Roxy is back.

I'm back.

Let's make DollyCare awesome again :O!

A Note on BJDS

My favorite Bratz Boyz: Iden and Etian

DollyCare will now cover ball-jointed dolls (BJDs) alongside vinyl dolls. Since I love my collection of vinyl fashion dolls just as much as I love my BJDs, I will not play favorites.

My First BJD: Darcy

I added BJDs to this blog because newer vinyl dolls, such as Monster High, and Moxie Teens, are made to pose and resemble these super-customizeable East Asian specialty dolls. Popular American companies are already producing BJDs: Tonner introduced Delilah Noir, and revamped two of their most popular lines (Ellowyne and Evangeline Ghastly) with BJD-related innovations.

The poseability and customizability of BJDs bring a fresh influence and perspective to the table, whether you are working with newer dolls or restoring old favorites.

BJDs have some key differences from the average fashion doll, but also a lot of simularities. Their creative designs gave me some new ideas, and will undoubtedly breathe new life into your projects :)! I am excited to share these ideas with you, and hope you will welcome my BJDs on this blog as wonderfully as you welcomed my Bratz and Barbies :).

~ Roxy

Buying Guide: 12 Ways to Save Money on a BJD

Aside from Bratz and Barbies, I also collect BJDs. Left to Right:
Reza, Avram, Darcy, and Laurel. This is their first time on my blog, yay! :)

Ball-jointed dolls are never "cheap." They average between $300-600, and more for premium brands. Does lower cost mean lower quality, damaged goods, illegal activity, or the need for a special membership?

No. These are myths. BJD distributors mark-up retail prices to match consumer demand. Mark-ups have less to do with quality, and more to do with trends: today's hot doll is tomorrow's old news. Companies aim to sell dolls at maximum profit while people still want to buy them.

So it doesn't matter what you buy as much as how you buy it. DollyCare's "12 Ways to Save Money on a BJD" features tips I used to save $600+ on my collection. Read on to see all 12, and let me know what you think in the comment space :)!*

* Note: DollyCare does not endorse any company! Resin production is bad for the environment, so please reduce waste by buying "used" whenever possible.

Clean Marks and Stains

Whether you’re restoring a doll or recently deboxed one— stains happen. Here’s how to fix the most common ones on vinyl dolls: acrylic and dye stains. Before you removing any stain, wipe your doll down with soap and warm water to remove oils and grime.

Note: This tutorial is not recommended for dolls made from non-vinyl materials such as resin or porcelain. Please note the IMPORTANT health and safety warnings in this article, and supervise children and/or pets at all times.

Doll Photography: Make a Lightbox

Melvin sitting in my lightbox, un-photoshopped

Lightboxes mimic natural daylight and allow dolls to stand against a backdrop of your choice. They eliminate bad lighting and distracting scenery, bringing out the best in your subject. Lightbox pictures look crisp and professional, making them ideal for selling products... and even better for posting beautiful doll pictures online!

You can buy a lightbox online for over $100, or make your own "Free Lightbox" with DollyCare's tutorial...

You Will Need:

• Large cardboard box (for your doll to stand in)
• Scissors
• White Fabric (i.e. old white t-shirts or bedsheets)
• Stapler/Glue
• Ruler
• Pencil
• 2 non-fluorescent desk lamps (third lamp optional)
• Photo Editing Program (optional)

Where to Get Doll Hair

From left to right: Kanekalon wig hair, DollyHair curly saran, and RestoreDoll nylon

Since I'm on a "hair" roll, here's a list of trustworthy sources for doll hair! This might also come in handy for people who want to make doll-size wigs. This is an overview of the upsides, downsides, and pricing options for various services I've dealt with and ordered from!

If a service isn't listed, or you have any warnings/advice/good experiences, please tell me about it.

Reroot Doll Hair: Reroot Tool Method

Heddy before (left) and after (right)

Rerooting doll hair is an easy way to give your doll a new head of hair. There are many hair styles to choose from, but two main methods to reroot hair. In a previous tutorial, I covered the knot method to reroot hair. This one covers the reroot tool method. If you do not have a reroot tool, make one (and the needles to go with it!)

This tutorial covers how to use the reroot tool. My featured doll is actually just a spare head from a second-hand doll I rebodied. Let’s call her Heddy?

You Will Need:

• Cotton Swab
• Doll head
• Doll hair
• Embroidery sewing needles (size 7, 8 or 10)
• Reroot tool
• Waterproof craft glue
• Wire Cutter
• Pliers