The Guide: For new BJD Owners

I'm also debating on getting a doll and it's nice to see a small, easy guide to introduce people who are interested in the hobby to BJDs care and info.

 

A number of owners have found that silicone wig caps react with the sealant at the top of the doll's forehead, and create a band of discoloration that can only be removed by wiping the sealant. This can, of course, destroy a faceup. (There are threads about this in Painting, Customizing, and Esthetics, and also in Sewing, Wigs, and Jewelrymaking.)

Since relatively few wigs actually stain, I don't think I would say that a wig cap is absolutely necessary for every new BJD owner. For owners who want one, a white knit fabric (such as Volks' Dollfie Dream caps) is safer than silicone or "mesh fabric" (through which a stain-prone wig will, of course, stain).

 

Um...if you're going to say I'm supporting you could you acknowledge that you might be wrong on some of these things?

Actually, Lulu already pointed out that the information IS in one place -- namely, BJD_WTF. There's also a wiki linked right at the top of this page. The information is all there and it's all condensed so it's really easy to wade through and get to...that's why we have a wiki in the first place! BJD_WTF has been around for a few years now, and it's a great resource with all the basics in one easy to find, easily-understood place. Plus, that basic doll care thread is stupid easy to find in the customizing area and that is by FAR the best place for anything and everything related to taking care of our lovely dollies. DoA really can be overwhelming, but the wiki and a quick search can generally answer every question and make it easy for the very new to dip their toes in.

I know you really want to help the newer people, but really...you should consider that some of the people that have been weighing in here have been doing this a lot, lot longer than you have so dismissing their advice might not be the best idea. You say you've done a lot of research, and research is great, but we've got a lot of practical experience behind us and we really do want to help. That's why we're pointing out where your advice could use some elaboration or correction. Trust me, a month isn't enough time to really get all the hands-on practice you need to know these things; I've been here for three years and I know I don't know enough to write any kind of a guide to BJDs. I leave that to the experts who have been buying, customizing, and studying for the past six years and then some. XD The last thing in the world any of us want is for new people to get more confused than they already are, after all. Right?

If there's one thing I've learned in my years in this hobby, it's that one person's opinions will never trump the collective experience of over ten thousand hobbyists.

 

Ah, thank you very much for this. I'm also a newbie who's planning on saving for a BJD so it's nice to have all of this to look over. Never would have thought of the clothing and wig staining the resin.

 

Ah! This is a great thread. I am still such a newbie--I didn't know WIGS could stain BJDs (they are made for BJD's! I didn't think anything made for a BJD would stain it!)

Thanks for putting it together. The corrections/differing opinions and links help a lot too

 

Hi Starzzz,
I actually just put in an order for a mnf Shushu. I really like many of the different sculpts out there, but the pics of shushu just held my attention most. I cannot wait to get her. At least now I can do some shopping and knitting for her. I'm also thinking about a chicline lishe, but I think I'll wait to hear some feedback first. Thank you for your reply and help!

 

Yay! I helped!

Glad to offer the info that I have, Luckeegurl36!

 

Yes, differing opinions indeed...I have to say I LOVE silicon wig caps, ( all my dolls have them) and if by chance you get any marks ( I haven't yet with any of my eighteen caps) a quick CAREFUL wipe ( so won't ruin a face up) with a Magic sponge and Isoporpyl alcohol will get rid of it. But they are slim fitting, no nonsense, and help to keep wigs in place to. So I guess it's horses for courses....