Times Are Tough - Low Cost BJD Idea's

If you've got fabric scraps too small for even getting doll clothes out of, quilting's the classic way to go for humans and works for dolls, too! You could either downsize human-size blocks (or see if you can find people doing mini versions of them already), for some doll size and block size combos a single block could work as a "big block"-style quilt, or you can go full on crazy quilt, especially if you have a mix of fabric types! You do need a chunk of fabric big enough to back it, but that can be just about anything, and you might be able to get away with no batting for proper drape, or I've cut pieces of a thrifted cotton bedsheet for doll quilt batting.

Speaking of quilt stuff, quilting stores usually have a variety of fat quarters available for a few bucks a pop. You can get up to 1/3 size clothes out of them, though you might need another one if you want to do any fabric-hungry patterns like big skirts. Plus they come in every print under the sun, so you can find some really unique ones to work with.

 

• this may sound kind of dumb but every time i start to feel tempted to buy another doll or a new outfit i just choose one of my dolls and change their outfit- nine times out of ten i find that i just wanted to experience a little novelty and this usually does the trick "^.^ every once in a while i'll also repaint faceups for the same reason, which is a little more expensive but still much cheaper than resin or clothing
• if you have heads that can share a body that can also save a lot of money and space! i was initially opposed to having any of my characters share a body but after trying it out it i found that i actually really enjoyed changing from one character to another (it felt like welcoming them back into the world lol) and i wasn't bothered by not having the option to have both characters out at the same time

 

Let's not forget that if you have old clothing you can always repurpose it for your dolls if you want another outfit! A sewing kit is not too expensive. I'm trying to have a low purchase year this year and want to downsize everything so turning some old clothes into craft projects for my dolls seems exciting and won't cost me a thing!

And as others have said, saving is free to do. Avoid making impulse purchases on dolls or items just because they're available or discounted! Make a list of what you actually want or need for your dolls, determine the cost, set a budget and stay dedicated to that budget. I personally set a time line to make the purchase. For instance, I have two dolls that need shoes and while I could impulsively find some on the MP, they wouldn't necessarily be "the shoes" I want for them. Saving costs nothing and can prevent unnecessary spending.

 

I also have dolls that body share! Not in the exact same way (same doll just different expressions with different heads) but I think it accomplishes the same thing.

 

I’m not ashamed to admit it, my go-to fabric for making doll clothes is novelty socks. While they can be pricey online, you can very easily find them for cheap (or at least decent prices) at brick and mortar stores like Dollar Tree and Walmart. It’s best to look for sales at the end of a holiday. You can also ask friends and family to keep an eye out for these types of socks so that if they get one of those “I saw this and was thinking of you” moments, then bam, your doll gets a new outfit!

I’ve found that you can easily craft new pairs of doll eyes by tracing twice around an eye that you already own onto a piece of card stock, decorating it however you want to, and then cutting it out and sealing it with clear packing tape. Even cheap markers can be used to create a strikingly bright eye color. Nail polish can be used to create shimmery or glittery effects.