'Cabinet Babies' or Playthings?

Whatever a person feels like is good. Wouldn't mind keeping mine in a cabinet, but I don't have one. My dolls are sprawled about all over the place.

I don't really take them everywhere with me or play with them every day, either. I take them to meetups and dress them up for photos, but that's about it. I DO think it's great to pose them, since they are just so good at that! It seems a shame to just have them in a cabinet. But it's not a bad thing, either. Keeps their faceups fresh and keeps them from getting scratched and worn.

Anyway, I do a bit of both, and sometimes not either one!

 

Isn't this question a lot like: what would you do with $1,000,000? Would you save it, would you spend it...

But on the topic of BJDs, I suppose it really depends on why someone decided to start this hobby in the first place as well as their own personality. I got into the hobby to handle the dolls. I like dressing, photographing, and "accessorizing" the house by setting my doll someplace as a humorous focal point and conversation piece. And I think just by the virtue of them having tension strung joint structures that they are meant to be handled to some extent. All of the dolls I have are mid/lower range priced SDs, but if they were 3 times as much I would still handle them the same way and play with them.

And for those that want to keep these lovelies in a cabinet or box or in a closet, use gloves, a mask, a hazmat suit whatever - totally cool too. And I would equally respect them for the way they choose to care for their collection and maybe even pick up some new tips. But in the end how we care for our dolls is personal and I'm hoping that each person who wants a BJD, and fortunate enough to have one; gets just as much enjoyment out of the hobby as I do in their own way.

 

I have modified an old wooden TV cabinet (knocked out a shelf and added a curtain rail) and that is where my boys stay when I'm not playing with or photographing them. I feel they are safer there less likely to get knocked over and hopefully the shawl curtain will protect them from some UV damage. There is also cupboards underneath that are perfect for storing their cloths, props etc...

 

I'll probably keep my dolls on a display shelf most of the time, but I wouldn't think twice about taking one out with me somewhere if I really wanted to. But I'd be super-paranoid the whole time and probably tie it to my wrist with a string LOL. I have this awful habit of putting things down "for a second" when I'm out and forgetting to pick them back up. Lost a favorite toy like that when I was little... and lost my wallet once that way... almost lost an expensive collectible in a train station once that way too. Leaned it against the wall while I tied my shoe and then walked off without it. Luckily, I'd wrapped it in a garbage bag so it didn't look very desirable, so it was still there two minutes later when I ran back in a panic. XD

 

My dolls just sit around my room and I pick them up or dress them or take photos of them whenever I feel like it.
I don't have a problem with people keeping their dolls in a cabinet for display (it's upto them what they do with things they spent their own money on) but I'd feel just feel like that was pointless if it was me. But then I'm not the kind of person who would spend a lot of money on a painting/ornament/decoration for my home.

 

I don't really care what others do with their dolls, it's their choice really.

However, I just can't understand spending a ton of money on the doll, and then not enjoying it because of fear.

I get joy from my dolls by interacting with them (cuddling, photography, "field trips", etc). But, for some people, I understand the joy comes from displaying them proudly.

I know that sun can damage dolls, and that there's always a chance for chipping or breaks, but I could never just sit my dolls in a cabinet or display case. I won't let my already-rampant anxiety ruin my fun or make a waste of all of the money I've poured into this.

The only reason I'd put my dolls in a display case is the fear that they'd be ruined if I didn't. And I promised myself when I got into this that I would never, ever let that happen; I would not let the fear of a broken doll keep my dolls locked up.

 

I play with everything because I don't see the point of having something you can't enjoy!

I bought my first BJD: A used/second-hand Angel of Dream 1/4 BJD with painted nails and a chipped ear.
I named her "Melfina" and she helped me to see if I wanted to "go threw with it" meaning get more and complete my "dream".
My dream: Have a family/group of same/similar sized cosplaying/clothes swapping BJD's.

When she's traveling I carefully carry Melfina around with me in a cushioned bag, take her out, and put her back.
When she's not traveling, or being played with, she stays in a cabinet with my other BJD's and all their things.
I've even let other people, including children, handle Melfina carefully.
I don't take her everywhere with me, but I like to take her along to see "what fits" for her, or my others.

After getting used to Melfina, I decided to get more 1/4 AOD's; but that's a story in itself!
For now, the other 1/4 AOD's only leave the cabinet to be played with; and rarely leave the house for pictures, but always return to the cabinet.
I am still getting used to the newer ones, and it's challenging to carry multiple BJD's!

Sum up:
Melfina's my "Plaything"; she's the only one who travels, and she goes outside the most, but she goes in a cabinet for storage/safety.
The others are more "Cabinet Baby's" that become "Playthings" for dress-ups and photo shoots, and return to the cabinet.
I enjoy all of them, but I take care of them too!

 

Who says you have to actively be "playing" with something to enjoy it, hm?

Mine aren't really either. I don't actively "play" with them, defining "play" as "actively moving them around frequently and interacting with them". I also don't have them on display. They stay in their carriers, where it's nice and dark and I can keep damage and aging to a relative minimum. I bring 'em out for meets and on the rare occasions I have time and decent enough weather to take pictures. Otherwise, they stay packed up. I don't have room to display them, and I'm not the type to cart them everywhere with me (even if I WAS inclined to do so it's bloody hard to pack around a doll and a purse AND keep track of a ten-year-old so no).

And you know what?

I'm perfectly ok with that.

My "play" is no less valid than anyone else's "play". That's the beauty of this hobby; there are a gazillion ways to "play" and each and every one of them are right. The person who is constantly interacting with their doll is on even ground with the collector who keeps their dolls carefully preserved in their boxes against light and yellowing. It's a big-ass sandbox, and there's room for all of us to have our space. And that's kinda awesome.

 

I keep mine packed away because I have cats and no spare cupboards. I do like Kavarr's TV cabinet above - I may have to look into something like that. I handle them with gloves because I don't want to clean them all the time, and I don't handle them a lot or take them places. I use them as artist's models more than anything else.

 

I personally love having my doll (and dolls to come) around me and having her sit in my lap and stuff and gently playing with her hair. Whenever I go out to conventions and whatnot, I tend to either carry her around or keep her in my bag. I'm careful with her, but I get enjoyment out of having her out and about. When I'm not around her I keep her in her original box so she's safe from sun exposure, dust, and any bugs that may come through my window.

I don't see anything wrong with having people keep their dolls in a cabinet too, though. It's all up to personal preference. I just prefer to be cuddly with mine and whatnot.

 

Well "Play" is a general term.
I consider posing them, carrying around, dressing, and photographing as much of my "Play" as actually setting them together and having them "doing" anything other than being in the cabinet together.

I wish I could display them, or have someone to play with them with me.
I wish I was braver and carted one with me everywhere, but they could get damaged that way.
I have a two year old boy, my husband, and a cat. My son has played with Melfina, and has seen me carry/photograph them.

One of my funnies "doll moments" was taking a quick photo-shoot with my dolls outside with my son.
In a hurry I took my naked/bald dolls outside to dress them, and my son asked "Bath?"
Because as far as he knows that's the only time anyone's ever naked.
I said "Oh, um, yes, and now they have to get dressed!"
He asked "Together?" I said "Yes, they had a bath together..."
Then he asked "Hats?" because their wigs come on/off.
I told him "No, not hats, hair" and he laughed.

So, to each his or her own, but I felt I should elaborate on "playing" I didn't mean to offend, just offering my "two-cents".
Overall I think each person is different, each doll is different, and if it's yours, do what you want how you want.
That's anything display, modifications, clothes, etc. any and everything goes.

 

I often feel like I don't really have time to play with dolls, so maybe that contributes to my way of enjoying them: just looking at them! I keep them either in their boxes or on a shelf inside my closet (so I can close the door when I'm not looking at them and spare them some UV!) and just enjoy them that way. I don't have that much space so I can't have more than about 2 or 3 out at a time either. I got into BJDs almost purely because I just think they're really beautiful little kinetic sculptures, so looking at them is all I do and that's all I need :p

Of course I try different outfits on them every so often and take some pictures too, and I'm also verrrryyy slowly and occasionally working on face-ups, but mostly they are around for me to appreciate aesthetically. I guess that would also explain why I'm interested in face-ups... it's really the aesthetic element of BJDs that I'm into, and I don't interact with them that much.

 

Personally, I would never buy a doll that I'd keep in a box or cabinet. I just recently got my first doll and I love playing with him, posing him, and taking pictures of him. When I have more money I'm going to get another doll (female) and spoil them with clothes. I've always loved playing with dolls. Heck, I even play with my grandma's porcelain dolls! I did meet one doll at a doll meet that looked like he should stay in a display case. He was very big and beautiful and I'm sure he was expensive to no end. I love admiring those dolls, but I would only buy ones I want to play with. Resin seems pretty sturdy as long as you're not dropping it or anything. So I think they should be played with, unless they're like that doll I saw at a meet. Ones like that are probably best left on display.

 

People can do what they want, but I don't see the point of spending so much money on something and caring about it so little that you just drag it around, chuck it wherever, and let it become dirty, stained, damaged, yellowed, break of the fingers, etc... why have a doll if you can't enjoy it's beauty?

 

I love the notion of having a beautiful display space and proudly presenting my dolls in a pretty scene that I can admire at all times.
I love the notion of having dolls that I bring with me on adventures, photographing them near rivers and in the woods and wherever else I go.

In reality, all of my BJD are currently invading each others' personal space on one shelf of my book shelf, sitting too close together and on top of each other. And couple of them are sometimes lucky enough to get to come out with me when my fiance and I go adventuring.

In summary: I'd like to display them better and I'd like to take them more places. I like both worlds. But I'll take what I can get.

 

I'm with bagofspiders on this one. I like both...keep their beauty on display, visible, looking prim and proper (in some of their cases!) and to be admired. But I also like having a something/a someone to bring with me to places, to a park or river or wherever I might go. For pictures or just for fun, something to play with and pose and whatnot.

Right now, my dolls sit out on a table where I can enjoy them. If I feel the want, I snag one up and do whatever while holding them, it makes me feel better if I'm having a bad day. I put them away now and again if it's going to be a very sunny or very hot day, turn up the A/C to avoid further yellowing than I already encourage. xD;

 

I don't have a doll yet, but when I get one, she will be both. I plan on taking her out most of the time and playing with her, but when I am at school or somewhere else I can't take her without the worry of her being stolen, she will most likely have her own little bed to sleep in. Okay, I guess she will be mostly a plaything... Lol

 

I don't think they should be kept in cabinets, it's up to each person who buys one to define their plans for a specific doll! Even if they are very expensive...
I think they are great as decoration, at least, I like to have them in my room ^^ I don't mind only staring at them, without taking pictures and writing stories and sewing and etc. etc. (I'd like to know how to sew, though... Maybe someday u_u)

They can be played with, of course, but this option isn't for me... They aren't as fragile as porcelain dolls, as someone pointed out, so this is a viable option, anyway.

 

For now my dolls are "cabinet babies" and I'm not happy with it because I used to 'play' a lot with them...when I was still in high school and living with my mom, that is. I had a lot of free time and almost no responsabilities. Right now in my case, however, it sucks to grow up and being an adult because I have no time for myself and when I do I'm too tired to do anything else except sleep. ~_~

 

BOTH of course! Play and display when not playing!