Have you wanted to learn to draw more realistically, but something keeps you from practicing regularly? First, ask yourself, “What exactly am I afraid of?” Then, start to think of drawing as a hobby you practice regularly. You may discover that the benefits of learning to draw outweigh the fear holding you back from learning. I like to start all my drawing sessions with some drawing warm-up exercises.
I keep multiple sketchbooks in varying degrees of completion. If I love a drawing, I’ll scan it and transfer it onto heavier paper or use my lightbox to trace it. I recently discovered my local library has a flatbed printer that can hold my watercolor paper!
However, if a drawing doesn’t turn out how I’d hoped, I simply turn the page in my sketchbook and move on. This is because personal sketchbooks take away so much pressure to always create something beautiful. I love figure and character drawing. It’s what I practice most in my sketchbook. If you want to learn more about how to get drawing the human figure, check out The Complete Guide to Face and Figure drawing here.
Making Morning Drawing Warm-Up Exercises the Start to My Day
I’ve started practicing drawing warm-ups while enjoying my morning coffee, and it’s been a game-changer. Here’s why you should adopt this practice too. Have you ever stared at a blank page in your notebook or a new document on your computer, not knowing what to draw? Minutes go by, your coffee disappears, and you’re still stuck.
I’ve been there, too.
But when I began using warm-up worksheets at the start of my sessions, my art improved, and I also discovered so many unexpected benefits of learning to draw. As I work through these exercises, ideas start flooding my mind! That once-intimidating blank sheet of paper doesn’t scare me anymore. To save paper, I often use my Wacom pad or iPad for practicing my Drawing Warm-Up Exercises. You can download a copy for free!
On mornings when I’m not really in the mood to draw, I tell myself, “I’ll just do some warm-ups today.” More often than not, I end up sketching a character or something else, and before I know it, over an hour has flown by.
5 Wonderful Benefits of Learning to Draw
1. Indulge in the soothing and tranquil practice of drawing lets you be present and fully immersed in the experience.
2. Hone your problem-solving abilities and fine-tune your coordination skills through the creative drawing process.
3. Gain realistic drawing proficiency is a foundational skill for various other artistic disciplines, including painting and sculpture.
4. The art of drawing bolsters communication abilities, particularly for figurative artists who dedicate substantial time to observing facial expressions, which provide valuable insight into the emotions of those we engage with.
5. Enhance your memory by stimulating the visual and motor regions of your brain, as corroborated by numerous research studies.
Several studies have shown that our memory improves by integrating the visual and motor parts of the brain. In other words, doodling helps you remember.
If these benefits of learning to draw sound exciting to you, grab a copy of my Drawing Warm-Up Exercises. The worksheets are completely free to download!
Adding Drawing as a Hobby Alleviates Anxiety
Have you ever notice how drawing brings out a lot of self-judgment? As a result, many of us hesitate to sign up for drawing or painting classes because we don’t already know how to draw. This fear is even stronger in in-person classes. There the instructor and fellow students can see and judge our work. Plus, those large sheets of paper they use in classes can be pretty intimidating.
While I sometimes appreciated instructor feedback, I preferred learning at home, where I could take things at my own pace and ask for criticism only when I felt ready.
Finding Peace of Mind Through Drawing
One of the most amazing unexpected benefits of learning to draw for me was the heightened awareness I entered—similar to what I feel when I meditate. When I started practicing daily drawing as a hobby, these extended periods in this peaceful and calm state made me feel calmer and cleared up some persistent health issues.
Instead of producing stress hormones like cortisol, our bodies generate more serotonin and other happiness hormones. I’ve found that meditation and taking short walks when I feel frustrated also help a lot.
The Recipe for Learning to Draw Realistically
Everyone can learn to draw realistically. Learning to draw is no different from learning to solve math problems or learning to cook. Most likely, when we were in the kitchen with our moms or dads, we were allowed to be beginners. They gave us simple instructions, to begin with. Then, when we proved we could do those correctly, they allowed us to try something more challenging.
Sometimes we burned the dish or put in the wrong ingredients. But we knew if we kept practicing, we would soon be preparing more complicated dishes with ease. I remember making baking mistakes like mixing up baking soda and baking powder (multiple times), adding way too much salt, burning many batches of cookies, and even burning my hands (Ouch!). And sometimes, even when I felt I’d done everything right, the dish tasted yucky.
But, most likely, you didn’t give up learning to cook because you knew it was a skill you could master. Drawing is like that. Start with a gesture drawing, make a more complete sketch, add line variation, then shading, and finally, learn to include color by whatever medium you choose to work with.
Drawing as a Hobby Excourages Regular Practice
Drawing well might be partly natural talent. However the most important key to better drawing is regular practice and learning how to transfer what you see in 3 dimensions onto a sheet of paper. Also, it is understanding to ignore our harsh inner critique. That voice tells us our drawings are terrible, and we’ll never be any good. However, once we learn to conquer that critique, drawing becomes such an enjoyable practice, we want to experience it again and again.
If drawing as a hobby sounds good to you, but you’re not sure how to make drawing part of your daily routine, make sure to download my free Drawing Warm-Up Exercises. Then, you’ll never have to start your drawing session staring at a blank sheet of paper again! And best of all, they’re free.
Do you sometimes feel like you don’t know how to speak BJD? After being in the hobby of collecting ball-jointed dolls for a number of years, we forget just how much BJD terminology we use when talking about our dolls. To someone outside the BJD world, or new to collecting, our BJD terminology may cause confusion.
In my post last month, The Dolls of Our Lives, I talked about how I first discovered and fell in love with BJD’s over 10 years ago. Even now, some of the acronyms still confuse me.
If you are new to the hobby, and even if you’re not, below is a guide to get you up to speed and speaking BJD like a native. I defined as many of these terms here as I could think of, and learned some things myself in researching this article.
These are some of the questions or phrases you commonly hear on a BJD forum like Den of Angels: “How’s he strung?” “I love how you did her faceup!”, “Do you want to do a split?”, “Is that a recast?”
Here is My Own Little WIKI of BJD Terminology
Artist cast – A doll sculpted, molded and cast by the artist
Artist doll – Sculpted by an individual artist, not a company. They may be cast by a casting company.
BJD – ball jointed doll
Body blushing – painting done anywhere except the face
Ball jointed – refers to the round joints that give the dolls their mobility
Body Sculpt – if someone asks “What is the body sculpt?” they want to know the name of the company who created the body. You hear this more about hybrid dolls.
Commission –You hire someone to do work on your doll.
Customization – Any modification done to a BJD.
Dollfie – the term the first company to start making dolls called BJD’s, Volks, used for their dolls
Dolpa – Doll Party. Volks originated the term and they hold several Dolpas a year, the largest being in Tokyo.
Faceplate – the front of a BJD head that is removable
Faceup – the painting of the face. Usually either pastels or an airbrush are used, then the face is sealed
Full Set – when a doll company like Volks or Iplehouse sells a doll that comes with faceup, clothing, shoes, wig, and other accessories
Grail doll – a doll that is unattainable or you will probably never own because of cost, availability, or other reason
Headcap – Often the top of the head can be removed. It is either held on with magnets or a hook and elastic
Hybrid – a doll that is made up of parts from multiple companies
Legit – any legitimate doll cast by the company or artist who created it, and with legal rights to it
Limited – There are dolls truly limited in number, but may refer to a doll sold as a full set, but the nude sculpt might be sold again later.
MSC – a spray sealant used on faceup or body blushing to preserve the work. Full name is Mr. Super Clear. It is made in Japan. A popular alternative to MSC is Testers.
Moding – the original sculpt has been changed in some way
Pro-Artist – someone who is against recast (counterfeit) dolls
Recast – a counterfeit copy made without the artists permission
Recast Friendly – someone who may not own recasts themselves, but doesn’t mind if others do
Sculpt – refers to the faceplate – the name of the company, and the doll name
Split – you might want the body of a doll, but not the faceplate, or want only part of an outfit. So you ask is anyone is interested in a split.
Strung – refers to the elastic cording that runs through most dolls. A few are jointed with springs, but they are usually made of porcelain
Sueding – when you put something into the joints to get your doll to pose or hold a pose better. Popular methods of sueding are hot glue or real suede glued into the joint
Wiring – in order to increase pose-ability, a coated wire is placed into the joint. To do this gently pull the joint apart and insert the wire. This often help stop ‘kicking’ that happens in some dolls where the joint springs back. Warning – the wire coating can stain the resin, so to try to use a similar color.
BJD Terminology That Refers to the Size of the Doll
(I have double checked on the Den of Angels forum to make sure my size categories are in agreement with theirs):
Tiny Dolls – 39 cm and smaller. The most common size is around 35 cm
Mature Tiny Dolls – same size as tiny BJD’s, but these are teen or adult sculpts, not child sculpts.
MSD or Mini Dolls , also Mature MSD– 40 cm to 49 cm
SD or Large Dolls are 50 cm and larger. There is now a separate category of even larger dolls 70 cm to 90 cm.
* Note – the terms MSD and SD are originated by Volks. They stand for Mini Super Dolfi, and Super Dolfi. They have made their way into the community though, and you will often hear people referring to a doll in the size range with that term no matter who the creator of the doll is.
Terms You Might See in the Market Place or on eBay
OOAK – usually used for other types of dolls like fashion or Monster High. It means the doll has been modified to be one of a kind
MIB – Mint in box, the doll has been removed from box, but is still in like new condition
NRFB – Never removed from box
WTB – Want to buy
WTS – Want to sell
WTT – Want to trade
I hope this guide to BJD terminology helps those of you who are new to the hobby. Sometimes those of us who have been around longer forget that newer collectors don’t know what we are talking about. Sometimes I don’t know what people are talking about still, and have to look a term up.
If you have any suggestions for any BJD terminology that I’ve forgotten or notice something you think I got totally wrong, post below, and I will try to update my list in a few months.
If you sometimes wake up with a sense of anxiety, you’re not alone, and it’s not ‘all in your head.’ Researchers have discovered our bodies get a head start on the day by releasing cortisol, the so-called ‘stress hormone,’ about 45 minutes before we wake. This peaks in the first hour of our day, setting the stage for a potentially stressful morning. But what if I told you that understanding this biological clock could be the key to transforming your mornings from anxious to amazing?”
Instead of letting this information dampen our spirits, it should serve as a wake-up call. It gave me the incentive to create a routine in my morning that is more beneficial for my day than sitting in bed, browsing social media, and sipping my coffee.
My Journey: From Chaos to Calm
My sleep routine was thrown into chaos during a challenging phase of my life. I was pregnant and working as a store bookkeeper for the local co-op, a job that demanded an early start at 6:00 a.m. The stress was palpable, often leading me to arrive earlier than required.
My main task was to balance all the cash registers each morning and locate any discrepancies before the manager’s arrival – a scenario ripe for anxiety, especially for a new bookkeeper like myself. I quickly discovered that the store’s cashiers often ‘borrowed’ from other registers instead of calling the manager to access the safe, adding to the morning accounting confusion.
After our son was born, we moved out of the city and I became a stay at home mom. You’d think my mornings would have become more peaceful, right? Not exactly. My husband woke up at 4:30 a.m. to catch his train, disrupting our household’s early hours. I faced a choice every morning after he left: try to snatch a few more minutes of sleep or use this quiet, still-dark time for myself.
Embracing the Quiet Hours
Choosing those quiet, early hours for myself became a game changer for me. This was my golden hour for self-care. It started with short meditation sessions, embracing the calm and stillness of the early morning. Then, I’d journal quietly, pouring my thoughts onto paper before the day’s responsibilities, including my son’s needs, took over. The shift in my mood was akin to the difference between being jolted awake by a shrill alarm clock or gently rousing to a favorite tune.
Regular meditation helped me stay composed during typical stressful parenting moments, like handling the bumps and bruises that come with raising an active little boy. This simple routine began my journey towards a more structured and serene morning. It underscored a powerful lesson: even the smallest changes can profoundly impact our day. That’s how I began building a morning routine, and, in addition, it’s those early morning writing sessions that eventually led me to want to write a blog. Now, let’s explore together how you, too, can craft a morning routine to manage anxiety effectively and start your day on a positive note.
Adapting to Life’s Changes: My Routine’s Evolution
Crafting a morning routine that genuinely works for me has been an evolving journey over the years. My initial approach led to an hour brimming with positive activities, leaving me even more stressed. I missed the comfort of my bed and the quiet joy of scrolling through social media.
My morning routine has been streamlined over the years to a concise 20-minute morning ritual, allowing me to savor a cup of jasmine tea and share some quality time with my husband, who now works from home before our day officially begins. This simple shift in my morning habits worked wonders in alleviating my anxiety. It also enhanced my productivity, vitality, relationships, and overall quality of life.
My mornings currently include the following:
A brief meditation session
Journaling three things I’m grateful for
Outlining what I plan to work on to achieve my goals
Taking a short walk to the mailbox with my husband
Weather permitting, of course. If it’s raining, I either grab an umbrella or occasionally replace the walk with reading a few pages of an inspirational book. I keep a list of alternative activities to mix things up when needed.
Crafting a Morning Ritual That Works for You
Creating a morning routine that cultivates inner peace and combats anxiety doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re new to the concept of a structured morning or looking to enhance your existing routine, it’s all about starting somewhere and building on it.
Below, you’ll find activities categorized as ‘Beginner’ for those just starting out and ‘More Advanced’ if you are ready to deepen your morning practice. Remember, the key is consistency and finding what resonates with you. Explore these activities and see how they can fit into your life to bring a serene start to your day.
Beginner Morning Routine Activities:
Embrace Mindful Breathing: Start your day with a few minutes of mindful breathing. This simple practice helps center yourself and curb anxiety.
Try Out Mindful Meditation: This is a beginner-friendly approach to meditation. Relax your body and observe your surroundings, focusing on staying present.
Swap Social Media for an Inspirational Book: Begin your day by reading a few pages from an inspiring book instead of scrolling through your phone.
Cultivate a Gratitude Mindset: Reflect on three things you are grateful for each morning.
Conduct a Mindful Technology Check-In: Start your day free from digital stressors by avoiding technology first thing in the morning.
Start Your Day Hydrated: Hydrate your body first thing in the morning. Drinking water kickstarts your metabolism and improves your overall well-being.
More Advanced Morning Routine Activities:
These activities might take a bit of practice to incorporate into your morning, or they might take up more time.
Find Solace in Guided Meditation: Incorporate a meditation practice into your morning. This can range from listening to guided meditations to focusing on calming music.
Make a Walk One of Your Favorite Morning Habits: A morning walk, especially on a sunny day, can be very calming and grounding.
Incorporate Gentle Stretching or Yoga: Begin your day with light stretches or a short yoga routine to benefit your body and mind.
Embrace the Therapeutic Power of Journaling: Spend a few minutes each morning journaling your thoughts, emotions, and concerns. This can be a powerful outlet for anxiety.
Harness the Power of Visualization and Affirmations: Spend time visualizing a state of calmness and affirming positive outcomes for your day. This can help rewire your mind and alleviate anxiety.
Connect with Nature: Take a few minutes to connect with nature, whether stepping outside or observing your surroundings from a window.
Set Clear and Actionable Daily Intentions: Plan your day by setting clear and achievable goals. This helps align your focus and reduces anxiety.
Sample 20-Minute Beginner Morning Routine:
I want to share an example of a sample routine with you. It’s simple, effective, and lays a solid foundation for your day without being overwhelming. As you become comfortable with these practices, you can explore adding more advanced activities or extending your time on each one.
Mindful Breathing (5 minutes): Begin with five minutes of conscious breathing to center yourself and prepare for the day.
Inspirational Reading (5 minutes): Read a few pages of an inspirational book to set a positive tone for your day.
Gratitude Reflection (5 minutes): Spend five minutes reflecting on or writing down three things you are grateful for. This helps shift your focus to positive thoughts.
Hydrate and Reflect (5 minutes): Drink a glass of water and spend the last five minutes in quiet reflection or planning your day.
Conclusion: Building Your Productive Morning Routine for a Calmer Day Ahead
Building a productive morning routine is a journey towards a calmer, more fulfilled day. Start with these simple steps and gradually evolve your routine to fit your needs and lifestyle. The goal is to create a morning that sets you up for a day of peace and productivity.
Regularly doing a few of the suggestions is more effective and beneficial than practicing them all only occasionally. By dedicating time each morning to prioritize your mental health, you take proactive steps toward leading a more balanced, calm, and fulfilling life.
Remember, consistency and self-compassion are vital. Start small and gradually build upon these steps. With patience and commitment, you’ll soon notice positive shifts in your overall well-being. Embrace these morning rituals, make them your own, and experience their transformative power.
Wishing you many peaceful and anxiety-free mornings!
Creativity comes to those who pay attention, I’ve found. If you want more creative ideas, ask for them and act on them. Your mind will start providing you with lots more ideas on how to be more creative. The challenge, then, is finding the free time to act on those ideas.
Many years ago, when I worked in an office, I dreamt of the day I could stay home full-time. Then, I would have sooo much time to do whatever I wanted. For example, finishing all my creative projects.
This September was odd for me because it was the first time in many years we were not hustling around getting ready for school to start. My son finished homeschooling last spring and passed all his GED exams over the summer. He started taking online college-level classes, but he’s grown up now and no longer needs my help.
So where’s all my free time? The house still needs cleaning, the dog needs to be taken outside, and meals need cooking.
If doesn’t matter if we work full, part-time, or not at all, it’s still easy to get to Friday afternoon, then look back on our week and wonder what we’ve accomplished. Or sometimes, we get stuck and can’t figure out what we want to create or how to learn new skills now that we’re not in school anymore.
Whether it is coming up with an idea for a new painting, sculpture, or sewing project, we all need creative ideas.
Even the most creative people sometimes fall into a slump, and we must restart our creative engines. Also, creativity is more than just a skill valuable to artists and writers. Scientists, engineers, and many other fields need creative people to develop new, original ideas.
How to Be More Creative: 7 Ideas to Implement Right Away
1. Read on a wide variety of subjects.
When my local library closed for over a year, I discovered e-books you could check out online, the Project Gutenberg website, as well as Archiev.org. Michael Hart started Project Gutenberg in 1970 to make plain text versions of books available to everyone. It’s a great place to find out of print books to read for free!
2. Take afternoon naps
It worked for Edison, one of America’s most gifted inventors. Before lying down, think about a problem you want to solve or a subject you want to gather ideas about. Then let your subconscious work on it for a bit. Naps can get our creativity flowing.
3. Spend some time browsing other artists’ work
Go to a gallery. I’m lucky to live near a village with several small art galleries, but even an online gallery will work. In addition, I love collecting art books from shows I go to. Then I can flip through them and recall my impressions of paintings I saw at the museum.
4. Start a dream journal
Allow yourself time to daydream. It’s a great way to find new and original ideas. But, unfortunately, daydreaming isn’t valued in our society. Just like gazing out the window is viewed as a waste of our time. Nonetheless, these are great ways to allow our minds to develop original ideas.
5. Take a hike and spend the afternoon outside
Even though it might be cold and rainy, don’t let that stop you from taking long walks. Just bundle up and grab your umbrella. There are so many advantages to spending time outside, but one of the best benefits is it increases your creativity by allowing you to develop new ideas. Ideas generally appear when you are doing something else.
6. Schedule Regular Brainstorming Sessions
Mark it on your calendar, and spend 15 minutes coming up with ideas. Also, you can brainstorm anywhere. Keep a small notepad in your pocket for when ideas pop into your head.
7. Go ahead and start on a project
Don’t worry if you don’t know how it will turn out or all the steps involved. You can always go back and make a plan later.
How I Created a Miniature Version of the Blue Times Dollhouse:
Last Christmas, I received a Cute Bee dollhouse kit. The kit I received was called Blue Times. Cute Bee and a couple of other brands are miniature house kits that you can assemble on your own. Lots of how-to videos can be found on YouTube.
Even though I’d watched a few of these videos, I didn’t realize how tiny the house was. Tiny, as in too small for even my dollhouse-sized dolls. I was a little disappointed but decided to put it together anyway. I’m not as fast a crafter as many of the YouTubers I watch, and midway through, I got the idea to build my own house. From scratch. One that would fit the tiny polymer clay dolls I make.
Constructing a House with Foam board
Since this is just for fun rather than something I plan on selling, I created a duplicate of the Cute Bee Blue Times house. I could have chosen to make this out of thin wood, which I will do with the next one because my 17-pound Ragdoll cat, Oliver, has already claimed the house as his and decided to move in. I don’t know how long my foam board will stand up to him, rubbing his chin on the edge of the window. But foam board is relatively inexpensive.
The house’s base is made out of 3 sheets of foam board. I recreated the triangle wallpaper from the kit in Photoshop, enlarged it, and printed it on a good color printer at the library. The flooring and lower floor walls are from scrapbook paper I found at the craft store.
I used a paper cutter to make really clean cuts and match the pattern. For the windows, I used thin strip wood from the hardware store. Some of these my husband cut with the scroll saw. I cut the rest with a small hand saw. The “glass” is cut from the tops of lettuce containers. Next are the stairs. I’m working on scaling them up now.
Hopefully, I can cut each size as two pieces on the scroll saw.
Plans for the furnishings
I think I’ll make the refrigerator out of either paper clay or polymer clay. The kitchen counter, the table, the chairs, the nightstand, and the desk will be out of thin wood. Hopefully, it won’t take me as long to create the furnishings as it has the house. But I always have too many hobby projects going on at the same time.
My Next House – What I’ve learned and would do differently
First of all, the next house will be out of wood so it will last. However, I’m glad I tried it with foam board first. Foam board is great – if you don’t have a cat who wants to help and then decides to move into your doll house as an afternoon napping spot.
Also, I don’t think I will have a bathroom with see-through walls. That’s somewhat strange. Since my houses are just for photoshoots, I think I’ll leave the bathroom out. I’ll leave that for when my husband and I make the diorama for my BJDs, who I can photograph in the tub.
These tiny dolls have felt bodies, so I couldn’t stick them in the tub for a bubble bath without using fake bubbles. Another thing is I will use heavier plastic for the windows. Such plastic sheets can be purchased at craft stores, hardware stores, or online.
Conclusion:
Engaging in creative hobbies is essential to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle. These hobbies allow us to take a break from our daily routine, de-stress, and recharge. It is vital to take the time to enjoy activities that we love and find fulfilling. Hobbies like crafting, painting, or building miniatures, such as my recent project, allow us to explore our creative side and exercise our minds in different ways.
Moreover, these hobbies are also a fantastic way to enhance our problem-solving skills, patience, and attention to detail. Incorporating creative hobbies into our weekly routine allows us to take a break and provides numerous benefits for our mental and emotional well-being.
Remember, creativity is not just for artists and writers but for everyone. So there is always time to start exploring your own creativity and see where the journey takes you.
Have you checked out what online library services your local branch has available? Our library shut down on a Saturday back in early March. I was especially sad, because Totoro, an anime by Studio Ghibli, was sitting on the shelf waiting for me.
However, I’m happy that with their “contact free services” I can now place books and hold, and pick them up on a table outside. Returning is a little harder as books have to sit untouched for 4 days before they can be checked back in.
As a result of these rolling lock downs taking place across the country, and across the world, I discovered many online library resources, some that previously you could only access from a in-library computer. I hope these virtual library resources stay, when the physical library reopens!
Why Libraries are an Introvert’s Favorite Place to Go Out
First of all, they are quiet!
Even though as a shy child, I was scared of the school librarian, I loved traveling to the local library with my mom to browse the shelves, and check out books such as “Pippi Longstocking”, the “Betsy-Tacy” books, and another series about a character named Betsy by Carolyn Haywood.
One thing I loved about reading books, and being read to, as a young child is that you have a limited sense of time and place.
For example, I didn’t know that the Betsys I read about lived in the 1940’s. I imagined them existing in my own time. Also, I didn’t think of Pippi as living in Sweden, or Tolly, a character from another favorite “The Children of Greene Knowe”, as an English boy. In my imagination, they all might have lived nearby, and in my current time.
Even when books have illustrations, we aren’t being told how everything appears like in movies. Often books may have multiple illustrators for various editions. Take for example, the different English and American covers of Harry Potter. But once you’ve seen the movies, Harry will always look like Daniel Radcliffe.
I don’t think online libraries can ever replace the services or experience of going to our local libraries in person, but I’m glad so many virtual library services are available right now.
Do You Remember When Libraries Only Loaned Books?
When I was a school girl, libraries only carried books, and maybe a few record albums to check out. Oh, and magazines.
I’m old enough to remember having my card stamped, and the dire warnings about what would happen to you if you brought the book back without the card. Even now, I mainly like to go to the library to check out books. But lately, I’m been delving into online library research.
As an introvert, I love the quiet of libraries. However, one thing I loved about our new, modern libraries are the classes. At my neighborhood library, I learned about MakerLabs, how to keep mason bees, and even how to start a blog through library classes.
Some Ways Online Library Research and Resources Have Expanded During Quarantine
If you haven’t been to your libraries website since “Stay at Home” started, you might be pleasantly surprised. Virtual libraries offer way more services than just checking out digital books. Here is a list of what my local library has available online right now:
Online book club discussions
Children’s story times
Online Pub Trivia (my husband might love this, but they are already full, and yeah, I’m still an introvert, even online)
Video Steaming movies, I’m excited my library is offering one of my favorites, Legally Blonde!
Online Learning! (some of these only were available at in library computers in the past)
Lynda.com
Ancestry Library
The Great Courses digital booklists
Mango Languages
Consumer Reports magazine, as well as other digital magazines
For younger library patrons, there are:
Online Tutoring with Brainfuse
Virtual Study Rooms
Scholastic BookFLIX Interactive eBooks
LearningExpress
Most online libraries also have links to local and national resources you might not have known about, such as watching feedings the local aquarium, zoo blogs, art museum activities, and virtual symphony concerts.
In addition, librarians are on hand in continuing outreach programs, like “Ask a Librarian”, where you can get one-on-one help.
How My Family is Enjoying Online Libraries During Shut Down
First of all, I think I must confess I maxed check out limit of books, which I was allowed to keep until the end of June. I had Ghibli videos to re-watch, books on learning Japanese, art, anxiety, and fiction. Yes, I admit it. I’m a library power user.
Also, I was really excited to learn that we could access Ancestry.com at home. My husband and I always said we were going to reserve a library computer, and take along all of our notes and charts to research at the library, but we never did.
I’m hoping my husband will be able to trace his ancestors back a bit more, because his side of the family tree is a little skimpy. I was lucky that several genealogists on my side already researched many lines of my family tree, and posted online.
Also, we started using Lynda.com before the library closed. But the last few months, we added it to our home schooling routine, and was the basis of some summer learning. Besides learning Blender with my son, I’m working through tutorials for both Photoshop and Premier Pro.
I checked out Mango languages, but the Japanese moved a bit too fast for me. Maybe I’ll try French which I learned in college, and stick with the book I have, and other online resource for Japanese.
I think I’ll skip the virtual activities though. As an introvert, things like Skype, Facetime, and Zoom cause me more anxiety than meetings in person.
Looking Forward to the Day Libraries Reopen
While I love being able to do online library research at home, and check out e-books, still I’m sad that local library’s website still has a notice “In building services are not yet available” on each page of their website.
I miss you, public library! I promise I will social distance, just please open soon, even if it’s only at 25% capacity like the retail stores.
Online libraries are nice, but not the same as going in person. I look forward to the day my local library opens it’s doors, and I can browse the shelves, or sit in a cozy chair leafing through a magazine.
Use this time to learn more, if you can, and check out what your library has to offer online. Don’t forget to keep reading too. Books will never go away completely. There are too many of us who love the traditional reading experience, and turning pages while we sip our cup of tea.
So go curl up with your favorite book this afternoon. If you have a cat, they just might join you.
If you’re looking for a new hobby, I want to share with you the fascinating world of ball-jointed dolls, also known as BJDs. This unique and beautiful form of doll collecting has taken the world by storm for a good reason. Not only are BJD’s stunning works of art, but they also provide endless opportunities for creative expression and personalization.
Discovering the World of Ball-Jointed Dolls
Hello, my name is Janna, and I’ve been a passionate doll collector throughout my life. It all began with Madame Alexander’s international dolls, but my collection soon included many other types of dolls. Most of the dolls I collected were small, so they would easily stand on the bookcase shelves in my parents’ living room. While I appreciate that my mother started a doll collection for me at a young age, I must admit that back then, I was more fond of my Barbies and baby dolls that I could play with and hold.
Collectors Dolls That Can Be Played With Too!
In 2006, after relocating 60 miles from Seattle and welcoming a new baby, I felt lonely in our new community. It seemed challenging to find others who shared my interests. That’s when I discovered ball-jointed dolls (BJDs) and decided to purchase my first one. For many collectors of ball-jointed dolls, the anticipation of receiving their first doll is a memorable experience. Unfortunately, the wait can be lengthy, as many dolls ship from overseas and are manufactured after the order is placed. For example, I waited several months for my first BJD, Sooah from Elfdoll, to arrive from Korea. One thing collecting BJD’s teaches is patience!
However, during the waiting period, you can plan out the doll clothes you want to create and even start learning to make your own patterns. If you’re interested in doing this, I recommend the book “How to Make Sewing Patterns” by Donald McCumm. The moment your first BJD arrives is a memorable experience reminiscent of the childhood excitement from anticipating a wished-for gift under the tree on Christmas morning. It’s incredible how the presence of a special doll in your home can bring so much joy and anticipation, making you look forward to returning home after a long day.
The Joy of Crafting Clothes for Ball Jointed Dolls
My initial attraction to purchasing an Elfdoll was my passion for knitting and sewing. At the time, making clothes for myself wasn’t as appealing due to 20+ pounds of extra post-pregnancy weight. Every day, I looked forward to my son’s nap times so that I could work on doll clothing for Sooah.
On Den of Angels, a popular forum for ball-jointed doll collectors, some of the most popular threads are the ones with members sharing the outfits they’ve created for their dolls. The pose-able bodies of BJDs make dressing them a breeze, as removing the head or faceplate simplifies putting on a sweater or t-shirt.
We often aspire to create fashion styles seen on runways or in magazines. Still, we might not have the opportunity to wear such clothes ourselves. Sewing for dolls allows us to explore various styles, such as Lolita, Goth, Cosplay, and historical outfits. While we might wear these styles to a convention once, our dolls can don these outfits daily.
Both knitting and sewing offer a calming and therapeutic effect. These activities allow us to reconnect with a time when life was less demanding. For instance, I used to come home from high school, watch my favorite soap opera, General Hospital, and sew. My father never disturbed me because he recognized the value of my sewing. And it was a peaceful way for me to decompress from school-related stress.
That sense of tranquility still returns when I sew clothing for my ball-jointed dolls, and knitting offers a soothing rhythm that adds to the experience.
Connecting with Ball-Jointed Dolls: A World of Possibilities
Ball Jointed Dolls (BJDs) can transport us back to a time when our imaginations were unlimited and creativity flowed freely. There are various ways to connect with these intricate dolls, such as:
Writing stories
Designing outfits
Organizing artistic photoshoots
Using dolls as reference models for sketches
As grown-ups, our interaction with dolls often serves a specific purpose. We may aim to capture stunning images of our dolls to share on social media, create an intricate diorama for display, or paint a face-up that perfectly embodies our doll’s persona.
The Emotional Bond with BJDs
My fascination with BJDs began when I realized they reminded me of the cherished connection I had with dolls during my childhood.
When I engage with dolls now – designing outfits, constructing scenes, and taking photos for my blog, it brings back memories of rainy days when no one could come out and play, and dolls were my only loyal companions.
The opportunity to sew clothing for my dolls, and perhaps eventually for others, is a nice bonus!
Creating a Safe Haven for Your Doll Collection
For years, I stored my dolls in boxes tucked away in my husband’s closet, fearing their resin might yellow or my curious cats might knock them over. However, having them out in the open brings me more joy.
If you’re weary of keeping your dolls hidden away, consider creating a secure space for them, shielded from pets and sunlight. My husband has helped me create various areas throughout our home where I can safely display, engage with, and photograph my dolls.
This soothing interaction with dolls could aptly be dubbed “doll therapy.”
Four Ways Ball-Jointed Dolls Can Bring Comfort and Joy Into Your Life:
1.) Hold one of your dolls when you feel anxious and let them comfort you.
2.) Spend time playing with your dolls. It lets you escape from the world and your responsibilities.
3.) Let your dolls inspire you to learn a new skill, such as making wigs, shoes, or clothing.
4.) If your work becomes good enough, why not think about selling some of your creations?
Making and selling doll accessories can help you earn enough to buy the things you don’t make for your dolls, or it might turn into much more!
Can Ball-Jointed Dolls Become Real Friends through AI?
As young children, it was easy to imagine that our dolls possessed genuine feelings and emotions, teaching us empathy and compassion. However, we now stand on the brink of a new era where advanced robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) can create lifelike dolls that may evoke similar emotions.
Given the potential risks associated with all our devices connecting to the cloud, the thought of AI-infused dolls is somewhat unsettling. Perhaps watching Dr. Who influenced my perspective. However, I’d prefer robots to resemble iconic characters like Rosie from The Jetsons or R2D2 and C3PO from Star Wars. This would make it easier to remember that they are, indeed, not real beings. The development of realistic facial expressions and human emotions programmed into these humanoid robots only adds to the concern.
AI is rapidly permeating various industries, with companies like Adobe integrating AI into all of their apps. In addition, smart toys were on the market for Christmas this year. Many came equipped with microphones and cameras. For example, this article warns parents about AI-driven dolls: Experts warn about smart toys. And according to the advocacy group, “Privacy Not Included”, there are no regulations requiring manufactures to disclose these AI devices on the packaging or what information is being collected and how it will be used.
While I adore engaging with my dolls, I don’t think I want them to become sentient beings and I certainly wouldn’t want these types of companies monitoring what was said in my home. So I will say no to intelligent dolls until there are clear regulations in place.
Connecting with the World through Dolls
My primary interactions with fellow doll collectors have been online, where we view each other’s photographs and celebrate our shared hobby. You can use BJD collecting to connect rather than disconnect by posting on forums and Facebook groups. In addition, we can find meetups in our areas. Believe me, I know it isn’t always easy to do something out of our comfort zones. Ultimately, my pets, family, and human friends help me navigate life’s complexities. I am grateful for the incredible individuals I’ve met online through our mutual love for dolls. Our shared journey with these captivating BJDs creates a unique bond.
I hope this article sparks your interest in the BJD hobby and encourages you to explore it further. Stay tuned for more BJD-related posts, and consider joining forums like Den of Angels to connect with other passionate collectors.
For those who already collect ball-jointed dolls, what inspired you to start? I would love to hear your story!
