Greetings

Welcome! You'll find tons of resources and crafty doll enthusiasts here! I just joined DoA recently as well, and I'm trying to get more involved with doll customization, like learning how to do faceups and do more sewing projects. Hope to see you around!

 

Greeting, Anthy! It's nice to have you here. I consider myself a newbie in this hobby, although knew about it somewhere in 2010. I had limited sources back then (I didn't even know BJD is called BJD lol), but after joining the community, I learned a lot and seem can't stop.

Let's get along together

 

Welcome to the hobby! I can relate to your beginnings. One of my BFFs got me into BJDs. She was telling me about how you can dress them and mod them, etc. I was on the fence and then I went to San Diego Comic-Con and BAM! I was hooked! This was in 2008. There was a panel on BJDs and she dragged me to it. I got into BJDs due to customizations to make any character you want. BTW, the panel continues to this day and I try to go to it every year on Sunday.

Anywho, I don't collect anything under 45cm anymore. But I do like looking from afar and going how cute. Especially with Fairyland. I like the pukis they are so adorable. Not to mention they are easier to carry around at conventions! So lucky you! Carrying big resin and vinyl dolls are a pain but that's what backpacks/carrying bags are for!

Oh yeah! For restringing I highly recommend going to a local meetup and asking if anyone can give tips and/or show you how to restring your BJD. Don't be afraid they're not that fragile. Not to mention to get a chance to hangout with others who are into the hobby and see other BJDs in person, it's awesome
Even if you don't have a BJD yet, at least from my experience, most meetup groups are welcoming and will answer questions you have and show you their doll(s). Just remember to ask before you touch and don't touch that faceup!