Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Purchasing a ball joint doll?

Hello! I'm newbie to the BJD world and have been doing a lot of research about them. I have my heart set on purchasing a minifee doll from Fairyland. I find the size perfect. I'm wanting to customize my own doll from the body, facial features, outfit, and wig. But I'm a bit confused about where to go to purchase the customizations. Do I have to buy a full set or do I have to buy everything separately? Any tips or suggestions? Thanks!!

1 Answer

Relevance
  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    I recommend buying the body and head meant for it at the same time. Every BJD maker has different size/shape bodies with different width/angle necks, and some even attach the head differently. Also every BJD makers' normal resin is different in shade, ditto for white resin, etc.

    It will probably be least expensive to have the BJD maker do the faceup (face paint aka makeup). You can search for other BJD painters/esthetics/customizers/artists but I think most of them are going to charge $75 or more for a faceup and the reputable ones will not copy anyone else's faceup. You will end up with a faceup sort of like whatever you describe.

    Wig - you measure the head then buy wigs wherever BJD wigs are sold

    One wig shop and measuring instructions

    http://www.facetsbymarcia.com/wigshop.htm

    I also buy wigs on Ebay, denverdoll.com, jpopdoll, cancan j-style, and occasionally I bought wigs in Leekedoll preorders.

    Eyes - ditto - you can get them anywhere that sells BJD eyes and you put them in with NON-oily putty (many use white or flesh color Super Sculpy from the craft store - comes in a little block). The BJD maker should list what size eyes are best for the BJD. And although they can look cool, I recommend against high-dome eyes - it is hard to position them to look natural and they can look distorted in photos. I like low-dome or no-dome eyes and I position them slightly higher than centered and a teensy bit crosseyed so the BJD looks like it is looking at something close - i.e. looking at you or your camera, not staring blankly into the distance.

    Clothing is tough - it depends on the measurements of your BJD. But if your Minifee is a female, then she shares shoes and clothing with Unoa and Narae, two other popular slim mini 42-cm-ish BJDs. I think Narae isn't sold anymore but Unoa is and people still sew for Narae and Unoa. Check Ebay and Google/Yahoo and search for Unoa clothes. Also lots of clothing sold as for "1/4" BJD should work.

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.