Atlanta Ball Jointed Doll Convention 2016

The Atlanta Ball Jointed Doll Convention is in it's 4th year and we are looking forward to seeing a ton of people at the convention.
Atlanta Ball Jointed Doll Convention | A doll convention for the fans, by the fans!

The event this year is being hosted at the ​

Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia
November 18th – 20th 2016
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Tickets are currently 40.00 through to October 1st at which point they will be 45.00 there and at the door.

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Our main Guest this year is Peter Beagle...​

We have several events planned with Peter including a Pajama party where we will be watching the Last Unicorn.
There will be a meet and greet with him as well as a couple of other round table panels regarding Fairy Tales and their relation to BJD creation as well as storytelling with your bjd.

I am waiting to announce a HUGE surprise with regards to him as well.

Other guests include...
Angel Toast who will be bringing Luts dolls with her as she is a vendor for the company.
Eileen Bowen of Silverbeams Magic
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Our list of vendors...

Pandora's Toybox Pandoras-Toy-Box on DeviantArt

Dollstories Dolls

Angeltoast Asthetics and Luts vendor AngelToast Aesthetics

Silverbeams Magic 3D printing BJD dolls and doll accessories by Silverbeam

Sweetdolls via Teacupdreams Sweet Dolls BJD | Facebook

Teacupdreams Teacupdreams and Loli Things | Facebook
Howard Boone Doll Furniture

Sinclair Jewelry SinclairJewelry | Facebook

Brighnasa The Night Market - BJD Jewelry and Armor by NightMarketBJD

Aurielle's Grove Azurielle's Grove: About

Nightengales Needles Nightengale Needles – geekery & fannishness via fabric by NightengaleNeedles

Evil Little Girls Evil Little Girls by EVILLITTLEGIRLS

Creations by Dreamyr, Dollforge, and Rainbow Fairy Dreamyr Designs
T
eahouse Comics Teahouse Comics a Comic Shop in Atlanta

Kelly Salchi Dolls higherdelights

Resin Melody Resin Melody

Peter Beagle The Real Peter S. Beagle | Facebook
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Our Links...
We have several places to get info from and from which we are sending out updates...
Our facebook page... Atlanta Ball Jointed Doll Convention | Facebook
Our fan page... Log into Facebook | Facebook
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Tentative list for Panels, workshops, and events for 2016
We are currently still accepting panels and waiting for few more to get sent in.
Dates and times will be finalized and an Indiegogo set up to do workshop sign ups and much more.


The DOLLY Doctor
There will be a table in the vendor area with the doctor in residence to see to all your dolly's mishaps.
Need restringing? Yellowing? Too Loose? Too tight?
The Doctor will be in and can help you with these issues and more.
There will be an appointment book and some things may cost a small fee ie string, velcro etc.


Panels

Becca Mitchum
An Introduction to Vinyl Dolls
An overview of vinyl bjds including but not limited to the brands of Volks, Obitsu/Parabox, Azone and Smartdoll. We will be taking a look at Volks' creation of the Dollfie Dream and the history of the line, as well as some speculation on the future. Please join us and learn about the lighter side of dolls!
Time needed: Two hours for panel and meet/greet

Billy Bennett
Smartdolls! The Future of dolls?
This is an introduction to the works of Danny Choo and his mascot Mirai Suenaga and all her friends. We will talk about and show the evolution of the Smartdoll, how it came to be along with where it is now and where it might be going. Come and see various models of the Smartdolls including the first fullset 60cm vinyl boy made entirely in Japan! We'll have various models, parts and info on them as well as how to get your own as well as how to modify them to make them Smart! So drop in and see why dolls are getting smarter!
Time - One hour

BJD or NOT BJD and does it really matter?
Guest: Renee Newsom/Teacupdreams
A panel on ball jointed dolls past and present, what constitutes a ball joint, and what dolls have them and those that do not.
Fun panel with a great many dolls for examples.

Dolly D and D
Teacupdreams and special guest
Interactive fun with your dolls playing a small module that is made just for the convention.
Your dolls will be the characters, the miniatures if you will in this nightime dungeons and dragons adventure.
Limited to 10 attendees.


Dolly Story Time
Teacupdreams/Eileen Bowen
It's a game, a story, and a ton of fun.
Come spend time with us as your dolls get to take part in this interactive story telling time.
Space is limited to 10.
Sign up for this will be at registration.


Cosplay 101
Panelist: Aleathia Burns
This panel is for individuals who would love to learn about how to make costumes and Cosplay with their Dollfies.
The panel will show you how to acquire Wigs, Fabric selection, Sewing skills, Prop Making, and where to order/Commsision costumes.


Sewing 101: The Basics
Panelist Aleathia Burns
This panel is for Beginners who are interested in sewing.
The panel will cover How to use a Sewing Machine, Patterns, Fabric choices, and tools.


Intro to Intermediate Sewing
Panelist Aleathia Burns
This panel is for Beginners who want to level up on their skills.
This panel will cover Seam finishes, Interfacing, Bias tape application, and more.


Research Before You Sew!!
Panelist Aleathia Burns
This panel will cover ways on how to do proper research when it comes to costume construction.
Tips on Historical to the finer Details will be discussed.


3D Printing a BJD and what it means for the toy/doll industry - Silverbeams Magic, Jerry Wilson, Kip Campbell, and Teacupdreams 1:45pm - 2:45 pm
With the development of the 3D printer things are about to change for many industries. This panel and Q and A will host a skype with others who have 3D printers so that we can watch how they work. Discussion will delve into how 3D printers will effect the Doll and Toy industries.

Peter Beagle Meet and greet 1 Hour
Come meet Peter and ask him questions in a friendly setting.

Fairies, Unicorns, and Dolls
Peter Beagle, Silverbeams Magic, Teacupdreams, Brian Hagan
Round table discussion on how the doll hobby intersects with storytelling and the creativity behind it all.

 

Workshops


Chainmaille Workshop (2 hours)
Guest: Brandi Sinclair
Is your doll a warrior?
Learn how to make basic miniature armor in this workshop by making a simple bracelet for yourself.
There’s a $5 materials fee, and tools will be provided.
You’ll leave with a bracelet, instruction sheet, and a link to a more advanced project with a resource list.
Fee: $5


Sculpting BJD's
Guest Glenna Hartwell
Join Glenna Hartwell from DollStories for this panel on sculpting BJDs.
Learn how Glenna creates dolls that are both realistic and beautiful, drawing from her background as a portrait painter and sculptor.
Practice hands-on finishing techniques that will serve you well in both the creation of new dolls and customizing the dolls you own.
We will cover anatomy, sculpting, and finishing.
Ready to learn and have fun?
All participants receive a 20% discount coupon for the DollStories pre-order, which opens during the convention.
See the new dolls on http://Facebook.com/Dollstories



Faceups Teacupdreams: MSD resin heads (2Hours)
Teacupdreams will help with the hands on portion where you get to work your own faceup on a doll head given to you as part of the workshop. A projector presentation with how- to slides and photos will be shown in the background for a questions/answer session.
Friday: Class limit 10 Resin MSD Doll heads Exclusive the the convention, made especially for the convention. Workshop fee: $35
NOTE...we have a limited number of heads.


Personal Doll Faceup
Guest: Renee Newsom
This is the faceup panel where you are encouraged to bring in a personal doll to do a faceup on.
We will walk you step by step through the process using our supplies on your own doll.
It’s a great learning experience to help you get a hands on feel as to how faceups are done.
You’ll get a chance to make mistakes in a safe environment and learn that those mistakes simply aren’t a big deal.
Fee: $10


Jewelry Designing for BJD's
Teacupdreams
5.00 charge per person for supplies.
Hands on class on how to make jewelry for your doll. Will go over basics of jewelry making and show you how to use old jewelry and new beads to create something new and interesting.

Jewelry Designing Stage 2
Teacupdreams
5.00 charge per person for supplies.
Hands on class on how to make more complicated jewelry for your doll. Will go over more challenging aspects of jewelry making and show you how to use old jewelry and new beads to create something new and interesting.


Make Your Own Fur Wig
Guest: Renee Newsom
Hands on workshop where you pick out a wig in your favorite dollie size, fav color out of the rainbow of choices and learn how to make and modify a wig to perfectly fit your doll.
Attendees will sew along with the teacher and take home a wig made by them.
Fee: $5

Personal Doll Body Blushing
Guest: Renee Newsom
This is the body blushing workshop where you are encouraged to bring in a personal doll to do blushing on.
We will walk you step by step through the process using our supplies on your own doll.
It’s a great learning experience to help you get a hands on feel as to how blushing is done.
You’ll get a chance to make mistakes in a safe environment and learn that those mistakes simply aren’t a big deal.
Fee: $10


Sew a Kimono
Teacupdreams
Hands on class to sew a kimono for your doll. You will get a precut kimono and hands on how to sew it by hand during this 1 hour workshop.
There will be precut kimono in a variety of colors and sizes from SD down to tiny Yo sized and Puki kimono.
Class fee is 10.00


Tattoo-Design and Application
Guest: Renee Newsom
Step by step workshop on how to design and apply a tattoo to your doll.
Will go over some other body mods as well such as piercing, all safe for your doll.
Fee: $5


Making a carry case for your dolls from a decorative box
Panelist: Jennifer Vanderloop
Ever fall in love with one of those really cool decorative boxes at your local craft store but didn’t have a good use for it?
This workshop will show you some ideas on how to convert just about any decorative box in to a safe and padded carry case for your dolls.
The workshop will finish with attendees finalizing their own carry case for dolls MSD sized or smaller.
Fee: $35
Limit: 10 spaces.


Recycled Materials Transformed
Guest: Kip Campbell
From frosting containers transformed into MSD doll saddles to toys and clothes repurposed.
Come in with your favorite recycled items or just bring your dolls to get new ideas!
See what other doll people are bringing to the table when it comes to creative uses of everyday items for your dolls.




The 2016 Atlanta Convention Fairy Doll Project
Come learn and get the behind the scenes info on the official 2016 Atlanta BJD Fairy dolls. Created by two long time guests of the con, Kiki of Sweet Dolls and Eileen of Silverbeam Dolls. Great for anyone is thinking about creating a doll or if you want to see just what all goes into making one. Extra fun as these dolls were first created with 3D printing then cast by a professional doll company. (This panel is free and open to all)

DIY 3D effects Resin Doll eyes
It's Back! One of my most popular panels! Sponsored by Silverbeam Dolls, come create your own custom eyes with this easy and fun workshop. Create stunning eyes with resin cast bases and tons of creative fillers like glitter, rhinestones, and nail decorations. A wide variety of sizes available from 8mm-20mm. (Workshop fee: 6$ for one pair or two pairs for 10$)

Blush a Micro 3D printed BJD
Returning by popular demand is this fun and easy workshop to blush a micro BJD for your very own. A great panel for any level of experience be it pro to total newb. You can choose between our small selection of 3D printed micro dolls created by Silverbeam dolls (Pinecone sprite, Water sprite, and a surprise new sprite will be coming!). A short lecture will teach you all you need to know and then we will dive into blushing and sealing the doll so you can take your new doll home. (Workshop fee: 20$ for one doll and any supplies, attendance limit of 20)



Other Panels/workshops as we are still getting information to us on these...
Monster High repaint and modding panel/s
Angel Toast faceup panel
Azuriel of Aurielle's Grove will be doing a sewing panel
Stringing panel/s hands on how to with small charge for class

More to be announced.

 

Events

Costume Contest
The Fairy Courts Light and Dark
Who will you choose?

The Seelie known as ‘The Shining Throne’, The Golden Ones’, and the ‘Light Court’ Linked to Spring/Summer of Halcyon days and beauty and light.

The Unseelie known as ‘The court of Shadows’, ‘the Unblessed Ones’, and the ‘Dark Court’ Linked to Autumn/Winter of dark and stormy nights, the shadows, and nightmares.

There is a ton of lore about the fey and the courts, Seelie and Unseelie, and we welcome you to bring that lore into your costuming for your doll.

Mist on the Water
by Renee Newsom

Mist on the water, mist on the shore
Come weary traveller through the elven door
Where faeries dance amid silken laughter
In the varied realms of the everafter
And faerie warriors guard the shining way
And the glamour beckons you to stay
To sing and dance and join in faerie games
Where no one fears to share their secret names
The flowers are homes to the folk of the realm
And the dryad lives in the midst of the elm
You will dance to the strains of your hearts desire
And marvel at sight of faerie fire.

Rules
THERE WILL BE TWO CATEGORIES
Handmade
Costume must be made by you for your doll.

Store Bought
Bought from a store or another person for your doll.

JUDGING
Costumes will be judged by a panel of judges chosen from the guests at convention as well as your hosts.

There will be First, Second and Third place prizes.

There will also be a best in show that will be voted on by attendees of the convention.

PLEASE NOTE
Only one of your dolls can be entered in only one category.This means if you want to enter a doll it can only be entered in one category and you can only enter one of your dolls in the contest.This is to make it fair to those who also have entered dolls into the competition.


PJ party with Peter Beagle
I plan a PJ party with us watching a movie with Mr Beagle.
Popcorn, PJ's the whole nine yards.



Charity auction
Silent Auction


Pinata Fight Club
Rule one…we do not talk about Pinata Fight Club.
Rule two…we do not talk about Pinata Fight Club.
Rule three… have fun.









Doll Social and Catered Dinner
We are catering a gourmet buffet dinner from a four diamond restaurant with the help of our new home hotel.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and talk to our guests in an informal setting.
Socialize and eat with other attendees.
Please bring your dolls, we’ll have a safe spot for them to be displayed for all to see.
There is a fee of $50 per person for this event.
All attendees purchasing a ticket to the dinner get a gift bag exclusive to the event which includes a doll outfit unique to the convention based on the convention theme.

 

Also remember to register early.
This is extremely important as it lets the hotel know and us know what to expect and prepare for so that things go smoothly.

Register for your hotel rooms early as well.

I know it seems odd but here's how it works the more hotel rooms and attendees that we show the hotel the bigger the cost break that they will give us thus assuring that there will be a convention next year as well as on into the future.

I NEED folks to register asap and to get the word out there.

So please spread the word, let folks know it's an awesome event, and help us grow.

 

Getting ready to put day badge payment buttons on the webpage.

Friday is 20.00
Saturday is 30.00
Sunday is 15.00

We were just accepting these at door in past years but decided to go ahead and put them out there.

Remember please pre reg.
Everyday will have something awesome in it.
Each day will have a face up panel, each day will have a tattoo/mod panel, I am trying to make sure no one misses panels like this.

I'll post more panels/workshops as we get them in.

To register for a day badge please go here...
Atlanta Ball Jointed Doll Convention | A doll convention for the fans, by the fans!

 

This is very hard for me to write but bear with me and please read this through.

The doll convention has been something I put my heart and soul into, something I wanted for the doll community, and something I wanted for the artists to showcase their creations.

I think in it's short run we succeeded in that to some degree.

We brought panels that had'nt been at some conventions, we had a ton of fun and folks kept pitching in and helping it grow.

I don't think I have ever had this awesome a group of volunteers to work with ever and they deserve so much thanks and such from me that I don't know if I will ever be able to repay them.
All of them have been with us since day one in support and encouragement.
Nothing is ever perfect and we've had those who were not happy with the con for one reason or another but the MAJORITY embraced it and wanted it.

Sadly things often don't work out the way we want and today I am having to write that as of the posting of this letter we are canceling the convention.

The reason for canceling is that we don't have the money to fund it this year not without going deep into debt.
There are many factors as to why this happened the main being that we fund this mostly out of our pockets and past convention fundage.
Sadly last year at end of convention we were 4,000 in debt.
There was no overage to put back into the convention everything went to paying the hotel at the end of the convention. We even took funds out of savings to pay for the convention.

And this would have been fine as Kip and Jen usually put aside money each year to put into new business endeavors.
However heading into the winter we lost several of our major shows we do, then several other shows, we sell clothing and dolls at conventions, were miserable as far as us making the money we needed to survive on. If one of our major shows had done better we would be having the convention however show after show after show just did'nt do what it needed in revenue and in the end I cannot ask Kip and Jen who fund the conventon to go into winter again not knowing if we can feed ourselves, if we can pay mortgage etc.
So we had a decision and that decision though hard to make is that we have to cancel the show for this year.
We HOPE that at some point we can bring it back but right now we cancel.

What this means for those of you who have bought tickets?
Beginning Monday we will start refunding everyone money paid for attendance, dinner with Peter Beagle, and vendors.

We ask that if you have any issues getting refunds for hotel or air fare to contact us via email so we can figure out what to do on that. We are hoping this is early enough that things will be ok on both airfare and hotel .

For those who bought pre reg tickets.
So many thanks and so much love and I am sorry that I cannot give you the convention you wanted.
We will however be sending you the goody bags that were going to be given to you.
We will contact you via email to get street addies to send the bags to but we wanted you to have them as a thank you for supporting us.
We will also be asking you to include what doll sizes you would like to see for your goody bag.
We intend these to be the best goody bags in content as a thank you for the support you have given us over the years.
We do appreciate it.

I am hoping this is not the end.
We are hoping this is not the end.
We will keep you updated on all things and as always we will be honest with you on how things are going as I have been from day one.

 

Yes keep watching we will be back just it's not feasible this year.
When we do come back we need all the support we can get from pre reg attendees to spreading the word, to volunteers etc.
I also want to add that any doll event that you know of that is out there go and support it as these events are run on love and a need to share with the community. If we don't support each other then we won't have any conventions/shows to go and enjoy.