BJDs for Beginners

New BJD at Peak's Woods!

2012-03-07T08:37:00.001-08:00

Mia de Butterfly, Peak's Woods new Fairy of Bugs BJD

Peak's Woods has released a new basic Fairy of Bugs BJD today, Mia de Butterfly. She is simply adorable--she stands 42cm tall, or a little over 16", and is available in white or normal resin. She includes eyes and extra hands, but her wig is extra. She is $315, with $60 additional for a face-up.

I think this girl is extra special because of her super-soft sculpted chin, full cheeks, and widely spaced eyes. She reminds me of Sky, my first Peak's Woods girl, only a smaller and younger version.

And I have to say, the photographer over there is having way too much fun with these photo shoots!

Shaia and Briana

2012-02-27T17:59:00.001-08:00

Shaia and Briana, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Here is a sculpt and resin comparison between Suntan Shaia (left) and The Glamour Briana. Both dolls are Fairies of Color by Peak's Woods, and while their tan color was limited, the basic versions are still available on their website.

New eyes and wig

2012-02-27T17:56:00.001-08:00

Suntan Shaia, a photo by alington on Flickr.

What a difference dark eyes make! Wow! While these glass eyes are just a tiny bit too small, I'm pretty sure I'm loving Shaia with slightly darker eyes. It gives her a crazy cute youthful look.

I've got some comparison photos on Flickr!

Shaia - deboxed!

2012-02-27T17:52:00.001-08:00

Default look - first shots, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Peak's Woods Suntan Shaia has arrived, and I think she's simply stunning. I hardly know what to write, since I'm knocked out every time I open a doll from Peak's Woods.

Here she is in her default eyes (a nice light topaz) and wig. Check out the full set of photos on Flickr.

Suntan Shaia has shipped!

2012-02-24T07:23:00.001-08:00

Suntan Shaia, limited edition Fairy of Color BJD by Peak's Woods
Photo property of Peak's Woods

I've received a shipping notice from Peak's Woods this week: the lovely Suntan Shaia is on her way home! She was available for order between December 13-27 last year, and was a wonderful Christmas gift. I'm so excited to be adding her to my collection of Peak's Woods dolls!

If you like her sculpt, basic Shaia is available from Peak's Woods in normal or white skin. Every full doll receives a free gift this month - Moonie - a tiny sleeping fairy. She's just adorable.

Pink Ballerina from Peak's Woods

2012-02-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Pink Ballerina, LE full set by Peak's Woods

The new Fairy of Fairy Tales full set, Pink Ballerina, has been released at Peak's Woods. She features the recently released Cheshire Goon sculpt, completely dressed in a pink ballet set, including leotard, tights, tutu, cardigan and shoes, plus a wig, face-up and eyes.

She's pink, gorgeous and squishibly cute!

She's $389 for the full set, available in white or normal skin, through March 13, 2012 only. During the month of February, you will receive the Fairy of the Month, Moonie, for as a free gift with your order.

Photos property of Peak's Woods.

Pink Ballerina, LE full set by Peak's Woods

Yami is back!

2012-02-09T08:39:00.001-08:00

Bride's Wish, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Vampire Yami by Peak's Woods is back--I know, I'm terrible--in my collection. Here she is on a Soom Gem body, which is actually pretty green. And not from my wall, either. Instead of yellowing, this white resin has greened. I've heard of this happening to resin (Luts resin, I think), but I haven't seen it before.

I think I'll try some sanding and see if this helps. Otherwise... well, I don't know. I believe the body came from a damp climate, so perhaps this is what causes the greenish tinge. I'll keep you posted. But it's pretty irritating to look at, I have to admit.

Yami sure is yummy, however. You can see more of her delicious Bride's Wish (in stock at the Doll Peddlar) School of Vambane DollHeart outfit on Flickr.

Pretty in Pink

2012-02-05T08:08:00.001-08:00

Briana, a photo by alington on Flickr.

This is tan Briana by Peak's Woods, dressed in a dress by Jennygrey Designs and earrings from Claire's. Our theme for today's doll meet is Valentine's, so I thought this would be perfect.

You can see more photos on Flickr.

Pretty in Pink, by alington on Flickr.

Lovely Lilac Layla

2012-02-04T16:24:00.001-08:00

Lovely Lilac Layla, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I've always wanted a Kaye Wiggs BJD, and would you believe it, I was able to trade for not just *any*, but a lilac Layla! She is unbelievable.

This is her very first photo shoot. (I know, I haven't been feeling well or shooting many photos lately. But I'm still here. I'm not dead yet!)

She's wearing a wig by DollHeart, Christened on Tuesday from the Solomon Grundy collection, and a Volks shrug. I wanted to take photos of her amazing hands and feet, but I just used the basic "P" setting on my camera today. I know, DoF issues. But whatever.

See more photos on Flickr.

Lovely Lilac Layla, by alington on Flickr

Kim Lasher's 2012 releases

2012-01-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

Kim Lasher has released four new gorgeous BJDs at IDEX, and they are simply scrumptious.

Fiona is limited to 100 dolls worldwide, retails for $655, and features a hand-painted face-up, red ponytails, and a casual look. She stands 15.5" tall.

Lydia Grimmsley is a new size this year, close to YoSD or about 11" tall, and is a gothic-inspired cutie. She limited to 100 and retails for $495 and can wear most clothing designed for YoSD dolls.

Eryka is a 23" offering and features a cute knit zebra cap, black wig, tulle skirt and fuzzy pink skirt with black sweatshirt. She's limited to just 75 pieces and retails for $925.

Eden uses the same sculpt as Eryka, only in a tan resin. Her outfit is similar, with a black tulle skirt, pink fuzzy shirt, leopard sweatshirt, and gray knit cap. She also is limited to 75 and retails for $925.

As to be expected with Kim's dolls, these girls will sell out quickly on pre-orders, so be sure to order them from your favorite dealer soon, if one (or more) catches your fancy. Happily Ever After, The Toy Shoppe and Denver Doll Emporium are some of my favorites.

Photos property of Lasher BJDs.

New Peak's Woods limited editions are available

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:00

Blue Bride Sleeping Cue by Peak's Woods

Two new Peak's Woods limited edition dolls are available now.

Blue Bride Viyol and Sleeping Cue includes limited make-up, and your choice of a white or normal skin, large or regular bust for $602 each. Sleeping Cue also includes the option for black tears as well.

Both dolls include an extra pair of hands, blue crystal acrylic eyes shown in the photos, a random wig, a pair of cotton cushions for shipping and a certificate of authenticity.

If you've already got the doll, the heads are also available separately for $230 per head. This is a really unusual step for Peak's Woods, and a great time for you to pick up a gorgeous limited edition head for use $230 per head.

Additionally, don't forget that every order for a full doll will include a free ShuShu 8 cm mini doll as a free gift.

Blue Bride Viyol by Peak's Woods

Dolls are available from January 25 - February 25, 2012 only, and lay-away is accepted.

You have until January 31 to enter the "We need a punch line" competition, where you can help write a little photo story about ShuShu, the Fairy of the Sun.

Finally, the winners of the Peak's Woods design competition will be announced on January 27, 2012. Good luck to all who entered!

Photos are property of Peak's Woods.

Viyol Hybrid

2012-01-24T07:54:00.001-08:00

Viyol Hybrid, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The lovely Viyol in a brand new dress by jennygrey designs--Viyol is trying out a new look. She is a hybrid today: using her own Peak's Woods head and hands, and a Dollmore Zaoll body (white skin--just a little too white for her). (Jen takes commissions on this style of knit bodice, chiffon outer later dress, and she has many fabric choices, as well. Drop her a line through her Etsy shop!)

The neck is a very nice fit, and the body is a bit shorter and slimmer than regular Peak's Woods bodies, giving her a petite look. (She stands about 52cm tall.) She looks really cute next to her taller sisters, especially next to Super Lavin. I still need to work on her body's stringing, however--it's a little loose for my taste, and has trouble standing as solidly as Peak's Woods bodies do (right out of the box).

Some answers...

2012-01-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

Photo property of Peak's Woods

Oh my! So yesterday, the doll on the front page of Peak's Woods website was Viyol, with more news coming soon. Ack!

This company is going to be the death of me.

I know who that girl is.

Mystery doll on Peak's Woods!

2012-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

A new girl posted on Peak's Woods website this morning

Could this be one of the new Monthly Dolls, Shushu, created by Peak's Woods? Wow, she is lovely! I'm in love with her limited edition make-up--those adorably sad eyebrows, fuchsia lips, smokey eyes and a tear. Match it all together with blue hair, and she's stolen my heart.

Her face reminds me of an earlier sculpt, Yulli, with her full cheeks, defined chin and open mouth. Her eyes appear closer set and (at least from this angle) more on a plane, and less angular. She is indeed lovely.

You have a chance to win a monthly doll, you know--if you enter the design competition. It ends January 25, 2012, so don't delay!

UPDATE: The beautiful blue girls isn't ShuShu. This lovely little guy is!

You can win him for free, simply by coming up with the most fun, most good or unique idea for captioning the photos on the Peak's Woods website, which can be found here. Event period is from January 25-31 this year.

The winning entry will appear in ShuShu's office page.

You can also get him as a free gift when you place an order for any full doll.

I love this little guy. Lots of PW flavor squished into a tiny little doll! So adorable! And I also asked about the lovely blue girl above, and I'll keep you posted. :)

New book review!

2012-01-16T07:27:00.000-08:00

Mae at BJD Collectasy was kind enough to review my book this weekend. Check it out when you get a chance, and be sure to subscribe and visit often.

BJD Collectasy is filled with lots of great information. You can get all sorts of news here, from every aesthetic of BJD company, and it's organized in a thoughtful, easy-to-read way. Additionally, you can find tutorials, maintenance tips and doll reviews as well.

Peak's Woods Design Competition

2012-01-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share my design entry with you. One of the original sculpts, Viyol, from ten years ago. Isn't she lovely? Fr more information about this contest, visit Peak's Woods today!

Why you need an ultra-fine black marker in your supply box

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

As most of my readers know, I welcome questions, comments and suggestions on this blog, and I have a new one to address today, thanks to new reader Barb. It is, technically, a correction to the book.

On page 56 of my book, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners, I recommend adding an ultra-fine tipped black water-soluble marker to your supply list for new BJD owners. As you read through my tips and techniques, you may have noticed I neglect to mention how exactly this marker comes in handy.

I use a brush marker tip to correct fine mistakes. Here are a few ways in which this tool comes in handy.

Eyelash repair or replacement

Generally, I recommend a clear-drying craft glue when replacing doll eyelashes. Occasionally, even the "experts" among us will get a small glob of glue that doesn't quite dry all the way clear. In this case, the brush tip of the black marker will help cover those globs (once they have dried 24 hours) to blend them in to the rest of the eye. Simply dap just the tip of the brush marker to the glob of glue (I use reading glasses or a magnifying glass, while resting my hand on the table for steadiness), and allow the glue to absorb the color.

Light eyeliner repair

When working around a doll's head, I recommend using wooden tools, such as toothpicks or a rounded cuticle stick, when doing fine work such as eyelash repair. I have been known (as officially the clumsiest "expert" in the world) to accidentally ding a doll's eyeliner when replacing a doll's head, if I'm not paying attention or if it's in the middle of the night. If you accidentally do this with hemostats, even lightly, you risk removing the eyeliner or painted eyelashes.

The black water-soluble marker comes in handy for these tiny repairs. I only use mine for eyeliner, since I don't feel steady enough to touch up the delicate painted eyelashes. I recommend practicing on paper first.

Damage can usually be avoided by:

working during times when you are fully awake and alert
using a pipe cleaner to grasp the doll's S-hook when reattaching the head to the body, as shown in the book
using only wooden implements around your doll's face, and very gentle movements
not picking at your doll's face-up with your (painted) fingernails

Why I don't recommend Sharpies

While Sharpie markers come in many forms and sizes and are readily available, I recommend staying away from this type of marker for several reasons:

These are permanent markers. You can't fix mistakes. Once it's there, it's there.
The ink can bleed deep into the resin, as resin is porous. Even a think line can get larger and thicker over time.
On most resin, there is no way to remove Sharpie. Even heavy sanding will not remove the permanent marker from resin. And sanding will ruin your face sculpt. Just don't risk it.

I hope you find this helpful. As always, I welcome your questions and comments!

Lovely Peak's Woods for sale!

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

This post is from Melissa, from our other blog. Contact her at the email below!

---------

I drive a Mini Cooper.

It should be assumed that as a direct result of the type of car I drive, I tend to drive on the more speedy end of the spectrum.

I got a speeding ticket this morning, and I need to find a way to pay for it. Sadly, the first thing that came to mind were my precious Peak's Woods girls.

So, if you are in the market for some lovely BJDs, here is your chance to get two stunning beauties at a great price. Through FDR, I am asking $500 for each.

Goldie:

Yami:

Each of these lovely ladies will come with a random wig and random pair of eyes. They need your love...and I need your money!

My New Year's Resolution - Stop Speeding!!!

If you are interested in either of these girls, please shoot me a message at melissa.metheney@gmail.com

Birthdays and the like!

2012-01-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

Lati Yellow Bayer Alice full-set with kitty, my birthday present!

I'm 39 today (really, it's my first 39th birthday), and I have plans for 2012.

First, this will be the year of conventions. I'm very excited to say I'm already planning on attending some this year. If you haven't already registered for the IFDC, and while it's primarily a fashion doll convention, I will be teaching a seminar called Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners. Ms. Cholong of Boutique Doll (US Dollheart and Ruby Red Galleria rep) has ever so graciously agreed to provide some surprises for the seminar, and I'll be having some there, too. Please join me if you can.

Second, I'm going through my doll collections again. I'm hoping to piece together an article later today (or this week) about how I'd like my collection to refocus later today, but because it's mostly changing on the fashion doll side, I might be posting over at the Fashion Doll Review.

Third, I'm planning a project in a brand new format. It's about 80% complete. I'm hoping to make it multi-platform, so it will be accessible to most (if not all) of you. I'm still working on that part. It's a fun project--not really educational--more "artsy," if I dare use the term--and I'm planning on a launch date in the middle of February.

Finally, my second BJD-related book has a name: The BJD Enthusiast. Is there anything you'd like to see in it, specifically? I welcome your comments, particularly if you think the Beginners book was lacking in an area. This is not a revision--it will be all new material, including professional, step by step face-up instructions, which are fabulous!

I can't wait for another new year, and I hope to be posting more frequently to this blog!

More Peak's Woods News...

2012-01-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

Just a little bit, in the company's image on the home page, seen above (property of Peak's Woods of course!):

PW Monthly Fairy, the Fairy of the Sun, ShuShu will be given as a thank you gift

To me, a name and a theme is exciting!

Peak's Woods design contest and updates

2012-01-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

There is a new design contest from Peak's Woods! This is the notice from the news board:

Hi, this is Peak's Woods.
We'd be happy to let everyone know that it's our 10th anniversary.
We are certainly sure that we could never made it here today without your love and interest.
For that reason we do thank you all for your great love and support towards us and
therefore we PW promise full of surprises and events to make your 2012 even more special.
Here comes the first event.
We PW are holding a PW Design Contest.
This design will be used for a mug cup that will be given to the customers as a thank you gift.
And it will also be on the PW staff T-shirt for all the domestic and international doll conventions.
Here are the details regarding the design.
*Design must be sent in JPEG format, 600 pixcels for printing.
*There is no limit in color.
*Design should include 'peakswoods.com'.
*Design should be sent to our Photo Gallery directly or email it to us
at "cjsdnjswkd74@hanmail.net"
*The winning images will be the property of PW.
*Grand prize : Any PW doll the winner selects
Prize for Fun idea
Prize for great idea
Prize for creative idea : Three winners above will be given PW monthly fairy(there will
be a notice regarding it soon)
*Contest Entering Period : Jan. 10 ~ Jan. 25
We are looking forward to many fun and brilliant ideas of yours.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
And remember this following event is for all the PW fans and fellows.
So please don't hesitate to enter and have fun with us.
We wish you all a grand new year~~~!!!

Also, the three Fairy of Fairytales heads form the limited edition Alice in Wickedland collection are now available as basic. The heads are $100 each, and $60 additional for a face up. The dolls are $252 blank, normal or white skin, with boy or girl bodies, and you can add $60 for a face up, $25 for blank rabbit ears ($30 with blushing), $20 for blank cat ears ($25 with blushing).

By the way, you all did notice "monthly fairy" in there, didn't you??

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T10:54:00.001-08:00

Super Lavin (Peak's Woods Lavin on a Soom SuperGem body, Volks gown), a photo by alington on Flickr.

Wishing you the best this new year!

Do you have any doll-related new year's resolutions this year? I'd love to hear them.

I have a few:

Go through my doll collection and organize, sort through, concentrate on the dolls I really love, rather than kind of like. For me, that means a lot of selling and trading.
Rebody a few of my Peak's Woods dolls into new and different bodies. I'd love to get a white skin DollChateau body for a white skin girl I have!
Add some more YoSD and MSD girls to my collection--using the money I have from sales (or trades).
Finish another book!

Ambitious, no?

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T16:03:00.001-08:00

Briana, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Hope all of you are enjoying your holidays, and that you have a warm and safe time.

Warm and sultry wishes from Briana.

Sky - revamped!

2011-12-23T07:46:00.001-08:00

Sky - revamped!, a photo by alington on Flickr.

The lovely Sky--my first Asian ball-jointed doll--has returned from her spa day at Leah Lilly at Froggy Duds. She looks fantastic.

My request: I wanted Sky to look Marie Antoinette. Oh yes--and one can never have too long of eye lashes.

I think she's perfect! You can see more of Leah's work on her Flickr account.

New basic dolls available from Rapa

2011-12-17T07:53:00.001-08:00

Rapa's factory has released its first two basic dolls, Luma and Lail. Each stands 16cm tall, with magnetic feet and hands. The basic price is $200, which includes:

doll and basic head
shoe parts (your choice of 5 colors)
certification
box
random eyes

You can add a top and pants for $30. Body blushing is $10, blushing hands and feet $5. Default face-up is $30.

The dolls can share clothing with Lati Yellow and Rosenlied Monday's Child.

The order period is limited--from December 18 through January 1, only--so if you're interested, don't delay!