Naming Our Little Boy Bjd

Much time has past since our newest little ball jointed doll arrived, and he has settled in for the most part.

Sakura and Yuna have grown particularly fond of him, and he of them.  Though it’s hard not to notice his particular fondness of Yuna (awww, it’s so cute).

Anyway, after much consideration Anna has finally decided upon an appropriate name for our only male 1/6 scale ball jointed doll.

So, please allow me to properly present…

Makoto.

The name is rather tricky to say, Anna frequently mispronounces it.  And I have no doubt that she got it from another anime or manga series.

That is correct Hikaru.  The name appears in several different series for a number of different characters, both male and female.  One in particular is Makoto Kino or Sailor Jupiter from the Sailor Moon franchise.  She is the tallest and strongest of the sailor scouts while still being among the most feminine.  Because being “girly” doesn’t mean you can’t be a strong super hero.

The word Makoto can mean sincerity and truth, among other things.   I think it is a perfect name for such a cute little boy, who occasionally get mistaken for a girl.  I could have gone with something more “macho” sounding, but it wouldn’t suit him.  It would be like saying there is something “wrong” with him being so pretty.

I agree, it is a lovely sounding name.  However, to name him after a female super heroine or all things.

However, I’m sure the children will love it.

“Is it really a boy’s name? You were named after a girl?  She is a super hero?!  Do you have super powers now? Can you fly?  Can I see?!  Why are you still wearing a dress?”

…….

“…Um, I like your new name, Makoto.  It’s very cute.”

“Thank you, Yuna. :)”

Well, now that that’s all settled, we can move on to more pressing needs, such as his clothing.  Anna still has yet to sew any new clothing for him.  He can’t continue wearing the “new doll” dress forever, it looks like sleepwear.

I will just have to continue to gently remind her until she comes through for us.

Until then, be at peace my dear readers.

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Naming Dolls: Our Clover Doll Echo

Our newest bjd (Our Clover Doll Echo) has been with us for nearly four months.  My, where has the time gone.

She has since adjusted well to living among us, though something still puzzles me.  She still has yet to say even one word to anyone.  It is quite peculiar to say the least, however it is an almost refreshing change from the constant noise coming from many of the other dolls.

Anyway, since this doll has been with us so long, it is high time that we properly introduce her.  Anna has finally decided on a proper name for her.

So allow me to present…

Misako.

It has such a nice ring to it, but I am certain Anna got it from another anime series or something of that sort.

Yes and no.  I did first hear of this name from a manga series, Kodocha.  The character, Misako Kurata, is an eccentric novelist and mother to the main character.

However, in this case Misako comes from Misako Aoki, a model, President of the Japanese Lolita Association and an official Kawaii Ambassador for Japan.  She also works as a nurse.  That’s right Hikaru, I named our new doll after a real person.

Anyway, according to Wikipedia, the name Misako has several meanings depending on the characters used.  These include “beauty, blossom, child” and “truth, serene, skillful child”.  The fact that we all think this new doll is beautiful is hardly a secret here.  She could easily be a model like her namesake.  It is my hope that with this name, Misako will blossom into a very talented or “skillful” individual.   As soon as we get to know her better.

Well, now at least we know her name, but there is so much about her that is still a mystery.   How will we get to know her if she doesn’t properly speak to us?

“…Um, maybe she is just really shy.  And if we’re nice to her she won’t be so shy anymore...”

You may have a good point Yuna.

Maybe in time she will open up more.  For now let us enjoy a nice cup of tea together.  Tea is wonderful for bonding and harmony.

What is wrong, are you not enjoying your tea?

“…Um, I don’t think she has ever had tea before…”

Well Yuna, there is a first time for everything.  And new experiences will help with her development.  I still wish I knew what Misako was thinking.  Maybe someday.

But for now, be at peace my dear readers.

What Misako is thinking.

(The one with the white hair talks so much.  Why is she so noisy?  Would it be rude to tell her?)

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Naming a New Doll

There are a few basic things needed for any new ball jointed doll, such as our new friend.  These include things like clothing, shoes and wigs which will come in time.   They also include something of great importance…a name.

Anna actually has chosen a name for our new doll already.  In fact she says it came to her almost immediately after coming out of the box.  I find this incredibly surprising.  What name has she chosen to bestow upon this adorable little doll?

Usagi.

“Hikaru, what does Usagi mean?” Is what she asked me when she first heard it.

I thought it was one of the most bizarre sounding names I have ever heard, but that’s what I believed about my own name at first (see What's in a Name?).  I then discovered the true meaning of it, and now I positively adore it.  So I’m sure Anna must have a sensible reason behind this peculiar name.

Honestly, I took one look at that doll and thought, “her face looks like Sailor Moon.”  I later thought, why not go with it. 

The name Usagi means rabbit, so it is kind of cute, like a bunny (“Hikaru, what’s a bunny?”).  And when not defending justice, Sailor Moon is just Usagi Tsukino.  A kind, friendly and cheerful girl, when she isn’t being a crybaby.  I thought that this would make a perfect name for this almost too cheerful, perky doll.

Just as I thought, another anime reference. 

I guess it is somewhat fitting for her.  To say the least she does have enough energy to be a rabbit, and she is constantly giggling.

Well now that this has been settled, if you will please excuse me, I need to stop Usagi.  I don’t care what “bunnies” do, hopping on the furniture is not proper behavior for a doll.

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Doll Owners Corner: Behind the Scenes Round 2

First of the month again and the first of the year too.  Time for another Doll Owner’s Corner where I, the doll owner, get to share whatever I want without a certain doll butting in.

This month, I’m sharing more behind the scenes blooper photos.  They are just too much fun not to post.  For those of you who are new, you can see the first batch of bloopers here.

First up is from this post about my last craft haul.  Hikaru was in another silly mood and decided to “try on” some of the fake flowers I bought.  Probably a bit too big for her.

She spent a good amount of time trying to think of reasons why pretty much everything I bought should be used for her.  This is her trying carry it all away when my back was turned.

This photo came from a different shoot, not sure which one.  I was adjusting some things and the sheet just came down and suddenly it’s “where’s Hikaru?”

This photo was taken when Hikaru got her pink dress (see It's Finish! and It's Gorgeous).  The matching hair accessory is a pain to get on and even more so to keep on her head as you can see.

When Hikaru opened some of her presents early (see Early Christmas Presents), I thought that the stocking cap she got looked like a gnome hat when pointed up.  What do you think?

 When showing off her coat for that same post there was a little mishap.  Hikaru fell flat on her back knocking over the backdrop. 

I would have found it funnier if it wasn’t for the fact that she landed right into a patch of bright sunlight that was coming in from the window.  Resin and sunlight don’t mix, it accelerates the yellowing that comes with age.  So a few years from now, if Hikaru’s face looks yellower than the rest of her body we will all know why.

This is from yesterday’s post.  A photo of Hikaru with her presents that came out beautifully if it wasn’t for the toothbrush in the background.  When taking pictures of dolls it is always good to have a toothbrush handy to fix their hair, but not so good to have it get in the shot.

This also from the same post.  Hikaru couldn’t wait to try on her new shoes, so she attempted to put them on herself.  She didn’t realize there was some packaging material inside the shoes.  She wondered why they were so hard to get on.

That’s all for now, but look forward to more behind the scenes shots as well as other fun stuff coming this new year.

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Doll Owner’s Corner: Behind the Scenes

It’s the first!  Time for Doll Owner’s Corner.  Where I, the doll owner, get to take over and say anything I want.  For this month, I thought I would share a few behind the scenes photos to show a little of what it is like to manage a bjd and her blog.  Plus it’s a good way to show other aspects of Hikaru’s personality.

This was taken when Hikaru was trying out the tea set I got for her (See It Starts with a Cup). You try taking a photo and trying to pour tea at the same time.  At least the other shots of her with that cup came out well.

Speaking of cups.  Remember that red plastic cup from the same post?  Hikaru said she might as well wear it as a hat then use it as a cup, and so she did.  I told you she had more fun with it then she let on.

Remember the skirts I made for Hikaru (see Of BJD Fashion: Circle Skirts)?  There was one that came out a little too big for her.  I had to pin it in back to fit her for the photos, but this is what it looked like as is.  I also tried to take the photos of her standing up on a table, but the lighting was all wrong.  Hikaru thought it made her look frightening, I have to agree.  She looks like something from a horror themed wax museum.

Remember when we were “discussing” what wig I should get for Hikaru (See A Problem Concerning Doll Hair)?  This is a shot I got of her browsing wigs on my computer, without permission by the way.  You can see her drooling over that blond wig she wanted so badly.  Of course we went with my choice, and we’re both happy with it. 

This is a great shot, it’s when I came back from the thrift store bag sale (see Thrift Store Treasures).  Hikaru literally crawled into the bag looking for anything I might have brought for her.

Here’s her actually inside the bag, she’s a little shocked that she didn’t find anything.  Hence the dazed look.

That didn’t stop her from rummaging through what I did bring home, that was the point of that post anyway.  The problem was that her sandals weren’t designed for all that activity.  They kept on slipping off her feet.

This is from when Hikaru’s wig finally came (see It's Here At Last! Or a Wig Review).  It was late at night and we were both in a bit of a silly mood.  Here’s Hikaru trying to touch her toes in her new wig.

I said before that I’ve read that toothbrushes are great for using on doll hair, so here’s Hikaru being brushed.  I’m afraid she looks a little cross in the photo.  I hadn’t successfully convinced her yet that the toothbrush is a good thing.

At least it’s a good thing when you don’t brush too hard.  This is what can happen if you do, the wig goes flying off.  Luckily Hikaru didn’t immediately notice.  She thought I just took it off to adjust it.

Here’s another one of Hikaru showing her silly side.  While taking pictures of Hikaru and Zippy (see Ball Jointed Dolls and Plush Toys), my sister commented on how strange he looks with that large clip.  This is Hikaru demonstrating the usefulness of that clip.  Who says she doesn’t have a sense of humor?

I will probably show more behind the scenes shots in the future, it’s just so much fun.  And I really think it’s important to show how much fun Hikaru can be, that is when she lets loose a little.  It’s a side of herself she should embrace more, and maybe she will in the future.  Here’s to someday.

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Doll Owner’s Corner: First Month

It’s Anna.  This is the start of a special series on this blog, Doll Owner’s Corner.  Where I, the doll owner, gets full reign to discuss anything I want without Hikaru butting in.  It will occur the first day of each month. 

Why did Hikaru agree to this?  Well as she puts it, she is a “gracious and generous” doll.   Plus, despite how she acts, I have full control over everything including the computer.  What I say goes.

Anyway, it’s over a month since this blog was created.  Time certainly does fly.  So far, no one has yet to tell me I’m crazy or what not for running a blog written by a doll.  But that’s probably on their minds. 

Why would someone relatively “normal” set up a blog for a ball jointed doll.  Simple, I like blogs.  Hikaru has mentioned at least once or twice that I have a mostly craft blog, although she does neglect to mention my maze blog.  I guess that one doesn’t appeal to her. 

Anyway, not only do I blog, but I read blogs.  Many are craft blogs, but also other topics too.  I have a tendency to seek out blogs covering many different interests of mine.  So when I became interested in ball jointed dolls, I started to seek out blogs on the topic.  I found there are plenty of people who blog about their dolls, some also vlog which is also fun. 

I started to think it would be fun to have a doll blog too, so I started thinking how best to go about it.  Then I thought it would be fun to see a doll blog written from the point of view of a ball jointed doll.  Luckily Hikaru was more than open to the idea, as she mentioned in her intro.  Things just went on from there. 

It really has been fun for the both of us.  One of my favorite things is taking pictures of Hikaru for the blog.  Also coming up with new topics for Hikaru.  You didn’t think she did it all on her own did you?  Sometimes I have to drop a few hints.  Whatever works. 

Anyway, we’re going strong and will continue on.  Here’s to many more months of “playing with dolls”.

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A Problem Concerning Doll Hair

First off, I would like to show everyone something simply marvelous. 

 

As many of you may know already, my dear human Anna has an account on an intriguing website called Pinterest.  It has served as a wonderful way for her to organize various sources of information and ideas.  She has boards for so many different subjects of importance, so naturally she created this one:

 

It’s a board solely for my benefit.  She pins ideas for things she wishes to make or purchase for me.  I am quite pleased with this and frequently assist her in finding more items to pin.

 

Of course we must get to the point.  Some of the items she pins includes wigs.  Despite being unboxed for nearly two months, I am tragically without hair.  But thankfully Anna intends to remedy this soon. 

 

That is, as soon as we can decide on a wig.  I’m afraid Anna and myself have hit a small snag.  We can’t quite agree on a wig.

 

 

This is my choice.  Glorious isn’t it?  The flowing curls that shine like gold.  It would look ravishing on me.  Anna has her doubts about it for some reason. 

 

She also has the nerve to say the curls will get in the way.  As if I’m the type of clumsy bjd who would allow themselves to get tangled up in their own hair.  Preposterous.

 

This is the wig she thinks would suit me better.  I do actually quite like it to tell the truth.  The softness of the fibers and color lend an ethereal feel to it.  I would look positively angelic in it.  But still, to say that this would suit me more than the golden glory.  What is she thinking?

I can explain.  It’s true that the first wig is very well suited for Hikaru, but only to the doll she believes herself to be.  The real truth is that she may think very highly of herself, to the point of sounding totally full of it, but that’s mostly her fantasy. 

I was staring at some photos of her the other day and it hit me.  I didn’t see the beautifully elegant lady she tries to make herself to be.  I saw a young girl trying a little too hard to be all proper and refined.  And I think that doll would look much better in the white wig.  The pretty yet usual color makes it elegant, but the simple yet lovely style works way better for Hikaru. 

At least compared to large curls that make her constantly look like she is over dressed.  And they could quite easily get wrapped over everything or tangled in her joints and stuff.  One has to be practical at least some of the time.

I suppose there is some truth in what Anna says about me and the wig.  I’m not too proud to admit it.  But it is but a tiny fragment of truth.  And I am still not fully convinced that the curls wouldn’t be absolutely stunning on me. 

So I’ll leave it in the hands of my wonderfully kind and loyal readers.  Please let Anna know which wig would truly suit me best.  You have my thanks.

Edit: We've, or I should say, I have already decided on a wig and placed an order.  You can check this post to see how Hikaru took it.

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Building Character

Anna here, I thought it was about time to explain a few things about Hikaru.  Namely why she is as she is.

The inspiration for her character came from several sources. One of them is the classic book A Little Princess.  I received a copy of it for Christmas when I was about 12. 

I loved that book, my favorite part was toward the beginning when the main character, Sara went shopping with her father for her new wardrobe and to find Emily, her doll.  The description of the grand wardrobe purchased for such a small child, as well as an equally grand wardrobe for the doll after finally finding her was what initially drew me in.  It actually took a while for me to finish the book the first time because I kept on re-reading this part. 

I eventually finish the story, learning more of both Sara and Emily and the time period they lived in.  Much of Hikaru’s mannerisms, not to mention tastes in clothing and such, came from what I know and love about A Little Princess. 

Now another source of inspiration came from an anime series (Oh dear no) called Gosick.  The character in that is a girl named Victorique who at times is what I like to call pleasantly unpleasant.  She is extremely intelligent but easily bored and enjoys solving puzzles and mysteries brought to her by her detective brother and her only friend Kujo. 

She wears rather elaborate frilly clothes and appears to be a well brought up girl, but if she thinks you’re an idiot she will let you know.  And she can be so incredibly stubborn.  She is still a good person and has people she cares about deeply. 

Hikaru gets a lot of her personality from this character.  Actually I think Hikaru took it in a whole new direction, dolls can do that sometimes.  You have this whole idea of how they will look and act and stuff, and then they show up and it mostly goes out the window.  But it’s so much fun to watch.  Who knows how she will evolve as an individual.  Only time will tell.

To say that A Little Princess is a classic is an understatement.  It is one of the finest and most informative works of literature for young minds.  That Sara Crewe knew how to treat a doll properly, except for that one minor lapse in judgment further along in the book.  I won’t say much more for fear of spoiling the book for others.  But I will say this, Anna could learn a few things from Miss Sara. 

As for Victorique, I suppose she is a little blunt at times when critiquing others, but this I think has more to do with her youth than anything else.  Why Anna says I take after her I don’t know.  Sure we both are vastly more intelligent and talented than those around us.  Not to mention we are both equally blessed with transcendent beauty and exquisite taste.  She is still a lovely girl, and for Anna to refer to her as “pleasantly unpleasant” is completely misguided.  I will have to have a little talk with her over this matter later. 

Looks like I’m in for a lecture from Hikaru.  Funny how she calls it a “little talk”.  Let’s just say that the only thing that can be described as ‘little” is her own stature.  And I only meant Victorique was sometimes pleasantly unpleasant.  Hikaru is a different story.  Oh well, I hope this helped you get to know HIkaru a little better. 

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What’s in a Name?

I have been thinking quite a bit about my name.  Of all the great names in this world, Anna bestowed upon mean the name of “Hikaru”, after a character in a manga. 

I wanted to know if this name was truly worthy of a doll such as myself, so I did a small bit of research.  Google is a wonderfully useful tool.

According to that brilliant site known as Wikipedia, Hikaru is a Japanese verb that means “to shine”.  Depending on the kanji used it can mean “light” or “radiance”.  Definitely words that describe me.  Just says what I’ve always known, I am a glowing ray of light among the darkness of despair here to bring a glimmer of hope to those more unfortunate souls around me.  Yes, this name will do quite nicely. 

Now I guess I should clear up a few things.

The manga in question, Angelic Layer, is about a girl named Misaki who discovers a game called Angelic Layer while on her way to live with her aunt.  It is played using robots called Angels, they are basically extremely customizable dolls very much like bjds.  Misaki learns this very quickly as well as how expensive they are, also just like bjds. 

Of course at the time I had never heard of a ball jointed doll, but the idea of a doll that could be customized that much sounded great to me.  I had almost always liked dolls growing up and reading this manga rekindled that interest. 

Over the years I discovered and learned about a great many different types of dolls, but none quite fit what I wanted in a doll.  Then I discovered the ball jointed doll.  It looked promising until I saw a price tag and turned around.

Years later I looked again and learned some more about them. Here was a beautiful, exceptionally pose-able doll that could be customized to look and be exactly what I want or should I say what I would like it to be. I found my “Angel”.

Since it mostly started with Angelic Layer, it seemed fitting to name my doll after one of the characters.  And it has absolutely nothing to do with the name meaning “radiance” or whatever despite what Hikaru wants to believe.  It may be true that she is a bit of a “ray of light among the darkness of despair”, but it is also true that she sometimes is the cause of some of that despair thanks to that personality of hers.  I’ll explain where that comes from later.

Okay, I get it. The meaning of the word had nothing to do with the choosing of my name. But you do have to admit that is is most fitting of me, it must be destiny. 

And what exactly does she mean by saying my personality causes some despair?  I guess that explanation will come another day.

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Introduction

My name is Hikaru.  I’m a 1/4 scale ball jointed doll.  I was made by Mystic Kids (they called me “Evelyn”) and purchased here at the Junky Spot by my human friend, Anna.  You can learn more about her at her blog, she blogs about sewing and such.  She does tend to ramble on, and she does seem kind of flaky at times.
 


I remember when I first arrived.  She waited a day to open the box, waiting for the perfect moment no doubt.  Eventually she unboxed me on May 29, 2015.  I would guess that is my birthday. 


Anyway, there I was no face, no hair, no clothes and in the hands of a complete amateur on bjds.  I was her first and only ball jointed doll after all.  I thought, “what in the world have I gotten myself into?” 

But I am a patient and gracious doll, and it’s not all that terible.  Anna may be new at this but she makes up for it in other areas.  If anything the girl can sew, take a look at her blog a little and you’ll agree.  The clothing she makes does make you take a second look. Plus she isn’t that new to making doll clothes, just when it comes to making ones suitable for my exquisite resin form.  She will learn, with time she will learn.

About the name Hikaru,  Anna says it comes from a manga series she read years ago.  Angelic Layer by Clamp.  I’m named for a doll belonging to the main character, it’s technically a robot, but humans are funny like that.  Anna says the series was a stepping stone in her current interest in dolls and in bjds.  I find the series amusing myself and the character “Hikaru” is an agreeable doll, but I’m hoping Anna won’t be too inspired by her appearance.  That hair is really not to my taste, the clothing as well.

Let’s get to the point.  Many dolls do have distinct opinions and feeling on various matters, I am no different on this matter.  Many times it is difficult to express these opinions and such to others, besides one’s personal human that is, and this is especially vexing for a doll such as myself. 

I explained my need to be heard to Anna, using words she could easily understand, and she suggested I start a blog.  The things humans come up with now.  But I had to admit it was a good idea, I’m afraid I may have underestimated my human.  She has more going on in that flaky little head of hers than I initially thought. 

Anyway, what you see here is an ongoing work from the both of us.  Both because my lovely dolly hands are too delicate (and small) for typing.  That’s one reason to keep humans around as companions. 

Most of the words are my own, but being of a generous nature I will allow Anna to have a word in here and there.  Her words will appear in pink font, the girl has a strange obsession for that color.  I guess there are worse ones to choose, at least pink is flattering for both our complexions. 

Enough about colors, I look forward to sharing with all my admirers from now on.

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