Volks Dolpa - Dolls Party in LA 2015 - LAX Marriot (9/5/2015)

I need to catch up on this thread at some point, but WOW, I had such a great time this weekend!!

I barely got any photos, unfortunately -- my phone cam really hates dark indoor lighting conditions, and at the Tea Party, I wound up trapped in by chairs (I was sitting with friends at the back), so it was awkward to try to get in and out using the wheelchair.

Everyone was fabulous about being kind and helpful -- but it was difficult to take a lot of photos, under the circumstances.

I hope to see everyone else's pics of the one-offs and costume contest entries, as well as all the beautiful dolls that people brought to their Tea Party tables, and to the event overall!

(I'm also sometimes a little shy about asking to take pictures of owners vs. dolls, so I wanted to err on the side of politeness . . . but I'm looking forward to seeing any pics of friends from this weekend, as well!)

A HUGE thank-you to everyone who was so welcoming and awesome -- I had a blast meeting so many far-away friends for the first time, meeting new and lovely people, and getting to hug friends who I hadn't seen in ages!

Love to all, and I'm so glad I was able to join you for this occasion!



My small Dolpa album

-- A

 

Hey y'all! Here is a link to the photos I took. I tried to get different angles for a lot of the dolls do some of them might be a bit repetitive.

Also, I didn't want to catch people's faces in the pictures just in case they don't want them on the Internet, but if you see yourself and you want the picture removed please just let me know.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/130643387@N08/Bp61n7

 

I have to say, I think that new SD16 girl would make a really great guy!

And keep the photos coming!

 

that was my thought as well

 

Thank you for all the great pictures, everyone! Please keep them coming -- it's almost like having been there. I'm still in bed on oxygen, but having your reports and photos is really helping me to feel better.

I'm so glad to hear that after all the controversy and stress that it turned out to be a fun event. Congratulations to the people who won something, but it sounds like you were all winners being able to see old friends and make new ones. I'm really happy for you all!

 

It was definitely a nice time even if I didn't win any dolls, I have enjoyed seeing all people!

I already have some pictures HERE. But I will add more once I will get home *waiting in the airport*

 

I put a bunch of pictures on my flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/3377345/

This is the first Dolpa I've been able to attend. It was a wonderful time and it was very nice seeing friends, making some new ones, and seeing so many dolls/sculpts & outfits I could have probably never seen in person otherwise. Some of the things Volks' owners/manager/staff had to say at the tea party were so sweet. I love Volks more than ever and am so happy they made this event happen. Even though I didn't get the one-off or the Dress Up Box I was hoping for, I did pick up some new wigs and eyes in the shop and won a Hikari Tenshi in the raffle! It was such fun weekend and I hope there will be another US Dolpa.

[MENTION=122]Kellyhime[/MENTION] We missed you and I hope you can make the next event and feel better soon.
The atmosphere was really good. I was a little worried myself before after reading some things in this thread but didn't feel anything like that at the event.

I'll have try to remember to take more pics of people's dolls next time. I rarely think to do it while we're all chatting and just hanging out but there were some really cool dolls in attendance.

 

Wasn't feeling 100% yesterday, but my dolly heart was definitely very happy! Many thanks to Volks for a funderful event. So glad to hear they plan on more U.S. Dolpas!

Here are my pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/10989257@N00/albums/72157657859752808

 

Just wanted to echo that I also had soooooooo much fun yesterday getting to see old friends and meeting new ones. I didn't take many pictures but I'll try to get the ones I did take up sometime this week.

 

I actually forgot to take pictures until everyone went into the tea party. Oops. However, I had a really good time, and I am so glad I was able to meet so many awesome people!

 

Thanks to everyone who posted their photos. I really enjoyed looking at all the beautiful dolls.

 

Thank you to everyone who shared photos, and for anyone else who may post later! The event sounds and looks like it was a blast!

Glad I can at least get a peak. The dolls look amazing!

I'm curious, who won the costume contest? (There was a contest in the Tea Party, right?)

 

Uploaded the majority of my pictures here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskgkD3Xc

And here's a separate album for scans of the Black Jack pamphlet: https://flic.kr/s/aHskjdMYZs

Gunter, there were three? winners, the general vote went to the long-necked Alice

 

For those interested in the SDMidi Coordinate Models, the web page has been updated with the info for the lottery:
http://volksusa.com/event/2015dolpala/coordinatemodel.html

I was really tempted by these cuties, but now I think I'm going to wait for the Black Jack boys.

I had a blast yesterday shopping, chatting, meeting folks in real life, and seeing everyone's gorgeous dolls. I hope Volks throws another Dolpa soon because I really want to do this again!

 

I'm posting for the first time in like five years... hello everyone!
I attended the Dolpa on behest of my friend and had a blast! I wrote a small report with photos here: http://barleytea.tumblr.com/post/128465661353
I was also the lucky winner of the one-off Shinku from the Tea Party I had been eyeing her since they released photos on the website so winning her was such a dream come true!
Everyone was so nice at the event and I had a great time despite being on break from the hobby for such an extended period.

 

Thanks everyone for sharing photos, it sounds and looks like such a wonderful event indeed!! I like that I can recognise some people from the group photos, and I hope that will become handy for future events

I'm very curious as to who won the auction Alice?

 

[MENTION=1316]nikittin[/MENTION], I never managed to find you, argh!

I wasn't at my brightest and best -- heat and crowd, plus the sinus infection I didn't know I was incubating -- BUT I had a ball, shopped like a madwoman, celebrated with a friend who won the one-off Suigintou, and . . .

. . . won the Best Selection Okita myself. . I was so flustered that I couldn't remember which phone number I'd put on the form, and kept giving poor patient Hide-san my home number instead of my cell. Just another freaked-out American fanlady!

 

You know, you folks can also start a photo thread in the Meetups/Conventions Photo Gallery subforum.... hint, hint....

 

[Mention]Cynthia in FlintHills[/mention] - congrats to you and your friend on the wins!! Winning the chance to buy a special doll in person at a Volks event is definitely a very special high that you can't get from an online purchase. Let's hope we'll have more opportunities to meet up at future Dolpas, and that our health will cooperate!

 

Had a great time at Dolpa and it was so awesome seeing so many beautiful dolls. I managed to walk away with the one-off YoSD White Rabbit boy from the tea party and the little squirt is awesome. Hopefully the general manager's wish of making these events more regular comes true. Will definitely attend the next one if I'm able!

@intermission I met you at the tea party while we were waiting to pay for our one-off's. Hello!

 

Back from the Dolpa and had a blast! It's fantastic seeing all the great photos, I took a few though forgot to catch the new SD-16 girl ^^;
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jadepixel/albums/72157658292189982

It was awesome to meet so many folks I knew only from online! In the excitement I probably forgot to introduce myself to everyone, I had the DDH-09 girl with the red vest and bunny ears. Normally I'm a very shy person so it was great to be around many friendly and patient doll owners, thanks for putting up with my awkwardness ^_^

 

What a wonderful day that was! Volks gave out so many incredible prizes! It was heartwarming to see so many happy doll lovers together.
Intermission, We're so happy that you won the Shinku. My daughter is a HUGE fan of your art!
Gunter, my long-necked Alice won the people's vote! Her costume was made by drawing crosshatching on the pattern pieces, then printing those pieces onto the fabric on the home printer.
The win was especially meaningful to me because it was my Dad's idea to make a long neck version, like the Tenniel illustrations, but he passed away before he could see it finished.

 

Ghostdollie-- LOVED your costume entry. But you always make incredible outfits!!!! ... very sorry about your Dad. Brilliant idea. If you believe in such things, I'm sure he was watching!

 

Besides [MENTION=8864]ghostdollie[/MENTION]'s marvelous long-necked Alice, I especially liked the Red Queen with her card minion (paintbrush at the ready) -- does any one know whose costume entry they were?

 

@​Tetradeka

 

Thanks, [MENTION=42218]snowgray[/MENTION]! They were brilliant -- I would have kidnapped them and run away if I'd had room in my carryon.

 

Oh, I forgot to mention earlier. If anyone lost a (human size) necklace I turned one in to the hotel front desk. I found it wound around my purse shortly after the tea party Saturday Maybe it caught on me during the photo or something?


Also, I sent a few people friend requests today but there are several of you I was chatting with over the weekend who I either never caught or can't remember your username, or don't know how you spell it Please remind me who you are! I'm super bad at names but I want to remember who you are on DoA!

There are also several people I really wish I got a chance to talk to
[MENTION=1197]baby~mermaid[/MENTION] I spotted your F-07 at the tea party! She's so lovely. I always thought her face was a little similar to Rose/Bianka/Momoko.

[MENTION=42218]snowgray[/MENTION] I was near your husband in line. Loved the matching outfits! I don't think we met though!?

Someone had a really cute Yori I kept spotting....

Who else? It all went by so fast. 1 day was not enough!

[MENTION=14671]intermission[/MENTION] Congrats again on Shinku! I just read your report on tumblr and I'm glad she went to someone who really is happy to have her.

Congratulations to everyone else who won dolls too!

[MENTION=8864]ghostdollie[/MENTION] Sorry for your loss. It was a unique idea! Congrats on winning the vote!

It was very nice to be able to see and hold the Dear SD. I kinda want one now, but do I really want to start on another size I hope with the positive response they will be available to the US easily eventually.
I think I've fallen for SD Coco this weekend too. I didn't get one at the sumika shop (I'm really not much on an impulse buyer and it wasn't 'til after I really had the realization) but seeing a few in person, she's so so cute.

 

I really enjoyed the event more than I expected it to be! I was lucky enough to win Lieselotte best version and my sister gifted me Coco as a birthday present this year! However, it's unfortunate that I didn't really get to know anyone... I hope volksusa can arrange another LADP sometime soon so I can get a chance to know everyone else in this hobby! THANK YOU GUYS THANK YOU VOLKS!

 

Congrats on your Okita! I was trying for him myself. Since we could only enter for one doll, I was going back and forth between Okita and Hijikata, but I finally decided on Okita because he really did look fantastic in person.

The lottery drawing was so nerve-wracking. It's nothing like waiting for lottery results online where you just keep checking your email to see if you got anything. When they started drawing the tickets and announcing the winners, you could feel the nail-biting anticipation in the room. And each time a winner was announced, there would be squeals of joy from the lucky person. It was quite an experience! I think you need a strong heart to survive it. Lol.

So sorry to hear about your dad. His idea to make a long-neck Alice was definitely inspired, and your execution of his idea was spot on. I noticed your doll right away, and we were in a room full of amazing dolls! I'm so glad she won!

 

So very happy for you Intermission. I recall being in line with you 3 back and I just had a feeling that you were going to win. Congratulations. Shinku was meant for you. Bravo! It was meant to be.

 

Anyone have a photo of the MSD/YoSD purse/carrying cases some of the female staff were sporting? They also gave two away at the tea party. I was told they were only sold at the physical stores in Japan and I'd love to get a shopping service to get one, but I think a photo would help rather than saying "colorful purse thing".

 

Thank you guys! I took a better pic of my Queen earlier today
The Queen of Hearts by tetradeka, on Flickr

 

Ghostdollie,long neck Alice was meant to be a winner. Congratulations. Bravo!

 

[MENTION=11379]Nell[/MENTION] I'm so glad you got to see my F-07! I agree, maybe she could be a sister to Rose/Bianka/Momoko.

I had such a great time at the Dolpa! I talked with so many nice people and saw so many beautiful dolls It was so nice meeting some of you in real life. I can be horrible with names but I had my SDM Mako with me at the Sumika shop and then I took my old F-07 to the Tea Party so feel free to add me as a friend or anything!

Also, I was lucky enough to win the one-off SDgr Lorina girl from the tea party! The whole event was so much fun but this was the icing on the cake! I'm smitten. It's only a quick photo but I already love her in every single wig I've tried on her! Congratulations to all the other one-off winners, best selection winners, customization contest winners!
I have so many good memories to treasure from this event! I look forward to the next one!

 

She has beautiful eyes ♥

 

Thank you everyone for all the kind words!
ghostdollie your long neck Alice was sooo beautiful, Hide-san was very excited about it as well!
positivespace it was so nice to meet you! The bags they were giving out at the tea party are called gamaguchi kaban, literally coin purses lol. They're super cute and were a collaboration with another designer, seisuke88. They're about $100 each! The Sato blog has a blurb on them here.

I haven't had a new doll since I took a break from the hobby, so the SD Graffiti body's poseability is mindblowing compared to my older dolls!

 

Apologies for the nasty flash picture, but it's dark and rainy here today. I wanted to put Okita-sensei in his default outfit and take a souvenir photo before I start trying other eyes, wigs, and clothes.

 

I had a lot of fun this weekend, and am eagerly awaiting the next Volks event. It was really good to see old friends and meet new people, and put some faces to usernames.

I didn't have any luck in any of the drawings, but I did get some good shopping in, and people were very nice to me about my girl, Lulu, the Lorina with black hair in the black & blue butterfly dress.

Here's a pic I took of her yesterday before checkout (and before the pool was swarming with people) in the velvet*paw set I bought for one of my boys.



I hope to see everyone again at the next Volks party!

 

Wow! All of the above-posted dolls are amazingly beautiful! Congrats to those who won an one-off.

 

The Dolpa was absolutely fantastic!! I didn't win any lottery events but me and my daughter's raffle tickets both one. I won the msd pink carrying case, and she won the little tenshi doll with wings. We are so blessed to have Volks do this for us. I LOVE VOLKS!!!! It was wonderful meeting everyone and seeing everyone's dolls. I can't wait till the next one!!!!!

Congrats to everyone who was able to make it and the winners for the lottery items!!!!!

 

Did anyone go to the meet at 8:00 pm that night in the lobby? I wanted to go but didn't get the chance.
Was wondering how that turned out.

 

The Swap Meet was going strong in the Lobby around that time, I think! There were a ton of people in the lobby.

 

Oh good grief, do we still not have our own dolpa photo thread set up yet? Let me get to editing my pics (oof big job), then I'll go start it...

Meantime, my tablet took way better pictures in the crapass lighting situation than my actual camera did, so... wait, I just realized I have no effing clue how to share Google+ cloud photos. xD Is there a way to get it to give you an actual jpg path so you can share it in

 

April, Cynthia, Nell, Pixie-Pan, Bonmwe, and Intermission, thank you so much for liking my Alice. It means so much to me! Every entry in the contest was gorgeous, truly!

 

Does anyone remember who brought these two cuties and their adorable carrying case?



I'm mortified to have forgotten -- I had a lovely chat with her, but I met SO many new people (and am always a little hard-pressed to keep online names and real names 100% straight in my head) that I am totally spacing on who it was! *___*

-- A

 

Ashbet, I think they belong to chobi

 

Are those miniature replicas of Angelic Pretty dresses? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SO CUTE

 

YES YES YES, thank you!! Just fixed the caption of my Flickr pic to reflect that they belong to her.

She made the dresses, and modded the case to be so charming, too!

Chobi, it was lovely to meet you!! (I was the curly-haired lady in a wheelchair, with the pink-haired Ushiwakamaru girl.)

-- A

 

I am taking too long to get my photos edited and set up - in the meantime, I went ahead and created the Event Gallery photo-sharing thread!

http://www.denofangels.com/forums/s...rty-Los-Angeles-2015-LAX-Marriott-5-Sept-2015

(This is the bit I hate about having a day job.... it lets me afford dolls and conventions, but I end up having to wait for weekends to get anything done with 'em. :P Bah humbug.)

 

Volks has posted their charming After Report here. Brings back happy memories.

 

Keep the photos coming everyone. So bummed I missed this event. I was at Burning Man and the overlap was just......suchhhhhh bad timing. The photos so far are awesome.