Discussion 8/16: Happy Birthday, DoA! What have you all learned?

I learned that (besides the need for practice) the hardest part of doing a faceup is getting the courage to start. Then keeping the strength to continue trying until you get it right.

 

This.
I just sorta got here, but so far I really like what I am seeing.

 

Let's see. . .since last year I've almost eliminated my entire doll collection and have begun rebuilding, but while doing so I learned how to mod a head, I've learned how to make wigs, I've learned how to knit for my dolls and I've learned how to ship all kinds of packages internationally. I've met more people in my area that are into the hobby, and I bought clothes directly from a doll company for the first time. I've also learned to slow down and enjoy each BJD I own, instead of trying to nab as many as possible and struggle to bond with them later. The part that kind of makes me laugh at myself is that I still haven't spent the Celga dollars I won for placing in last year's photo contest, XD.

 

I've learned first hand how enjoyable this hobby can be - the dolls, the people, the over all experience. I ordered my first BJD in August 2009, and here I am a year later even more enthralled.

I've also learned that, like in other parts of life, the most important person to please is yourself. It doesn't matter if others don't like a sculpt you buy, a certain style, etc. No need to take things personally - everyone has different tastes. Just go for what you love and have fun!

 

Let see... last year, I thought I was only own one doll. Now, I own three, with another one about to be purchased at the end of the month, and another one that I'm saving for! I've learned how to make jewelry for the dolls (and in turn humans, ha ha!), as well as do faceups!

I've learned that waiting for a doll to ship out is one of the most agonizing things to do, especially when you're so excited and the company is sporting over a 40 work day wait. DX You want it in your hands now, and here you are, knowing its not coming for a while but still staring at your order form and looking at the date. And then when it DOES finally ship out, praying it gets through customs safely and with little hassle, constantly refreshing the tracking page on your internet, and then, on the day it arrives in your town post office constantly checking the window to see if the Mail truck has arrived. And when it does, running down the stairs before anyone can get to it! The thrill of opening a doll for the first time, the trial of making clothes, going to a first doll meet up and being nervous...

Its been a long, fun, and sometimes wild ride~ and I hope that every year DoA continues to grow and get better!

 

I learned that is NEVER just the one doll, last year about this time i got my first doll and it was meant to be just the one doll, but at the Christmas it was 2 and now i want a 3rd.

I have met a lot of people into the hobby thought meets, so that was nice to know how many people near me are into the hobby.

My photography skills have got a lot stronger since for me that is a big part of the hobby so i have spend a lot of time taken photo's and thinking up shoots.

 

I have learned the power of click and ship. Also that i'm the only person i know who has all the forms to mail four different ways just... laying about. I have learned that the words. "I'm happy with my collection, I don't need another doll" is essentially self delusion.

What I have learned from the Doa anniversary.
1. If your going to get kicked out of a cemetary do it in a set of huge horns and hooves. It makes the walk out just that much better. (Helping a friend with the almost doll)
2. Never think you know what all the entries will be, join anyway even if you think your doll will already be in there 100 times. (The almost human contest, I didn't enter and regretted)
3. The power of masking tape. I can now fix anything with masking tape, or provide a discount promdress/suit. (Also, three rolls makes a fantastic set of bangles)
4. People can talk their friends/family in to anything. (almost any contest but especially the almost doll. And my friend who drove me to home depot with a fever of 101 to get tape and didn't complain once)

 

I have learned I have fans lol.

And that a doll owner should not care about what other people say or think about them and their dolls. You buy it, you cna do whatever you want with it, and everyone who thinks less of you because of the way you costumize your doll is a bit stupid.

Also learned that there's quite a few super coolio people here on DOA.

And that mice don't like to sit on doll's heads.

 

I've learned that everything I may think to be original has probably been already thought of by someone else, moreover, that it's rewarding to meet like-minded people!

 

1. DOA has some of the nicest forum-ers on the web. if you're wrong they'll explain why in the nicest way possible, so that you come away feeling like you've learned something rather than talked down to.
2. There is no such thing as "just one BJD". even if you only physically own one, in your head you've got a dozen more just waiting to be bought.
3. Don't be afraid to use the marketplace on DOA. It's probably the best place to get doll stuff, and some members are even willing to negotiate a little on the price depending on what/ how much you get.
4. No matter how amazing you find someone else's mod/ face-up/sewing or whatever, there is always someone that that person finds more amazing.
5. Doll meme's is a wonderful way to waste a few hours or a few minutes.
6. You will be surprised at just how much doll-sized stuff you just have randomely laying about the house.
7. even if you can no longer get that one perfect sculpt on the company website, chances are good that someone on here has it and is willing to sell/ trade it.
8. if you can't afford the whole doll, collecting it bit by bit or hybridizing are bothrespectabe alternatives.
9. floating heads have a remarkable number of ways they can be used to decorate a place.


10. The most important bit: just have fun. if you're happy, don't feel like you have to do everything that everyone else is doing to fit in.

 

I have learnt that floating heads are an unstoppable force.

Oh, and that I need a better paying job to afford all the dolls I want. D:

More importantly, I learnt that I love DoA

 

i´m really new to this forum but i already learned that the people on DoA are the nicest i know they are always helpfull and kind

we also have a lot of really talented people here

 

I have learned...especially through this event...that even though you think you cannot do something, that is seems impossible, there is always a way. Talent spreads far and in this hobby, one can never doubt themselves. We are amazing artists and our doll reflect that.

 

I learned that you can read tutorials over and over again but the best way to learn to do something is to not be afraid of "ruining" it and giving it a shot!

 

I've learned some really lovely things about sewing and patterns that have helped me to make cute and at least functional if not fabulous clothing for my girls. I've also learned that I like male dolls more than I knew and that I can't wait to get one! oh and last but not least, that Iplehouse is inside my HEAD dragging out my likes and wants and putting them into doll form and waving them in front of me..D=<

 

I'm glad I've had the opportunity to hang out with other doll people, which I definitely wouldn't have if it weren't due to DoA. Also, I'm relieved to find out I'm not the only one who talks to inanimate objects, especially dolls! (Case in point: I was trying to get Ren to stand still so I could take a photo and he was being super floppy. I threatened him with dismemberment and he stood...mostly still. Still enough for the photo, anyway)
I'm really grateful that DoA exists as a source of info and as a place to talk about our hobby. The DoA staff is great and I have to give them major kudos for the contests they've prepared. Happy birthday DoA!

 

I've come to realise that as much as I thought there were talented people on this forum, they are far more talented and amazing than I could have imagined, even those who think they aren't (the contests have really proven how amazing DoA-ers are).

And there are so many generous and friendly people here, it's nice to come and enjoy a few minutes (or a few hours) and "chat" with like minded (and sometimes not so like minded) people. I can honestly say this is a place where one can come to relax.

I also am amazed at what people can do with photography and posing. Sometimes it really is possible to make an inanimate object real and very human. That being said, I've also learned I need a much better camera.


Happy birthday DoA! I hope for many more to come..

LM

 

I learned:

* How to repair (broken) doll hands and resin
* How to do a full body sanding
* How to restore a doll to it's original color
* How to shop for a bargain and make it your own (Whether it's clothing or Dolls)
* How to restring a Centaur doll
* How to restring a several other dolls from various companies (I own mostly DOD and Soom)
* How to repair ruined body blushing to make it look natural
* How to paint a tattoo on a doll
* How to restring a doll for hooves
* How to glue (and not glue) magnets into a head cap
* One (Doll) is never enough
* You can never have enough props or furniture
* You can never find the right wig or eyes when you need it

Yeah I've done a lot in a year. ^^ I've also owned my first doll for a year, My second dolls one year comes up in September. I've also made several new friends this year and I'm the happiest I've been a very long time.

 

The marketplace is somehow both the most amazing place and dangerously addicting place on earth.

Also, this:

 

I've learned that a fellow doll collector from MA is going to the same college as me, and we're gonna have so much fun. XD

Also, I learned that I can make a wig using yarn, thanks to the first leg of the triathlon.

 

An interesting thread, because when I actually do look back a LOT of things have changed for me. During DoA's birthday last year I'd just joined DoA and was learning about all the lingo and concepts of BJD's. I had no dolls, and a LOT of dolls I liked.

This year I have 3 full dolls, a head and a body on the way. I've had two other dolls pass through my hands as well I now know what all the initials/acronyms mean, I've learned how to do a face-up (not well mind you), how to undo one and I've participated in a swap! I would have never thought I'd come so far in just a year. I feel as if my biggest achievement has been to be happy where I am in the Hobby at the time I'm in it I might not have a regular group to meet with, but I'm happy being on my own and working on projects for my dolls. I've also come out of my shell a lot in discussion threads, I feel like I can actually talk about the dolls.

 

I have discovered that, no matter what, these dolls and the people who make and own them never cease to amaze me.

I now know the flip-flop feelings of excitement and regret of the impulse buy.

I've learned how to be more patient when it comes to face ups and how much better they look when I actually try to layer the pastels rather than forcing them to bend to my will.
I've also learned how much fun body blushing is and to next time try to keep detail away from the joints. Chipping is no fun.
Also been working on tattoos for the first time and figured out what to do with a broken finger (the answer is to make it look amputated, not glue it back on).

I have also learned that these things have managed to find ways to multiply behind my back. How else could I end up with 6 dolls and 1 head in only a year and a half?

 

I have learned that Truffle is the cutest dog in the universe (besides my own dogs, that is ).

Happy 6th Birthday, DoA! This hobby wouldn't be even a tad as enjoyable if it wasn't for this forum!

 

What have I learned in the past year? I learned that:

It's never finished. NEVAH. FINISHED. EVAH. (the collection, the costume, the stories...[insert word of your choice here]

There are actually people who like to look at my clumsily shot photostories! Who knew? *blushes madly* It means that I'm getting my feelings about the dolls and the characters across *somehow* even if it's not the best work in the world.

Never say never. Not more than 24 hours after reassuring everyone that while Iplehouse's EIDs are glorious, they're not for me? Out comes Tokyo Tedros. Wham.

It's easier for me to just wing it in sewing something than to angst over finding a pattern. I have no idea why, but who cares. Things are finally happening again.

I still suck at faceups; and I still intend to get better (Someone just posted an excellent tutorial and you can bet I'll be trying out some of those techniques!!)

There are some of the nicest people I've ever known, as well as some of the most egregious horse's patoots, right here. Fortunately the former vastly outnumber the latter.

There are also some of the most brilliant and talented people I've ever encountered, here! Nearly every day there's something to "wow" about, someone's post to admire for the perfect turn of phrase, or some other reason to celebrate.

****
Oh, and I also learned that it's still the best feeling in the world to help and/or surprise a dolly-friend!

 

Happy Birthday DoA!

I've learned to be patient, that dolls you think you'll never find will eventually end up finding their way home to you and that most people in the community are really wonderful.

 

Happy Birthday DoA!!

I have learned that this hobby is INCREDIBLY bad for budgets, but very good at aiding with mood disorders - I wouldn't have survived without my little dollies! I have also learned that my sewing machine isn't as happy with small stitches as I would want it to be, and that masking tape really likes to stick to itself, and is in fact largely waterproof! (From which I also learned not to leave glasses of water on my work table because the kitten will knock them over for fun)

 

On the contrary to Serinityslr's post, I learned that the hardest part of doing a face-up is putting the head back on a tightly strung doll when your finished!!HahaI also learned about all the doll owners in my area by founding the Arkansas BJD Group. We now have regular meetings, and I've never been happier to say "Yes, I do own dolls."

 

This year I pulled on my big girl pants and graduated from my vinyl Obitsus to big resin boys. I learned that I love resin, and that it isn't as fragile as I thought it would be. I also learned that cutting a $500 doll in half really is as scarey as it sounds!

I also learned how to make wigs and wefts, because I can never find a wig in the size, style, or color I want.

I've also become addicted to the forum this past year, visitiing it daily instead of weekly like last year, and that it's wonderful to chat with people about seams and S-hooks!

Happy Birthday, DoA!!!!

 

Lets see....all the things that I have learned.

I have learned the awesomeness that is Fairyland. I've finally braved into doing my own face ups. Still working on the gorgeous feathery lashes.

I've learned that making paper stars is a good way to take the edge off of waiting for a doll to come.

Things I am going to be working on is sewing for my dolls. And I am working on...well *nail biting* re-stringing my dolls. *tears*

 

I learned that I HATE masking tape's GUTS.

But no, seriously, I learned one HUGE thing - don't be afraid to meet up offline with fellow DoAers in your area. I'm still not a meetup person, and I doubt I'll ever attend one (not my thing), but I did meet a friend locally to swap MNF bods and it was a blast, and I was really proud of myself for overcoming a lot of my shyness that day.

These contests helped me learn also that there are things I can do that I didn't think I could, like make a unique wig or a dress out of tape. So now I think I'll delve into sewing a little more.

Happy B-Day DoA, hope you have many, many more!

 

Happy birthday DoA ! I always wish U all the best. Thanks for everything... From U, I get more friends whom also a new BJD owners in my area. Without joining U, I probably won't know them... Thanks a lot, DoA~ I hope I can learn more from this precious hobby... I love you~

 

I have learned SO MUCH since I joined DoA in August 2007!
I learned...
-sometimes you can get lucky and your very first doll can come to you in exactly seven days from the day the payment goes through!
-waiting is very agonizing, but it's worst after the doll has shipped!
-there are a lot of very nice and wonderful people in the world, and most of them just happen to reside here.
-most strangers who have asked me about BJDs are genuinely curious, and not mean in the slightest! (maybe I'm just lucky )
-sewing clothes is easiest for me on a tiny scale, and I sew better for my Pukis than for my MSD!
-dolls are addictive! I went from one in April 2008 to two by December of that same year, currently own five and have plans for at least fifteen! :O
-having a job is a really awesome thing.
-responsibility. I pay for my car insurance, gas, books for college, put money into a savings account every month, and still find money to have fun with my friends AND save for dolls.
-my parents scoff at my hobby, but they still bought me a doll for Christmas.
-I can talk for HOURS with other doll-people about anything. I you all, Mid-GA doll people! >w<
-drawing is fun and difficult, but even moreso when it is a plan for my very own BJD!
-sculpting miniature foods is a lot of hard work, and I would rather spend money to buy beautiful tiny foodstuffs than use my own!
-no matter what, I love what I love and I'm going to keep on collecting my dolls no matter what my parents say.

Happy Birthday, DoA! You have taught me so much and I am glad to have been a member for three years!

 

Oh, man... The things one learns!! XD

I've learned that I can do a faceup with pastels and acrylics... and make it have people ask if I used an airbrush. (which, the ego padding, oh, man, it explodes).
I've learned that no matter how much you say that you never want a certain size of doll... that one of the companies is eventually going to release a doll that will yank you off your seat, in that exact size, demand to be brought home, and then you dutifully start saving.... XD
That restringing is fun, but hurts the fingers... hehe.

And the thing I've learned the most?

That doll people, in general, are awesome. Dolls bring people together, and create a glue that we all get mired in. I'm so, so lucky to be mired in glue with you all. A few of you all have stopped being doll friends, moving past that to friends... and past that, to family. I love you guys, and I'm so thankful for this site that has given me new family.

you, DoA.

 

This last year I went through a lot of very serious problems, and for a while was feeling selfish for keeping my beautiful doll collection. I all but ignored my collection for most of the year, and found myself wondering if I would leave the hobby. I thought I was losing my spark for dolls and was a little saddened by the thought. Then, just recently, I was given an offer for one of the dolls I was selling (a trade) and suddenly that feeling just rushed back to me! All the joy and excitement that comes from anticipating a newcomer... And now I have all sorts of plans and ideas ^.^; It feels wonderful

So this year I have learned that my love for dolls wasn't a phase, and that it's actually very important because it makes me really happy and during hard times, that's kind of a big deal

I know this isn't exactly a skill or anything I learned about the hobby, but I haven't really discovered any new skills due to my situation. It was important to me though, to find new joy in my collection and to find exciting things in the hobby to look forward to :3

 

I've learned many many things as a new, that I feel like I've been into the hobby forever.
I've also learned about so many other hobbies and types of people that who's dolls can really reflect bits of
them without even speaking.

Most of all, I've learned that it is possible to make a forum that says active for so long and with much time and careful preservation of the topics, can stay a haven or 'den' comfortable for many people. DOA has had the best strategy of tough love,
and respect to keep it's website appropriate and smart.
BJDs owners are really smart to.

And so many of us seem to own cats. lol(and dogs)

Thank you to all of our mods, and Admin
and Happy 6th Birthday DOA.
May there be many more to come!

 

Well... since last year I've learned that there are more annoying people than me in the cosmos... but its not their fault.... I've learned that its easy to be organised and harder to clean up a mess.... that honesty is still the best policy and that despite trying VERY hard I still cant wrap my head around how awesome our moderating team is to keep DoA such a rocking fun place to chat-learn and mingle.... Thankyou so very much guys!!!!!

 

1. I need to visit/post on DoA more often, since I almost missed the 6th anniversary! ^^"
2. I actually prefer MSDs to SDs... unlike I had expected.
3. Body blushing is easier than I expected it to be.
4. It's a bad idea to go to antique stores because they have a LOT of dolly-sized furniture and props.
5. Make sure your doll has underwear on before handing them over to show other people. Most of them really don't want to know that they're anatomically correct.
6. If you take your doll into Home Depot, and the foot falls off, make sure that you have the ankle joint too BEFORE leaving the store. x_x

 

I learned that the best way to bring dolls home is to give them to my daughter.

 

I have regained my feeling that I am part of a community in Den of Angels again - like it was in the Yahoo group days. I love this place. I deeply appretiate being able to have a nexus like this for the hobby. It can't be easy keeping order and running this place - especially as the number of members grow.
I have learned that posting can be fun!
I have learned that those expensive doll clothes are worth it.
I have started to really work with my dolls.
I even discovered that there are other doll owners in my area.

Thank you Den of Angels!
I am so glad that you are here.

 

I have learned how to hot glue suede dolls. A valuable skill and one less thing I have to send them out for. I've also learned that favoritism has nothing to do with rarity or cost- my favorites still tend to be the basics. Also that getting started with urethane eyes was a Very Bad Idea because now all of them need them!

 

I am new here but what I have learn is more bjd companies, bjd terms, and the fact that some many people love them!!! Where I live most people know even know what a bjd is.... So, thank you so very much D.o.A!!!

 

Wow, six years already!

I've learned...

*I wish I was here for the first three years.
*the community here is just fantastic, and so supportive. I found a meetup group that I attend whenever possible, full of some of the best people I could hope to meet.
*I am an enabler. While I only own one doll, I have encouraged/ helped my close friends to buy several others. I gift them with OOAK outfits on holidays. I am also enabled by those same people, who commission me regularly, and are so incredibly generous.
*people like the clothes I make!
*I have tried, and failed, to own minis. SD and up are my friends.
*I will buy a piece of doll-sized furniture I find at a craft store before I will buy myself a pair of jeans for the same price.
*Souldoll strings their Zeniths so, so tightly. Like, permanent fetal position, resin damaging, finger-pinching-ly tight. I'm on a mission to restring and suede as many as I can get my hands on. ​

Here's to six more years!

 

I finally got to take the plunge this year and do some faceups...and I learned that I'm not horrible at doing eyebrows. Yay! ^o^

 

Happy B-day, DoA!

Coming up on my third year with dolls & DoA, and I'm still learning new things about the hobby all the time. Probably the most notable thing I've learned in this past year is that taking dolls apart & putting them back together isn't nearly as terrifying or difficult as it might at first seem. I've also noticed recently that I'm getting pretty good at picking out various company's dolls & sculpts in pictures. I'm nowhere near an expert, but I remember when I first joined DoA I was so excited to have found these wonderful dolls that I never really took the time to notice all the differences among the numerous molds. Now I'm much more discerning and have a clearer idea of what I'd like and also not like in my own personal collection going forward.

Can't wait to see what fun this coming year will bring...! ^__^

 

Hmmm, well I learned that I'm not a big fan of the smaller sized dolls. I've learned more about all the different companies. But the biggest things is that I can spread my hobbies and interests out more (meaning I can fall in love with a new hobby and still enjoy time with my BJD).

 

Here's what I've learned this year:

It is nearly impossible for me to NOT log into DOA every day, if only to check on what's new.

After being a member for nearly 6 years, I still find things here that take my breath away.

I will have to clean the dust off my sewing machine soon because I still can't find the doll clothes that I envision for my dolls.

Most people here are very pleasant and I can successfully ignore the few who are not.

Never say never. (No large elves, no odd-sized dolls, no more big dolls, no more floating heads) I have broken all my rules this year and expect that I will break the rest in the year to come.

 

I'm new here but I have already learned about the best materials to use for faceups and how best to apply MSC.

I've also learned that even though I can't afford a lot of clothes now I already own many things I can use and it is fun discovering them.

 

Well, I'm still not as good at some things as I would like to be, although I'm alright and I'm enjoying learning everything, so hopefully next year I'll have more to say, but...

* I have learned how to make a few doll clothing items. (And some have turned out pretty well!)
* I have learned that I much prefer working with step-by-step tutorials or making it up as I go along, rather than use patterns.
* I've learned that it's a lot better to go into the 'advanced' settings on my camera rather than using the auto settings!
* Therefore, I've learned how to use my camera a lot better. :3
* I've learned that, no matter what you tell people or yourself, there will always be another doll you want! xD

 

I have learned that...

* restringing isn't even half as difficult as it seems once you get to it.
* total strangers can often be trusted (caution still advised!)
* despite my knitting-is-better-then-crochet attitude before, crochet is now my mainly used crafting skill and I love it, it doesn't have to look bleh.
* my natural oversaturated with dolls level is at around 10 dolls, exact amount depends on their size.
* SDs really aren't my thing. Really.
* a doll can sometimes help you through rough times better then other people can.
* do not, I repeat, do NOT check the marketplace if you don't have money, you will see that doll/outfit/wig you've always wanted but that was never for sale, up for sale just when you can't have it.

 

I have learned..... I MUST STAY AWAY FROM THE MARKETPLACE!! Sooo many pretties makes my bank account cry

Doll people are both reasonable, fair and very, very creative!
Compliments, manners and goodwill are gold.
Be bold!

 

First, I learned about DoA and am very glad I did. Second, I got my first doll, which lead to another, and another, and... oh when does it stop!? Third, I learned that I love these dolls, they are so much more than just an object. Fourth, I learned to share my thoughts.

 

I've learned not to procrastinate on contest deadlines.

 

I have learned so much from the users on here. I have been reading a lot of the experiences with doll face ups, which I have done to my own dollfie. I have only done a 2nd face up and hope to improve my style on my dollfie.

Plus, the marketplace has so much awesome stuff to buy, which is hard to keep away from there.

 

I worked for around 125 hours to earn my doll, not including a wig, eyes, and clothes. I'd never worked like that before, and had never had so much money all at once. It was tempting to just give up and blow what I had already earned on smaller, less expensive dolls that I also loved, or pretty artbooks, but I didn't! I stuck to it, and I finally ordered him, with 100% my money.
So this will sound like a cheeseball, but I guess I learned hard work and perseverance.

 

Six Years...

I guess I've learned not to worry that this is just a brief phase... I'm happy to know that I still love BJDs and DoA as much as ever, and I started just after this forum (wasn't one of the true pioneers with the yahoogroup, though). BJDs are an addiction that I have no interest in kicking. It is way too much fun!

After six years there's not much you'd think I'd learn, but it still happens. I SO enjoyed looking through all the joy and work put in these contests. It really made me think of what a great group of people (a LOT of people) are active here, and how much we find joy and creativity in the dolls, and that it's definitely something that makes a bright spot in a world that can seem full of trouble and much less fun things--and it should be treasured and not taken for granted.

 

I have not been here for very long but I have found out a lot here!!! I learned about more doll companies!!!!X3 Love the discussions because I get to hear so many views on different subjects about bjds!! It is nice being part of this community this is one of the best rewards on Den Of Angels! There is really no talk about bjds here where I live; so, it is so nice to hear others talk and share about their meet-ups! Thank D.o.A and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!XD

 

I've learned that if you want a particular doll, but try to talk yourself out of it, you're doomed to fail. The doll that you really want will find a way to come home with you. Even when you aren't expecting it. Everything will just work out!