The Incredible Balloon Wig Cap

One of the absolute strangest gifts I received this past Christmas was as follows.

A package of latex balloons.

Anna bought them for me because she had read in various articles that they could be used to fashion an inexpensive wig cap.

A wig cap is essential to keeping a doll’s precious wig on their head.  And being economical is not such a vulgar thing as some would suggest.  Which is why I agreed to go along with Anna’s idea, as bizzarre as it seemed.

This is coming from the doll that threw a fit when she first saw the balloons thinking it was a bad joke?  The same doll who also called me a miser and a cheapskate for wanting to try this out?

Anyway, the idea with this is to have something worn under the wig to keep it from slipping around or off  the doll’s head.  There are silcone wig caps on the market that run about $5 plus shipping, but I thought it would be good to try this idea first.  After all, I can buy a pack of 15 balloons for a dollar.  And if it works just as well then it’s all good.

It came out looking like a doll size swimming cap.  It was actually a little tricky to use.  I found myself cutting up two balloons before getting a cap that was the right size for Hikaru. 

When I finished that and got the cap on I found it difficult to get her wig on over it.  It was a super snug fit.  But at least now we won’t have to worry about her wig popping off at inconvenient times.

Indeed it was a hassel getting my wig back on.  Here’s the before…

…and after.  I must admit my wig does feel much more secure now.  Now when my hair is brushed and styled I shall be confident that it will remain on my head.  I am also relieved to see that the pink latex can not be seen through my hair.  I was a tad worried.

I do admit I was a bit apprehensive about the effectiveness of this method.  And that the thought of wearing a balloon on my head just so Anna could save a few dollars seemed thoroughly distasteful. 

But this idea did turn out brilliantly.  And now all the money that could have gone to purchasing more expensive wig caps for me can easily go toward other things, also for me.  Maybe I should make another wish list.  For now I am at peace.

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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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Holiday Gifts

Anna can be so aggravating sometimes.  After I succumbed to temptation and opened some of my gifts early, she hid the rest and almost refused to tell me where.  She even tried to claim that there weren’t any more.  The nerve.

Anyway, here they are perfectly safe in such lovely perfectly doll sized boxes.

What’s in the first box?  Something else I have been desperately in need of…

…a pair of shoes.  They are a simple pair of slippers made of felt with darling little bows.  Anna’s very first attempt at making shoes for me.

There was also a pair of tights to wear with them.  To wear shoes without proper stockings would be a disaster indeed.

As you can see they fit me perfectly.  So much so that I’m willing to overlook the slightly visible glue in some areas and other such slight flaws.  This was her first time after all.

Yes I shall get plenty of use from these shoes, that is until Anna makes more or buys some professionally made.  Which ever comes first.

Now for the next present…

…balloons?

What in the world were you thinking?

That’s a question I can definitely answer, because you need them. 

In my last Doll Owner’s Corner post, I mentioned the idea of using a latex balloon as a wig cap to keep a doll’s wig on their head instead of slipping all over the place. 

I figured why not give Hikaru her own bag full of balloons just for this purpose.  That way it will be ages before she needs more and she will also be less likely to experience too many wig mishaps in the future.  Unless of course she wants those to continue, because I certainly don’t mind taking photos of those moments.

Beyond that, I was only joking when I said there wasn’t any more presents.  Maybe next year she will have the patience to wait until morning to open her presents.

I am still happy that the shoes fit well.  And as Hikaru says, they are my first attempt at real bjd shoes with the exemption of the sandals I made last summer.  I used a pattern I created myself with the help of an old library book.  I may post it here later.

As for the future, I may actually buy Hikaru a pair of shoes if she behaves herself, otherwise it will be several more pairs made by me.

And if anyone is curious, the gift boxes are actually a set of jewelry sized boxes I got on clearance last year.  This was before I got Hikaru, so no way to know I would end up using them for this purpose.

Well, I’m glad to hear my dainty feet are in good hands.  And I’m even more so to hear that the balloons aren’t just a silly gag gift, glad and relieved.  And if they work as well as Anna seems to believe then all will be well around here. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year my dear readers.  Be at peace.

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Happy Holidays

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Early Christmas Presents

I should be ashamed right now.  I’m afraid I gave in to temptation and opened some of my Christmas presents early.  Can I really help it if Anna leaves them unattended.

Anyway, the first present is something I have been dying to receive.

A coat!  Anna finally made me a coat.  Just what I really wanted.

I do quite like it.  The silhouette works well for my particular style of dress and the material is quite soft to the touch.

It fits me beautifully, that is except the slight gap toward the top.  Plus the odd way it flares at the bottom.  It makes it seem as if the hem is uneven when it in fact is absolutely perfect.  I do hope this has more to do with the way the coat was packed in the box.  Beyond these slight inconveniences, the coat is perfect.

Along with the coat, I received this lovely matching hat.  It’s a beret style that fits me like a glove.  I am most pleased with it.

In addition to the beret, I received this peculiar hat.  Why in the world would Anna think to gave me a Santa hat?

So it’s my fault she couldn’t wait a few more hours until morning?  Sheesh.  Still, I am glad she likes the coat.  And she is right about the whole packing thing.

I am super happy with how the beret turned out, enough to consider making one for myself. 

As for the Santa hat, Hikaru should know that stocking caps have been worn for ages, not just by Santa too.  Plus there is no harm in wearing one just to be festive.  Where’s her Christmas spirit? 

I do suppose it is the season for such things and it is such a classic style of hat.  So for Anna’s sake and for the sake of Christmas spirit I will don this stocking hat, occasionally.  For now I am at peace.

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Doll Owner’s Corner: Weird Supplies for Dolls

First of the month, time for another Doll Owner’s Corner.  Where I, the doll owner, get to do what ever I want without Hikaru butting in.

This month’s topic: Weird supplies for dolls. 

It is normal to find ways to use everyday objects for other things, this is not a new concept to bjd lovers as I have learned through several articles and videos.  Here are a few examples of such uses that I myself have used or are considering.

• Latex Balloons:  A wig cap is something that looks like a doll-sized swimming cap and is used to help keep a wig on the dolls head.  HIkaru is seriously in need of one.  They are usually made of silicon and cost around $5 plus shipping.  Apparently some bjd owners regularly use other items to make them themselves.  Like balloons.  Just cut off the top and slide on your doll’s head.  Instant wig cap.
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser: This or your favorite store brand melamine sponge thingy aren’t just excellent for cleaning around the house.  They are very commonly used for gently cleaning ball jointed dolls.  From dealing with dirt from everyday use to removing the face, people turn to these little sponges.
• Silicon ear plugs: Like all ball jointed dolls, Hikaru’s eyes are attached to her head from the inside.  Most of the time you use eye putty, or poster tack which is already strange.  But another recommended material for this is silicon ear plugs.  The clear kind you find at most drug stores.
• Toothbrush:  This should be no surprise to some readers.  A soft bristled toothbrush is actually a perfect doll hairbrush.  It’s gentle to doll wigs and effective.

These are just a few items that are actually used by ball jointed doll owners to care for their dolls.  There are probably more out there being newly discovered, because people will always try new things out of curiosity if nothing else.  I will report on them as I find them.  Look forward to that.

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Wonders from the Library

The other day, Anna paid a little visit to one of the local libraries, without me.  Again.

She came back with a sizeable amount of books.

About eleven books and one DVD, most of which are of little interest to me, though they may be of good use to Anna. 

This one though is very useful for the both of us.  It is Make Doll Shoes! Workbook 1 by Lyn Alexander.  To check out this particular book, Anna must be eager to start working on my new shoes right away.  I am pleased.

It is an older book, but the information in it is still relevant.  It is mostly intended for making shoes for antique dolls and reproductions of such.  A very useful guide indeed.

Anna also checked out a copy of The Blue Fairy Book.  I know, fairy stories seem like such frivolous reading for someone who claims to be an adult.  But at times it is beneficial to enjoy a bit of frivolity, especially in the form of classic folk tales designed to inform as well as entertain. 

In addition to being entertaining, this book is also visual appealing.  The illustrations are intricately design and beautiful to behold.  We will get much used out of this book.

Of course I didn’t take Hikaru with me.  I  haven’t gotten a carrying case for her yet and I have no other way of safely and easily taking her places.  So until I am able to take her, she will just have to stay home and enjoy what I bring back for her.

This time I didn’t technically bring anything back for her, but I did check out the shoe making book to help with making her some shoes.  But not just for her, I do own other dolls as she frequently fails to remember.  And I will probably have more dolls in the future.  All of which will probably need shoes.  Learning various methods of making doll shoes would be super handy.

As for the fairy tales, it’s just another hobby of my mine.  I  enjoy reading fairy tales and folk tales.  It’s fascinating to read different tellings of the same familiar stories.  So naturally I spend a good amount of time browsing that section of the library whenever I make a trip there. 

It’s funny about Hikaru, all that stuff she said about enjoying frivolity and fairy tales being educational?  She got that from me.  I told her all that to get her off my back about bringing home a “children’s story book” as she put it.  Of course it’s that same “story book” that she has be browsing through constantly since I got it. 

I am quite aware of the other dolls, but most of which are stored away, hence do not require much of anything let alone footwear.  And as for the future, Anna needs to make sure I have everything necessary before even considering purchasing more dolls.

As for the fairy tale book, I was simply mis-informed about the purpose of those sort of stories.  I am grateful to Anna for educating me on the matter, but I dis-like the way she mocks my previous ignorance.  I will let it be for now.

So while I wait for my shoes and other items to be made, I shall enjoy my fairy stories over a nice cup of tea.  I am at peace.

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It’s Finish! And It’s Gorgeous!

I have some wonderful news.  At long last, and after numerous pleas from myself, Anna has finally finished making one of the dresses she promised me.

Isn’t it magnificent?  It suits me so well.  There are a few small flaws in the construction, but that is to be expected. Anna still needs a bit more practice sewing for a doll such as myself.  Still, the dress did come out beautifully.  Let us take a closer look.

The top layer of the skirt is pink and trimmed with delicate lace and ribbon bows, while the bottom layer is white with a subtle floral pattern.

Here you see one of the bows Anna carefully tied by hand.

The bodice was carefully fitted to my frame and is trimmed with another hand tied bow plus more lace around the neckline.  The square neckline is most flattering and draws attention to my well molded neck and collar bone.

The back drops down quite low enough to admire my lovely shoulder blades, but thankfully not so low as to be inappropriate for day wear. 

Yes, this dress suits me quite satisfactorily.  Anna even made a matching hair piece.  It nearly completes the look.  I say nearly because I am still in need of a suitable pair of shoes.  All I have is the sandals Anna made for me last Summer (see Of BJD Fashion: Lace and Ribbon Sandals).  As darling as they are, they are most inappropriate for this rather chilly weather.  Proper shoes are most needed, and stockings, and perhaps a coat too.

Well where should I start?  It did take nearly two months to complete this dress.  Hikaru wasn’t just exaggerating.  But when she says “numerous pleas”, she really means “much nagging”, or should I say whining. 

Anyway, the reason it took so long wasn’t just because I was busy with work and other projects.  It took so much time to get it right.

First I had a pattern that was supposed to be made to fit most MSD sized ball jointed dolls, but it was apparently designed for a doll that’s both bigger and less “curvy” than Hikaru.  I only found out this after cutting and sewing the fabric for the bodice.  It took tons of time and effort to take it in in just the right places until is finally fit her.  That’s actually why it goes down so low in the back, it was part of how I got it to fit her in a flattering way.

After finally getting the bodice to fit and then sewing and attaching the skirt, I discovered another problem I hadn’t noticed until the dress was finished.  The skirt for the pattern was too short and narrow to get the desired effect.  I thought, how in the world do you make a too short skirt longer? 

Easy, add more fabric.  So an underskirt was added.  If you look closely, you may recognized the underskirt.  It is one of the circle skirts I made for Hikaru (see Of Bjd Fashion: Circle Skirts).  Specifically the one that failed to fit her right due to a mistake I made.  It was put to good use with this dress. I also cut the front of the original skirt, added lace and gathered it for that pretty bustle look.  It worked perfectly.

But wouldn’t you know it.  I finally finished one thing for Hikaru, and she is already talking about having more stuff.  But she does have a point, cooler weather clothing is necessary now.  Plus a doll-sized coat sounds totally adorable.

I don’t nag and I definitely don’t whine.  How dare she say otherwise.  I just wanted to encourage Anna.  Goodness knows she needs it. 

I know well what a trial it was working with such a generic and poorly designed pattern.  I think it was excellent learning opportunity for my dear fledgling bjd owner, and I do believe the experience has helped her immensely.  I expect then that the next piece she makes for me will be completed in a more timely matter and with less issues. 

Anyway, despite a few…mishaps, this dress is still wonderful and looks fantastic on me.  That is all that really matters.  I am at peace.

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Doll Owner’s Corner: Videos for Entertainment

First of the month, time for another Doll Owner’s Corner.  Where I, the doll owner, get to do what ever I want without Hikaru butting in.

This time, let’s talk videos.  There are lots of videos on YouTube on ball jointed dolls and even dolls in general.  Lots of useful videos about where and how to buy them, making clothes, doing faces, etc.  All helpful stuff.  But sometimes a bit on the dull side. 

That’s why it’s nice that there are also videos about bjds that are almost purely for fun.  So for your entertainment, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite amusing videos.   Almost all of them are from the same YouTube channel, AsenvaBJD.  She is just that entertaining to watch in general and her fun videos are that much more. 

Entertaining Ball Jointed Doll Videos

• Stuff BJD Owners Say
• BJDs Are My Thing (Shake It Off Parody)
• What They Think About the BJD Hobby...
• Waiting
• What Did I Just Watch? (play list)
• What Really Happens During a Review (play list)
• BJD Frozen Parody - Let It Ship

Enjoy!

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