Google+ BJDs for Beginners

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Most popular photos of 2014

I thought it would be a nice way to end the year to showcase some of the more popular BJD photos from this past year. I know it's been a slow year as far as my blogs have gone--I haven't been buying as many dolls as I did last year, and my next book is coming along oh-so-slowly. But I'm hoping to have it finished by this summer--and that's being really optimistic.

I've excluded duplicate photos (that is, dolls that show up from the same photo session) in this list.

Dlight
In first place (actually, in the top three spots), it's Peak's Woods suntan Dlight, default face-up. I chose this photo, the most popular with 29 favorites. This doll totally captures my heart!

Lady Bee and Rex
In second place with 18 favorites, Lady Bee (hybrid Peak's Woods head/Doll Chateau kid body) makes an appearance with Rex, a resin BJD Pet from Eve Studio.

New peak's woods babies!
Next, coming in third, it's a limited edition Sir Tin Vampire Fairy Fairy of Fairytales (also by Peak's Woods). I think this photo shows off his makeup very well, but it was a quick deboxing photo taken with my iPhone.

Tristan
Elf Tristan (also suntan by Peak's Woods) comes in at #4 with 16 favorites. I think she's amazing and definitely deserves more camera time.

Peak's Woods booth
In spot #5, it's another photo with 16 favorites, it's the Peak's Woods booth from the April Korean BJD show. I picked up Cosmo and Segi at this convention.

Queen Bee
Spot #6 (14 favorites) is taken by the Queen Bee herself. Lavin (Peak's Woods) is modeling a OOAK gown by MegannArt.

Dlight and Shaia
A comparison shot between Dlight (left) and Suntan Shaia, both by Peak's Woods, comes in at #7 with 14 favorites.

Display
In 8th place with 12 faves, it's hybrid KoonieS (Peak's Woods/Doll Chateau). This also was an iPhone photo.

Hot Blooded Chloe






































The Chicline girls have been the most spoiled dolls of the year. This is Chicline Chloe, in 9th place with 11 favorites. She's dressed in Hot Blooded, an outfit by Integrity Toys (for FR:16 dolls).

So pretty!






































Last but not least, Cue (Peak's Woods Fairy of Color) takes up my 10th spot with ten favorites. This doll was sold as a full set.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Vampire Wedding Wake-Up Goldie

Wake Up Goldie

A quick photo of one of my grails, now in my collection: Wake-Up Goldie in suntan, Vampire Wedding, from the GoGa convention in June 2009. I think she's just lovely!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Queen Bee

Queen Bee

Merry Christmas to me--a gift from my friend Megann, of MegannArt designs--it's Lavin's new Queen Bee dress, based on the tattoo on my arm. I thin she came out perfectly!

Peak's Woods Lavin Fairy of Color (using the current Lolita body) is modeling, wearing glass eyes from Mint on Card (I think) and a default Peak's Woods wig.

You too can commission a gown from MegannArt when you visit her site or Etsy page.

Queen Bee

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

VF Sir Tin, dressed!



As you can see, Vampire Fairy Sir Tin (grey skin) is wearing is Oscar Doll jewel eyes, and I believe a Nine9Style cardigan, and a wig now. He is starting to feel at home.

If you missed these limited edition Fairies of Fairytales from Peak's Woods over the summer, you have a second chance of ordering them now--during the month of December only! Don't wait--you won't regret it.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Dlight is here!

Dlight

My latest Peak's Woods has arrived! It's Suntan Dlight, and here she is, in her default wig (gorgeous) and eyes. I ordered the special hands, which have long nails and are painted black with rhinestones, and are also blushed. I think she is just perfect!

If you missed out on this lovely girl, you can pick her up this month! Peak's Woods is offering all of their limited edition dolls again this holiday season, in addition to a fabulous one-off grey skin Dlight as well.

Friday, November 14, 2014

Skin tone comparison - tan, normal and blue grey

Tristan and Segi

A quick comparison shot of Peak's Woods new suntan skin tone (left) on Elf Tristan, and normal skin, on Segi.

Both are lovely, in my opinion--but I am a sucker for tan. Actually, I'm a sucker for Peak's Woods anything.

Plus, I'll add a quick shot of my latest arrival, too. This is Vampire Sir Tin, in the blue grey skin tone. I don't really "do" boys or vampires or fantasy skin colors, but I loved the color when I saw it in person. I think this doll is just gorgeous. This is one of his deboxing photos.

New peak's woods babies!

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Enchanted Doll FLASH Sale

It looks like those fabulous Enchanted Doll resin eyes will be available in higher quantities in their Etsy shop for a limited time during a flash sale.  It will take place November 16-18, 2014.  It appears that it will end earlier in the day on November 18th, so make sure to get your purchases in fast before it's too late.  The flash sales are always great since there is a much larger in-stock inventory to choose from and they ship right away at a low cost. 

Check them out here at the Etsy shop.


Friday, November 7, 2014

Nanuri, floating in a dream

Nanuri in Floating Dream

This is Nanuri Chicline (Fairyland, normal skin, large bust, faceup by 16-Bit Face-ups), modeling a new outfit by Integrity Toys. It's an outfit for Poppy Parker Fashion Teen, a 16" doll, aptly called Floating Dream. I think its unique retro feel is quite cute, and I love the stitching on the bust.

I almost couldn't get the separate belt hooked--it's very snug--but I did manage it. There are earrings included with the outfit as well. I personally think gloves would complete the look, but I wouldn't bother putting them on, to be honest. Just too much hassle!

Nanuri in Floating Dream

Save the date: San Diego BJD Convention 2014

San Diego BJD Convention
November 15th, 2014
10AM-4:30PM
Marina Village
Starboard & Terrace Rooms
1936 Quivira Way
San Diego, CA  92109

This Year's Theme is Feisty Fairy Tales. Admittance is just $10 (cash only) at the door. There will be a costume contest, and Volks is supplying the winning entry with a Super Dollfie! Notice that this year, the convention is taking up two rooms instead of one--I'm so pleased to see this!

Here is a list of vendors attending this year:

  • AnimeCoast 
  • Habi's Rabbits BJD Shop
  • Karlyl's Creations 
  • La Esperanza Doll Shop
  • MegannArt
  • Mischief Maker 
  • Nancy Hay Decorative Arts
  • PamSD's Miniature Costuming
  • Pixiedust Designs
  • Shiny Jumble
  • Snowy Creek Treasures
  • Studio KNH
  • Susan Lake Designs
  • The Doll Peddlar
  • Volks USA
I'm attending, of course. Come see me at MegannArt's table--I'll be assisting her with her sales and her new baby!

Here is the current schedule:

8:00 AM
    Dealer Setup
10:00 AM
    Convention Opens
10:30 AM
    Announcements
 11:00 AM
    Doll Costume Contest Opens
12:30 PM
    Fantasy Parts Blushing Workshop
2:00 PM
    Restringing Workshop
 3:00 PM
    Costume Contest Ballot Box Closes
3:45 PM
    Dealer's Room Closes
 4:00 PM
    Doll Costume Winners Announced
4:15 PM
    Door Prizes Awarded
 4:30 PM
    Convention Closes

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Experimenting with Hybrids

BJD hybrids are always a great way to get a fabulous custom doll all your own, but when different parts of the doll come from different doll companies, finding a skintone match can be difficult.  Also, the age of the resin can be an issue.  After a good amount of research and searching for the right body, I decided to give my Peak's Woods normal skin Rogita head a Doll Chateau normal pink skin body (Y-03 girl body).  The body and head were slightly different in color, but a little body blushing blending the two together quite well and it's hard to even see the difference in photos.

Doll Chateau makes great exaggerated bodies with all kinds of extra joints.  I took the wrist and neck pieces out, but I love the doll this way.  What do you think?

Consider experimenting with doll bodies and heads.  It can be quite fun.

Want some special designs for your dolls?  MegannArt provides lots of dolly attire and a pattern book for DIY designs.  Support an artist!  Visit the website (MegannArt) for an Etsy shop, Twitter, Facebook (with occasional discounts), Pinterest page, and much more.
 

Picture courtesy of MegannArt.


Friday, October 10, 2014

New Alice in Wickedland limited editions from Peak's Woods!


I love me an Alice in Wonderland-themed doll--it's what got me so enthralled in BJDs in the first place--and Peak's Woods has a delicious offering for Halloween!

Three full sets are available, and are also being offered as basics. Each doll is being offered in normal, white, and for an extra charge ($80) blue-grey or suntan

The White Rabbit uses the Dandy Tristan boy sculpt (he is their new large boy size and he is adorable!). His outfit includes a long sleeved shirt, vest, attached hood, pants, belt, scarf, stockings, fur wig modified with rabbit ears, tail, brooch, clock pendant, and pocket watch. The outfit is $139.


The Mad Hatter uses the Dandy Bella the Moon sculpt. His outfit is $129 and includes a woven shirt, corset, pants, hat, collar, and ribbon. His wig is an additional $13.

The basic version of the boy dolls includes random glass eyes, cotton cushions, and a certificate of authenticity. The price for the basic boys starts at $590.


Alice in Wickedland use the new FOC Tristan face sculpt, and she is just gorgeous. I think her face-up is amazing. Her adorable outfit is $129, and it includes a cream sleeveless dress, blue short-sleeved dress, bloomers, crinoline, stockings, ribbon, and two necklaces with pendants.

The basic version of FOC Tristan includes a default wig (blonde and wavy), random glass eyes, cotton cushions and a certificate of authenticity. It looks like she's been added to the permanent collection, too. She starts at $550.

Limited edition face-ups are $80, and the boys are painted by Nornen, Alice by KyungMin Lee. You can add hand blushing and painting for an additional $30. Jewel eyes are available for an additional $35.

I just ordered Dandy Tristan and Elf Tristan--but I so adore Peak's Woods suntan dolls. I am very, very tempted by The Mad Hatter. I have been thinking of adding another boy to my hoard... but I have to just sit on my hands!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Papana, the Player Slayer

Papana in Player Slayer

I have been looking for outfits that fit my new DD-Anne Fairygarden Papana, and I realized this slim mini girl is close to Tyler Wentworth in size. As I was redressing one of my fashion dolls, I figured I'd try this Integrity Toys Tulabelle 16" fashion on her. It's called Player Slayer.

The jeans barely hooked, but they do--and they are so cute, if a little long. The top is also a bit scoopy on her, but it works, especially with the fuzzy cape. It gives her such a different look! I think it's just adorable, and I can't wait to try additional IT fashions on her--I have a bunch for my Chicline girls.

She's wearing a YoSD sized DollHeart wig here.

Papana in Player Slayer

Monday, September 15, 2014

New DollHeart arrival...

Ante in dollheart

Miss Ante (Fairyland Minifee Moe-line) is modeling a new arrival from DollHeart. It's called Mia, and sized for Mini Dollfie Dream. It includes a cream colored, lace-trimmed sleeveless dress, pink and cream cardigan, stockings and a chain necklace. It fits her Moe-line body quite well, though I think other outfits may be slightly snug through the hips.

I was browsing on DollHeart's website this morning--never a good idea when you're trying to downsize your collection!--and found eight new outfits for Mini Dollfie Dream! Most look like they are coming soon, but there are two I really love: Sydney (also sized for MSD) and Paige.

While the outfits are a little pricey, in general, I love DollHeart's attention to detail and scale of fabric. It's hard to find. Plus, I love the accessories--stockings and lockets, for example. I think that sort of thing adds a lot to an outfit. I guess it's just a preference!

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Limited edition Peak's Woods Segi has arrived!

LE Segi

She's here! And she's even more lovely in person than her promo photos. It's Peak's Woods limited edition Segi. I'm just thrilled. I was excited to wake up to the postal carrier this Saturday morning, who delivered her--along with her cohort, Dandy Tristan!--in a huge box.

You can see more photos of her on Flickr. Plus, I've also posted photos of her deboxing here, too.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

New Bebe line available from Dollpamm!


New cuties are available from Dollpamm - a brand new size - the Bebe line! This size stands only 11cm in height and is fully ball-jointed.

Dizzying Hachi
Starting price is $150 for a blank BJD in pink resin (add $20 for camel-toned resin), and for the first time, a face-up is being offered for an additional $35. Two weeks will be added on to production time if you choose to add a face-up. There are five new face molds to choose from--I think Po-Yo and Po-Bi are my two favorites. Co-Mo looks like a tiny version of Momo to me!
Singing Shana

Bebe Kitty Parts are sold separately, and include ears, tail and a pacifier for $30 (for the unpainted set). The pacifier is attached to the doll's lips with putty or clay, and the other pieces with magnets.

While I was looking around, I happened to see two new faces in the Loli menu: Singing Shana and Dizzying Hachi. Maybe they've both been around a while, but they are new since my last visit. I think Hachi is just adorable!
Photos are property of Dollpamm.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

New DollHeart release


There are lots of new goodies for preorder from DollHeart, available for preorder with an August delivery date, something for every BJD collector, I think!

I'm pleased to see the casual collection take off like this. Above, you can see Jacob and Sydney, sized for MSD and similar. They are available separately for $84.90 each or as a set for $169.90.


Above, sized for SD13 and DDM, you can see Shelby ($99.90) and Tyler ($129.90), sized for SD17 Boy/65cm Boys. You can also save a little when you purchase these two as a set for $219.90. 


In the YoSD section, you can also preorder Andrew for $79.90.


And above, you can see Riley for $79.90. Many pieces of the outfits are available separately, too.


As part of the Rainbow Fairy series, Oona is sized for slim MSD and Unoa. It is truly adorable, a fairy a la DollHeart, $89.90.


Cirno is the YoSD size Rainbow fairy, and she's super cute in blue. Her outfit is $79.90. The other two fairies are sized for Azone Pure Neemo.


There is also a new style of outfit available, too--a fantasy cat, I'd call it. Burmese, sized for MSD boy (right) is $84.90. Burmilla, sized for MSD girl, is $84.90. You can save some in purchasing these as a set for $159.90. The outfits include overalls (for Burmese) and a dress (Burmilla) and all accessories, plus a tail, cat ear hat or headband, and paw gloves.

All photos are property of DollHeart.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Volks FCS in now online!

Mini Super Dollfie is the Full choice system that is available August 1-10, 2014. More choices will be available soon, but if you have been waiting, don't delay.

Check it out here.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

New LE Fairy of Color Dlight and Wake Up Dlight from Peak's Woods

Dlight - LE FoC from Peak's Woods
Wake-Up Dlight - LE FoC from Peak's Woods
Two new Fairies of Color are available now from Peak's Woods:

Both are available starting at $550 in normal or white skin. Dolls include a random wig, random color of 16mm glass eyes, 1 pair of cotton cushions, and a certificate of authenticity. (The outfits aren't available.) The dolls have the following additional options:
  • suntan, tropical tan, diamond grey, or grey skin - +$80
  • limited edition face-up - +$80
  • limited edition resin handmade eyes Oskar Jewel Wake up Dlight +$35, and Dlight Enchanted Doll Milky +$50
  • special hand and nail parts +$30 for colored resin, +$25 for normal and white skin
  • hand blushing and nail art in coral or black +$40
  • heel feet +$30 for colored resin and $25 for normal or white skin
These are limited edition sculpts and won't be offered after August 31, 2014. (These won't be offered as a basic.) They are being sold with a normal bust and a split thigh. Layaway is available, but orders placed cannot be cancelled. Deposit for layaway must be at least $200 for any colored resin option (this is a new thing from regular layaway).

You can upgrade your doll to the AB Femme body for an additional $40, but only white or normal skin is available. (I'd suggest you check out Rogita and Rogita Blossom before you do this--I think these girls might be scaled down versions with special face-ups, and Rogita is a pretty good match for a taller doll.)

For all the details, check out Peak's Woods announcement.

Photos are property of Peak's Woods.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Save 10% off Mystic Kids from Junkyspot

Junkyspot is offering 10% off the already low prices of all in-stock Mystic Kids! These dolls are a relatively new company, but have a good reputation, some fantastic face sculpts, and even better prices. If you are looking for a lower priced introductory doll, this might be a good time to dive into the hobby. Junkyspot is a great place for shopping, too! The sale lasts through August 1, 2014.

Monday, June 30, 2014

FOC Lolita special nail hand parts released!


You must think I'm crazy for doing a post just on hand parts (has she been taking her meds?) and yes, I have, in fact! But I love, love, love this hands, and have been hoping they would become part of Peak's Woods general line since the KBJD Show and they were included with Tristan.

They have elegant long nails and just the most beautiful poses. My dolls don't really have jobs. Their day job is to stand around and look pretty, haughty, and demanding. These hands add to their personality so much I can hardly hand it! (Get the pun?)

The fingers are long and elegantly sculpted. I think it's the right hand that has the middle and the ring finger nearly crossed over each other. Oh--and they can wear FR:16 (Tulabelle, Poppy Parker Fashion Teen) size Integrity Toys rings.

The price for un unpainted pair is $25. You can choose normal or white skin. Add $30 if you'd like nail color and blushing. For nail color, you can choose pink, purple, color, or none. Add crystals for $10.

I haven't found out whether these will be a permanent addition to the line as of yet. But just to be on at the safe side--your girl might just need a pair, so don't wait. I asked--and heard that they will be making guest appearances with limited edition dolls at least, if not being permanently added to the line. They haven't quite decided if they will be part of the general line yet.



Peak's Woods re-releases blue-grey skin Vampire Fairies FoFs--for 10 days--starting NOW!

Lady Alice Vampire Fairy
I'm so excited to see that Peak's Woods is currently offering these little tinies again in their gorgeous blue-grey skin. After seeing it in person at the KBJD Show, I realized I totally missed out!


For a limited time--July 1-10, 2014 only--Peak's Woods is offering their Vampire FoF Fairies for sale in that skin tone once more. Basic starting price is $302. Here are your options:

  • boy or girl body
  • no make-up, VF Basic makeup $60, or VF LE makeup $70
  • bite mark on the torso $10 (option)
  • bite mark painting ($5)
Each doll includes an FOF doll in grey skin (other are available, but you'd order them through the basic page), one extra pair of posing hands, 14mm acrylic eyes, pair of cotton cushion, certificate of authenticity, and a box.

Four sculpts are available:
  1. V.F. Lady Alice (above)
  2. V.F. Leo
  3. V.F. Sir Tin
  4. V.F. Hucky 
You only have 10 days to decide--so don't delay!

Leo Vampire Fairy
Sir Tin Vampire Fairy
Hucky Vampire Fairy

More important Peak's Woods news NOT to be missed

This is from the Peak's Woods website:

Part 1. Limited Edition FOF Pinocchio(26cm)
Type :
1)LE FOF Pinocchio_Human version in Blue-grey, Suntan, Normal, White skin
2)LE FOF Pinocchio_Marionette version in Blue-grey, Suntan, Normal, White skin

*Ordering Period : July 1 ~ July 31. 2014 (Layaway Available)
*Two face up options are available.
*Fullset purchase offers a $30 discount.
*FOF Pinocchio will not be released as a Basic.
[I just did a post on these guys today!]

Part 2. Limited Edition, the Fairy of Diamond, FOC Dlight(58cm)
Type :
1)LE FOC Dlight in Diamond-grey, Suntan, Normal, White skin with Normal Bust and Split Thigh type
1)LE FOC Wake up Dlight in Diamond-grey, Suntan, Normal, White skin with Normal Bust and Split Thigh type

*Ordering Period : August 1 ~ August 31. 2014 (Layaway Available)
*Two face up options are available.
*FOC Dlight and Wake up Dlight will not be released as Basics.
[As this event isn't till August, you'll see my post around then. But EEEEEK, I can't wait.]


EVENTS
1.Rerelease of Vampire Fairies in Blue-grey skin(V.F. Lady Alice, V.F. Leo, V.F. Sir Tin, V.F. Hucky).
*Both LE make up & Basic make up are available
:Ordering Period : July 1 ~ July 10
[I'm working on a post about this now--and this is happening now! Don't wait!]

2.Rerelease of Monthly Fairy in suntan skin(ONLY Basic make up is available).
:Ordering Period : July 1 ~ July 10
[OMG OMG OMG--I think a heart attack is coming on! I'm thrilled!]

3.FOC Special nail parts will be available for sale from July 1.
[I don't know if these are a permanent addition, but I'm so thrilled my girls won't have to be fighting anymore. They even come painted if you like!]

4.Monthly Fairy will be available in normal skin from July 1.
[Again--save some money for the normal skin release, too--these guys are amazing!!]

5.Free shipping will be offered for the total purchase of $1000 USD and over than that.
:Ordering Period : July 1 ~ August 31 (The same advantage will be offered to Layaway orders)
[OMG--I think I can handle that. Wow. But the question is--will my husband forgive me?]

*Please contact us first with a list of your order and order details before placing an order.

(If you have a member grade, for example if your mamber grade is Bronze, please remember that the final price after discount counts for the condition above)


PHOTO CONTEST
*Theme : Light

*Terms & Conditions :
1)The model has to be PW doll or dolls.

2)One person submits ONE PIECE ONLY using PW facebook or photo gallery on PW website from August 1 to August 10, 2014. (It is Korean time and if you don't keep the timeline, you might be disqualified)

3)No size limit but the quality of the picture has to be clear.

4)The picture has to be taken by the contestant.

*Prize
Diamond : The Fairy of Diamond, Dlight (in normal or white skin) with no face up
Sapphire : FOF Leo (in Blue-grey skin) with no face up
Ruby : Any Monthly Fairy that the winner chooses (in tan skin) with no face up

*A little change in plan could happen.

Thank you very much for your precious time and interest.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

On to one more quick post about the Vampire FoF dolls!

New Pinocchio LEs from Peak's Woods!


Oh my--if you're inspired by Peak's Woods tiny Fairy of Fairytales dolls, check out July's special limited edition--Pinocchio! Important info from Peak's Woods first:


  1. LE FOF Pinocchio_Human version in Blue-grey, Suntan, Normal, White skin
  2. LE FOF Pinocchio_Marionette version in Blue-grey, Suntan, Normal, White skin

Ordering Period : July 1 ~ July 31. 2014 (Layaway Available)
Two face up options are available.
Full-set purchase offers a $30 discount.
FOF Pinocchio will not be released as a Basic.


There are two new sculpts available. The human boy version (above) has a big smile (he's just become a real boy, after all!), huge eyes, and reminds me a little of Mr. Hollow. Pinocchio marionette version has the same large eyes and mouth (but isn't smiling quite so large), and he has a round, stick-shaped nose (we can see he must have already told at least one lie, from the face-up in the photo). Face-ups are beautiful as usual, and are hand painted by Dhar. Here's a closer look at the marionette version:


For both dolls, you may choose from the following options:
  1. boy or girl body
  2. normal, white, suntan (shown on human boy) $50, or gray skin (shown on marionette) $50
  3. no make-up, human boy makeup $70, or marionette makeup $80
  4. outfit--hat, shirt, suspender shorts (I think these are one piece), bow tie, socks) $78
  5. handmade resin jewel eyes by Oscar in pink green or aqua blue $35
  6. shoes $20
  7. all the accessories: add full set (wig, jewel eyes, outfit and shoes) $118 (saves $30)
Basic doll alone includes the assembled doll, an extra pair of hands, a pair of cotton cushions, certificate of authenticity, and box.

Interestingly, I don't see where you purchase the wig a la carte. I'm guessing the wigs are regular stock and can be found here:
  • Human boy is wearing FOF Wig_Royal Cut-Dark Chocolate $15
  • Thought it's currently sold out, I think marionette might be wearing some similar to FOF/YoSD PW Wig P-09, though probably in color F4--the heat resistant platinum shade, and style differently. This one is $27.

At any rate--I'm delighted to see new limited edition tinies--and these guys are so sweet. I love how daring and goth the marionette is. The eyes certainly add that extra spooky touch! And I also love that the human boy has a lovely smile. You hardly ever see happy BJDs that don't look creepy--and this guy is adorable with that smile. And tan. Will I be able to resist? Hmm.

(Did you catch my little joke there?)

All photos are property of Peak's Woods.