that you hadn't realised would. Not to mention seeing just how different sculpts look in person to on the web. (And never trust company photos. ;))

But yeah, for most other things, you can find out what you need here on the forum, or ask about it if you can't find a thread about it already. :D

[bunnyscotch]

thank you SO MUCH! That is exactly the kind of information I was looking to see! Once I get tons of info and experience myself I would love to compile a 10 commandments list for BJD's. There's two in your post already!

1. PLAY WITH THEM! LEARN their ins and outs...(stringing)

2. Keep them out of the sunlight!


Thanks so much for your input and time! cheers!:heart

[Jun]

As for materials, nothing with oil in it, and that includes human makeup.
Otherwise, any type of chalk pastel, acrylics or watercolours should be fine.
When you attach stuff (piercings, eyelashes and the likes) using school glue is better because you can remove it when you want to repaint with no damage to the item or the doll.

[mmsedated]

Somehow when Karhys mentioned that the dolls won't be able to be passed down to a generation, it's sad :(

[Karhys]

I didn't say that, I said you won't be able to pass them down in pristine condition. There's a big difference. :damnit

[Stella Maris]

One thing I would suggest is for your first purchase try not to overwhelm yourself. My first doll was a "full-set" meaning she came with clothes, makeup and hair! That way I didn't have to figure out how to re-invent the wheel before I knew what I was doing. The first thing that happened to my first doll was my then two year old daughter pulled her foot off (she was a Tiny Fairy Elf Adel, whose feet are shoes, she thought she could just take the shoes off). Of course I got really upset and my husband said hey, you wanted to get into this hobby to do customization, here's your first chance. I realized he was right and with his help the foot went right back on. Now I order my dolls blank so I can paint them myself, which I love. Shamefully I am not brave about stringing but I have my kind husband who gladly pulls their heads off for me.
I guess what I was trying to say in short is for the first one a full set, or a pre-loved one that will come with extras might be good.
If you do a search either here or on DOA for a company name you may come up with threads that talk about people's experiences, or you can ask specific questions in the appropriate forums (ie if you are buying or looking to buy a 60cm doll that would be larger, 40ish cm Mini and so on.)
Oh, and Good Luck! I think it's safe to say most of us entered into this pretty ignorant, I know I did.

[Dark-Hunter]

Great information!
I would also suggest looking into clothing. Depending on what sized doll you get, there are "store bought" options out there. The MSD's have more clothing options than the SD's and the tiny sized (like Yo sd, BC, and a few others) have even more options.

I beleive there is a large thread on DOA. I feel bad mentioing it here, since this is a site of its own... so would it be bad to take that info from DOA and create a spread about it here?

[LadyCrow]

Ahhh! Okay, so you're really after the big, general picture. Okay, in that case, let me think of what I would want to say to someone starting out in the scene as top overall pointers. Hmm... :?

Don't consider your doll untouchably precious. They're meant to be enjoyed and played with. :) Considering the way resin degrades over time, the likelihood of you being able to hand a pristine BJD to your grandchild as an heirloom is pretty slim. So forget about them being priceless, precious, untouchable. Forget about the mindset that says that if you touch them you will devalue or ruin them. There's no point. Just play with them.

Don't be afraid to play with your doll. This is slightly different to the previous. What I mean is, don't be afraid to really get down and dirty with your doll. Not just play with it, but really get to know it. They're not porcelain, and they're a lot more durable than you think. Don't be afraid to touch them, to pose them any which way you can, to really get to know them. If they fall over, or get dropped, it's not the end of the world, and you'll probably learn something in the meantime. Also, they're going to get dirty no matter what you do, so might as well go ahead and get them dirty. They wash off. ;) And if you really, properly learn the ins and outs of posing them, you will ultimately get more enjoyment out of them.

Learn the basics of esthetics. At the very least, I think that every doll owner should know how to change their eyes, remove their heads, hands and feet, and restring their doll. I honestly feel bad for people who can't do this. I think it's vitally important to be able to take them apart and tighten/replace their elastic. It's not something that you should be afraid of, and if you can restring your doll, it will be hugely beneficial to you. One of the most common reasons for bad posability is elastic that is too tight or too loose. Therefore, if you can fix this on your own, life will be a lot easier. Plus, getting to know your doll that intimately is rewarding in its own way.

Be aware of sunlight. I don't mean that you can't ever take your doll outside.. I do a lot of outdoor photoshoots. What I mean is simply that you should be aware that prolonged sunlight exposure ultimately is not good for your doll, so be aware of it in all forms. If they are going to sit in room that gets sunlight at any time of the day, make sure that they're not sitting in a spot where the sun is going to be on them, either directly or indirectly. If you take them outdoors for photoshoots, pop them in the shade if you have to take time out to do other things, such as setting up props or changing your camera's battery. Basically, just keep it in the back of your mind. (I had a friend who went on holidays for two weeks and came back to find that his tan Lishe had apparently been in a spot on his shelf that got regular doses of sunlight across her shoulders and head while he'd been away. He knew this because those parts of her turned bright green. :p Obviously that's an extreme example, but it shows what can happen from lack of thinking about the sunlight issue!)

Don't settle for second best. This is perhaps a personal thing that can vary depending on who you are, but it's one that I've seen enough of that I thought I'd mention it as something to consider. If you want a particular doll, save up and get that doll. Don't settle for something that you don't like as much just because it's cheaper. Ultimately you will end up disappointed. (And I've seen enough disappointed people to say that.) Yes, it works for some people to go for the cheaper option, but if a particular doll steals your heart, just go for it. If you have the capability to save up (for example) $400 then you have the capability to save up (again for example) $800. Yes, it takes longer, but them's the breaks. ;) It's a luxury hobby, after all!


Hmm, not sure what else to note but I will think about it some more. I don't really know what to say regarding paints or products because there's so much varied information out there that I hardly know where to start, and it also depends on whether you plan to do faceups/customize your doll in that regard as well. A lot of people don't. (I don't -- I can restring in 5 minutes but I've learnt from much and repeated attempts that I can't paint worth shit. :p) If you want to paint/customize, read up as much as possible beforehand and take people's advice on the matter. There's no point trying to reinvent the wheel. ;)

I'll also agree with what other people have said about how beneficial it is to meet dolls in person beforehand if possible. Really seeing an actual doll in person, any doll, even if it's only one, makes a big difference to your understanding of them. :) Not only just really experiencing that they're physical, 3D objects, but seeing them in person you can come to understand things about them you may want to consider that you hadn't previously considered. Like some of the aspects I had mentioned before -- you may realise that you need to favour posability over sculpting because you hadn't realised how annoyed you get if they fall over. Or conversely, you may realise that you hate the look of knobbly ball joints/torso joints more than you thought and need to favour body sculpting. Or that a particular type or colour of resin appeals to you that you hadn't realised would. Not to mention seeing just how different sculpts look in person to on the web. (And never trust company photos. ;))

But yeah, for most other things, you can find out what you need here on the forum, or ask about it if you can't find a thread about it already. :D

I think you did an awesome job explaining all this. I refer to mine as "a really big Barbie doll"...lol

[manaswam]

This is all great information, even for a person like me who has been collecting bjd for about a year. I have one question about placing dolls in a room with sunlight. I understand that sunlight (through a window) should not touch the doll. But is it also bad for the dolls to be in a room with a window where sun comes into the room, even if the doll is not in a corner that would never receive any direct sunlight? In other words, should dolls be kept in rooms with no windows? Thank you!

[Hobbysue]

I think it's important to really look at the sculpts you're interested in and get some feedback on the dolls. One of my first purchases was a Happydoll Dorothy fullset, I spent huge bucks on her and was so disappointed when she arrived, bad seams, hands like claws and her resin felt 'cheapish' to me. I had to pull her apart and sand her and it was a nightmare at the time, because she was the first doll I worked on and she cost me more than a basic doll. I tend to think that it doesn't hurt to get a cheaper doll, Bobobie makes some nice ones that look good with a new face-up (www.bobobie.com). I know I would have been a lot more relaxed pulling a doll apart if I'd done a cheaper one first. If you do plan to be very hands-on with your doll and make him/her your own, you'll need some tools such as hemostats (clamps), I find 2 the best when restringing, an elastic puller. If you want to do face-ups, you'll need chalks, acrylic paints and a sealer like testors or MSC. There are some great face-up and restringing videos on YouTube now to watch. My own personal advice when buying BJDs is stick to the larger companies ie Volks, Luts, Elfdoll, there's often a reason why they're so popular. The sculpts are well done and finished. The companies have good customer service and often a loyal following, if you buy a BJD and decide it's not for you, it's easier to resell if the sculpt is popular.

[april]

If at all possible, do as much research as you can. Check out the larger sites like DoA, since they are a valuable resource even if you don't care for huge, busy sites. Post as many questions as boards like this can stand, if your questions aren't answered by your research. People know just about everything there is to know BUT it's a LOT of information that isn't as easy as putting down a Basics for Beginners (although I'm sure there are tons of posts to that effect on DoA when the hobby was growing and that's what everyone was asking for).

Definitely follow your heart as well as your mind (which is the research part). Don't "settle" since even a "cheap" BJD is still a major chunk of change. You might as well save up that extra bit to get the doll you REALLY want. Unless you KNOW you'd be just as happy with a more affordable doll, of course.

Regarding various doll companies--it's easier to answer specific questions--so pick out the dolls you're interested in FIRST, then ask about the reliability of the specific companies. There are just too many companies these days with various pros and cons for someone to answer about ALL of them!

To be a wise buyer--learn all you can first and then ask SPECIFIC questions. That will yield the best results!

It all may seem like too much--but that is precisely because you are new and haven't researched enough. Once you familiarize yourself with the various dolls, you'll soon be able to figure things out! And don't hesitate to ask questions. As I said, there is a HUGE resource here and on other boards and internet groups. You must do the basic work yourself--to at least find out what dolls you like!!! And also to know the QUESTIONS you need to ask. Then go ahead and ask your questions and find out stuff!

[Carolyn.S]

Most BJD's by default come unpainted and nude or in underwear, usually with random eyes and random fur wig (though you might not even get eyes if you do not pay for a faceup). Carefully read what is included, and how much extra it is for a faceup. You could also commission someone else to do the faceup or do it yourself. But buying the correct materials can get expensive - the necessary lacquer-based sealing spray alone can run $11-13 for the better sprays. And don't spend all of your money on the doll because the doll will want shoes, wigs, clothes, and later friends!

Almost all BJD companies are reputable though some take quite a while to deliver the doll, especially if you are getting a faceup. I do not recommend Mythdoll or Laidoll - the dolls are fine but the companies are flaky. Also do not buy from Laura's DreamDoll aka LDDoll (sells illegal copies of Volks and other molds). There is also a possibility that Dynadoll was provided with heads and bodies that were copies of existing molds - does not appear to be the seller's fault but don't buy until that is settled.

There are a few brands of BJD that are not accepted on a certain large forum because of their look or the way they are marketed. This includes a number of 16-inch fashion doll proportioned resin dolls (4.5-5.5 inch head and slimmer all over than a standard mini), sometimes called Fashion BJD's. Also included are some dolls created for American companies that might look too much like American dolls, and animal dolls that do not have human qualities like standing upright. You should buy what you like, but be aware that if you buy something too on the fringe of BJD-ness it might not be accepted everywhere.

One thing to note about Ebay - many dolls and doll accessories are called BJD on Ebay but are not BJD. BJD's are strung ball jointed dolls made of resin. Momoko dolls, Volks Dollfie and Obitsu 22cm-27cm dolls, Pullip, Blythe, etc. are not BJD's. Also on Ebay sellers sometimes lump together the names for a bunch of different BJD sizes in the titles of auctions - many of these items are real BJD items, but they certainly are not for Super Dollfie Narae and YoSD (3 different size dolls) all at the same time!

For several brands of BJD, if you are in the US you can save on shipping by buying or pre-ordering through a US retailer who carries that brand of dolls.
http://www.junkyspot.com/
http://www.dollsandfriends.com/
http://www.denverdoll.com/

Carolyn

[MoonRabbit]

Is it okay to ask a question here?
What do I need to know about the animal bjds? I've fallen in love with the Pipos (did I spell it right?) bunny. Do they have a tail like the cat dolls? The pictures of the nude doll don't really show it on the website.

[Wee_Little_Faerie]

Pipos Curo have a little bunny tail... and they're very cute... but Pipos dolls in general have rather limited poseability, and because their heads are so large in proportion to their bodies, don't always sit up the greatest. If posing is something that's really important to you and will annoy you if the doll doesn't do a great job of it, see if you can find someone with a Pipos doll who will let you play with it first.

[MoonRabbit]

I don't think I can do that. I'm in a small town where even Barbie collectors are looked on as weird. I've never heard of BJD's anywhere around me.
Can they stand up by themselves though, or would I need a stand? I don't think I would mind not being able to pose her as much other dolls. In my mind, she would be some sort of rabbit spirit/faerie, so I wouldn't want to put her into any undinified poses.
I hope that doesn't sound crazy.

[Carolyn.S]

Not crazy at all. From what I have read they are good standers but top heavy so you have to balance them well over their feet, like any large-headed BJD. When sitting, without warning can fall over backwards (if so, they are not the only BJD that can happen to since many lean backwards a bit when sitting).

A few photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/piposcuros/
More here:
http://www.piposland.com/shop/step_submain.php?b_code=B20070704115110

And if you are in the US and want to save on shipping, I recommend ordering or preordering from a US reseller like:
http://www.junkyspot.com/obindex.html
http://www.denverdoll.com/pipos.php (basic Curo in stock)

And BTW - Denver Doll also has clothing for Baha which I think should fit Curo, those Curo's tail may be wider.
http://www.denverdoll.com/hauteweewardrobe.php

Carolyn

[rkold]

Sort of going along with what Hobbysue said, I think it is important to spend some time checking prices first. Find out if you want a LE what you're willing to pay as a mark up if said LE is no longer available from the company.

This is not a tirade against scalpers and not meant to be a discussion about them, it's more even for me if a doll's value has gone up, I try to keep what the original price was in mind just so I know how much more I am spending. I also try to keep availability in mind and what the future availability might be. If you have your heart set on a Bermann, the price is always going to be high because the entire run of dolls is small, if you have your heart set on certain Volks molds, Volks tends to re-release a lot of its LEs. Some people fall in love with a specific doll. I had a friend who wanted a very specific Emma and was thrilled when she got to buy her.

I also try to think how much I want to spend on extras. I happen to really like nice eyes. I prefer: Hitomiya, Silver, zoukeimuras, or EDs for all of my dolls. (I really really want to try DropRops but all my dolls have specific eye colors and take 16 or below with lots of 14mms. ;;_;; ) I also like Everpurples sometimes. All of these eyes will run you at least $40 a pair. Some people don't want to spend $40-$100 for a pair of eyes.

There is also the issue of resin color. I personally find every white skin doll I have bought I've ended up selling because they were "too white" for me. Some of the various brands of tan dolls have had issues with greening and color loss as have some of the fantasy colored resins. For some owners this is not an issue, for many others it is and it is important to be aware of it.

Again, not all dolls pose equally well. Please do a little research. There was one thread on DoA about a new buyer who bought a particular brand well known for its poseability issues and was then upset when said doll had these issues. Some of the quirks with posing owners find endearing.

Some of the tinies are really tiny. lol I hadn't quite expected it.

And finally don't buy a doll as "an investment" or because you think it will "hold its value." As with any collectible the market can be volatile as people leave and enter the hobby and tastes change.

Good luck getting your first doll! :D When I got mine, there were a lot fewer choices, but I still really like my first a lot.

[Carolyn.S]

Regarding eyes - there are also some nice inexpensive eyes. Kemper oval glass eyes are nice though the colors are fairly dark and standard. Eyeco soft glass (silicone) eyes are nice and easy to fit (I usually get mine on Ebay). Dollmore has some inexpensive acrylics in TONS of shades and styles, 14mm and higher, for $8 and up - get in a group order on DoA to save on shipping. And for tinies, Volks USA has nice acrylics starting at 8mm size, and mimiwoo.com has some small glass eyes that look really nice. Also, Pupa Paradise has lovely eyes at a reasonable price though the shipping may b very expensive (not sure if they will ship eyes via Registered Airmail or insist on EMS).

When setting your doll's eyes, I think they look best with the pupils set slightly higher than centered (to prevent a staring doll look), and very slightly cross-eyed (to make your doll look at something close, like you).

And re wigs/shoes/clothes - individual doll sizes vary within each size category. Every SD cannot wear every SD's stuff, every mini cannot wear every mini's stuff, and tiny sizes are all over the place from 10cm to 35cm with all body shapes. I think some of the more common clothing sizes available from seamstresses are:

SD - CP Delf or Elfdoll Rainy size, and Hound size to 70cm's

Mini - Approximately Volks MSD size for immatures, and Unoa/Narae/Minifee size for matures

Tiny - I think seamstress clothes are most available for YoSD/Bambicrony size, Lati Yellow size, and some for Orientdoll So size. but many tinies can more or less fit in clothes from various commercial vinyl dolls.

Those are not suggestions on what doll to buy, just dolls you might want to compare your intended doll's measurements to if you hope to buy a lot of clothes.

One other cool resource for mini owners is Friends2BMade "Friends" clothes which are very inexpensive and cute. The tops and waistless dresses often fit minis (fit varies). Slacks fit few minis, stretch skirts work on many minis, non-stretch skirts may fit immature minis the best (because the rag dolls they are made for have no waist).

Carolyn

[Kim]

My advice is always remember to research before committing to anything. And always, always take into consideration that in the end, you do get what you pay for. $8 acrylic eyes are not going to look as good as $100 handmade artist glass eyes, and those $70 designer jeans with the incredible details are going to look nicer than the cheaper $20 ones.

It's up to you to decide how much money you are comfortable spending to achieve the look you want for your doll and sometimes, even for myself, it's just not possible with the budget you have. Learn to really work with and accentuate what you can get.

[MoonRabbit]

Wow, thanks for all the information. It will be a while before I can afford one, but I'm starting my research and bookmarking links now. Also, thanks for the mini/tiny information. While I was lurking, I was mostly looking at the big guys-Dollshe and the like, so I didn't really look at the smaller dolls.

I probably would buy a pair of glass eyes that I really like instead of acrylics. I might end buying a pair of the ?milky? pink with a pink iris, eyes for Curo. I might even buy the eyes of a doll before I get the doll, if they are what I need for a character.

Which brings me to another question. Are there some sites that sell eyes that anyone could point me to? I know most of the doll makers sell eyes, but in particular, I was thinking of "normal" looking eyes with flecks of gold in the pupil for a character idea I have. Is there anything like that out there?

Thanks again. Just tell me to be quiet if I'm asking too many questions. Or too many stupid questions.

[rkold]

Wow, thanks for all the information. It will be a while before I can afford one, but I'm starting my research and bookmarking links now. Also, thanks for the mini/tiny information. While I was lurking, I was mostly looking at the big guys-Dollshe and the like, so I didn't really look at the smaller dolls.

I probably would buy a pair of glass eyes that I really like instead of acrylics. I might end buying a pair of the ?milky? pink with a pink iris, eyes for Curo. I might even buy the eyes of a doll before I get the doll, if they are what I need for a character.

Which brings me to another question. Are there some sites that sell eyes that anyone could point me to? I know most of the doll makers sell eyes, but in particular, I was thinking of "normal" looking eyes with flecks of gold in the pupil for a character idea I have. Is there anything like that out there?

Thanks again. Just tell me to be quiet if I'm asking too many questions. Or too many stupid questions.

A lot depends on brand and colors you want. ^^; I know most about the eyes that I happen to like or have tried so I can share information on those. :D It's also easier to find certain sizes than others.

DropRops are made by Moca in Japan, they're made of urethane and are really high quality. You can't pre-order them in a particular size or color, but instead can pick based on what is on offer each month. Karhys is their distributor. To me their biggest negative is you can only get whatever Karhys has on offer which is not always what one is looking for. (I like 14mm for example)

Zoukeimura eyes are available with every FCS order from Volks and sometimes on the secondary market here/DoA/Y!J. They're high quality flat backed glass eyes. They tend to cost $90+ on the secondary market based on color and size. They start at 16 mm. They're not as good if you want some of the less natural colors, but they have a lovely depth. Some of the more recent FCS have had zoukeimura eyes with problems/flaws.

Enchanted Doll Eyes are urethane eyes. You can pre-order them in the size/color you specifically want. They come in regular, "sweety", and the new "milky" style. I think they're beautiful quality and there is a wide range of colors. Because they're pre-order one has to wait around 8 weeks to get one's order. People also sell them on the secondary market. Oh, and when you pre-order you can get "custom eyes" where the rim is a different color or where the eyes or a mix of two colors. I know a few people do pre-orders and I am sure they are all good. I've gone through Blanki and she was wonderful.

Mystic eyes are also urethane. Like above you can pre-order them and sometimes find them in the marketplace. I've not personally ordered them but some people really like them. I know Blanki also does orders for them.

Gumdrops are another type of urethane. Like above you can pre-order them. Grace runs the pre-orders. I've not been as happy with my Gumdrops. One pair got a scratch from a piece of tissue paper and my most recent order came with a huge mistake and it has been less than fun trying to get a replacement pair.

Gina sells very lovely glass eyes. One type is called "Special" and one type is made by a company called "Hands." Again these can be pre-ordered or found used in the marketplace. I think they're quite nice, but tend to have larger pupils which doesn't always work for me personally.

Dollflower are extremely hard to get urethane eyes from Korea. The quality and colors are amazing but there were some huge problems with the last group order that was a pre-order.

Everpurple is a newer brand of urethane eyes. One can pre-order with them or find them in the marketplace. Outside of a doll I think they look a little plasticy, but inside a doll they look quite pretty. They come in a few very interesting colors.

Hitomiya, Silver and Antique Rose (along with a few other brands slipping my mind at the moment) are all handmade Japanese glass eyes. Antique Rose no longer makes them, Hitomiya and Silver do. Both of the latter two sell at Japanese events or their eyes can be found on Y!J or occasionally in the marketplace here or at DoA. They have some really intense colors and I find tend to make glass eyes that change colors depending on the light making them quite striking.

For cheaper eyes I've tried:
Souldoll. They come in a huge variety of colors which is nice as it lets you get some idea of how a color looks in. I find they look a little plasticy.

Volks HG Glass, they don't have a huge color range and I just would prefer to spend a little more and get a pair of eyes I like more. Some of their colors are oddly named. (The Cadet Blue looks gray for example)

Luts Glass, I got a pair with the MNF I ordered. They're pretty similar to the Volks HG IMHO.

I've seen a bunch of the default acrylics in various dolls and I just don't like the way they look.

One problem with getting eyes first is not all eyes fit in all heads and figuring out which size eye you like in your doll. If you're hoping to get a mini, most minis take 14-16 with a few being able to wear 18. If you're getting a larger doll, many take 16-18 with some of the heads with larger eyes taking up to 22!

[MoonRabbit]

Thanks again for all the info. What is the difference between high dome eyes and regular? Is it just for different head sculpts, or does a high dome eye give a different effect?

[Carolyn.S]

If you look at a doll eye in profile, the front of a no-dome eye is just a sphere, and the shape of a high dome eye bulges out further over the iris. A low dome has a smaller but noticeable bulge. A dome is also sometimes called a paperweight eye because it's like the front of the eye is covered with a glass paperweight.

Example of a paperweight eye:
http://www.schoepferseyes.com/default/Paperweight.html
Click on image here:
http://dollsupply.com/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=252
On this page, the comparison of Brown and gold EA Eye Candies and Enchanted Doll Eyes - one looks high dome and the other looks low or almost no dome:
http://silent-r.com/eyes/?cat=63

Personally, I don't like high dome eyes because the dome limits where you can position the iris in the eye opening. Depending on the size of the dome and the size/shape of your BJD's eye opening, a high dome could keep you from positioning the eyes looking up or to the side. I also think a high dome in a small eye can distort the pupil from some angles. The expensive high dome eyes may not have this problem, and some (Ginarolo specials for example) do not have the dome on the smallest sizes.

Carolyn

[MoonRabbit]

Okay, that makes sense. One last question, I've seen several people on the boards have doll signatures? Is there some site to make them? Or does everyone just make their own? Thanks again for the information.

[Nikittin]

Check out this thread on DoA regarding doll icons:
http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5885

[Carolyn.S]

Nikittin - I'd actually like to switch over to colored text like your signature because it's a a bit tedious to edit my icon signature. What kind of color and size codes do you use?

Carolyn

[Nikittin]

Nikittin - I'd actually like to switch over to colored text like your signature because it's a a bit tedious to edit my icon signature. What kind of color and size codes do you use?

Carolyn

When I edit my signature, I just double-click on the name and then choose the color I'd like to use from the options (the color bar below the "A"). Does that make sense? Or you can use [COLOR="RoyalBlue"]text to be in royal blue color[ /color] <-no spaces

This link might be helpful to you: http://www.abjds.com/forum/misc.php?do=bbcode

[MoonRabbit]

Thanks again everyone. :)

[PonySky]

Hi, everyone. I'm new to BJDs too so this thread has been great. But I'm getting so frustrated because every doll I'm interested in is unavailable. I'd like to see the dolls in person, but can't find anywhere in my area to go to. I'm sure there has to be something since I live 60 miles from NYC.

Yet I see all your gorgeous avatars so I know you've been successful! I like the advice to get the doll you really want and I've been holding out so I can do that. But tonight I found myself searching all the sites and saying, "oh, I"ll just order one so I can at least get a sense of what they're all about" I sense danger!

[mclamm7]

Don't compromise your character for a less expensive sculpt just because it is less expensive and NEVER use anyhting intended for human estetics on resin (make-up, nail polish, dye, etc.)

[javasoy]

One thing you do want to be aware of is there is a Chinese company name "lolidoll" is notorious with their copying. what they do is not just copy, but "replicate" other companies' products and sell them under that brand. Search google or this forum for lolidoll and you will find more info on it.

[rkold]

Hi, everyone. I'm new to BJDs too so this thread has been great. But I'm getting so frustrated because every doll I'm interested in is unavailable. I'd like to see the dolls in person, but can't find anywhere in my area to go to. I'm sure there has to be something since I live 60 miles from NYC.

Yet I see all your gorgeous avatars so I know you've been successful! I like the advice to get the doll you really want and I've been holding out so I can do that. But tonight I found myself searching all the sites and saying, "oh, I"ll just order one so I can at least get a sense of what they're all about" I sense danger!

There are meet-ups in NYC itself on a fairly regular basis. I would join the East Coast subgroup to see when the next one is. You can also join the Yahoo!Group Tri-State Angels. Most of the meet ups are in NYC itself and not the 'burbs/exoburbs.

Some unavailable dolls show up in the marketplace, it just varies. Some dolls are just harder to get than others. ^^;

[Bobster]

I just found this thread while searching for urethane eyes. I wish I had seen it when I first joined up. The point of “Learn the basics of esthetics” rule is so true and rewarding. I am just now appreciating that part of ownership. Today was my first complete disassembly down to each component other than eyes and then complete re-stringing. At this same time, I leaned to attach the head cap tightly, and use the ceramic knife and sanding of the body. The arms are a bit tight and the legs a bit loose, but I am very pleased with the result. She is sitting here in her panty’s and looks so human it is un-real.


I just out of luck, was scared to buy a vinyl doll and some of the less expensive options out there. The quality in the first one was critical to a good experience and maintaining interest in the hobby. If I had settled for second best on the first one, I might not have purchased the second one and continued in the hobby.

Play is a point, I am still new at. I have researched it and asked questions about it. So far, my play is limited to in the house. I don’t ultimately know how I will play with them. I was a figure collector, so I am used to static items. These are so life like and have so many options; I don’t know what I will end up doing with them. I will take them with me to one or two cons this summer. The rules here are definitely worth a look at for all new folks.

Bobby

[chizzie_shark]

It's good that Bobster has the courage to act out "learning the basics of aesthetics". I still don't have the guts too. Mainly I'm worried I can't put him back together without the proper restringing tools, because I'm not very well-endowed with upper arm strength. I couldn't possibly bear the sight of my poor boy being forced to remain in pieces!

[Bobster]

It's good that Bobster has the courage to act out "learning the basics of aesthetics". I still don't have the guts too. Mainly I'm worried I can't put him back together without the proper restringing tools, because I'm not very well-endowed with upper arm strength. I couldn't possibly bear the sight of my poor boy being forced to remain in pieces!

I know it can be very intimidating to take them all the way apart. It was for me. I started with just the head originally. Tools are critical. I also picked up the short and long forceps from Volks as well as 2 of the long SD stringing tools and one of the 2 smaller stinging tools. I also have the large and small head hook tools. All of the tools were under $70.00 US directly from Volks. I have 2 SD13s, so it was nice to have one as a model. If I only had one, I would take some photos of the parts. I also kept the parts grouped. The forceps made all the difference in the world during re-assembly. I did not need that much strength to pull anything through. The hardest part was pulling the leg strings up enough to tie the top knot. The next hardest part was pulling the ring up to attach the head. I thought the arms would have been very hard, but they were not. I pre tied the knot about where it had been originally. Where the wrist attaches had left a small depression. I was able to use that as a help during re-assembly. I know any number of people here would be willing to talk you thought it and I would think there is some one near where you live that would help you out if you run in to problems.

Best Regards,

Bobby

[waitwatsom]

I've known about bjds for 4 years, but am now seriously considering buying one. I'm just a little nervous about spending so much money on something I've never seen or touched in person before. Does anyone know how I can get together with people near me to meet a doll in person?

[Bobster]

Sorry for the delay in answering, I just saw your post today. The best way to meet people in your area would be the meet up threads over on DoA. I just went to my first one this past Saturday with resin in tow. I found out about it by checking the board over there. The core group in north Texas can actually muster quiet a few SD sized dolls. They are meeting once a month. People are driving up to a few hundred miles to attend. One person is driving 4 hours for the next event one way. If you live in the greater LA area or can visit, there is a Volks store you can go by on the weekends. That is a great resource that I highly recommend. One recommendation, I can make is to take the plunge. I should have. I missed out on nearly a year of fun and meeting new people by delaying my first purchase. I knew from the moment I saw the first one, that I wanted one regardless of cost.

Bobby

[waitwatsom]

Ok, thanks! I'll try the meet up threads. I'd love to meet some pretty dollies in person. I've never owned anything like a resin doll before but I'm really excited!

[AuraFae]

I loved reading all of this. I am almost ready to order my first doll.
(Starting small, ordering a dollsoom Aren, pretty sure I am ordering the Alice in the Labryinth)

I too am a little nervous about ordering my first doll, I have three kids, so I can think of so many other places the money could go...
But my kids have everything they could possibly want..so its time for Mommy. :D

But anyways, this is very helpful advice...thanks so much!

[Bobster]

Welcome to the group. One thing I have learned is how sturdy these are. The only things that seem to be fragile are the eye lashes, fingers, and noses. I am now on my second full disassembly, seam sanding and, I have the eyes out of each of them. Today I am going to my second real meet up with resin in tow. Have fun with the hobby.

Best Regards,

Bobby

[AmysMom]

Bunnyscotch, I'm sure that this is very pooh-poohed with all the experienced collector's out there. I've only recently been acquiring these BJDS since I went to our local dollshow last month. However I wanted to tell you my tip for face-ups:

I haven't done one yet. LOL. But this is my plan; I've cut and pasted this whole section of 'premium make up services' from a reputable doll company then I printed it out. I feel like now I have somewhat of a guide to do my face ups as when I tried to do one three weeks ago I sorta freaked. I had no idea what to do and ended up doing not much. With my 'map' I feel more comfortable to try again.

Like I said not so professional really, but maybe it'll help you, me and others who are new. And its not like I am copying somebody's work it is a mix and match of all the options that you can choice when you order a premium face up.

Amy's Mom

[Crou]

To stay in this hobby for the long run you need to have fun. Go to doll meets and talk with other doll owners. Meet new people and see more dolls!
Be respectful and understanding of other members and their dolls.
Some people have bad days and get easily offended or offensive. Don稚 let them ruin the hobby for you.
Don稚 go into debt over a doll. Things come up and not having enough money to make ends meet is stressful.

[seoff]

Buy what you like after all you are the one who has to be pleased. The popularity of dolls comes and goes so choose a doll that esthetically appeals to you. Buy the best you can comfortably afford to buy.

I still adore the first ABJD I purchased and don't plan on selling her.

I am finally getting my first Volks doll. It's an Olivia and I am so glad I waited until now to get here. She should be arriving sometime this month.

[derilan85]

:?I have not had a Volks doll in like 4-5 years so I finally have a Limited Volks doll coming and I want to know the best method to taking out the hot glued eyes. Never mind found the link to removing the eyes:)

[Bobster]

I have now used the freezing method 3 times with my 3 Volks girls. I also use the small Stanley 4 part hook and pick set from the Home Depot since you are in the US. Search for “78-393 - 4 Piece Hook and Pick Set”. They go for about $5.00 and work wonders for levering out the glue in big chunks when it gets cold. I also use them for doubling up the bands to hold the head caps on with. I put the head in a plastic zip lock bag and push out as much air as possible before putting the head in the freezer to cut down on the potential for condensation. 30 min seems to be a good time. I pull the head out and immediately try pushing on the eye from the front with my finger. Some of the eyes just pushed out from the front with out using the picks on the glue and all. Eye lashes and faces ups remained intact and as good as they were before trying to remove them this way. I had to put one of the heads in twice but after practicing can now get all of it out with one freeze. It’s been a while now with no ill effects from the low temp on any of them. Good luck and who are you getting?

Bobby

[derilan85]

I got Irvin he is so handsome and the resin color is very yummy indeed, I love the KIPS discs he has in place, when did they start using them on their Limiteds?? Anyway, I will take my time and try this method, I have a lot of other eyes I want to try on him, thanks for the advice;)

[LauraJ]

My first ball jointed doll was a vinyl one, so I was not as nervous taking her apart or taking her anywhere (DD1).
I took my time purchasing all my resin dolls except one (Demon Charisma ... love at first sight). I think it's worth taking the time to look at many dolls and find one that you keep coming back to, then work at purchasing that one. I would buy my dolls over again, and have no plans to part with any of them.

[LauraJ]

oops ... somehow got posted twice

[Agnes]

My advice is always remember to research before committing to anything. And always, always take into consideration that in the end, you do get what you pay for. $8 acrylic eyes are not going to look as good as $100 handmade artist glass eyes, and those $70 designer jeans with the incredible details are going to look nicer than the cheaper $20 ones.

It's up to you to decide how much money you are comfortable spending to achieve the look you want for your doll and sometimes, even for myself, it's just not possible with the budget you have. Learn to really work with and accentuate what you can get.

This is SUCH good advice! I started out skimping with certain aspects of the hobby - mainly eyes and clothing. Now I'm making up for it but it's a pain in the butt to have these cheap items that I can't really sell back for much and saving up $$ to buy better ones. Going to meetups, you don't just get an idea for what doll you want, but what kind of money you will have to shell out to get the look that will make you happy.

I would also agree that one shouldn't worry so much about "hurting" the doll - take it apart, play with the stringing, move the eyes, etc. Faceups, too, can be erased and re-done, unless you use something oil-based or markers. Never use acetone, oil paint, oil pastel, or human makeup.

One word of warning, if you do decide to do your own faceups or sanding be careful. Both resin dust and the sealer sprays are highly toxic. Buy the appropriate NIOSH face mask for spray particles, use eye goggles and gloves, and do this only in an outdoor, well-ventilated area away from your windows and doors. Please do not listen to anyone who tells you they do this inside the home or only with a bandanna over the face, or just turns his/her head away. We humans are all very ignorant of how bad inhaling any chemicals is, but this is stuff is SERIOUS bad news to your lungs!

[junoboy]

I tend to see faces and bodies I like in photos on the boards, or in person at meet ups...then ask about what doll it is.. that way you can do the research on something you really like..being specific is the way to go..

used to be only a few BJD companies out there, now, fa-get-abow-it..too many to keep track of...