Dolpa 2 in New York City Discussion

Do we know if there will be an after event? Or if the kimonos will be on the VolksUSA site?

 

That's exactly how I felt too. Even though I didn't win anything, it was so wonderful to see the happy faces of all of the winners. And the entire event was so magical for me. I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

Julie said that next year will be my turn to win a Sei Tenshi. I hope she's right!

 

And, oh, was there a lot of excitement to share in. XD Everyone's reactions were classic.

I wonder if there's a huge difference between ours and Japanese doll owners' reactions, and if the Volks staff purposely do this to see us freak.

 

Kittybongo they didn't say if there will be an after event. unfortunatley all the kimonos soldou at the event including the one's on the models. So unless volks has some they specifically kept for an after event it doesn't look good.

Some of the sizes had so much demand they ended up playing rock paper scissors for them

 

I'm pretty sure all the kimonos sold out. There were however several wigs, boots, and pair of shoes remaining. I hope they go up on the site because I really want the dark brown wig and the boots! If I'd sold stuff on Saturday instead of Sunday I would have had the cash! Darn!

Barb - that crocheted dress was amazing! The little dragon was simply adorable as well. Made me squeal.

 

Thanks AreeElf and s2kitty for your replies. I was afraid of that. I had heard about how quickly the kimonos sold but I was really hoping someone had heard mention of an after event. They really are gorgeous!

 

I'm pretty sure I heard someone say they bought the last wig... ^^;;;

I had the most awesome time!

Our flight to LaGuardia was one of the many cancelled Friday, and it was hours before we could get on a plane on standby. In the interim my daughter's cold medicine wore off - and the flight gave her terrible pain in her ears. Nena and DanielFalls gallantly walked around with me around 1 am to find her the kind of decongestant she can take! (It helped. )

The Dolpa was so wonderful! It was so exciting to see that Mikey, Shino, Mr. Shigeta, Akihiro Enku, Valico, Aone, Ota-san and Kuni-san had come all the way over for us! I hope Mrs. Shigeta is doing much better soon.

All the Volks staff and the FDQ staff and volunteers were patient, friendly and helpful. (Very appreciated as my entry email was in my lost baggage)

And great to see and meet so many dolly friends in real life! And see so many really breath-taking dolls!!

The Customizing Contest was amazing - so much talent there! People really worked hard on their entries, you could tell.

There were some super clever ones - some cool traditional-with-a-twist ones - such as 4 different and adorable takes on Little Red Riding Hood - and some super-cute ones.

It really was hard to vote!

The One-Offs and kimono were all beautiful!

The displays - for the Painting Class, FCS and the One-Offs, the Memorial Toppi, Masha and the limited items were all gorgeous. The tables for the dinner each had a beautiful centerpiece, too. The dinner was delicious!

I was sorry to miss Pat's photography class - I wanted to go, but my daughter really wasn't feeling well. I heard wonderful things about it, though.

We both enjoyed the Painting class. Valico was the patient and cute teacher for our group! She answered all my questions so helpfully (with the help of Kris, her translator for our class.)

And I can't convey the thrill of being able to order an FCS myself for the very first time! (Really happy that they were offering Sunlight skin as an option!!!)

I was so excited to win Valico's Choice for Rhunei's Aladdin costume! I will treasure that trophy always - if I can pry it from Rhunei's hands.

I was one of those who didn't win anything in the Lottery (maybe next year...? ;_; ), but it was so much fun to share the event with those who did! But everyone got something - the Volks staff handed presents to everyone as they left. (I got sunglasses!!!)

I had so much fun at our little after Dolpa get-together at the Gershwin, too. A day later, still exhausted, I'm still floating! Can't wait for next year!

Oh, and Rhunei got to go to the Doll Doctor and get his KIPs disks! They replaced his missing wrist ring and even the rubber hand in his head too. (I had been using one I got from some brocoli when his original broke just before the trip - they laughed about that.)

 

Janne, I really hope they find your luggage soon! I was so happy to get to meet you and your daughter, you are some of the nicest people I've ever met! I was so happy when she won her one-off too! Congrats on the costume contest win also!!

 

I was like the last attendee to leave because I was waiting for one of the volunteers to finish so we could go home, there were definitely a few wigs and many pairs of shoes left if nothing else.

 

I am just thankful that I won Marsha and the gorgeous sd16 kimono.

Geri

 

I hope they post about the winners on the Volksusa blog! I only have two jotted down, Barb/Lisanthus and s2kitty. I took pictures of all of the entries and am going to publish them in my doll club's next newsletter, in July. So hopefully I can find id's of the winners!
Pam in DC

 

It sounds like this event was a lot of fun, I hope I can go to the next dolpa next year. I missed this one. I hope they have an after event. I want to buy the black SD16 girl High heel shoes. If anyone is willing to part with them please let me know.

 

It was great to see you too! I really enjoyed the pics on your site, you took some great pics, esp of Masha!
I cannot wait till she ships.
I sure wish I could do makeup even a little like they did. They made it seem so easy!

 

My entry was a joint effort with Kim on the board. We put it under her name because it was her idea, I did the concept sketches, drafting, and sewing. So I get the trophy and she got to have her picture taken. We're splitting the gift certificate.

 

Thanks Lolly.

Geri

 

It was great to meet you too! We had such an awesome time - and your kids are beautiful!
They found and delivered our luggage Sunday afternoon - only to lose it again on the way home. But we went back and picked it up last night. *laughing*

All's well now - thank you!

 

Janne- Can't believe they lost your luggage both ways.. I hope your dolls arrived okay.. shoot that airline should give you free tickets anywhere.

 

AAccckkk!!! Unbelievable!!!!! Good to hear a happy ending though! Alex

 

They lost your luggage again, Janne??? Good grief...

It was so wonderful seeing everyone! Being back at work is so bleak after such an amazing weekend!

 

Is there a thread for everyone to post a pic of the school heads they painted on?

I'd love to see what people did!!!!

 

Pam,

I was the winner of the President's Choice award Here's a few shots of the Lucas I painted for it (and here's hoping Pat Henry forgives me for the awfulness of my photography--I'll be getting proper lights... I promise!):





Tamara/Lady Samhainne

 

LOL... What's there to be nervous about in NYC?

 

From what I gather from the Japanese game shows that I like to watch... I would think they find us rather reserved!

 

Lucas's outfit is actually a pair of lovely transparent black silk flared pants and a separate little vest. He's got a long sash wrapped around his waist. It's easy to see in person, but like I said, my photography skills are NOT good. I'll dig out my notes from my session with Pat and see if I can get some of the equipment I'd need to give him proper photos sometime.

 

Ditto!!! I just did mine at home today, I painted my Megu during the class instead. Does anyone want to start that thread? I haven't taken photos of either of mine yet.

 

Lady Samhainne, your Lucas is exquisite. I was admiring him and his gorgeous face-up. What brand and color eyes is he wearing?

 

A quick question for everyone, how much does one need on an average for the dolpa? I was thinking around 2500-3000? i do want a sweet dreams school a and body,(if they offer them again next year) can you buy the body there too? I need to know a ballpark guess so i can start saving for next year. ^^

 

Thank you!!

He's wearing 18 mm Ethereal Eye Candies in Silver Bead Aren't they lovely? I bought them in Blanki's last pre-order. I do believe she's doing another pre-order right now, too.

 

I'd say if you took $2500-$3000 you'd be all set not only for dolly purchases, but for hotel, eating and travel expenses too (well... if going by car and carpooling...)

 

i WILL share mine - it's appalling - heee -- i just haven't taken piccies yet.

would it go under meetups or just in the gallery?

 

Okay, here's a good way to think of it:

Budget $1000 for each SD-sized doll (school head + body ~$800 for a boy or $600 for a girl).
Budget $150 for each SD-sized outfit (complete with shoes)
Budget $50 for each wig or pair of shoes
If you paint or want to buy supplies, buget between $50-$200 for supplies
If you think there's even a chance you want to put in for a one-off, have $1100 in reserve.

MSD-sized items & dolls are less expensive, but I tend to stick with the 60cm size, so that's the stuff I'm most familiar with.

At this last dolpa, the price tag came out to $4400 if you got everything (prices below are approximate, of course):
Masha ($900)
a full-sized FCS SD ($1000)
a one-off ($1000)
a full-sized kimono ($165)
the 2 limited wigs ($95)
the 3 limited shoes ($140)
painting & maintenance supplies from the sumika ($250)
workshop ($60)
school head ($160)
body for school head ($550--an average of the girl and the boy, and yes they were available this time!)
miscellaneous ($80)

That said, most people do NOT buy everything at a dollpa--heck, it's not usually even possible (there were only 10 one-offs and only 50 people or so got FCS). So Wee_Little_Faerie is right, $2500-$3000 should absolutely cover you.

 

Thanks guys!I really appreciate it! I'm going by airplane, eventhough it's going to scare the crap out of me, but it's only 250 i believe round trip. ^^
I do want a school a head with body, and I'll just buy the cheapest makeup supplies to paint him, i'm sure people around me will laugh at my face up attempts, thank god cherrystreet~sera handles my dolls face ups. ^^

I do want to get him a kimono and maybe some clothes for my mika, Freya. ^^ And as though the one offs are gorgeous, i would be happy with my school a boy.

Alright, so 3,000 it is! wow, that's how much my car was, lol. Hope to see everyone next year! And if anyone wants to share a room, pm me! Only girls please, lol. ^^

OH, one more question, how did you guys take your doll/s on an airplane? did they let you sit them on your lap? There's no way my dolls are going into my suitcase. ><

Thanks everyone!

 

Lady Samahainne,

Your Lucas was magnificent in person and in your photos. congratulations!

excellent breakdown of what to budget, (making hotel and transportation seem minor).

 

If we're comparing reactions of Japanese Dolpa Attendees (I've only been to Tokyo Dolpa) and NY Dolpa Attendees, NY attendees are much louder and much more enthusiastic. lol The audience just politely claps and the actual winners were much more staid and did not act anywhere near as excited. (Not to say they were not appreciative but they just didn't react like the NY winners.)

I was so glad to see so many people win items. It's like getting to be in the studio audience to the Price is Right lol

Congratulations to all the winners!

 

That it certainly was!

 

That's what I thought. I remember seeing a recording of a Jazz concert in Japan, and they're so reserved, except for one guy who at one point shakes a fist enthusiastically now and then. XD I wonder what they think of us.

Oh, as for carrying them on planes... If you have the box and cushions and all, it's probably safe to put them in your checked baggage (I did that once). If not, put them in a carry-on. That's my experience with minis, anyway. I've sat Eron down in a bowling bag, I've sat both my boys down in a neat multi-compartment bag (with, among other things, both front and back main parts), and I've laid both down, with plenty of padding (either cushions or clothes) and masks on, in a little carry-on rolling suitcase I got at a closeout store for, like, $20.

Oh, don't freak about the prices. XP

 

The supplies kit that's part of the makeup class will take you a long way in terms of face-up materials...the only thing I added to my kit was another set of the pastels in the more dramatic colors, so that added $9 more...You can do a LOT with the kit you get in the class.

Nancy

 

Eeeeeee, I wanna see yours! X3333 I dunno if I should post mine; I haven't finished it, therefore, no photos yet. XD I'm such a silly perfectionist.

 

hmm, i could probably stick them in a large bag or something, and maybe ship his box home or something, do they come with boxes for the bodies? I just don't trust airlines, my dad came back from Germany once and bought me a porcelain doll, he had put her in his hard covered suitcase that was checked baggage with bubblewrapped, and her head cracked.

how much is the basic kit? that's all i need really.

I guess i'll sit tight, and save and save, and save, lol.

 

W00t! Screw jet-lag!

Also screw the concierge service at the Gershwin Hotel. Those crackmonkeys effed up my airport-shuttle reservation, which almost resulted in me + 6 other people being late to our flights on Monday morning. The concierge also charged me $7 more than the shuttle was charging for cash-fare payment. In fact, the entire Gershwin staff struck me as Overly Cool, bordering on Totally Unconcerned. And then they have the clanging brass balls to leave a tip-envelope on the nighttable, salon-style, in case I wish to tip the housekeeping staff? For straightening the toilet-paper on a hostel-size room for which I'm paying Vegas Strip prices? Uhh, nice try. I'll go back there for the post-Dolpa lobby-parties, though

Anyway. First Dolpa being tons of fun, I still haven't had time to upload any pictures yet. Work is backed-up! But I will join your photo threads later.

I'm almost happy that there weren't really any wigs/shoes/clothes for sale-- looks like they just had a few leftovers for girls that they were putting up. I wonder why nothing for boys!! I waited in line for 1/2 hour only to get up there and see that everything was girly. At any rate, this let me save yea bucks that might've gone to wigs, kimonos, shoes, etc if they'd had them for boys. And it was a relief that none of the lovely one-offs were True Love. The kittenish F33 gave me serious pause, but. Only drop $900 on True Love. Policy.

So, instead, with my money, I bought Sora the Deluxe Osuwari Spa Treatment at the dolly-doctor's, instead of just a restringing. Now he's strutting around, more intolerable than ever, flaunting his tight limbs & ability to sit up unassisted. Even in hot-pants. ^^ And getting to meet all these fabulous DOA people... including a few who recognized "Hey, it's Sora!" and glomped him all over.... and including Herr Doktor Volks Man, who complimented his face while he was getting worked on in the doctor's office.... well, that's all gone straight to his ego too.

Rowan came out of the stringing workshop with lopsided tension & half as many KIPS sheets as he needs, but jubilant about being able to hold his arm up now (and I can fix him at home). I LOVED being able to be in a hands-on class & ask questions, as well as having all the right tools to do all the body-maintenance I need. Like with the painting class, 2 hours wasn't quite long enough... nobody at my table were finished when time was up! Mr. Enki threw Rowan's complicated body together the rest of the way, so we could get a move-on, using both fists & all his strength. It's amazing how roughly you CAN handle these dolls! I'm sure I was cringing and wincing comically, even while telling myself I could trust Mr. Enki with my prized alpha-male dolly. ^^

I also loved that they let us eavesdrop/watch the other classes. Next time, I hope they have ALL the classes at different times, so we can eavesdrop on all of em! I would've liked to watch the Makeup Enhancement too... but it was happening at the same time as my own class. The full Painting class was excellent to watch, though, even if I didn't participate. I asked lots of questions, & got answers in English, which I couldn't do with Valico's performance on that Volks DVD. Awesome to have this all hands-on, right before us.

FCS counter was a mindblowing overload. All those choices there, all skin colors & ears & bodies & hands &... *whew* Made me wish I had an FCS wish that I could've created right there.

Costume contest was ama~aazing. I'm glad Janne's hyper-foxy Arabian Nightman won an award, 'cause he was my vote. Gawd, and he even came with props (delivered by the airlines at the last moment!).

Volks family, ahh, what lovely people. They were all so welcoming and earnest and gracious, clearly love what they do, and also clearly appreciate all of us who make their industry possible. What a class event! The raffle prizes were stunningly generous, and even the little door-gift was nothing to sneeze at (woo! glasses!!). The staff walked around viewing all our dolls and genuinely examining/appreciating them, as well as what we'd done to them. Valico came over to meet Rowan, and just about stuffed him into her cheeks & ran off with him (but settled for a few pictures and a broken bilingual conversation ^^). And Mr. Enki really liked Rowan's earring, which I thought was a hilarious detail for him to focus on.

Best part, though, had to be just meeting everydolly & everybody. To all of you who had a 60cm+ girl doll with orange hair, who had to put up with Rowan schmoozing your girls: My apologies, on Rowan's unrepentant behalf. I told him that some women don't like to be seen being groped by savage little miniature SDC stoners, but gaww, he sure liiiiiked Hitasura's orange-haired black-clad girl, and NoFunAngie's carrot-topped Tallulah-- I knew Rowan liked girls with orange hair, but who knew he had a big-sister complex?

Wish I'd been able to meet every DOAer there, but gawd, there was so many! It was incredible to meet so many of you there. Janne, Ashbet, Kim, NoFunAngie, Cherryghost, thesaraghina, and many many more-- yaaah! you guys are all sweet and brilliant and funny beyond what I could've imagined.

(PS: Angie, please come to CA sometime, so that I can buy you that beer I backed out of on Sunday night. Sorry I had to take a raincheck, but, y'know, morning flight! :P)

(PS2: Anthony, I'm glad I got to meet you briefly in the kimono line, but sad I didn't catch up with you later! You were probably off having your new Tenshi photographed. Bring Damien to LA for next time, and I will finally be able to glomp him there.)

 

Oh do tell about the commuter... you hussy you!

It was great meeting and hanging around w/you. Must remember to thank Sue for inviting you along.

Rain loves the pants, and I caved and Willow got the kimono coat. She says she doesn't care it's for a boy.

 

Remember that resin is a lot more durable that porcelain. When I put Eron in checked luggage, I had him inside his Volks box (face mask, cushions), which is pretty sturdy itself, and the box was surrounded by lots and lots of clothes. He wasn't in a hard suitcase, though.

 

I second this! If you're new to facing-up dolls, the kit will have just about everything you need except finishing spray. It's a lovely kit that's a good value at the $60.

 

Congrats on your budgeting. Makes me feel so darn guilty I think I ended up splurging in anticipation of dolpa. I didn't mean to my FCS was supposed to have been my first volks doll but first there was the Mamu that begged to come to NY. Then there was the F04 that was too good to pass up. A Shinsiya head that was asking to be made whole again and last but not least the Papi that needed a home.

I guess one way of looking at it is instead of spending on airfare and hotel stay I spent it on dolls. Lucky for me I really didn't have so much to spend money on at the dolpa.

The FCS was technically my anniversary present. My huband got of well this year I got an MSD size and I didn't win the one-off I put in for. I spent $65 on supplies at the dolpa and the $110 plus tax on kimono I did get my Shinsiya Osuwarri service I think that was $33

He was such a sweetheart when I showed him the damage ont he order form he just grinned and said it was on par with his new camera lens. He got his lens in the mail today and was like kid in a candy store

PrincessAI436 The basic kit was part of the workshop $60 fee

 

Oh! Warning, on this exact thing! NoFunAngie said she was forced to put her dolls in checked-baggage to get to the Dolpa, because they changed the two-carryon-bag rule for her flight-- and when she got to NYC, her F-04/Unoss girl's finger was broken. And do they think Unoss bodies just grown on trees?? I wouldn't let my dolls out of my grip when entering that airplane cabin, man. If they try to pull that "let's check this under the plane for you" crap, make a fuss. Raise a disturbance. Whine and raise your voice. Be a troublesome customer! They WILL find somewhere that has two feet of clear space to put your dolls.

I carried my two boys in one long carrier bag, and was pleasantly surprised to find that it fit in the overhead-compartments easily-- even on the dinky little ATA transfer flight (which has NO legroom for people over 5'6"). When the stewardesses shoved some suitcases near it, I politely told her that it was "very fragile and very expensive", and left it at that; she let me rearrange that particular compartment around my doll-bag. Kudos to ATA for that. ^^

 

JennyNemesis,
It was great to meet you and talk cheesy 80s music.

We dubbed the Gershwin deskmonkey as "Attilla the Concierge".
Rude just was an understatement for her.

Michelle

 

LOL I didn't even think about it, but you're right!! Taxi, food, hotel, and plane fare all together were only like $500 for me--and I flew in from the midwest on Friday and left on Monday! If you're going to a dolpa planning to get a doll, the doll costs definitely outweigh everything else.

 

Ahh, that WAS you!! Man with the Camera!!
(A) What manner of nonsense did I spew while you were interviewing me, and (B) can you censor it so I don't sound stupid?


Celticgeekess: thanks to you & your fabulous 80s dancing, now I periodically get Wham UK's "Freedom" jammed between the stations of my head-radio. On infinite repeat-loop.

*bashes self in head repeatedly with large jagged brick painted with the Slayer logo*

It will take me months to get rid of that #$%&*!!ing chorus.

*bash*

 

Yes, if you get the body, it will come with a lovely box and cushions, but the box itself will be longer than airlines technically permit (depends on security--some will allow them, some won't).

You have several options:
1) You can try your luck at getting through security with your box (not recommended).
2) You can take the doll out of the box and use the cushions to carefully protect it inside your carryon or doll carrier (highly recommended!). The box can be broken down and tucked into a checked bag.
3) You can put your doll in your checked baggage (not recommended because of the possibility of breakage or theft).
4) You can stop by the UPS store that's 4 short blocks from FIT and mail your doll to yourself with insurance and tracking (also highly recommended).

No airline I've ever been on will allow you to have your doll in your lap during takeoff and landing but you can likely keep your baby there during the flight itself.

 

Ohhhhh nooooo....no dancing from me!
That was rkold with the talented tapping feet.....I'm the older chick that sat and talked to you about "where is the New Order and Psychedelic Furs music".

 

I think we also talked 80's music, were you the person who said you didn't want to live through cheezy 80's music a second time or was that someone else?

That's too bad the staff was so bad at the Gershwin! o_O;

 

Thanks! I think by that time I'll have a carrying bag for sd size that hopefully my mika can squeeze into, would they let the bag with my carry on? If not, ups sounds great too.

ah cool! and yeah, i'll make a fuss, don't worry! And ouch, that poor doll! I know unoss are pretty rare. ><

 

New Order or the only decent remake of any of their songs--the amazing "Bizarre Love Triangle" by Orgy... Good stuff!!!

 

One of my favorite songs for sure . I have several versions of it by New Order as well as Orgy. I wih I had gotten to chat about 80 music

 

I only like the original. ^^;;;

No Depeche Mode either, I guess Volks wasn't going for the "new wave" sound lol

 

rkold, was that you, the cutie dancing at the bag check room???? XD

 

0.0 ohh... I never even though about getting dolls home after the Dollpa... ^^' I guess people have posted some good points to keep in mind for those traveling on airplanes.