2010 May Meeting ~ BJDs

Sheryl went into the history of ball jointed dolls back 100′s of years ago with early bisque, on up to the Volks Company in the 1990′s. Some common sizes are the Super Dolfie – around 25″, the Mini Dolfie – around 16″, Tiny Dolfie – around 6″, YO SD, 10″ (1/6th of a doll). There are many other companies now with BJDs and they use different names for the sizes.

The ABJD (Asian Ball Jointed Doll) is considered the true BJD because of its anime, asian look, with most being anatomically correct, strung with elastic cord, made from resin, and multiple joints in head, shoulder, elbow, wrist, waist, hips, knees and ankles. They are also known for their high end outfits with great details and amazing accessories.

Many come without painting and need a “face up” which is the painting of eyelashes, eyebrows, mouth, and face and body blush. The eyes are removable for many choices of material and colors, along with wigs of many colors and styles including mohair, acrylic, faux fur or skin.

There are many options for the BJD. Many come with extra heads that might be sleeping or have different expressions. Others have choices in hands or even anthropomorphic dolls that are part human/part animal.

The Den of Angels is an international forum that deals with BJDs and is strict in its acceptance of what a BJD is. They don’t consider most American companies such as Creedy or Lasher dolls as being true BJDs.

The BJD need special upkeep such as keeping away from light, making sure wigs or clothes do not stain the resin and taking care not to drop the doll as the resin can break, especially the hands.

Some websites to check out:

http://denverdoll.com
http://www.superdollfie.net/en/index.html
http://dramadoll.com
http://dollfairyland.com/
Kids n Cats dolls (jointed 18″ play dolls): http://www.sweetheartsdolls.com/heartsoul.htm

After lots of questions and papers and dolls passed around, Jill showed her Ginger Brook Hollow doll that can move her arms, elbows hands, knees, hips, similar to some of the BJDs. She had a beautiful smile.

Julie, our guest, showed us a few of her BJDs. She does faceups for Den of Angels and is getting very popular painting these dolls. She also showed us some of the dolls on her camera that she is painting at the moment.

May’s Theme: The Color Lavender and/or Mother’s Day
There were a number of Jane dolls (and others) in lavender or dressing for Mother’s Day, that dotted the window sill.

Next Meeting: June 8th

June Program: Potluck at Kathy’s place and Jane and her trunk
June Theme: To be decided on the Yahoo Group Poll