Of Bjd Fashion: Improved Lace Sandals with a Tutorial

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Anna has reached the end of her crafting challenge on her own blog.  However, that doesn’t rid her of her obligation to clothe us dolls.

Anyway, for this final week, Anna chose to craft some doll sized footwear for Usagi.

Sandals to be exact.  How very appropriate for the current warm weather.  I do remember receiving my first pair of sandals (see Of Bjd Fashion: Lace and Ribbon Sandals).  I am sad to say that mine are not nearly as well designed as this new pair made for Usagi.

The lace used is wonderful, the ribbon edge too, and the soft foam soles are like walking on air.  Plus, the well secured straps prevent any accidental loss of footwear.

Anna also made this pair of sandals for Usagi as well.  They are considerably more on the casual side. 

Though I do love the use of that same wonderful lace, she left out all the details that make the other pair so beautiful and practical.  I suppose there is some benefit in how quick they are to put on.

Still, Usagi loves both pairs of shoes.  She hasn’t stopped staring at them since she received them.

Someone else hasn’t stopped staring at her own tiny toes either.  Anna made a couple pairs of sandals for little Sakura as well.

This pair is a slightly more simplified version of the delightful sandals she made for Usagi. 

Anna used elastic instead of ribbon for the ankle strap.  It is a bit more practical for a yosd sized doll, and thankfully doesn’t detract from the overall aesthetic.

Sadly, Anna also made another pair of the overly simplified sandals for Sakura.  Mark my words, the child will lose them by the end of the week.

Still, she seems to be enjoying them immensely. 

Anyway, I shall spend the rest of the day watching my fellow dolls fuss over their brand new sandals, while I shall be content with my old, poorly designed pair.

“Anna told me to give these to you Miss Ghost Lady.”

“She made them just for you because she thought you needed a new pair.”

…Thank you…

…..

…And my name isn’t Ghost Lady!

They did it to me again.  Anna surprised me with a new pair of sandals made with this gorgeous lace.  They look wonderful on my dainty feet.  I shall get much use out of them.

And as with many other useful doll items, Anna has made another video tutorial to teach others how to make these beautiful sandals.

May the video prove helpful.

Now since we all have proper footwear, it would be a fine time to go outside and find a pleasant place to have some tea.  Right ladies?

Sorry Hikaru, they can’t hear you because they are admiring their new sandals.

I suppose it’s fine to have our tea at home.  Plus it is much easier to admire my own fine new footwear without fear of getting them dirty.  Be at peace my dear readers.

Give it a try:

• Aleene's® Original Tacky Glue®
• Creatology Foam Sheet, 12" x 18"
• ArtMinds Fashion Mini Glue Gun

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Of Bjd Fashion: Darling Little Sun Dresses

As part of Anna’s blog challenge, Anna made some more delightful doll clothes.  This time she made something for Sakura who was quite terribly in need of something more fitting to wear.

Anna made three darling little dresses for our dear little Sakura.  She couldn’t have been more thrilled by them.

The first dress is made of the same fabric as my red violet sun dress (see Of Bjd Fashion: Dresses to Sew and a Tutorial). 

The dress is also very similarly designed except for the sweet ribbons that tie at her shoulders.  A detail found in all of the dresses made this time.

The next dress is made from the same fabric as my beautiful blue floral skirt (see Of Bjd Fashion: Circle Skirts). 

I am a little distressed by this since Anna did promise to make a dress for me with the same fabric.  I will not fret over it since it looks lovely on Sakura.

The last dress is made from a charming off-white floral print.  And what could possibly be more beautiful than the sight of a beautiful ball jointed doll in a such a lovely dress?

Three beautiful ball jointed dolls in lovely dresses.

Anna was kind enough to make matching dresses for all of us.  Usagi and Sakura are overjoyed by this.  I must admit I am quite pleased as well.  This dress is flattering on me and pairs well with my pearl necklace.

Overall, all the dresses came out wonderfully.  Now if only Anna would make a few more accessories for everyone, such as some decent footwear.  For now I am at peace.

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Of Bjd Hair: Reviewing Three Wigs?

As previously mentioned, Anna took advantage of a sale on wigs at Alice’s Collections and a little over a week afterward, the package has arrived.  What joy!

Anna did not receive the package until the evening, but this time she had the patience to wait until morning to open it.  Early morning, which sadly does not offer the best lighting for photos. 

But we can’t delay it anymore, Sakura is very anxious to see her new wig.

Inside the box are three carefully wrapped bjd wigs. 

It is peculiar for there to be three wigs, but Anna shall reveal the reason shortly.

All the wigs are fairly nice quality, especially when you consider their low price ($36.47 total and free shipping). 

Each one has a band of elastic on the inside for a snug fit and the stitching is neatly done.  Isn’t that right, Usagi?

Stop playing with the bubble wrap you two!

Anyway, the first wig is a short blond one sized for a msd or 1/4 sized doll.

Surprisingly, Anna purchased it for Usagi’s friend (see Welcome Home, Doll Family-A Unboxing).  He doesn’t have eyes or a proper body, but now he has suitable hair.  It actually looks quite fine on him.  Makes him appear less…odd.

The other two wigs are sized for a yosd or 1/6 sized doll, but why two?  Sakura is the only ball jointed doll that size around here.

Simply because that won’t always be the case.  I actually plan on buying another yosd sized doll in the future.  In the distant future.  Someone who may make a good little friend for Sakura. 

So I’m planning ahead.  Since the wigs were on sale, why not get another one for that future doll?  Plus, I had trouble trying to choose between these two wigs.  Why not get them both and try them out on Sakura?

So we have to choose then?  Fair enough.

Here is the first of the two wigs.  A long wavy wig, the same shade of blond as Usagi’s friend’s new wig. 

The color looks wonderful on her, but I’m afraid the wig is a bit unruly.  How on Earth will we keep her looking perfectly tidy with such hair?

The next wig is a lovely shade of brown.  Cut and curled just below her chin, it is a very becoming style and would be fairly easy to manage.  I very much approve of this style.

Well then Hikaru, I am sorry to say that Sakura wants the blond wig.  The hair color looks better with her eyes and she really likes it.  Mostly because it is the same color as Usagi’s friend’s wig.

Wonders never cease to amaze me.  But I suppose with a little bit of a trim and careful styling, it may improve to my eyes at least.

And for now, the entire ball jointed doll family has a full head of hair.  And I shall do my best to prevent it from becoming a hairy mess.  (Bad pun.) Be at peace.

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Naming Our Newest Doll and a Little News

Our new ball jointed doll has been with us for about a week and has settled in nicely.  So we have commenced with her lessons.

Our little darling’s first lesson involves drinking tea.

“Miss Ghost Lady, what is this?”

It is tea, dear.  And I am not a ghost, I am Hikaru. 

“What’s tea Usagi?”

“It’s a drink Hikaru insists on drinking all the time.  It calms her down when she gets mad and scary. :)”

“Is it a magic drink?”

Such an imaginative child, who still persists in calling me “Ghost Lady” instead of my name…

Speaking of names, our dear little 1/6 scale doll now has a name of her own.  Anna claims she actually came up with it long before she even decided to order her.  That I find difficult to believe. 

Anyway, the lovely name bestowed upon this dear little doll is…

Sakura

Anna says it means cherry blossom in Japanese.  Knowing Anna, I will assume it is a reference to some sort of anime or manga series as that is the case for both myself and Usagi (see What's in a Name? and Naming a New Doll).

And you are correct about that.  It comes from an incredibly cute manga and anime series called Cardcaptor Sakura. 

The first time I saw the product photo for the Mystic Kids Vanetta sculpt, I thought “She kind of looks like Sakura.”  Similar to how Usagi was named.  The name just stuck with it, right up to the day I placed the order.  Anyway, the name is very cute and pretty just like her, so it fits perfectly.

Now that we’ve explained all that, who wants to move on to something more fun than drinking tea?

“I do!”

“Me too! :)”

Oh honestly!  What’s wrong with enjoying a nice cup of tea.  However, I guess it is time for our next activity.

Anyway, the next lesson today is on computer applications.

Alice’s Collections recently had a sale on bjd wigs and Anna took the opportunity to make a purchase.  She placed the order the same day she purchased Sakura, and the wig is scheduled to arrive within the next couple of days. 

How fortunate for Sakura.  After all, I had to wait over two months for mine. (And Usagi had to wait longer, without complaints.)

In the meantime, this presents the perfect opportunity to educate these two on the wonders of technology.  Namely the ease of online shopping.

Pay attention Usagi!  And Sakura dear, leaning too close to the screen will harm your eyes. 

Now when you click here in Anna’s account, you can access the details and current status of her order.

“Why are there three wigs?”

Oh dear no, who are the other two for?!

You shall know in due time, look forward to it.

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New Arrival: A Mystic Kids Doll Review

The newest member of our ball jointed doll family has arrived.  Anna ordered her from the Junky Spot, and three days later she arrived at our door.  Such efficient service.

Of course we were all eager to meet our newest companion.

Even Usagi’s “friend”, the head (see Welcome Home, Doll Family-A Unboxing) is showing some excitement.

There are numerous notices attached to the package warning of it’s fragile contents.

And inside the initial box of course is the doll box.

Usagi is attempting to listen inside the box.

Upon opening the box, we find a pair of socks of all things.

The words “Attack on Titan” appear to be woven into the socks.  Anna says it is some sort of anime program.

We also uncover a My Little Pony figurine, an edible candy bracelet for a human…

…This large candy lollipop…

…And several other trinkets as well as business cards for the shop. 

This is a sort of trademark for the Junky Spot.  They include several treats and knick-knacks with every order.  Anna says it adds to the fun.

Now the moment we have been waiting for, time to uncover our precious new doll.

Here she is, and….wait, what is on her face?!

That’s right.  Unlike Hikaru and Usagi, I ordered the new doll with a face up (see Doll Owner's Corner: The Face Up).

She is a Mystic Kids Vanetta, at 27 cm. tall she is a yosd sized or 1/6 scale ball jointed doll.

Anyway, the Junky Spot only had this doll in stock with a face up instead of blank, and the sale price was still pretty good anyway.

She looks gorgeous although possibly a little more done up than I was expecting.  Her card here shows the default face up looking a little softer, more subtle.

I was a little surprised by the eyes too.  Bjds usually come with a free pair of eyes in a random color, but both Hikaru and Usagi came with blue.  So I half expected to end up with blue eyes again.  Imagine my surprise to see pink eyes with purple pupils.  They are really pretty though, so it’s okay.

This is information Anna neglected to mention to me.  What a shock indeed.  To see this tiny bjd, fresh out of the box with a full face of makeup.  Meanwhile I’ve been waiting over a year for a face up, but that’s besides the point.

But what’s done is done, now is the time to properly meet our new petite doll.

“Are you a ghost?”

“Is that why your face is colorless?”

“Oh, she’s so cute! :)”

“Wow, your hair is so pretty!”

“This is my friend. :)”

“He isn’t finished yet?  Can I play with him?  Can the ghost lady play too?”

Enough of that, now it is time to get dressed.

Hikaru is using the New Doll dress. 

It is a dress I made before I got her so she would have something to wear until I made something else.  She then passed it on to Usagi until I made Usagi some clothes.  Now this new doll gets to wear it, hence why it’s the “new doll” dress.

Sadly it’s a bit big on her.

It’s humongous, but it has become a tradition and it will do fine for now.  Anna will need to start sewing something more befitting immediately.

In the meantime, we shall help her get acquainted with her new home.   I’m sure she will learn well by my example and will come to greatly admire me.

“Are you sure you aren’t a ghost?”

…..

Yes, she will learn, but it may take some time.

Time and loads of patience.  Be at peace.

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