Bjd Hair: Choosing a Wig for Usagi

Anna has gone behind my back again!  She has been searching for bjd wigs, without me.  Her intent is to find one suitable for our little Usagi, and I’m afraid she has chosen one!  Also without me.

So what doll wig then Anna deem suitable without consulting me in the least?

Pink?!  She is going to have pink hair?!

Let’s let Hikaru calm down for a bit.  In the meantime, I will explain. 

This wig is made by For Your Doll, it is k-002 in cream pink and currently sold by Angelesque.  The same store I found Hikaru’s wig (see It's Here at Last, or a Wig Review).

For Usagi I wanted something easy to wear and move in, so basically shorter than Hikaru’s, like about shoulder length.  I also wanted something extremely cute at the same time to fit Usagi’s personality.  This wig fits the bill. 

It lands right at the shoulders but the curls are really pretty and what could be cuter than pink hair?  Especially in such a soft pink shade that looks a little more dare I say, natural. 

Hikaru should be glad I didn’t opt for bright hot pink or neon.  (Not to mention that a doll with white hair really doesn’t have room to talk about odd hair colors).

And a most important question for Hikaru.  Does Usagi like it?

Well Usagi, what do you think of the wig Anna has chosen for you?

Seeing how Usagi is attempting to embrace the computer, one can rightfully assume she adores the wig.

Maybe I might have overreacted.  The color may not quite be my first choice, but Anna is correct.  There are far gaudier options available.  And the cut and style of the wig is still pleasing to the eye.

And seeing how attached Usagi has become to this fine wig, I can’t help but relent.  When the time comes I’m sure it will look lovely on her.

Now Anna, the question is…

When are you going to order it?

???

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Of Bjd Fashion: Usagi’s First Outfit

Through hard work and perseverance, I finally persuaded Anna to make an decent set of clothing for our dear little Usagi.  She finally completed them just the other day.  She mentioned it here on her blog.

When Anna presented the new garments to us, it was quite the shock.  She only needed to make a single suitable dress, but she hand crafted two complete outfits.  For what purpose though?  We shall see. 

Let’s take a look at Usagi’s precious new clothes.

First, Anna made this interesting knit…top.

The style of the sleeves is a little peculiar, though the fit is flattering and the bows at the shoulders are a sweet touch.

And at least Usagi seems content with it.

Paired with the accompanying jumper skirt and the outfit is just darling on her. 

And as usual, Usagi is brimming with joy.

Yes the outfit is somewhat fitting for her, thought I do have to wonder if the skirt may be a bit too short.

And now the reason for the twin outfits?  Simply put, there’s one for each of us.  Anna was generous enough to make an outfit for me as well as Usagi, such a surprise indeed. 

The dress is similar in style to my delightful red violet sundress (see Of Bjd Fashion: Dresses to Sew and a Tutorial). 

She also made me a casual knit top, though thankfully not as casual as Usagi’s new top.

“Why did Anna make us both matching outfits?”

How do I answer Usagi’s question?

By asking me.  I did it for two reasons.  First off, a certain “patient and generous” doll would have thrown a fit and pouted all day if I didn’t make something for her as well. 

Second, the idea of matching outfits for them was just too adorable to pass up.

I mean just look at how precious they look in this shot.

“We’re precious?” 

Why yes, Usagi.  I am precious, and you’re cute too.

Of course both bjds are different in good ways, so I naturally had to make their outfits reflect this. 

For example, Hikaru has a love for vintage styles and lace.  And Usagi likes to be cute but comfortable, hence the cute t-shirt that’s easy to move in too.  Not to mention the shorter, also easier to move in skirt.

“Yay! I can move my arms! :)”

The things that are similar are also important, like the touch of lace and cute bows found in both their outfits.  Also both dresses are pink, a favorite color of all of us, and the tops are easy to put on.  They open in back with small strips of soft Velcro, no need to remove a head just to get dressed.

The outfits are similar, yet unique.  Just like the ball jointed dolls who wear them.  And that’s all there is to it.

I am deeply touched by the thought and hard work Anna put in to making such lovely dresses for Usagi and myself. 

However, I do find it vexing that she would imply that I  would “throw fits” or pout about such things.  I am certainly not so spoiled and childish as that, to expect to receive an article of clothing or trinket simply because another doll received one too.

I shall overlook it for today, and simply enjoy my new dress while dreaming a the wonderful new pieces that are yet to be made for me, I mean us.  Be at peace.

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Bjd Body Comparison: Mystic Kids Vs. Doll Family A

Since Usagi came into our lives, Anna has been constantly comparing the two of us.  Not all ball jointed dolls are fortunate enough to be as finely designed and molded as myself, but Usagi has her good points as well. 

It’s our similarities and differences that Anna is in awe of, so she thought that others may wish to share in her discoveries.  While I do believe educating doll owners is truly important, I wish it did not involve posting photos of us nude for the sake of such education.  The sacrifices I must make.

Okay enough of Hikaru’s babbling.  Let’s compare the 45 cm. female ball jointed doll bodies for Mystic Kids and Doll Family A.  Be sure to check the doll’s profiles to see their measurements.

On the left is Hikaru (Mystic Kids).  She may have complained about being nude, but she is still wearing her undies.  She actually came with them which I’ve heard isn’t usual, so it’s the first difference I noticed with them.  You can see Usagi (Doll Family A) on the right without any.

Both of these dolls I order as “normal pink” as the resin color, but Usagi is actually pinker in color while Hikaru though still somewhat pink is rather paler.  Some people say she looks white in some photos.  

Both dolls have similar knee joints in that they are double jointed, but Usagi’s knee joint has a bit on it that resembles a knee cap.  It looks great when her leg is straight, though I do think is looks a little strange when she bends her knee.

Looking closely you can see that Usagi’s ankle joints are noticeably larger.  In fact she is noticeably larger almost everywhere compared to Hikaru, except the bust.  Hikaru’s smaller joints are a little more beautiful to behold, just don’t tell her that.  Her ego is already large enough as it is.

You see it well in their arms, Usagi’s hands and wrists are larger and her arms seem slightly more muscular.  I say slightly because she doesn’t exactly look like some kind of body builder.  Usagi just looks strong and healthy while Hikaru has a more dainty and graceful look to her.

Hikaru may be more graceful, but Usagi would make a better dancer.  Those larger “healthy” joints come in handy it seems for posing.  Notice here how Usagi’s leg bends more so than Hikaru’s bringing her foot closer to the rest of her body.  That’s not all she can do of course. 

Here’s some cuter poses…

Blow a kiss.

Aren’t I so cute?

Being a little silly.

Hikaru is not even going to try this one.  She claims it’s because it’s “undignified” to sit like this, but it’s really because she is unable to without my help.

It seems Usagi wins the posing contest.

Honestly, I still prefer Hikaru’s body exactly because it’s so graceful looking and beautiful.  But Usagi is so much fun to pose and her body is perfect for her personality.

This has been an educational comparison of Mystic Kids and Doll Family A bjd bodies.  Look forward to more doll comparisons in the future.

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Doll Owner’s Corner: Doll Forums

First of the month, time for another Doll Owner’s Corner.  The time where I, the doll owner, discusses whatever I want without the actual dolls getting involved.

This month’s topic:

Doll Forums

For just about any topic or hobby out there you are just about guaranteed to find a forum site for it somewhere.  This includes dolls.  Doll forums are great places to search for all sorts of information on dolls from where to shop for them to care and repair as well as tutorials.  And if you can’t find what you need, you can always ask.  Tons of other people there to offer their help.

I have found two extremely helpful forums so far.  The first is Den of Angels.  This is a forum specifically for resin ball jointed dolls (and some exceptions listed here).  It is the largest English speaking bjd forum in the world and offers up a ton of resources for bjd owners. 

There is tons of advice on everything, reviews on shops and doll companies, loads of cute photos and of course the marketplace.  A place to buy and sell pre-loved dolls and accessories.

Of course you have to be a member for a while to access the marketplace and have to have posted to the forum 40 times.  I haven’t gotten there quite yet myself.  This is to insure people aren’t going to sign up just to spam the forum and scam people or something like that.

The second forum I found is Dollieh Sanctuary.  This one is about dolls, all dolls with very, very few exceptions.  So it doesn’t matter what dolls you like whether various fashion dolls, porcelain, or American girl.  There is something here for you. 

The downside is that since Dollieh Sanctuary is a forum for all dolls it can be hard to search for information and such for a specific type of doll.  this is especially so with bjds who have such special needs compared to most dolls.  I mean you don’t normally see posts for beginner Barbie collectors suggesting what types of face masks/respirators to use.  That’s why it’s good they have separate bjd specific forum sites.

It makes me wonder if there are specific forums out there for other types of dolls.  Do collectors of Monster High and American Girl dolls have forums online somewhere?  Where do you hang out to talk about dolls?

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Finding Doll Props: Cups, Trinkets and a Camera?

Yes, the search for appropriate doll props continues.  Anna has discovered a few items she hopes to be worthy of me.

Anna purchased these “cups” at a local craft store.  They may look like fine gold goblets, but they are cheap plastic.  Not at all suitable for fine ball jointed dolls like myself.  But keeping an open mind for Anna’s sake, let us try them out a little.

It’s rather difficult to hold one.

Usagi seems to have no problem with them though.  But they seem quite small for her hands. 

Perhaps they would be more suitable for a smaller fashion doll, like those tacky Barbie dolls Anna keeps around.  Cheap plastic is more than fitting for them anyway (see Thrift Store Treasures to read why Hikaru is so biased about Barbie).

I bought them from SAS, my favorite store for fabric and such (see Craft and Fabric Shopping, Without Me for Hikaru’s first experience with this store).  Like many craft stores, they sell small plastic items for making decorations and favors for wedding showers, baby showers, graduations, etc.  It’s a good area to check for small things for dolls.

This little Hello Kitty charm used to belong to Anna.  She purchased it sometime ago at Phoenix Comicon and since had been using it to adorn her cellular phone.

She offered it to me to play with, a worn out toy cat?  I supposed that despite it’s wear it has a certain novelty about it, but I am above such childish things.

So, Anna decided to let Usagi have the little figurine.  She seems very pleased with it.

“Hikaru, isn’t it cute!”

I hope you think so Hikaru, because they will be a lot more where that came from.  Cute cell charms are easy to find and just the right size as collectibles for ball jointed dolls. 

Next is a keychain that Anna purchased from her store at great discount.  At the end of the chain is a perfect doll-sized camera.

The keychain was with several others that were on clearance 75% off.  I was tempted to get one of the other ones too, but it was a little too big.  A rubber ducky should not be bigger than a doll’s face.

Anyway, the camera lights up and makes flashing sounds.  Perfect for any doll who wants to take photos for their blog.

Yes, this may be of great use to me.

“Hikaru, can I play with it too? :)”

No.

And I’m not playing, this is a tool, not a toy.  A tool I will do amazing things with, as soon as I learn how to use it correctly.

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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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Welcome Home, Doll Family-A Unboxing

The package finally arrived, while Anna was still at work.  Meaning I had to wait several hours until I could finally welcome home our new bjd.

What is worse is that because of how late Anna returned, there was no natural lighting to use for the following photos.  Oh the dreaded flash of the camera, it does so drain my complexion.

Anyway, here is the long awaited package.  I can hear my new doll, I mean our new doll shifting within.

 Carefully opening up the first box (What a pretty pink color).

Here we have her doll box.  She is made by Doll Family A, what an unusual name for a doll company.  And I can’t help noticing how much smaller her box is compared to mine.  But here’s something else I noticed…

What in the world did they do to her?!  Her box is dented!  I certainly hope she wasn’t damaged.

Inside the box, she is nice wrapped in a satiny pillow.  It’s not as soft and luxurious as my pillow, but it serves it’s purpose.  To protect our precious little one.

The company helpfully included a small cleaning sponge as a courtesy.  Most likely because of the large number of doll owners who forget to properly wash their hands before opening their doll boxes.  This of course results in unfortunate staining.

Oh, I found her birth certificate!

It shows a photo of her default face up.  How sweet.

Now inside the wrapped pillow, here she is, all bandaged up!?  Oh, that’s right.  They are there to protect her from damage, not as a result of it.  It’s been so long since my unboxing I nearly forgot.

I found her eyes, they are a lovely shade of blue, quite similar to mine.  Carefully packed in a bag with some eye putty, but why are there a pair of S-hooks as well?

Here she is at last, all unboxed and thankfully unharmed.  The name of her sculpt is Ding Ding, such an odd name.  Still, she has such a sweet face and a smooth even complexion…

…And completely blind, the poor thing.  Quick Anna! Put her eyes in!

Okay, putting eyes in.  The first thing I noticed is that her head cap is held on by these peg things instead of magnets.  Hikaru’s head has magnets and I kind of prefer them. 

I also noticed that the free eyes were half dome shaped.  Hikaru’s eyes are fully round with stems that make it easy to position them.  These were a whole other challenge.  And I’m not sure if there was quite enough putty to hold the eyes in securely.  I guess it will do for now.

There, doesn’t she look great now.

Beautiful, now we can get on to business.

Now as lovely, though noticeably muscular, as her body is, it must be clothed for the sake of decency.  Anna made me a simple white dress to wear when I first arrived, so we both agreed that it was fitting to pass on this precious item to her, as her first dress.

So after properly introducing myself, I presented her the dress.

It does fit her nicely, and she seems quite pleased with it.

Maybe a tad bit too pleased.

Oh look, she’s a hugger.

After her sudden embrace I noticed some other items that were in the box.  I asked her “what are those bundles?”.  She replied, “Oh, those?”

“These are my hands!”

“I have an extra set because I’m special!  Yay!”

“And this is my friend!”

“It’s a head…” I said.

“Yes, but he is my friend.  He is really nice. :)”

“Her friend” she says?  Did Anna know about this?

Yes, I did.  I bought this doll during a special event.  All the Doll Family A dolls were 10% off, plus if I bought one of her size or larger I would get a free Bach head.  Nice name for a sculpt.

Now I have what people in the bjd hobby seem to refer to as a floating head.  A head just floating around waiting for a body and an identity.  So far all we know about him is that he is “really nice” and he has magnets holding is head cap on.  I thought that was odd since our new doll doesn’t despite being made by the same company.

The other things I found odd were those extra hands and of course her body.  I can’t recall the hands being mentioned in the description, but I can’t exactly complain.  Extra parts just means more options and more fun. 

As for her body, it is a little bulky looking compared to Hikaru’s body.  Her hands and feet alone look huge in comparison.  I’m not sure yet if Hikaru is just really small for a msd sized doll or what.  It’s not a bad thing.  Hikaru’s body is dainty and elegant looking, and this new doll is “muscular” and athletic.  I say athletic because she poses very well.  I will share more about this in a later post.

She is rather hardy looking, but I shall raise her well and teach her how to be a proper doll.  We shall start with some tea, nothing like a fresh cup after a long journey.  She seems a little confused by it, but in time she shall learn.

As for the “head”, in time he may prove useful to me.  With the right figure and proper clothing…Hmm.  Only time will tell.  For now I am at peace.

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