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!
This first blog post is a lot overdue. Maybe by a decade! For one of my big creative goals, I planned to start a blog several years ago, after I read “My Blogging Secrets”, by Amber McNaught of Forever Amber.
Her blog is one I still read, and the comments there keep me hopeful that that are people like me who still prefer to read blog post rather when just browsing through Instagram.
Little did I know that that first week of summer break, to quote the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, things went:
“Gang aft agley”
Or to translate into the more commonly heard English version:
“The best laid plans of Mice and Men, Often go awry”
Life Can Change in an Instant
On a lovely Friday morning in June, when I was out in my backyard, happily standing in the sunshine, and pinning laundry to the line, I heard a thud from the basement where my mother lives. Next, I heard footsteps racing up the stairs.
Even before I heard my mom’s home care aid shout my name, I knew something was terribly wrong. My mom had fallen again.
Only this time she was more seriously hurt, and couldn’t get up on her own. As we waited for emergency services to arrive, I held out hope they would check her over, and help her back up. And life would go back to normal.
But it was more serious than that this time. And after one of the longest days in the emergency room, I was told that she had a compression fracture to her lower spine. Nothing they could keep her for. “As long as she can sit in a wheelchair, I can’t admit her to the hospital,” the doctor said.
Ordinarily, they could have transferred her to short term care, however, it was almost 5:00 pm. on a Friday afternoon. So instead they loaded her into my car, and sent her home.
Luckily we were so late getting home, my husband was there to help get her out of the car again. And the following Tuesday, we were finally able to have her admitted to a nursing home for short term rehab care. Consequently, she worked with a physical therapist there for several weeks who helped her start walking again.
My plan to start a blog, got put on hold.
Where’s Help When you Need It?
My heart still feels heavy as I write this even now, because not only did my mom fall, and get terribly hurt that day, but one of my beliefs that I have always held got shattered too. In short, the belief that the emergency services and hospitals are a safety net.
Particularly, I thought that when a family member is too sick or injured to care for at home, you can take them to the hospital until they are well. I think I will feel angry for a long time at the neglect we experienced in that emergency room.
And not just us. It was heartbreaking to hear what was going on behind other curtains as patients waited and waited and waited.
Maybe it’s Curious George’s fault for my mistaken belief that hospitals were happy places where people get well. I remember reading two of his stories over and over as a child. In one, George broke his arm, in another he went to the hospital to have his tonsils removed. I enjoyed rereading these stories that I loved from my own childhood with my son a few years ago.
Regroup, then Move On
Sometimes things happen in our lives that we have no control over, including a family member losing a job. Or someone in our household becoming injured or sick, and needing our time to care for them.
And sometimes someone close to us dies, and we need to take time to grieve their loss. Or we’re told there is a global pandemic, and everyone has to stay at home two weeks.
Times like these, are not always the best time to add something new, so my idea to start a blog, got put on hold. Also during these times of stress, we lose sight of our accountability to our own goals.
Sometimes for years.
It’s important for our souls, not to do this. Namely, it’s essential to remember we came into this lifetime to do something. It might not be something big and world changing. But never loose focus on your creative goals.
For me, it’s just drawing, painting, and making little dolls.
Are You Listening to What the World Telling You?
Especially at times when you are in a crisis, pay attention to what the world is telling you. It might be the time for you to come up with a new idea, or even remember an old one.
And if you pay attention, it might change everything for you. What I realized in this time of crisis is that I had been so busy caring for my young son and my mom, I’d abandoned all of my own creative goals and dreams.
Crafting is one of the Oldest Forms of Self Care
Creativity helps us to relax and de-stress. It also helps to boost your mood, reduces depression, sleeplessness and anxiety.
Therefore, when I wasn’t downstairs helping my mother, I sewed. I’d been creating a pattern for one of my little dolls, but the scrap of Liberty of London fabric I hoped to use was too small.
After going through my stash of fabric, I found a piece with a small floral pattern.
In the end, it was a fail. The fabric was too heavy. Also, my pattern had too many pieces considering the size of the doll. However, that failed dress showed me I could make a better one.
Also, it reminded me how much I love to sew. This is especially good because not everything can be knitted!
And that’s how I started making dolls again after giving it up shortly after my mom moved in with us.
Life is too Short to Put your Creative Goals on Hold
I’m starting the new year by finishing all the projects I left uncompleted. So often we put stuff off. Or we don’t finish things we started. And the projects pile up until we don’t want to do them anymore. They become just more clutter. Instead of helping us to relax, these unfinished projects become another source of anxiety.
A friend of mine plans to wait until she retires to take up watercolor painting seriously. Many of us put off our dreams until our children are in school, and then in college, and oh, then there will be grandchildren, so maybe someday…
This year, I decided to start a blog. I don’t want to be that person who puts their creative goals off anymore. Life is so short, and then it’s over.
I think if you ask most people in nursing homes, their regrets are what they didn’t do, not the mistakes they made in trying new things that might have felt scary at the time.
How To Keep Creating in a Crisis
Never feel like your creative goals are not important.
If you don’t have time to work, plan.
Write out the things you want to create when you have time to make beautiful things again.
Find little bits of time to work on your projects. It will bring peace to your heart.
Keep making accountability goals and reviewing them, even if they have to change for a while.
box-of-dolls.jpg
Take Your Creative Goals off the Shelf
Eventually, I had the time I had wanted to create. I went back to the beginning of my art journey which had started with learning to draw during nap time when my son was small.
Also, I started learning to paint watercolor! Between drawing, painting, sculpting, and keeping house, I’m as busy as I ever was as a full time care giver for my mom.
As you can see, I have a box of dolls to finish and create outfits for, but I also have plans for new dolls I want to sculpt, outfits, and props to make. I even made them a house last winter!
Maybe I’ll create some tutorials if anyone is interested.
Now that I decided to finally start a blog, here’s what you can expect to find:
I will mostly post about my art, dolls, or something art related. Also, I plan to post about shyness, and living with anxiety. In addition, there will be lots of tutorials, and also videos, patterns, and printables.
I want to encourage you to reach your creative goals with me! Some might say it’s to late, but I think 2021 will be the best year to start a blog!
Hope to see you back here soon!
To A Mouse
In proving foresight may be vain: The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ Men Gang aft agley, An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain, For promis’d joy! Still, thou art blest, compar’d wi’ me! The present only toucheth thee: But Och! I backward cast my e’e, On prospects drear! An’ forward tho’ I canna see, I guess an’ fear!
Robert Graves
For those of you who don’t know, recasting, as it’s called in the world of ball jointed dolls, is when companies or individuals take an artist’s doll, and make molds for the purpose of copying them for resale, without the original artist’s knowledge or permission. Buying recast dolls not only hurts doll makers, it also hurts other collectors.
Groups and websites that call themselves “recast friendly” allow all collectors, recast and legit, to share and discuss their dolls. Recasters have put ethical issues at the forefront of BJD collecting.
I Will Always be Pro-artist
As an artist, as someone who has been on a long journey to create my first resin BJD, this ethical issues touches me deeply.
Even though there is so much emotion around recasting, we as a community, cannot put these ethical issues aside. But having said this, I also believe that we have to remember to be kind, even when we strongly disagree with someone else’s perspective about buying recast dolls.
If I see someone posting photos of a recast doll in a group that I am a part of, I won’t call them out or send them a mean private message. I urge you not to do this either.
But if they are posting to a group that has banned recasts, I might contact the moderator, and let them deal with it instead of publicly confronting the person. I encourage all of you to take this approach also. Because you know what, we might be wrong about the doll in question being a recast. Too many times I’ve seen people harassing someone over buying recast dolls, and it turns out it is a legit doll.
If you have friends who think it that buying recast dolls is okay, and you can’t convince them otherwise, then find something else to talk about when you are with them, or give them up as friends.
One Artists Perspective on Buying Recast Dolls
Here is my full perspective as a doll artist, and a long time BJD collector.
Recasting is stealing from the person who created the doll in the worst way possible that goes way beyond copying, or making something that is considered too similar.
Recasters take a doll, make a mold of it, and then cast. Recasting hurts both the doll companies, and individual artists who created the doll, and spent countless hours creating it. When you are buying recast dolls, you are buying something that is counterfeit.
And there is nothing friendly about recasting.
I’ll talk more in another post about how to try and identify a recast. It’s especially important to know if you are buying a doll on the secondary market. It’s difficult just from photos, but some people can tell.
One of the oldest and largest BJD forums, Den of Angels, took a stance early on that recast dolls are not allowed on their forum. You can read DOA’s official position here as well as well as statements from some of the Asian BJD companies who’s dolls have been recast. Buying recast dolls is also not allowed to be discussed on a lot of Facebook groups like BJD Addicts.
Since I don’t hang around recast forums, I don’t know all of their arguments as to why buying and selling recasts dolls should be an acceptable part of the hobby, but in researching this article I visited some recast friendly sites and learned…
Reasons Why Recast Collectors Say Buying Recast Dolls is Okay:
BJD makers are big companies in Asia and buying recast dolls isn’t really hurting anybody.
They charge too much for their doll.
The wait is too long.
The Asian companies are hard to communicate with and their websites aren’t user friendly.
It’s unfair to people who have to borrow from their college funds to afford a doll. (Yes, I really saw that comment!)
These are all excuses I read on the various recast groups and forums to justify buying recast dolls. They also feel like they are being harassed, and that they are legitimate members of the BJD community.
The Truth about Ball Jointed Doll Companies
The only really big doll company is Volks in Japan. They produce other products too, so not all of their income is from dolls.
Most of the other companies have fewer than 100 employees with a lot of them employing less than 10. And, as many of them state in the DOA thread, if their sales drop due to recasts on the market, they will have less money to put into development of new products and dolls.
One small doll maker has already gone out of business. Because many of these companies are in Asia, and we don’t know as much about many of the individual artists who create their dolls, it is easier to dehumanize when justifying buying recast dolls.
But the people who make up these small companies have families who rely on their incomes, and they are lucky enough to work for mostly small companies doing something that they love. Who wouldn’t? If Iplehouse called and offered me a job, I’d be on the next plane to Korea!
Recasts Can Make It Harder To Sell Your Legit Doll
Recasts on the market affects not only the companies and artists, it affects us collectors too. When you go to resell your Unoa, Iplehouse, or Fairyland doll on eBay, and you find all the listing of recasts for a fraction of the price you paid for your doll, you’ll see what I mean.
I recently sold my Unoa Lusis on eBay for less than I’d paid for her because of recasts driving the price of legit second hand dolls down. Ebay listings are full of fake Fairyland dolls. And Ebay seems not to care that people sell counterfeit items on their platform.
Most Collectors Resell Dolls at Some Point
Unless you live in a very large house, you can only own so many dolls. So, selling some of your dolls is a reality in the hobby. And when you decide to sell, it’s nice to know that your doll will hold it’s value.
Many of the BJD’s of the past have been extremely limited. The second hand market allows buyers to pick up a doll years later that they wanted badly for a long time. There’s even a name for them. Grail dolls.
With recasts now on the second hand market, it has become a case of buyer beware. Imagine how you would feel if you discovered the grail doll you just purchased was a fake? There is nothing sacred to recastors, and small artists aren’t immune from having their dolls recast too.
Ethical issues of Buying Recast Dolls
If you ever think of buying a recast doll, I hope you will think about the ethical issues first.
In one of my first posts, I shared about some things I learned on my journey to make and cast a BJD. 5 Valuable Things Sculpting a BJD Taught Me The main thing I learn is that it is a long, slow process, and a lot of hard work!
Firstly, consider the amount of work the artist took to create it. I can only speak as an individual artist and not a company, but when I create a new doll, first I make a lot of drawings and think about the concept. Then I create an armature, sculpt the doll out of clay. I cut it apart and create the joints. Then I test string and make modifications. I do this over and oven again until I am happy with the movement.
When I cast in the future, I will create molds and cast into resin. Of this process, 90% of the work comes before the mold making and casting phase.
What I left out here is the love, and the part of yourself that you put into making a doll. I think that for most doll makers, finding out that someone has recast their dolls is heart breaking.
What goes into making a recast? Buy a doll from a company or artist, take it apart, make molds and cast.
While I was writing this post I was explaining to my teenage son about the recast community, and how many people there are out there that openly buy and sell recast dolls. He said to me, “You better not be okay with that!” I find it really sad that there are so many adults who don’t have that same sense of right and wrong.
Three things you can do:
Never knowingly buy a recast doll either new or from the secondary market.
Do not take part in any forums or websites that are “Recast Friedly”. Is is not correct to support people who buy counterfeit dolls.
When you see a doll being listed on eBay as recast, file a complaint. So far eBay hasn’t done anything, but if enough people start complaining maybe that will change. Importing counterfeit items into the US is illegal.
The Ethical Debate over Buying Recast Dolls
Everyone in the hobby already has strong opinions about the ethical issues around recasting. As long as people continue buying recast dolls, and sharing them online, this controversy won’t go away.
Also it’s to remember to treat each other with kindness. I really encourage you to watch Anne Pecoro’s video. The link is above. She says it with more compassion than I can. “People are more important than things or ideas.”
As a doll artist, I don’t accept that recasting is right. Recasting dolls is stealing. So if you are pro-recast and we were having tea together, we would have talk about other things. Something less controversial than the subject of buying recast dolls . But would I remain friends with someone who btuys and promotes recast dolls? Probably not. It’s too big an issue for me. After all, I make dolls.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Please do it with kindness.
Back in 2007, when I first started learning how to sculpt a BJD, I had no idea when or if I’d ever cast my creations in resin. But my determination to uncover all the “hows” kept me going on the road to becoming a ball-jointed doll artist, and I’m almost there!
Here on my blog, I invite you to join me on my adventure through art, drawing and becoming a ball-jointed doll artist. I’ll be sharing with you what I learn as I go. I learned about the Ball-Jointed Doll Phenomenon around 2006 when I saw some BJDs on one of my favorite artist’s blog.
Soon after I bought my first ball-jointed doll, I found the Den of Angels doll-making forum. There, I discovered other artists in the process of making their own dolls. I learned how they crafted their BJD dolls from paper or polymer clay. Watching them make molds and cast their creations in resin gave me the inspiration that I could do it too.
I owe a debt of gratitude to DOA for having the artists section on their forum in the early days. Without that group, I might never have believed I could learn to sculpt a BJD or realize that casting them myself was possible. I thought all professional-quality dolls were created in factories using machines and assembly lines!
My journey hasn’t been a short one. First, I had to learn to sculpt a BJD well enough to create something worth casting. I remember asking my husband, “Honey, if I make a ball-jointed doll good enough to cast, will you cast it for me?” He said, “Of course I will!” I’m not sure he thought I’d stick with my dream of wanting to be a ball-jointed artist for so long, but I’m almost there.
When Life Gets in the Way of Your Dreams, Don’t Give Up
A whole decade has elapsed since I started my journey to become a ball-jointed doll artist and learn the art of sculpting BJD dolls. Unfortunately, a few summers back, my mother suffered a fall, and upon returning home from the hospital, I assumed the role of her full-time caregiver. Consequently, my doll making was put on hold. Art should have been my outlet, but caring for my mom who was suffering from dementia left me too emotionally drained.
In January 2020, we moved my mother to a nursing home just before the pandemic struck. They limited our visits to the other side of a closed glass door for nearly a year. Occasionally a compassionate nurse opened the door a crack so that her dog, Barney, could slip through. Thankfully, by winter 2022, the nursing home permitted us to take her outside to the sheltered porch area for visits.
Sadly, my mother passed away last year. I have gratitude for the few months of more normal visits we shared. I’m only just getting back into my routine of creating artwork, drawing, and doll-making. I know my mom wanted me to continue, as she was my most ardent supporter.
Balancing Skills: Becoming a Ball-Jointed Doll Artist
I had never heard of 3-D printing when I started learning to sculpt. Now, many artists use programs like Blender, Maya, or ZBrush to create their dolls.
I still sculpt my dolls entirely by hand because I love working with the clay; I love the feel of it as it softens in my hands and the slow, deliberate rhythm of the work. Seeing a doll slowly coming to life beneath my hands brings me joy.
However, I’m starting to learn Z-Brush, but it’s a complicated program. It will take me a while to learn to sculpt on the computer as well as I can sculpt with clay. But one thing I like about the program is that it tries to replicate the sculpting process.
Some people think sculpting with a 3-D program is like using AI, but it’s not. You still need good drawing skills and the ability to image your piece in 3 dimensions as you turn it and work from different angles.
In the meantime, I started making 1/4 scale pose-able dolls with cloth bodies. Each is unique, and I plan to cast some of their heads as part of a future BJD project.
The Value of Learning to Draw First
Sculpting was much easier to learn for me because I already could draw realistically. Practicing daily drawing helps me notice little details when sculpting that are off. For example, when one of the eyes is higher than the other, or the mouth is too far below the nose. Drawing faces, lots and lots of faces, helps you create a visual memory in your mind about how exactly a face should look.
I continue to draw faces and figures daily. My mornings start with a cup of tea and some warm-up sketches, followed by drawing several faces, bodies or practice gesture drawing. A drawing routine makes mornings an enjoyable, stress-free part of my life.
Lessons from Learning to Sculpt a BJD
1.) It’s never too late to become an artist. No matter where you are in life, you can start learning a new skill.
2.) Making art is a great way to reduce stress. Stick with it and let the creative process soothe your mind.
3.). Art can be learned. Don’t be afraid to pursue your artistic dreams, even if you’re a complete beginner.
4.) Make art time a priority. Schedule time for your art and make it an essential part of your daily routine.
5.) Embrace the learning process. Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of learning any new skill. Don’t let them hold you back.
You can’t change the past or travel back in time. However, there’s no reason not to start learning a new skill right now, wherever you are in life. It is always possible to become an artist
Download my warm-up worksheets to inspire you to get started with daily drawing. They motivate me to draw every day! I’d love for you to try these out. They help to shift you into a less critical frame of mind for drawing. Embrace the fact that you’ll make mistakes, and don’t let them stop you.
The Most Important Lesson: Finish What You Start
My father used to say to me, “Janna, you quit everything you start.” Although many of the activities I quit were chosen by my parents. But that statement became ingrained and affected me even as an adult. To change that belief, say to myself a reminder. “I try many things to see whether I am truly interested in them. Then, if I don’t like it, I’m free to quit.”
But this time, I’m determined to prove my dad wrong by casting one of my dolls in resin and truly becoming a ball-jointed doll artist. Even if our progress is slower than we’d like or others who started later pass us by, if we refuse to give up, we will never fail.
Do you ever find yourself unexpectedly on the receiving end of getting unwanted advice you didn’t ask for, leaving you feeling stressed or defensive? It’s a familiar experience for many of us; you’re certainly not alone in feeling this way. Understanding the motives behind unsolicited advice can be enlightening. Also, it helps you respond with grace. People often mean well, but sometimes their advice reflects their own needs, such as a desire for control or validation, rather than your best interests.
An article from VeryWellMind sheds some light on this. “People who grow up in chronically stressful environments in which they did not feel safe… may have trouble self-regulation and seek to avoid uncomfortable feelings through external validation.” So, responding in a way that doesn’t diminish your power or self-worth is essential.
Here’s a real-life example from a Facebook group I frequent. A member recounted how a relative gave her unwanted job advice at a family event. She nodded along, not mentioning her contentment as a homemaker. She said, “I just went along agreeing with him instead of telling him that I was happy to be a homemaker and that my husband and I could afford for me to stay home right now.” Later, she regretted not speaking up for herself, feeling both angry and embarrassed for being drawn into a guilt-tripping conversation.
My Journey with Unwanted Advice: When Dreams and Reality Clash
I’ve been in a similar boat myself. After taking a break from college due to my dad’s passing when I was 19, I was determined to pursue my dream of becoming a romance novelist. Think Harlequin or perhaps diving into the pre-Harry Potter world of young adult fiction.
But here’s the twist: My neighbor, with all good intentions, believed she knew what was best for me. She assumed job hunting was the next logical step since I wasn’t in college. She was unaware of my passion for writing, as my introverted nature kept my dream of being a published author private. Unbeknownst to her, I spent my days writing fiction on my mom’s old typewriter, not sitting around watching television soaps.
My goal was to break into the short story market, which was challenging, especially for young adult themes at that time. However, I found a niche with small Christian publishers and started submitting my stories. I set a one-year deadline to begin making a living as a writer.
As the year’s end approached, my anxiety skyrocketed each time I heard the mail truck stop out front. Would it be another rejection slip? At first, I mainly received form rejections, but slowly, encouraging notes started appearing at the bottom of these letters. And then, finally, success! I received a check for $150 for my first published story. But here’s the catch – one published story didn’t equate to a steady income. I longed for the days of Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters when women had the leisure to pursue writing without the constant pressure of earning a living. Despite publishing three short stories and selling second publishing rights on one, I hadn’t met my financial goal. In retrospect, I wish I had dared to attempt a novel, but the daunting length intimidated me. Convincing myself I couldn’t do it, I took a secretarial job for a while before eventually returning to college.
Coping Strategies to Use When Getting Unwanted Advice -5 Phrases to Help Avoid a Confrontation
You’re not alone if you are tired of constantly getting unwanted advice about absolutely everything. Next time you’re expecting a visit from that well-meaning but overbearing relative or friend, arm yourself with some of these handy phrases:
“I’ll have to think about that.” – A polite way to acknowledge their input without committing to it.
“That’s an interesting observation; however, we like it this way.” – Gently asserts your preference.
“I’m not looking for advice right now, but I’ll let you know.” – Clearly states your current stance.
“That actually goes against my values.” – A firm response that sets boundaries.
“Good idea. I’ll have to think about some of those options.” – Acknowledges their effort while giving you space.
For Other Artists Out There:
“No, it’s not upside down.” – For when your artistic vision is questioned.
“Her hair was meant to be that color.” – Affirming your creative choices.
“I didn’t forget the ears. They’re just covered by the hair.” – Standing by your artistic decisions.
When receiving unsolicited advice, it’s essential to consider its source. Is it from someone familiar in your life or a stranger at the supermarket? An in-person acquaintance or an online contact? The origin of the advice can guide how you handle it. Suppose someone you regularly see in your life is always giving you unwanted advice. In that case, you have an ongoing relationship to consider. But if the person in the checkout line behind you says, “That detergent is terrible. You should buy brand X; you can easily reply, “I’m not going to do that,” check out, and leave.
Positive Reasons People Offer Advice
People often offer advice to start a conversation, which is done out of friendliness. Or they have been in a similar situation as the one they feel you are now in. They hope their wisdom can guide you more quickly to a better place.
This type of advice typically comes from parents. They then feel frustrated that the kids didn’t listen and must suffer through the situation the parent warned them about.
Here’s another example: sometimes a friend is so excited about a new weight loss method that works for them, or they think you should join the fantastic gym or timeshare they just found with them. Since you’re friends, they are sure that something that works for them will also work for you. Many of us have a lot of energy and love to share when we get excited.
While these are some of the positive reasons people might find themselves getting unwanted advice, it’s crucial to remember that not every piece of advice, no matter how well-intentioned, is applicable or helpful in your unique situation
The Not-So-Positive Side of Getting Unwanted Advice
On the flip side, not all advice comes from a place of goodwill. Unfortunately, some people use advice as a tool for criticism rather than assistance. It’s more about pointing out what they perceive as flaws rather than genuinely wanting to help.
Then there’s the issue of one-upmanship. In some relationships, advice becomes a way for one person to establish dominance over the other, turning what should be a supportive interaction into a subtle power play. For example, have you ever been excited about losing a few pounds, and then a friend tells you how much more they lost with their new diet and exercise routine? This has happened to me too many times, and then shifting to a different plan undoes all the progress I’d made.
And let’s not forget those who thrive on debate. For these people, giving advice is less about helping and more about setting the stage for an argument they aim to win. Someone with this type of energy is often called an ‘energy vampire.’ Those handy deflection phrases become invaluable when encountering this type of person, helping you navigate the conversation without getting drawn into a battle.
Most importantly, remember that walking away is often an option. You’re not obligated to participate in every discussion or argument, especially when it’s clear that the conversation is more about conflict than constructive exchange. Prioritizing your mental well-being and peace of mind is far more important than engaging in a fruitless debate. After all, preserving your energy is essential for your own health and happiness
Getting Unwanted Advice Online
In the vast expanse of the internet, advice comes at you from all directions. One of my favorite course creators cautions her students to always consider the source of the advice they find online, especially in forums. For example, suppose you participate in online discussion groups. Many times, uber-active members always seem to be in the discussion. It’s as if they spend their whole day hanging out in the group, waiting to comment on whatever anyone posts. However, before following any advice they offer, you would be wise to check out their own blogs or social media to see whether they are really walking their talk.
Speaking of online advice, my teenage son has an interesting take on game chats. He finds it amusing (and a bit ironic) that often, the least skilled players are the ones most eager to tell everyone else how to play. Go figure!
Knowing When to Listen
It’s crucial to learn how to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to advice. Try to discern the intentions behind it. Is the person genuinely looking out for you, or are they driven by their own motives?
Listening with your heart is vital. It’s not just about the advice but also about understanding who’s giving it. This insight helps you decide not only if the advice is worth taking but also if this is someone you should share your personal details with.
Now, you might be wondering about the best piece of unsolicited advice I’ve ever received. Well, when I was at a crossroads about what major to choose in college, my mom simply said, “I think you should pick art.”
This first blog post is a lot overdue. Maybe by a decade! For one of my big creative goals, I planned to start a blog several years ago, after I read “My Blogging Secrets”, by Amber McNaught of 
