Buying BJD or Making?

[Sunshine1]

I really love Ball jointed dolls. But I'm not sure weather or not to buy or make. With making one I dont think i could do a good job with sculpting the face, and with the cost of the supplies, I'm wondering if it would be better to just buy a doll. My price limit for buying a doll is around 110$. On Ebay they have the cutest dolls ever, but it looks like you have to paint it, and do the eye's youreself. Some advice please? I know Viviene made her dolls, and they are absolutly amazing, but i dont know if i could do as good.

[vivien]

If you want to make one just so you can have an original doll all your own, then it's a fun project, and you can always start with the head and if you aren't feeling it just chalk it up to experience, worst case you are only out the price of a block of Super Sculpey!

If the issue is price though, then it's cheaper to buy one than make one, I know that in making Coppelia the molds alone cost around $265 to make, and the resin $45.

If you don't want it to be resin like the company bough ones, it will be much cheaper, and some of the clay ones can be very beautiful too.

There are a few companies that do sell dolls for about $150 like Bobobie Doll, or Doll Zone. Obitsu have some cute ones and are made of vinyl instead of resin, but quite a bit cheaper. It all depends on what you're looking for!

[Cherry]

Well, Like Viv said, making a doll is more for the art and the feeling of uniqueness. There are a lot of really awesome dolls for sale that are in the 100-200 $ range. Angel of Dream (http://angel-of-dream.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1)'s 1/4 (MSD sized, around 41 cm tall) BJDs are only 175$. Compared with others of that size, that is an outstanding price. I don't have these dolls but I heard that people who do, like them. Another company is Featherfall (http://www.featherfall.ca/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=95_96_100). They sell DollZone dolls, and their 1/4 BJDs are 44-45 cm tall. My Clover is from Featherfall/Uneide. (Uneide runs Featherfall I believe) She was a lovely person to work with, with fast shipping and she was always very friendly, even with my annoying questions about my Felian in anticipation. ;) Alternatively, you could always get an account on Den of Angels (http://www.denofangels.com/forums) and browse the marketplace for dolls in tiny, mini, and SD+ size. If you just made an account, however, you will have to make a certain number of posts and wait a certain number of days until you can view the marketplace. If you do sign up for DoA of if you already are signed up (the account is free, by the way, and everybody is really, really fabulously nice and helpful) then I'm Xyria. :D Come say hi sometime!

[Cherry]

Oh, and by the way, you don't necessarily have to paint your doll a face-up (make up, basically) but most people find it more attractive and expressive. There are tons of tutorials on painting face-ups; I haven't tried it yet on Clover but I imagine it's not very different from your own makeup. And, you could always find somebody on Den of Angels that will do it for you, for a price. I've seen people who do face-ups for free on DoA to build up their portfolio and boost their business; usually they just have you pay shipping.

As for the eyes, all you have to do is pop them in and put some eye putty (kind of like clay, kind of like sticky tack) in there to hold them in place. It isn't that difficult. There are tutorials on putting in eyes, too. Most dolls do come with eyes already put in the head.

Of course, there are some dolls like this one (http://volksusa.com/2227eb0002.html) that don't have eyes, and therefor you would need to paint them on, much like a Barbie doll. (That doll is Barbie sized and not made of resin, alas why it is so cheap. You could get one of these to just get a feel for if you like them, then if you do like them, get a resin doll.) :D

[Sunshine1]

Yeah, I dont have 250$ to make one, perhaps when I eventually get a job. So I think i'll go buying one. As far as size goes, I really like the size that Coppelia is.

What in your opinion is the nicest "material" (definatly the wrong word) for them to be made out of? is Resin the most common.

I dont know very much about BJD yet, but I think they are so cute.

Is Den Of Angels a good place to learn about them? Because I dont have an e-mail at the moment ('m using my mom's) so it would be nice to read up about BJD before I join a forum for them.

EDIT- I really want one that looks sorta like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-dollfie-Cordelia-Head-without-face-up_W0QQitemZ220090558953QQihZ012QQcategoryZ84635QQ cmdZViewItem
you have to scroll down to see the one with the brown/redish hair

are there any type of magazines that have information on BJD?

[keloid.miruku]

I'm pretty sure Coppelia is 45-cm or Mini Super Dollfie sized. There are a ton of cute dolls out there that size (I'm actually planning to get at least three of them _-_!!)

Den of Angels (the website, not the forum) also has a lot of information and links to other websites where you can get information on the dolls.
http://angelden.net/ (http://) has the most information on Volks dolls and the Full Choice System.
But for general knowledge, your best bet would be to go to the DoA forums.

As for Magazines, Haute Doll definetely has the most information on BJD, once you sort through all the crap on American fashion dolls *blech*

[vivien]

I'm pretty sure Coppelia is 45-cm or Mini Super Dollfie sized. There are a ton of cute dolls out there that size (I'm actually planning to get at least three of them _-_!!)

Yup both my girls are small sized. I like the Mini Super Dolfie size because you don't need to give up half your house if you want to give them funriture! Everything is a nice managable size. It's harder to sew detailed costumes for them, but I think worth it because they are extra cute!

[Cherry]

Yup both my girls are small sized. I like the Mini Super Dolfie size because you don't need to give up half your house if you want to give them funriture! Everything is a nice managable size. It's harder to sew detailed costumes for them, but I think worth it because they are extra cute!

Same reasons I like MSD sized, as well. And also, their outfits can be more detailed than tiny outfits <3 :D

[Sunshine1]

The MSD dolls are SOOO CUTE!! I want one.. thanks for the websites!

awwww, that one website has cute dolls in BABY dolls

[Cherry]

They are! Welcome to insanity, my friend. :D :D

[Sunshine1]

awww.. now i need even more money. Sigh.. why must I like everything that's so expensive? people with cheap hobbies have it made.. but they miss out on cool stuff so its a win loose suituation.

[Pancakes]

BJD's always remind me of Angelic Layer. Not that I've read that one lol but someone bought me the first book and it was about customizing a little doll. haha its really similar to me except bjd's won't fight for you? But what if they could.. :D

[Sunshine1]

For some reason your post reminded me of Chobits XD but I've never seen that show.

and pluse they are robots not dolls D: >_<

[Pancakes]

well in Angelic Layer..they are little robots too lol? You customize them and then you compete in fighting tournaments with them?? I dunno hah if you ever go to a bookstore flip through the first Angelic Layer if you can find it. ^^ You'll see what I mean. And yes chobits too except theyre human size. I guess the smaller ones like plum could be a BJD but the way they draw them is short and chubby ^^ so not like BJD's

[buttongirl]

awww.. now i need even more money. Sigh.. why must I like everything that's so expensive? people with cheap hobbies have it made.. but they miss out on cool stuff so its a win loose suituation.
trust me hobbies don't come cheap even button collecting gets insane I've spent over $200 to feed my obsesion .....and buttons at disneyland are crazy expensive yeah like I'm going to pay $10 for a tiny button that's worth $1.75!!!!
but I do love ball jointed doll and if I ever get rich that's one of the four things I would do I would buy myself a really pretty doll and I would make clothes for her like all the stuff I've design that I probably wouldn't look very good in but love them

[Cherry]

:D I'm into designing, too, and Ive just begun designing clothes for my Clover! ;)

[buttongirl]

:D I'm into designing, too, and Ive just begun designing clothes for my Clover! ;)
when I grow up I want to be a designer because I just love making things whether it's with duct tape or fabric I have fun and people seem to enjoy the things I make and that makes me happy but I would love to have a cute doll to make clothes for
but if I had one I would treat it like I treat my guitars ........I would spoil it to no end!!!! serious if my guitars were my children I would give them whatever they wanted.....it's kinda sad

[Kamikaze_Jen]

Well, Like Viv said, making a doll is more for the art and the feeling of uniqueness. There are a lot of really awesome dolls for sale that are in the 100-200 $ range. Angel of Dream (http://angel-of-dream.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1)'s 1/4 (MSD sized, around 41 cm tall) BJDs are only 175$. Compared with others of that size, that is an outstanding price. I don't have these dolls but I heard that people who do, like them. Another company is Featherfall (http://www.featherfall.ca/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=95_96_100). They sell DollZone dolls, and their 1/4 BJDs are 44-45 cm tall. My Clover is from Featherfall/Uneide. (Uneide runs Featherfall I believe) She was a lovely person to work with, with fast shipping and she was always very friendly, even with my annoying questions about my Felian in anticipation. ;) Alternatively, you could always get an account on Den of Angels (http://www.denofangels.com/forums) and browse the marketplace for dolls in tiny, mini, and SD+ size. If you just made an account, however, you will have to make a certain number of posts and wait a certain number of days until you can view the marketplace. If you do sign up for DoA of if you already are signed up (the account is free, by the way, and everybody is really, really fabulously nice and helpful) then I'm Xyria. :D Come say hi sometime!

Featherfall is a pretty good one! Compared to my wanted doll at www.dollmore.com that's $550.00, I think $200's a deal. I was thinking of saving up but maybe I could get one for christmas like some lolita clothes. Muha~ But, I'll start for that 200.00 dollar one and those lolita clothes. Darn you, expensive crap!

- Jen

[keloid.miruku]

If I could offer a word of warning -

If you really want a BJD, don't get one just for the pricetag. If you find one that's $700 and you like it more than a $200 one, then save a little longer. One of my major annoyances is people 'settling' for dolls that they sort of like just because they're cheap, instead of getting what they really want.

Remember, the hobby is about your tastes and ideals. But heck, if you really love a $200 DZ doll (one of my planned dolls is a DZ Mo XD) then by all means, get it!

[Kamikaze_Jen]

Well, (and I'm sure I'm going to start another argument with this. the first one? In the lolita forum.) I'm just a kid, so saving so much money is pretty hard when all you high schoolers and adults have jobs that pay you quite a bit and you can buy whatever you want, but being a thirteen year old just mowing lawns and doing other chores doesn't even calculate to what you get, especially Vivien who can just make some dresses and get another fancy doll or lolita dress from Baby (or whever she buys her other pieces of wardrobe besides her own clothesline). The most I saved was 120, but 550? That sounds like too much to handle or to even try for when it sounds so impossible.

And, I wasn't really looking at it as a hobby, really. I really want a doll to dress up and use for photography like Vivien does. And if it is a hobby, then it is one heck of an expensive hobby. Even if I attempted to make one of these BJD I know it wouldn't turn out well, and it's not really a good idea for me.

Now, possible after I post this, possible Vivien or Valkyrie is going to EXPLAIN to me AGAIN to work for the things I want and not beg my mom or my stepdad for them and yada yada yada. But seriously, not everything has to be THIS expensive to work for.

-Jen

[vivien]

Well, (and I'm sure I'm going to start another argument with this. the first one? In the lolita forum.) I'm just a kid, so saving so much money is pretty hard when all you high schoolers and adults have jobs that pay you quite a bit and you can buy whatever you want, but being a thirteen year old just mowing lawns and doing other chores doesn't even calculate to what you get, especially Vivien who can just make some dresses and get another fancy doll or lolita dress from Baby (or whever she buys her other pieces of wardrobe besides her own clothesline). The most I saved was 120, but 550? That sounds like too much to handle or to even try for when it sounds so impossible.

And, I wasn't really looking at it as a hobby, really. I really want a doll to dress up and use for photography like Vivien does. And if it is a hobby, then it is one heck of an expensive hobby. Even if I attempted to make one of these BJD I know it wouldn't turn out well, and it's not really a good idea for me.

Now, possible after I post this, possible Vivien or Valkyrie is going to EXPLAIN to me AGAIN to work for the things I want and not beg my mom or my stepdad for them and yada yada yada. But seriously, not everything has to be THIS expensive to work for.

-Jen

Haha I wish I was that rich! Right now all the money I make, I put back into making new things for the business, I don't really buy very much at all, there is the odd splurge like on my tea set, but I almost never buy clothes or anything else.

I do agree with cheaper dolls being lovely though. I love the big Volks dolls etc, but just couldn't bring my self to spend that kind of money on one.

I think a person can buy a "settle" doll and love it just as much, if only because they earned it, and it's theirs! Plus the great thing about a doll is what you make for it!

Dolls can be an expensive hobby, but it all depends on the person. I think you can get a lot of joy out of them with out breaking the bank!

[crimsonbutterfly23]

i wouldn't worry too much about it kamikaze jen, i mean, i'm 18 but i can't afford a doll either. i don't have a job. just cause you're older doesn't mean you necessarily have more to spend on things you like-you have less! so you can save up for the doll you really want you just have to have motivation and keep at it no matter how long it takes. just save everything you get. it adds up pretty fast even if you don't have a job.

[buttongirl]

Well, (and I'm sure I'm going to start another argument with this. the first one? In the lolita forum.) I'm just a kid, so saving so much money is pretty hard when all you high schoolers and adults have jobs that pay you quite a bit and you can buy whatever you want, but being a thirteen year old just mowing lawns and doing other chores doesn't even calculate to what you get, especially Vivien who can just make some dresses and get another fancy doll or lolita dress from Baby (or whever she buys her other pieces of wardrobe besides her own clothesline). The most I saved was 120, but 550? That sounds like too much to handle or to even try for when it sounds so impossible.

And, I wasn't really looking at it as a hobby, really. I really want a doll to dress up and use for photography like Vivien does. And if it is a hobby, then it is one heck of an expensive hobby. Even if I attempted to make one of these BJD I know it wouldn't turn out well, and it's not really a good idea for me.

Now, possible after I post this, possible Vivien or Valkyrie is going to EXPLAIN to me AGAIN to work for the things I want and not beg my mom or my stepdad for them and yada yada yada. But seriously, not everything has to be THIS expensive to work for.

-Jen
it is very hard to save up and maybe if I save up for a doll I like then maybe it might be one of the most expensive things I've bought

[Kamikaze_Jen]

Alright. That makes me feel less targeted at.
I've been having a rough day so sorry for the big complaint again.
Thanks for being calm though. Still savin' for that doll. >=3

- Jen

[buttongirl]

the sad thing is some of these dolls are worth more than my nicest guitar
hell! they're almost at antique used hofner prices!!!!! that's expensive!!!!
but so beautiful so I don't complain so I start saving!!!!!
oh and Kamikaze_Jen I'm sorry you're having a bad day I'd give you a hug but this is the interwebs and I can't

[keloid.miruku]

Alright. That makes me feel less targeted at.
I've been having a rough day so sorry for the big complaint again.
Thanks for being calm though. Still savin' for that doll. >=3

- Jen

Wha...? I wasn't targeting anyone. I apologize if you thought I was.

[Kamikaze_Jen]

Wha...? I wasn't targeting anyone. I apologize if you thought I was.

Oh no! I'm sorry! It's not you, it someone else, besides, you're a nice person. =)
Sorry, first it's been a bad day and it got turned into a bad week. Really, I'm sorry.

- Jen

[$MiLe$!=)]

Wow BJD's are expensive. The good thing is you can customize them. Changing their eyes and hair. Thats what I love the best. If I buy a cheap doll with the face and body you want then buy a certain wig or eyes you get your very own doll!

[keloid.miruku]

Oh no! I'm sorry! It's not you, it someone else, besides, you're a nice person. =)
Sorry, first it's been a bad day and it got turned into a bad week. Really, I'm sorry.

- Jen

Oh, okay T___T I was afraid that I has offended you.
I'm sorry that you're having a bad week, then; hope things get better for you.

And ye, the aspect of having a unique doll that's all your own is one of my favourite things about BJD. I know no one else has an Akina, even though there are a lot of Volks Megus out there!

[Moody Strawberry]

Well, (and I'm sure I'm going to start another argument with this. the first one? In the lolita forum.) I'm just a kid, so saving so much money is pretty hard when all you high schoolers and adults have jobs that pay you quite a bit and you can buy whatever you want, but being a thirteen year old just mowing lawns and doing other chores doesn't even calculate to what you get, especially Vivien who can just make some dresses and get another fancy doll or lolita dress from Baby (or whever she buys her other pieces of wardrobe besides her own clothesline). The most I saved was 120, but 550? That sounds like too much to handle or to even try for when it sounds so impossible.

And, I wasn't really looking at it as a hobby, really. I really want a doll to dress up and use for photography like Vivien does. And if it is a hobby, then it is one heck of an expensive hobby. Even if I attempted to make one of these BJD I know it wouldn't turn out well, and it's not really a good idea for me.

Now, possible after I post this, possible Vivien or Valkyrie is going to EXPLAIN to me AGAIN to work for the things I want and not beg my mom or my stepdad for them and yada yada yada. But seriously, not everything has to be THIS expensive to work for.

-Jen
I know exactly what you mean! I have always loved dolls and miniatures, and have always wanted a bjd, ever since I found out about them. What fun it would be to have a miniature person to dress up, photograph, and even carry around when I'm in Lolita! Sadly, this hobby(*cough*lifestyle), like lolita, is expensive. Money isn't the only factor, in my case, because if I leave it in my room, my brother (who is autistic and likes my big comfy bed) might come in and accidently break her. It wouldn't be his fault, but I'd feel terrible. And I don't see how I could ever make one, even after looking at Vivien's site. Besides, if I could, I probably wouldn't have the time, with me starting high school next year. I could start a whole other rant about how BTSSB tortures me with expensive dresses made for skinny people, but I'll save that for another time.

[sukiyume]

Well, (and I'm sure I'm going to start another argument with this. the first one? In the lolita forum.) I'm just a kid, so saving so much money is pretty hard when all you high schoolers and adults have jobs that pay you quite a bit and you can buy whatever you want, but being a thirteen year old just mowing lawns and doing other chores doesn't even calculate to what you get, especially Vivien who can just make some dresses and get another fancy doll or lolita dress from Baby (or whever she buys her other pieces of wardrobe besides her own clothesline). The most I saved was 120, but 550? That sounds like too much to handle or to even try for when it sounds so impossible.

And, I wasn't really looking at it as a hobby, really. I really want a doll to dress up and use for photography like Vivien does. And if it is a hobby, then it is one heck of an expensive hobby. Even if I attempted to make one of these BJD I know it wouldn't turn out well, and it's not really a good idea for me.

Now, possible after I post this, possible Vivien or Valkyrie is going to EXPLAIN to me AGAIN to work for the things I want and not beg my mom or my stepdad for them and yada yada yada. But seriously, not everything has to be THIS expensive to work for.

-Jen

I've saved up thousands when I was younger, you just need to wait YEARS for it to add up! Just put some money aside, even if it's just a quarter a day but DO NOT touch it so eventually you can get something. I know it's really hard though but it's worth it in the end if you have the 'want'. I also do not have a job nor will I be able to get one so I'll be in your boat once sept. comes even though I'm an adult, so don't feel alone. You don't need to work-work,- you can clean the house, make dinner, and stuff to 'work' for the stuff they get you. That's a way of earning stuff even without a job. I do not know if you have any action figures or barbie dolls or stuffies, but try to work with them, I think it be cool if Giant Godzilla is attacking barbie and ken lol :)

[sukiyume]

I could start a whole other rant about how BTSSB tortures me with expensive dresses made for skinny people, but I'll save that for another time.

META SALE DESU!!!! I doubt there is any items left but if you guys all want I can put an alert up on when they do it in the winter. Meta is a brand that is too big for me and their new stuff stretches a lot, I was kind of shocked they made Loli clothing in those sizes, it's so cool for healthy girls. So, when the sale comes in Winter that may be up and a lot more affordable for you (and the rest of us ).

[sukiyume]

My Mom likes them. She saw some at Otakon and though it was really cool, she also saw amazing cos play (like you know the person worked all year on it and must be an expert on sewing) and wants me to try it. It was really nice. I never considered buying a BJD but I may now. I'll love to have a mini-me! It's very pricey though so I would only get it if I loved it as much as I love my wii-chan for example. My vote for making them if money is not tight.

[vivien]

I could start a whole other rant about how BTSSB tortures me with expensive dresses made for skinny people, but I'll save that for another time.

There is a lolita brand that caters to non skinny girls you know.

[Lavendre]

If you're worried about price, there are sites (alas, in Japanese) that sell used, but good-fairing Lolita Clothing, in everything from H. Naoto to Baby, the Stars Shine Bright. But even though the sites are Japanese, there's a girl you can send an email to, and she'll order it for you; she's like a go-between.

Her site's right here, (Celga, Inc. (http://www.celga.com/egl/index.php?page=blogs&u=stella)) and she even links to the used clothing outlets.

Like I've been spewing to everyone who'll listen, I'm getting my BJD very soon. So, is it the trend to make your doll look like you?

[Moody Strawberry]

There is a lolita brand that caters to non skinny girls you know.
Thank you, Viv ;)