Doll Owner's Corner: Bjd Doll Boxes

First of the month, time for another Doll Owner's Corner. When I, the doll owner, talk about whatever I want.

This month's topic:

Doll Boxes

Typically when you order a ball jointed doll it is shipped to you in a shipping box and packed in the company box, a.k.a. the doll box. Some companies use doll carrier bags instead, but it seems to be primarily the box.

Many of them have soft pillowy cushions inside to further protect your doll, which is usually already wrapped up in bubble wrap and foam anyway. Some companies skip the cushion and use plastic "pillows" or foam, that's what happened with Makoto.

Some companies and dealers like to tuck a few gifts and random stuff inside too, or at least the other things you ordered at the same time as your doll. The Junkyspot was always unique about their little gifts.

Of course, after unboxing the dolls and accessories, what do you do with the boxes.

The majority of bjd collectors saved them, as seen on this thread and poll on Den of Angels. They frequently pack them away to use if and when the time comes to sell the doll.

Having the original box or even the original shipping box makes it easier to ship the sold doll to its new owner and to prove authenticity, especially if your doll didn't have a certificate of authenticity. Yes, bjd knockoffs are a thing, but that's a topic for another day.

But if you are like me and can't bear the thought of selling your precious doll family, your choices are either to toss/recycled them or use them for storage.

I used to use them to store the dolls after "playing". I also occasionally used them as a seat for the dolls while playing, as seen in this group photo from when Yuki got his body. That's Usagi's doll box, it can be spotted in a lot of other photos too.

After a while though, the number of boxes increased and I had to devote more and more of my limited space to store them. It didn't help that several of them were getting worn out.

First, I started weeding them out and storing multiple dolls in the same box. Finally, I got rid of them all and replaced them with these storage bins from Ikea. They are stackable, come in several sizes to fit my needs (perfect for other hobbies too), and can fit several dolls even when wrapped in their cushions.

I have one larger bin for Hikaru and the other Msd sized dolls. A smaller, bin for all the Yosds and the animals. Plus, another bin to store clothes and accessories. These are sorted into little bags labeled with the name of the doll.

This system works better for me, but I still kind of miss the doll boxes. There is something fun about opening a box with the name of the doll company and seeing all that lies within. But, I guess that's why we have unboxing posts.

That's all for today. Coming up this month is more unboxings, tutorials, and possibly a fashion show?

Look forward to it.

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Late Bjd Unboxing: Smart Doll Mirai or the Giant of Vinyl

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info. Thanks!

As it was revealed in a previous post, we have a "new" doll, who arrived about seven years ago.

She did have a proper unboxing and we did make her feel at quite home, but due to Anna's negligence, we haven't spoken of it until now.

So, let us take a stroll down memory lane and view these lovely older photos back when we first received Mirai, the Smart Doll.

Here we are when Mirai arrived on November 25, 2018. 

The shipping box appeared deceptively small, and the brand "Smart Doll" wasn't a familiar company to me. Likely because they don't manufacture resin dolls like myself. Anna neglected to mention until later that they are vinyl dolls similar to Dolfie Dreams made by Volks.

None of us quite knew what to expect.

Inside the box was a novelty tote bag with a humorous caption.

I suppose it is a bit stylish, but maybe a little too casual for my tastes.

Here we have Usagi peaking in to see her "new friend".

Inside we discovered Mirai securely wrapped in bubble wrap and in a kneeling position along with another box full of wonders.
 

It included a couple of accessories that I've been told are included with all Smart Dolls, plus some items Anna chose to purchase along side Mirai (Like the Japanese flashcards, sadly they've been discontinued).

And here is Mirai, freshly unwrapped and beaming. She was so thrilled to finally come to her new home.

At her full height of 60 cm (23.6in), she towers over us all. She is the same size as a 1/3 scale or SD sized ball jointed doll.

Anna has stated that one of the reasons she chose to purchase Mirai instead of a larger resin doll is because vinyl dolls are much lighter in weight.

And here is her wig. It seems all Smart Dolls come with their own wig at no extra cost. Quite convenient, especially for doll owners who may forget to order such necessities in a timely matter.

Anyway, the wig is a snug fit and was already cut and styled to suit Mirai's face.

Anna ordered a second of eyes in a purplish hue, unfortunately to this day she has yet to use them. 

It is a shame, because we have confirmed that it the simplest thing to installed new eyes in a Smart Doll. Perhaps I could use them, except they are much too large my own purposes.

Mirai came with a custom stand to help with balance. It came packaged with this helpful instruction card.

Although some of the instructions seem peculiar, what does it mean "don't feed after midnight"?

The stand fits Mirai well and is most useful and practical. 

Standing beside her, her remarkable height seems even more incredible.

Sakura was bold enough to ask Mirai to lift her.

Mirai was only to happy to indulge the child. She actually offered me the same experience, but I politely declined.

There arose a slight problem when it came time to present the "new doll" dress. It was a tad too short and much too tight for a 1/3 scale doll like Mirai.

Anna quickly improvised a substitute. She cut off the sleeve to a long-sleeved knit top.

Not quite what I had in mind, but at least Mirai was decently dressed.  Anna did mention that it reminded her of the Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid.

And that in a nutshell, is how Mirai came into our home.

Now seven years later, here is Mirai today.

Anna made her a form fitting sundress using this sweet pink polka doll cotton, trimmed with some of my favorite lace. The style is similar to many dresses she has made for myself and the other dolls (see Of Bjd Fashion: Dresses to Sew and a Tutorial).

Due to Mirai's unique measurements, Anna had to sew in an extra set of darts to get just the perfect fit. 

To complete the ensemble, Anna also made Mirai a pair of sandals just like my own fine pair, only much larger (see Of Bjd Fashion: Improved Lace Sandals with a Tutorial).

Mirai has settled into our doll family, the children are particularly taken with her.

"Mirai! How can I be as tall as you?"

"Sakura, why do you want to be taller?"

"I want to be as big as you! Or even bigger like Anna! Then I could eat as much donuts as I want, and even lift Ghost Lady above my head! Right?"

"...Um, Sakura. I don't think Hikaru would be happy about that..."

Oh, you are quite right about that Yuna.

And Sakura, for the thousandth time, my name is Hikaru. Not Ghost Lady!

Sigh.

That is all for today my dear readers, be at peace.

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Finding Doll Props: Driven, The Little Truck Blind Box

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

Anna has found another new blind box to amuse us ball jointed dolls.

It is from a series called Driven (found here at Target), they consist of tiny toy cars and other vehicles.  I’m sure the children will find them delightful.

Under the wrapper is what appears to be a plastic crate with a door.  Anna claims it is suppose to be a “garage”.

So, let us see what in concealed in the garage.

We see the familiar booklet in all blind box/bag toys, a small blue truck, a three interlocking pieces.

The the brochure tells us that our truck is from their Series I, which consists of 21 vehicles to collect.

Ah, I see now.  The interlocking pieces are intended to be roadways that connect the garages as well.

Anyway, this is our nice little blue truck.  It appears to be quite sturdy and of decent quality for it’s small 1 1/2 inch (4 cm.) size.

The back compartment moves and the back door opens allowing for more realistic play.

So which of our little dolls wishes to play with this adorable little truck.

“Wow! A truck! It’s so cool!  Right?”

“Can I see it too Sakura?”

“Wow, it is nice.”

“Yes, but remember it’s my truck.”

Now Sakura, didn’t you just get some new toys for your birthday?

“Just the one…”

And don’t you already have more toys then anyone else?

“Maybe…”

And Makoto only has one, and you know it’s nice to share.

…

“…Okay, he can have it.”

“Yay, look Yuna, I have a new truck.”

“…Um, it looks nice.  I like the color…”

“Thanks.”

Well, now that’s settled.  I’m sure all of our little dolls will enjoy these trucks in time.  That is, if Anna purchases more of them.  Only time will tell.

Until then, be at peace my dear readers.

Give it a try:

• DRIVEN Pocket Series

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Alice’s Collections Shopping Haul: Doll Clothes, Eyes and a Stand?

This post was suppose to go up several months ago, but I never could get around to it until now.  So pretend it is still March when you read it.

Anna placed a smallish order on the fine online bjd store, Alice’s Collections.  There were just a few items we needed for a few particular purposes.

Within two weeks, the package arrived at our door.  Anna thought this was rather quick, however I would have preferred a speedier delivery.

Anyway, let us see what is inside the box.

First, there is a cleaning sponge included as a gift from the store.  These have been wonderful to have on hand.  Sakura is prone to making a mess of herself and Usagi isn’t much better.

(You’re pretty messy too, Hikaru.)

Now this is wonderous piece, it’s a simple white button-down shirt (also available in black) for Yuki.

A simple, yet classic piece with crisp collar and nicely make cuffs.  It is fairly well made for the rather low price.

It was purchased specifically for Yuki as a present for his birthday next month.  It looks wonderful and hopefully it will look just as fine on him.

And it does, much nicer than his t-shirts in my opinion.  The msd size seems to fit him well enough (Check out the dolls’ profile page for Yuki’s measurements, the shirt is available in several other “sizes”).

Next is something more casual, this pair of pink sneakers.

They were purchased for Usagi for her birthday as well.  I can’t say I particularly like them, but I’m positive Usagi will adore them. 

They are fairly well made though.   With decent topstitching, evenly spaced grommets, and sturdy looking lacings they should hold up well.

And as expected, Usagi is quite happy with them, mostly due to their coloring.

“They are so cute! :)”

They fit quite well, much better than the last pair of shoes purchase for her (see Bjd Unboxing: Doll Family H Body and Shoes?).

Both Usagi and Yuki seem quite content with their gifts.

Now for something wonderful, my new petticoat!

Yes, I have simple be dying to have one of my own for so long.  And because my own birthday is coming soon, Anna added it to her order.

(It’s available in black or white and in SD and Msd size.)

It looks so much fuller in person than on the website, but will it be effective?  Let us see.

Here is my fine skirt without any petticoat.

And now, here it is with my new petticoat.  The difference is almost alarming.

My skirt looks so beautiful and I simply cannot wait to try this with some of my favorite dresses. 

There is, however, a downside to all this new volume.

It certainly takes up a bit of space.

“Oh my, your skirt is so huge, but it’s cute too! :)”

“…what happened?…”

And now an important purchase, a pair of glass doll eyes.

Alice’s Collections was having a special event.  If you purchased certain items you could then purchase a pair of eyes of your choice for only $1, a real bargain of a price.

Not wanting to pass up this deal, Anna purchased a 12mm pair in pink for our small cat doll who was still in need of eyes.

Here is our tiny cat without eyes…

…And here she is now.  She can finally see!

And she keeps staring at me.  Why is see staring at me?

“She thinks your skirt is huge too. :)”

Now the final purchase, a doll stand.

Anna has been eyeing this doll stand for awhile.  She has mentioned many times about the little problem we dolls have with standing still for the camera (See this doll bloopers post).

She is hoping this stand will be of some help.  We shall have to test this idea.  However, that will be for another post.

For now, we will all continue to enjoy our new pieces.

Be at peace my dear readers.

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