DollNorth @ AnimeNorth 2015 - Toronto, Canada

Oooh that sounds awesome! Hopefully they can work out a better connection for the vendor room. I found it spotty, but a lot of the time my phone plan kicked in and took over when the wifi was being problematic. I definitely appreciate you looking into it, though!

I'm so excited, wow! A big fashion event just finished up here this past weekend, so my now this is the next big event and I can't waaaaaait to see everyone!!! YEY!

Haha I'm scared for what Soom will bring! I also told myself no more dolls for a bit, but well... we'll see

 

If all the dealers are going to be bringing stock, I'm now terribly, terribly afraid of Batchix and what she may bring along. I've resisted so far her Machina boys but it's been a close call the 2 times I've seen her in person when she had some with her for purchase. If she brings along her newest dark elf boy... my wallet may be doomed (unless, of course, the PP/CC thing isn't working for the non-Canadians, which might be the only thing saving my poor wallet).

Unless Soom shows up with an Azur big Sea Sprite, I'm safe from doll purchases from them. Clothes... me and the wallet may need to have stern Words with each other.

Just for curiosity's sake, has everybody narrowed down/decided on who is going to the con with them since we're just a tick over a month away from the event? I'm still waffling back and forth over who gets to come vs transportability. I'd love to bring my big boys (two 68cm) but I also need to rely on public transit to get there and it's basically a 2-hour trip on buses, train and subway for me, which can be challenging when lugging their hefty butts around in addition to my own luggage (small as that bag is).

 

Since I didn't bring anyone last year, I think I probably will have one or two with me. For whatever reason I have no problem packing light on a weeks-long trip overseas, but ALWAYS overdo it for AN, which is a public transit ride away. But I've vowed to do better this year, so if I do bring someone, they're going to be small and light. Littlejay, my DOB Libra, gets a lot of travel time in, but that's because he's small and easy, so he'll probably be coming. If I manage to get around to doing that costume (and honestly, I don't think I will) then Jaden, my DOC Si will also be coming. If I don't do the costume, then I'll bring my new Peakswood girl, assuming she comes in before then. Probably nobody bigger than MSD-range.

 

I'm looking forward to checking out the market on Saturday at least briefly before heading out to some other AN events. Thankfully, I think I'm pretty safe from purchasing any new resin right now but it will be great to see the dealers and see what they have brought with them.I'm mostly interested in eyes, wigs and clothing this year. I'm really happy to have gotten a yard sale table for Sunday too, now its just sorting things and preparing them for the table ~

I've never used a square reader before, though I do have one (just never set up an account). Perhaps I'll look into it to give people another option, couldnt hurt to try!

I am not planning to bring anyone too big with me. I mean I would love to bring Yukio (Soom MD Chrom) but he's a bit heavy to carry around all day. I might bring Hachi and Shiko (Soom MD Hati and Skoll) one day and my Volks DDH-01 Custom MDD the second day to hang out with me at my table. Not sure yet but I have time to decide and both options are pretty light and manageable for me to carry around to other events.
@ Edtel: I havent seen Littlejay in so long!

 

Nassano is always a hit (Sugarble naga boy) but he came last year and I try and bring different guys each time. I just got Ammiel (OD Il vampire) back from being modded to have a 3rd eye (and he's gorgeous!) and if he comes, then Shae-Lin (DearMine Oskar) needs to come as they're a couple and they're far more transportable (MSD's) than my SD's. But Ryzel (BBD Valentine) and Quin (JeiDoll Ashford) haven't been and while they're also SD's, they're only 61cm and smaller/lighter than Fei-Lau (DZ Edward) and Khale (Leeke Limited Khal vampire). *sigh* I still don't know who I'd best like to bring.

 

I just got off the phone with Square support and sadly what shiroi_yukiko mentioned about International payments is correct. Only Canadian bank accounts can accept payment with Square within Canada and all prices need to be in CAD.

Really too bad they don't have something set up for cross-border selling options, even if you were able to open a Canadian account at a local bank branch in the US specifically to take these payments.

Square payments are available for all Canadian Vendors, but International and US vendors will need to use Paypal on their devices if they would like to accept digital payment.

I have been in contact with our AV team and the hotel regarding a designated WIFI router for our vendors, AV is set up I am awaiting final confirmation from the hotel's IT department, but I don't anticipate any problems securing that arrangement.

 

I'm going to Anime North this year, and am hoping to stop by Doll North. Unfortunately I wont have any dolls to bring with me this year but I am making my first doll purchase hopefully at the beginning of May. That is, that'll be my first doll if I don't end up spending my life away there. I hope I can meet lots of cool people! (I'm so socially awkward)

 

I'm so glad you'll be joining us Swim2thesun. I think you will find lots of selection for a new doll or all the supplies you would need for a doll at the Doll Market this year, heck even try your hand at winning a charity raffle doll

We are trying to improve our programming by adding more fun games this year, one of which will be a dolly speed friending event on Friday night, we want to kick off the con by helping doll hobbyists to make some new connections (maybe even friends to socialise with at the con?). We hope it will be a great ice-breaker to find some company for the whole weekend.

 

A Friday event sounds like fun I am SO excited! This will be my first time at AnimeNorth!! Dollism Plus USA was my only event before this one and it was amazing! Like then, I suspect to be camped out the SOOM booth the entire weekend, though I might have to split my time with Loongsoul!!

I will also be dressing up! Not as anyone in particular, I just love vintage Victorian wear ^-^

 

I'll once again be making the trip out from Newfoundland for AN. This will be year 19! O_O

I'm not sure who I'm going to bring with me yet for the weekend, but I do know that I will have limited funds this year. It's sad cause there's always so much that I see that I want to buy! Lol

 

That Dolly Speed-Friending event sounds so fun! I can only hope I (and whichever doll(s) I choose to bring along) can make a good first impression >.>

And holy cow, Sirius53Black, 19 Anime Norths?? That's incredible!!

 

Ah, so dolls will be for sale in the market as well? I was thinking it was going to be strictly items only, but this is exciting news!

 

Too tempting to have actual dolls on sale on site. I already purchased my doll for this year so I will try my best to steer clear and just admire from afar. However, my shopping list consists of eyes, wigs and maybe shoes since my new doll has none of those.

I will be bringing two dolls that will be displayed on my table for Saturday. For Sunday since I will be roaming the convention grounds, I will have one girl and she will be cosplaying. I just have to repair that costume since it got messed up in transit from the last convention I went to.

 

When I went to Dollism, I told the Hubby that I wouldn't be coming home with any new dolls as the 2 I was after would not be there (Impl Ziv in custom grey & SD Rail in normal with default face-up). I was right in that the ones I wanted weren't there. However, DearMine was there and the Oskar with the limited spring Mistral face-up was available. I bought him *head desk*. I also won one of the raffle dolls at AN a few years back and only entered that on a whim, so never say never to a new doll finding it's way home with you.

 

I'm going to have a few dolls for sale, hopefully I can tempt some people!

 

Any one else getting packed up for the yard sale? I have tons of stuff for dollies who need them more because I'm just hoarding them at this point. >.<

 

I'm definitely slowly going through my things for my yard sale table on Sunday, photographing them for instagram too. I'm hoping to have everything ready to go and packed up at least a week before so I dont have to think about it at all haha.

I know that the sales period for the new Soom TG's ends before the convention but I have this tiny hope they will open preorders for them at Doll North too as they have done at other cons with their TG's just so I can see one in person before making a decision haha.

I think what I am most looking forward to though is seeing the Masq entries. It's always a highlight for me seeing what people come up with! Then again I'm also interested in seeing the parabox face up competition entries this year too, each year it seems like there is more and more. Im interested in seeing how people interpret the theme this year!

 

I'm getting pretty excited about this event and can't wait to see what the various dealers bring with them. Hopefully nothing to tempt my poor wallet but I'm not counting on that. It'll also be really nice to see people again as I think the last time I saw some of the local doll people was at Dollism back in September. I really wish I was able to make the Sunday meet up but I have a prior commitment for that time *sigh*.

 

i went to the link and someone is selling fake tickets.

"
[h=2]Fake Admissions Being Sold Online[/h] Monday, 30 March 2015 21:22
BE AWARE! Anime North has been informed of an individual calling himself Joe Li selling fake Anime North passes online.
Anime North highly encourages you to contact [email protected] before buying a 2015 admission from a third party. The registration staff will be more than happy to verify that you are buying a legitimate pass.

 

Parabox shared a coupon code on the Doll North facebook page that's valid until April 26th at midnight. It's a great chance to grab a wig for your faceup competition entries since the size can be a little tricky to track down. The heads this year were so teeny and cute.

Hope those working on their magical girl entries are having fun! The entries filled up so quickly this year, I'm really excited to see what you create.

 

who ever made the facebook page finally stopped being defensive and fixed thier error. they had the page in a sub catagory that was called "convention centre". which of course confused some people thinking doll north was taking place at the convention centre. i pointed this out to them but they just kept telling me, it is at the congress centre. they were not getting the fact that, category or not, there is a rather well known building in toronto called the "convention centre" and that they would prob do well in changing the name.. nope, kept defending thier position, totally missing the point intirely, this morning... changed to "event". sometime we just need to sleep on things to see things clearly

 

@ Iron_Dog: I agree these events are really great because they do bring a lot of local (and not so local) collectors together who may not have had a chance to see each other in a long while, especially if schedules (or distance) restricts them from being able to attend meet ups. I love running into people who I haven't seen for whats felt like ages!

I recall seeing some of the Parabox eyes last year, especially the anime themed eyes, they were really quite beautiful. It's very generous of Parabox to give a discount code prior to the convention~

 

It was very generous of Parabox. I went to look on the site this morning because of the discount code but alas, the wig I would've liked to have gotten was sold out *sigh*. Isn't it always that way?

I saw that there was mention of an event or two for Friday. Is that still tentative or has that been finalized? Friday is my most free day so that's likely my best chance to see people.

 

A couple events have been scheduled for Friday @Iron_Dog, we're planning to run Dolly Speed Friending and Name That Sculpt on Friday, the Charity Raffle table will also open at 5PM along with some of the photo displays so it might be a good chance to get some pictures before the crowds come in on Saturday

We'll also be opening up the workshop room for general doll crafting if attendees want to bring something to work on, and there will be a little preparation for Batchix's workshop happening in the workshop room. Registration for all four workshops will be posted in the next week (Wig Making, Custom Eyes, Face Up, and BJD Head Sculpting.)

 

Awesome! I hope the workshops will be on when I'm free *crosses fingers*. I'd like to attend the Dolly Speed Friending but the Name That Sculpt is beyond me *sigh* (yea! face-blindness). I'm excited to see Batchix again and hope I can attend the full panel with her this time.

 

Is there any other way to pick up tickets other than picking them up there on friday or the day of? Line ups are super long and im not off till 6 30 pm on friday...how early do they start pickups on sunday?

 

I believe the fastest days for badge pick up are Thursday and Sunday @sapphirekat. From what I have been hearing from the registration department they are doing everything in their power to improve the speed of the admission line, I believe there were significant improvements reported last year over the very long wait times of 2013.

At this time the only way to pick up your admission ticket is from the Registration Desk located in Hall D of the Toronto Congress Center. They will open at 9:30AM on Sunday. Additional hours can be found on the registration page: http://www.animenorth.com/live/inde...ent&view=category&layout=blog&id=43&Itemid=67

 

^ thanks, hopefully i will be able to pick up saturday evening or sunday morning...

 

I haven't had any issue at all picking up passes in the last couple of years. I think I only waited about 20 minutes in 2013, and last year the line was moving so fast my party didn't stop walking at all and got our passes immediately. I always pick them up friday afternoon

 

Unfortunately I can't come this year, but I am planning to do so next year! The hike from Thunder Bay to Toronto is what impedes me from coming (also money...)

 

Ooh, awesome. Thanks for looking into this!

Last month I was really excited for AN, but now that it's less than a month away the panic is stating to set in. XD Hoping to meet lots of new people this year.

 

Tayma-Leigh I am totally there with the panic, but also the excitement!
I've only ever been to one teeny little anime convention before and there wasn't anything doll related there aside from a meet-up, so I'm really glad I get to come up for Doll North this year.

 

2015 Workshop Registration is now open. We're offering 4 workshops this year:

BJD Wig Making with Batchix
BJD Face Ups with Call Me Gorgeous
BJD Custom Acrylic Eyes
BJD Head Sculpting with catcatcatkat

http://www.animenorth.com/live/inde...orth-workshops&catid=69:doll-north&Itemid=148

Class size is limited, so be sure to register quickly

 

It's really too bad they don't recognise that people cross borders to attend events (not just conventions, but things like the One of a Kind Show, the Home Show and other giftware and artisan events). Makes it difficult and inconvenient for vendors to sell if they can't use something like Square and not everyone uses PayPal. Oh, well, there *is* always cash, just not very convenient.

Speaking of cash, from a convention standpoint, I suggest you make sure you have enough for at least basic necessities (food and the like) as the ATMs at the con can sometimes run out of money, and the queue to use them can be aggravatingly long.

I live in the area, so I always go home at night. Not the most convenient if you need to crash for a bit during the day, but a hell of a lot cheaper. XD As for dolls I'm bringing.. I've learned over the years of attending AN and DN (and events before DN) that I'm really lazy and don't like carrying things around much. My first year I had an SD, and he was heavy. The biggest I carry, to DN only, is an MSD. I know I'm bringing Liliana (Yo-sized), as she's having a wig made for her at the workshop, and I will likely be bringing a RealPuki (and maybe a Pukipuki), as they desperately need clothes (they are my least clothed dolls). I need to buy a pair of eyes for Tolly (BF Tiny Fairy) from Enchanted Doll Eyes. Laika stole her brother's eyes, so he needs a pair. ;oP

 

One the subject of necessities like food, be prepared for line-ups at most places for sit-down meals. The restaurants in the area are generally good about getting people in and out in a timely fashion, but the con brings a LOT of people into the area and you could find yourself in for a wait even if you show up past the traditional meal times.

 

I looked into another credit card option for myself, since I really wanted to make it easy for everyone. The Paypal card reader is available in the US only right now, but it can be used for international cards! There's an additional 1% fee on top of the normal, but I can live with that. I can only take up to a certain dollar amount too, because I don't have a business account, but better than nothing! The cardholder doesn't have to have a Paypal account for it to work. And since we'll have WiFi, I can use my phone (which I literally can't use for anything else but wifi, because the international plan is awful). So that's my problem solved at least!

What I was going to do before, which is an option for anyone without a reader, is just send people invoices through Paypal. They don't have to have a Paypal account to pay the invoice (there's a credit/debit option when they click into it), but it's a bit more of a runaround, since they'd have to log into Paypal and pay the invoice (either on their phone or a laptop I'll have at my table) before they leave with their stuff. Or if they already have Paypal they can just log in and pay directly, of course.

Hopefully this info helps someone. I'm definitely going to prefer Paypal, since going back to the US, I don't have to worry about converting my cash over. ^_^

 

Stop Motion-ites! The Deadline for the film festival has been extended to May 15, midnight EST!
AND AND AND!
We're accepting existing stop motions too, so long as they play by the rules

Here's the link to the rules & submission info.

 

We just posted our album of 2015 Sponsored Prizes on facebook, go check it out if you'd like a sneak peak before the convention! Lots of chances to win this year so be sure to enter as many competitions and games as you can

 

9 days left!

 

GUYS!! We just got the prize announcements in for the Stop Motion Film Festival!!
1st place: Fairyland LittleFee Shue (w/ fullset items provided by Doll North)
2nd place: NingNing Doll (w/ fullset items provided by Doll North)
3rd place: $100 Doll Clans certificate

In honor of this exciting news, we've extended the deadline to Sunday evening (May 17, midnight, EST).
That gives you the whole weekend to work, if you're just now finding motivation to enter

And remember, we do accept existing stop motion work so long as it complies with the rules.

 

The sponsors have outdone themselves this year for prizes. I'm really excited for that part. I wish I was able to compete in some of the contests because it looks like so much fun but utterly lack the time *sigh*.

 

SO excited for next weekend! It'll be my fifth AN and my first DN. I'll probs stay in DN for the vast majority of the time since I haven't been on the up and up with anime for the past...five years? BJDs are my hobby now
I"ll be bringing my DS Amara, Willow, and my new Pukifee so she can find some eyes. I'm debating bringing my Luts centaur Yul because everyone seems to want to meet her, but I'll need a sort of shoulder bag because she is way to heavy to carry in my arms. Oh, and I think my Dollzone Wendy may come for a ride!
I'm hoping one of the contests I enter, or they have at the raffle, the prize for the Magic Mirror Saoirse in ebony She is so gorgeous and I would love a chance at winning her somehow. Good luck to everyone entering games and the raffle! There are some really nice prizes this year.

 

8 days away! And I'm still not solid on who's coming with me *head desk*. Why can I picture myself sitting on the floor the night before the con starts, surrounded by my dolls and looking around in mild panic as I'm still trying to figure out who comes with me?

 

The pocket program is now available on the Anime North website: http://www.animenorth.com/an15/an2015pocketbook.pdf

We have also entered all Doll North programming as events on facebook, if you plan to go to an event select 'going' and your smartphone will keep track of your schedule for the day https://www.facebook.com/DollNorth/events

I hope everyone is happy with our expanded line up of events for 2015, we're very excited about the new games, panels, and workshops that have made it onto our 2015 lineup.

Don't forget registration for all 3 Doll North workshops is still available here: http://www.animenorth.com/live/inde...orth-workshops&catid=69:doll-north&Itemid=148

Seating is limited, don't miss your chance to learn some fantastic skills from very talented people.

 

SaturnRose - I have a quick question for you! Do you have to be present on Sunday if you win something in the raffle? I would love to enter the charity raffle but I am unfortunately only going to be there on Saturday

 

@miztyl Nope! You do not need to be present to win something in the charity raffle. When we register you for the raffle we will take your relevant info - Name, Phone Number and Email. Following the raffle if the winner is not present we will immediately try to contact them using both of the methods provided. If the winner is on site at AN we encourage them to come pick up their prize. If the winner has already gone home we arrange for the delivery prize in one of two ways.

The first method of delivery is arranged local drop off. We have staff between Toronto and London, Ontario so we try to do our best to get your prize to you in person within the week following AN.

The second method is the winner may choose to have their prize shipped to them at their own expense, we will discuss the winner's preferred shipping methods with them following the event and arrange to have the prize sent to you.

Hope these answers are helpful and you'll be able to take part in our raffle

 

Eeeep!

http://dollsoom.com/eng/shop/item.php?it_id=1431682997

A Beaver for Canada? How fitting

 

Soom is really spoiling us I absolutely can't wait to meet Tinn. ahhhhhh.

 

It's really sweet of Soom to have made this little guy for the con.

 

Ahh I'm to excited.
i never thought a beaver themed doll could be so cute. Can't wait to see them in person *^*

 

Ah, how cool of Soom! I'm so excited to see them in person!

 

Oh wow haha, that beaver is too cute!

 

Aw man, all of the workshops (save for 1) are on a sold out day! ;A; Maybe next year. I'll poke around some more, maybe Sunday's sculpting will be fun.

 

I reallllllly want to buy the beaver, do you guys think we are able to order him in person?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[MENTION=6347]eviltofu[/MENTION]: I think he's a one-off

 

I am eagerly awaiting a response back from one of the workshops. Does anyone know about how long it takes for them to get back to someone? I'm really hoping the one I want to take part in isn't already sold out (I was waiting for more of a schedule to come out) ;_;

 

@Squeek of the North You should receive a reply tomorrow - it's a busy weekend for us with two staff meetings (one was this evening). There is still room in all 3 of the workshops so don't worry I am certain you have a seat

 

Yay! **fingers crossed** And sorry for the impatience, I keep forgetting just how soon Anime/Doll North is happening! Where did all the time go?

 

@SaturnRose thanks so much! I will definitely be participating in the charity raffle and can't wait to see everything!

I can't believe its already this weekend! I think I have it narrowed down as to who I'll be bringing but if anyone has any requests I would be more than happy to comply

 

I don't know why I didn't find this thread sooner! I'll be at Doll North. I'm really excited.