Do You Ever Feel Overwhelmed By Your BJD Habit?

I've felt that way. If I don't think I'll get around to finishing a doll soon, I try to sell it. I don't like the idea of keeping something around that I'm not using if there's a chance someone else is willing to pay for it. Plus, usually me not finishing a doll right away = me being short on money. So, by selling I get the money for the doll plus I save all the money I would have spent finishing the doll! I sold a rare blank head that I adored recently because I knew that getting it a face-up, body, outfit, wig, shoes, and eyes would set me back another $600 at least, and I couldn't imagine spending that much money anytime soon. I also have anxiety issues, and don't like having anything unfinished.

 

I definitely feel overwhelmed when I have too many or my interests have changed and some are not getting any attention. I am easily overwhelmed by clutter of any kind. I just sold a few to simplify my collection and am happy with it again.

 

Your health is definitely the most important thing. I agree that it seems silly to feel guilty about not spending enough time with your dolls, but knowing it's silly doesn't always stop me from feeling that way too. My doll has been tucked away for several months because I got frustrated trying to make clothes for her. One day she will come back out to visit, but I think it's just important to be patient with yourself and try and remember that the hobby should bring you joy not guilt and worry.

 

Don't feel bad! Your dolls are supposed to make you happy. They exist for you, not you for them, so if at any time you feel guilty for not working on them, it's time to step back and take a deep breath. Weeks or months on a shelf do not hurt their feelings. (No matter how fun it is to pretend they do, sometimes.)

Sometimes it isn't a lack of time or energy holding you back from finishing your dolls, but money. That is where I'm currently at. When I do get some extra cash, I do struggle with guilt - should I save it, spend it on something more practical or buy that wig/pair of eyes/art supply for my doll hobby? I try to isolate whether I want the dolly-related thing to make me happy or because I feel like my dolls need it, or I need it to feel like they look good enough to someone else. Figuring that out usually answers my question.

 

1. They are your dolls and you can do what you want with them. Some people have projects that lie around for years! It CAN be frustrating, of course, but sometimes you can't get to things and that's just life.

2. Yes, I can feel overwhelmed. I often feel like I'm spending too much money/time/space on dolls. But I still enjoy dolls, so I feel it is OK. I don't really worry too much about unfinished projects. I will get around to doing them whenever I can or feel like it. I know I have done faceups before and completed some of them, so there is hope for the rest!

(If you KNOW you'll never get around to it, maybe you should think about changing things up... maybe commission a faceup instead? That way you can play with your faceupped doll and not worry about it.)