Merry Christmas!

Briana, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Hope all of you are enjoying your holidays, and that you have a warm and safe time.

Warm and sultry wishes from Briana.

Sky - revamped!

Sky - revamped!, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The lovely Sky--my first Asian ball-jointed doll--has returned from her spa day at Leah Lilly at Froggy Duds. She looks fantastic.

My request: I wanted Sky to look Marie Antoinette. Oh yes--and one can never have too long of eye lashes.

I think she's perfect! You can see more of Leah's work on her Flickr account.

New basic dolls available from Rapa

Rapa's factory has released its first two basic dolls, Luma and Lail. Each stands 16cm tall, with magnetic feet and hands. The basic price is $200, which includes:

• doll and basic head
• shoe parts (your choice of 5 colors)
• certification
• box
• random eyes

You can add a top and pants for $30. Body blushing is $10, blushing hands and feet $5. Default face-up is $30.

The dolls can share clothing with Lati Yellow and Rosenlied Monday's Child.

The order period is limited--from December 18 through January 1, only--so if you're interested, don't delay!

Dollzone Christmas event

Check out the fantastic Christmas event, valid through December 31, on Dollzone dolls. You can get a free doll with every 1/3 size BJD you order!

Win the book, for free!

We're raffling off two copies of the book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners, at the Fashion Doll Review.

To enter, leave a comment here. I will do the drawing when the number of Google followers on FDR has reached 300.

To enter a second drawing, leave another comment on this post. This drawing will be run as soon as our Facebook followers have reached 400.

Visit the post to see more chances to win, and the details of each drawing.

Conventions for 2012

Are you thinking of attending a convention next year? I'll be updating this list of BJD conventions as time goes along.

• May 26, 2012: Pacific Northwest BJD Expo, Poulsbo, WA. Theme: Through the Looking Glass.
• June 3, 2012: Dolliverse, Netherlands. 
• August 2-4, 2012: BJD Con 2012, Austin, TX. Theme: The Enchanted Sea

Lady Alice is here!

Lady Alice by Peak's Woods

Peak's Woods Lady Alice has arrived! She was a Christmas gift from my husband, and still needs her photos taken.

She includes the most fabulous outfit--the dress and pantaloons feel like silk, and the pieces have tiny gold beads attached. The striped stockings have a black tulle overlay, just to the feet. It's a really cute detail.

Mine is the basic version. She stands about 10" tall, and she's just adorable! (Real, non-iPhone photos coming soon!)

Peak's Woods HOORAY - introducing Shaia

Peak's Woods new Suntan FOC, Shaia.

I'm thrilled to tell you that I saw the website change this morning at 7AM PST to see Peak's Woods' brand new sculpt, Shaia. She is the new Fairy of Color - Silver, and stands 58cm tall. She will only be available to order through December 27.

This version is a limited edition suntan with limited edition make-up. (The gold glitter around her eyes is an option.) $622 is her retail with an additional $80 for a face-up. This will get you:

• Fully assembled suntan Shaia
• An extra pair of hand parts
• Pair of random color 16-18mm eyes
• A random color wig
• A set of cushions and
• Her Certificate of Authenticity.

Additionally, you may choose between the large or regular bust option, and whether you'd like to add gold glitter.

Shaia reminds me of a combination of Goldie, Briana and Lavin, and I think she's amazing.

My book on sale...

If you check out the following sources, I have my book on sale at the following places, for a limited time:

Amazon has BJDs for Beginners listed for $20.23, with free shipping for Prime members.

I've got several copies listed on eBay, in stock, which I can sign for you. I'm listing them for $22 each, and that includes US shipping. I will be donating 25% of the final sale price to Toys for Tots.

If you'd like to take advantage of my sale here my website, I've updated the one-button checkout to receive the same $13 discount as eBay.

Feel free to ask if you've got any questions. Thanks so much!

BJD Collectasy - for news and announcements about all BJDs

If you're looking for an easy way to keep up to date with news from the BJD world, and you don't have time to sort through all those news posts on Den of Angels, let me highly recommend BJD Collectasy to you.

This online magazine offers lots of information daily about new dolls, new releases, limited editions and more. Check out the site today!

Save the date - reserve your spot today!

Save the date - January 7, 2012 - for the next super-fun California Dolly Dream Party with Ms. Cholong, DollHeart and RubyRed Galleria. 

These events are a blast--lots of door prizes and something for everyone. Get a chance to try on outfits, wigs, shoes and more!

Details, details, details

In one section of my book, I discuss the idea of quality as far as ball-jointed dolls are concerned. Upon browsing the News forum today on Den of Angels, I came across an unknown-to-me BJD manufacturer, Rapa's Factory, and promotional photos of their new doll, Forest Fairy Bin.

I haven't ordered from this company before, but I am sorely tempted. This BJD is merely 16cm tall. That's a little over 6.25 inches. First, the doll has an adorable little face with huge eyes. What I observed most, however, is the dolls amazing feet. Look at the bottom of the feet--they are just amazingly sculpted.

This tiny doll is only available for preorder between December 6 through December 16, 11:59 PM South Korean time. The full-set price is $250, basic doll is $200, with shipping additional. Only white skin is available. The basic set includes both the basic and sleeping face, body, and random 12mm eyes. The full-set includes the body, the basic and sleeping faces, both with face-ups, wing parts and extra foot parts, and random eyes.

The body is double-jointed and has tons of articulation, which can be seen on their website in the doll parts section. The hands, feet and face-plates are attached with magnets.

Photos are property of Rapa's Factory.

Pacific NorthWest BJD Expo in 2012

This just in from Den of Angels' news forum:

Come with us
~ Through The Looking Glass ~
Pacific NorthWest BJD Expo for 2012 
When: Saturday, May 26, 2012
Time: Noon to 6 PM; Early entry 11 AM
Where: 18891 Front Street NE, Poulsbo, Washington U.S.A.
Admission: $10 at the door
A one-day annual event featuring, but not limited to, Pacific Northwest artists and all things BJD oriented.
Free Parking ~ Handicap Access ~ Door Prizes
Event will include:
Shopping for ball-jointed dolls, clothes, wigs, shoes, furniture and accessories
Photo Dioramas including detailed sets in which to photograph your BJD
Meet-up areas to socialize!
Themed café on the premises for bottled drinks and finger foods
Costume contest appropriate to theme for BJDs and guardians
Prize for Best Artist Alley Display
Silent Auction for themed items
Event photo corner; bring your camera; make a memory.
Come meet our Pacific Northwest artists including the person behind the artwork for this PNW BJD Expo, Jade Gordon. 
You will find Jade and others in the "Artist Alley" with items to help you remember 
your trip "through the looking glass" in 2012.

For more information and to register, check out the registration site. (I wonder if I can justify a road trip? It's Alice-themed, after all!) Some additional information about travel is here.

Wow, wow, wow! Vamp Briana from Peak's Woods!

Limited edition Vamp Briana, photo property of Peak's Woods

I didn't think it was possible, but I believe Peak's Woods has created an even more stunning version of Briana, Vamp Briana. She is only for sale from now through December 20, so don't delay.

Your $602 price will include:

• Choice of normal or white skin resin assembled Fairy of Color (58 cm) doll
• Normal or large bust
• Limited make-up
• Extra pair of hand parts
• One pair of 16 mm acrylic eyes (random color)
• One wig (random color)
• One pair of cotton cushions
• Certificate of authenticity

Oh dear! I don't know what to do. Today only, you can compare this girl to Vamp Goldie and Tanned Goldie, the first two limited edition offerings. I adore this girl!

Wonderful interaction with eBay seller jeeryama

Recently indulging in my obsession for Alice, I came across another doll which I missed in January 2011. She is a Doll Leaves doll, limited to only 10, and an adorable 16cm tall.

She uses Doll Leaves JiaJia open mouth sculpt--perfect for Alice--and is a full-set. The doll JiaJia is no longer on the company website--but I was able to find her on jeeryama's eBay page. I hoped I could at least find the doll and recreate Alice in some way.

Before purchasing the doll, I emailed the seller, asking if perhaps her dress might still be available. Believe it or not, it was. So I am indeed able to purchase something close to the full-set of the doll! I'm so thrilled.

This seller has 100% positive feedback (3094), too. I'll keep you posted as to the length of delivery as well.

12/14/2012 UPDATE: She's arrived already, just as described and even earlier than promised. She's really adorable in person, too. I'll have real life photos coming soon, but in the meantime, I can't believe she only too two weeks. Amazing! Add Jeeryama to your eBay favorites!

Here is a link to jeeryama's store, Doll'sSinging. They have the following companies available: Angelfantasy, DBDoll, Dikadoll, Doll Chateau, Dall Family A- and H-line, Doll Leaves, Dollzone, FaCo-doll, Heisejinyao, Horus Doll, Illusion Spirit, Inifinite Love, King's Shop, Kui, LoongSoul, Los-Angel, Manual Doll, Mini Fairy Tale, OR-Doll, POPODOLL, Pullip, Red Doll, Ringdoll, and Siniland.

Photo property of Doll Leaves.

Resin Life - another great book

While you're on Amazon, you might consider checking out Wendy Reiswig Bailey's book, Resin Life. Currently on sale for $20.05, this lovely book illustrates the passion one ball-jointed doll collector has for her resin family. Originally published in December of 2008, this book is a poetic glimpse into the heart of this collector. I really love it.

This is from the description on Amazon:

The first of the modern Asian ball-jointed dolls hit the international market about ten years ago. Strongly influenced by the anime/manga culture, these dolls are made of high-quality polyurethane resin and strung with elastic cord to allow for posing of their intricately-jointed bodies. The dolls are often purchased blank, without eyes, hair, or face paint, allowing their owners to customize them into highly-unique pieces of art. Most of them are made in Japan, Korea, or China, and must be purchased through a buying service or broker. The largest forum dedicated to these dolls boasts a membership of nearly 20,000. This book is a series of photographs taken of dolls in the collection of Northern California artist Wendy Bailey, known as Cirquemom in the BJD community. Referred to by the artist as snapshots, the full-page, full-color photographs show the dolls in candid moments of daily life. This book is not a definitive tome on ball-jointed dolls nor their culture. The only writing in the book is a short introduction by the artist, who presents the photographs as simply a glimpse into the lives of these fascinating three-dimensional virtual life-forms.

BJDs for Beginner book sale on Amazon.com

Don't forget--pick it up while it's on sale. I can hardly get it for this price, people!

Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners is a great book for those considering the hobby, already in the hobby, or those who have been in the hobby as "collectors" for a while, looking to get more involved with their beloved doll.

Currently, the book is on sale for $17.24 at Amazon.com, 51% off original retail. That is fabulous! Put it on your wish list!

UZBYNFEKR93C

Eeek! Vampire Goldie available to order from Peak's Woods!

Vamp Goldie from Peak's Woods

Available from November 29 through December 13 only, this lovely new sculpt from Peak's Woods is available for $602. This price includes her limited edition face-up, the assembled Fairy of Color (58 cm or about SD13) doll, an extra pair of hands, random acrylic eyes, random wig, a pair of cotton cushions and certificate of authenticity. You may choose between a large or regular bust and white or normal resin.

She is the second in five holiday offerings from Peak's Woods this year. Tanned Goldie is also still available through December 6, when the next doll will be released, Vamp Briana.

Additionally, Peak's Woods has released a new YoSD-sized outfit, Snow White, and SD-sized outfit, Little Lady, on their website. Plus, a new long, straight blonde wig with bangs is available for YoSD-, MSD- and SD-sized dolls, as well.

The Nutcracker Christmas Event at Lati Doll

Love Lati? If you don't mind a little bit of unpredictable shipping (I've had one doll ship in four weeks, and one I'm going on eight weeks now), these tinies have an adorable-ness that I simply cannot pass by! All of these are the Lati Yellow 16cm sized dolls. All dolls include a mini resin nutcracker.

The dolls will be sold from November 25 through December 11.

First, we have Mystic Lumi as Clara. $300 for the basic doll, $420 for the full set.

Next, is Lumi as the Princess. $300 for the basic doll, and $435 for the full set, which includes the resin crown as an optional part.

(Mystic) Lea makes an appearance as a Soldier. $300 for the basic doll, $415 for the full set, and $535 for the open eye head as well. This doll is cast in event tan resin.

Lea also appears as the Prince. $300 for the basic (open eye) doll, $430 for the full set, and $550 to add the Mystic (dreaming) head in addition. He has a optional crown as well.

Grown Up Belle is the Mouse King. $300 for the basic tan doll, $445 for the full set, including the optional crown, ears and tail parts.

Elf Benny appears as a Deer. $300 for the basic doll, and $440 for the full set, including antlers and tail. He is also in tan resin.

Elf Coco appears as a sweet Sugar Plum Fairy. $300 for the basic doll, $470 for the full set, including crown, antenna and clear resin wings.

Last, but not least, is the resin Christmas version of the Nutcracker. $180 for the unpainted and unassembled doll, $300 for the full set. He appears to be strung and have a working mouth.

Photos property of Lati Doll.

Sneak peek of DollHeart Rococo items...

Chana LD-471, SD10/13 Girl, hat, choker, dress, long skirt, cage crinoline, eyeshade

 What is up with those people over there? I swear, these people must be spying on me. I don't have price or dates yet, but I did find a couple of new items at the DollHeart website this morning:

Alycia LD-498, SD10/13 Girl, includes dress, choker, pin, long skirt and petticoat.

Additional selections have been added to the SD13 girl size:

Jen LD-460, includes hat, choker, dress, long skirt, eyeshade, cage crinoline, gloves, and garter belt with socks.

Trista LD-479, includes vest, top, petticoat, long skirt, hat, eyeshade, choker, sleeves, and garter belt with socks.

To my delight, there are new additions to the SD16 girl category as well. These fit my Super Gem bodied Peak's Woods girl.

Dianna GD-7, includes hat, choker, gloves, petticoat and dress.

Lorrain GD-8, includes hat, long skirt, one piece dress, cage crinoline, choker, garter belt with socks, gloves,  and cape.

I believe these two MSD-szied outfits are also part of the same collection.

Marcella MD-141, includes hat, collar, dress, long skirt, eyeshade, cage crinoline, and garter belt with socks.

Ireland MD-153, includes hat, top, gloves, collar, one-piece dress, and socks.

Then, I'm not sure if these YoSD items are part of this collection or not, but these are definitely Alice-related.

Queen of Hearts YD-122, includes nat, heck accessory, vest, hand accessory, knee skirt, cage crinoline, and silk stockings.

Cortez YD-103, includes top, coat, hat, necktie, belt, and pants. 

Little Colonel YD-118, hat, coat, shirt, tie, pants, belt, and shawl.

BJDs for Beginners - at 50% off!

Save over 50% when you buy my book through Amazon.com. For a limited time, you can purchase this $35 book for just $17.19. Prime memberships even get free shipping.

Thanks for looking!

Peak's Woods Christmas event!

FOC Tanned Goldie, limited edition. Photo property of Peak's Woods.

Oh my goodness--they are out to get me.

There are five new Christmas events happening now and later at Peak's Woods. Here they are:

Part 1. Tanned Goldie. The third release of tanned resin Goldie is being sold November 22 - December 6. $622 retail. She has optional limited edition make-up for an additional $80.

Part 2. Vamp Goldie. The first release of Wake-Up Goldie with vampire fangs will be sold from November 29 through December 13.

Part 3. Vamp Briana. First ever release of Briana with vampire fangs will be sold from December 6 through December 20.

Part 4. New FOC girl, tanned resin. Her color and name haven't been set yet. She will be available from December 13 through December 27. She will more than likely retail for $622, with a face-up for $80, but that hasn't been released yet.

Part 5. New FOC gift at 20% off. Basic version of the new FOC gig with a 20% off sale. Ordering period between December 20 through January 3.

The dolls will be released as they are for sale. Lay-away is a great option, so don't forget!

Dolls Magazine Digital Edition - January 2012

Dolls Magazine Digital Edition - January 2012

Be sure to check out the January 2012 edition of DOLLS Magazine (and pay attention to page 8)! The book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners, has a nice little write-up in there. Woo hoo!

Doll In Mind Christmas event

DIM Luria, Happy BJD

From November 17-30, 2011, you can take advantage of DIM's Christmas event:

Save 10% off your order of all full doll orders and
Receive a random bonus head with any DIM complete doll order.

Please note that a Happy (Doll in Mind's mini size) doll will receive a random Happy head, and a Love (Doll in Mind's large size) doll will receive a random Love doll head, and you cannot choose which head. I've had Benetia, Luria and Adina on my wish list forever!

Photo property of DIM.

Doll Leaves Christmas event and new doll

We actually have one of these inexpensive dolls--Faye--which I bought for my daughter for Christmas last year--and she is lovely and well made. Her face is cute, the resin in good quality, the face-up adorable. And she's a unique sculpt.

If you're looking for unusual ball-jointed dolls and don't have a lot of money to spend, Doll Leaves is an affordable way to go.

Plus, save even more with their Christmas event, between November 5 and December 22, 2011.

Purchase any DS-line product (a doll) of $180 or more (before shipping), and choose one of the following items for free:

• one DS blank head or
• one sleeping Jax bunny (white or normal skin)

Purchase any DS-line product of $350 or more, you can choose one of these gifts:

• One pair of jointed hands for a 60cm boy BJD or
• One sleeping Jax bunny

and you may also choose one of these gifts, too:

• 50% discount on a second DS-line doll, which must be used during this purchase, but not on the qualifying $350 amount, or
• Open-eye bunny, Jax (white or normal skin)

Additionally, there is a new sculpt that has been released, Daphne, to the 1/3 58cm girls line. She is $370 blank and nude, $40 for the face-up, $20 for her wig, $18 for her shoes, $65 for the outfit shown.

Souldoll Christmas event

SoulKid Evelin, photo property of Souldoll

Beginning November 11 through December 31, 2011, Souldoll has announced a winter event as well.

All customers who purchase any doll (except Sweet, Dinky, Bebe, Little, or SoulPart) or items being sold on the site during the winter event period may participate.

When you purchase a doll:

• Zenith, Double, Vito or Kids line may choose a limited edition X-mas clothing set or a doll head of their choice (as available).

When you purchase other items:

• Orders over $150 - receive a free pair of Twins eyes (with irises on both sides of the eyes)
• Orders over $250 - receive a set of color shadows for face-ups
• Orders of $400 or more - receive both of the above gifts

Additionally, Souldoll has redesigned their SoulKids bodies, so now you no longer see the flashing of elastic through the joints of these dolls. They look beautiful!

Winter Event at LUTS

Winter Event Head
Photo property of LUTS.

If you're a fan of BJDs from LUTS, this is a great time to place your order. There is a winter event in process from November 15 through December 30, 2011.

• All customers who place an order will receive a free gift of LUTS Movile LCD Cleaner (while supplies last).
• Order $150 or more, receive a free random wig. You may choose the size, but the wig is a random selection.
• Order $300 or more, receive a free JDF-SSDF size Winter Event Head. You choose Real Skin Normal or Real Skin White. You can order a face-up for the head (type A or B), for an additional $.
• Order $600 or more, receive 2011 Winter Head and a $40 Store credit.
• Order $1000 or more, receive a 2010 (it says, but maybe they mean this year) Winter Event Head and you have the option to purchase MyChoice. The ordering period begins January 15 and ends February 14, 2012.
• Special sale for the event is 20% off all clothes, wigs and shoes. Additional all eyes will be glass as default, instead of acrylic.

For full details, check out this link on LUTS' website.

New podcast - just for BJD fans!

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Our very first podcast for BJD fans, Episode 5 of Dolls to the Wall. Please give it a listen and tell me what you think!

Leave me a comment or let me know if you have any suggestions of what you'd like me to cover in future episodes. I know, it's been a while since my last podcast, so there are quite a few "um"s. 

Zombie Wake-Up Cue

Wake-Up Cue "Zombie" 

As you all have seen, the Third Annual BJD Convention took place on Saturday, November 5, 2011. There was a pretty nice turn-out this year--I'd guess between 50-60 people. I really hope that's enough to schedule another one next year.

The theme: Supernatural Orleans: a tribute to vampires, zombies, voodoo, witches, and all things eerie and magical. Here are some photos of my entry, Zombie Wake-Up Cue. (Check out the difference between this girl and her default make-up!) Her zombie body make-up will be a tutorial in my next book, The BJD Enthusiast.

She has a limited edition face-up by Peak's Woods, based on the Two Sisters Lottie and Wake-Up Lottie girls. Unfortunately, Peak's Woods is no longer offering repeats of limited edition make-up, unless it's listed on their site. I was very fortunate that they honored my request for this gorgeous girl.

Wake-Up Cue's outfit is created out of the fake spiderwebbing that you can hang outside your house during halloween and ribbon.

Her jewelry by Tonner Doll Company, and is, believe it or not, from the Fashion Zombie Death Becomes Her.

You may wonder what will become of Cue after this? Well, body make-up is a cinch to remove, but I think I may do another freaky body blush on her next. Her face will eventually be perfect, I think, for Rococo styles. She's so haughty and lovely.

Arm "stitch" detail. Purple "bruising" part of her blush

The lovely, inviting Wake-Up Cue

Stitching on her leg, plus more blush detail.

Dirty toe pedicure

Overall look

Bobobie Isabella

Bobobie Isabella

I'm a fan of the bargain BJD, and Bobobie and Resinsoul are no exceptions. Technically two separate Chinese ball-jointed doll companies, they work together and share sculpts and body types. The bodies come to you perfectly sanded, well cast, and with original sculpts. The prices are very reasonable. Isabella is a tiny doll, 27cm or about 10.5", and slimmer than YoSD sized dolls. She can wear some stretchy Barbie clothes, but her waist is thicker and bust slimmer.

This doll has has her face painted by Beesou of Overnight Flight on Den of Angels. Bobobies are available with a face-up for an additional $10, but they are usually very light. I'd recommend a new or at least enhanced face-up.

Some of the larger Bobobie dolls have some stringing issues, but these can easily be fixed by either tightening the elastic or switching to a slightly larger diameter (less stretchy) elastic. I'm happy to report that Isabella hasn't had any stringing problems.

She is available in-stock for purchase from Junkyspot or Denver Doll Emporium for $88 blank or $98 with a face-up. Because of the ordering time length, many dealers won't accept preorders for these dolls. Pre-orders can take between 8-16 weeks or even longer. The dolls are available in many colors, including white, tan, light tan, pink, green, blue, lilac, normal skin, and sky blue.

Outfit credits: Isabella is wearing a wig by Peak's Woods, acrylic eyes and a dress from Hallmark exclusive Barbie, My Fair Valentine from 1997.

See larger photos on Flickr.

 

Planet Doll Emma

Emma, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I think I should start a series on affordable BJDs. Planet Doll is a great place to start. If you're looking for a mini BJD (one that stands about 16-17"), Korean BJD company Planet Doll carries some fantastic sculpts. This size runs at $195 for a blank doll, and is available in white, normal skin and tan.

You'll often find them in stock from Denver Doll, in fact, so you won't even have to wait. If you order a doll with a face-up, it's an additional $60, but these sculpts lend themselves well to the face-up artist.

The doll shown here is Emma. She usually looks quite pouty and girlish. I'd consider her very close to MSD size, and she can wear Dollheart clothing perfectly, including shoes, as shown in these photos.

This girl has recently had her face painted by Beesou of Overnight Flight. The result: simply stunning. Her over-emotional pout is replaced by an innocent girlish look, just with a softer lip shade and higher eye brows. She's just so sweet.

Another cool thing about these BJDs is their body sculpts. They have single jointed arms and legs, but their joints bend at more than 90 degrees, as you can see from her elbow joints. She just poses like a dream.

Other credits: Wig is by Peak's Woods (surprise! It's so cool!) and eyes are acrylic by Glib in Cobalt, I believe.

See more photos on Flickr.