BJDs for Beginners

Absolute Beauty - coming soon!

2012-06-03T09:05:00.003-07:00

Also from Peak's Woods--have you seen in on their website? Curious as to what it is?

Let me help!

It's a new, taller double-jointed, larger breasted body type! Hooray! The Fairies of Color heads will still be able to fit on this taller body, but new heads may also be added to the line in the future as well. More info should be available soon.

Come to IFDC for an extra special preview of this doll!

New heads from Peak's Woods!

2012-05-23T13:11:00.003-07:00

Sleeping Cue

Several new items are available from Peak's Woods - including five new blank heads, just waiting for their personalities:

Shaia (Fairy of Color)
Sleeping Cue (Fairy of Color)
Vampire Briana (Fairy of Color)
Vampire Goldie (Fairy of Color)
Mia De Butterfly (Fairy of Bugs)

You can order them in white or normal skin, and a face-up is $60, or $70 for custom make-up. The FOB head is $120, and $150 for the FOC heads. You can also request a custom neck opening size (for another sized body, for example) for the FOC head for an additional $10.

Meister glass eyes are now available in 14, 16 and 18 mm sizes for $30-31 per pair, in a variety of colors. Other glass eyes are also available. You can see all of Peak's Woods eye selection here.

Photo property of Peak's Woods.

Yay! BJDs for Beginners in Europe!

2012-05-21T12:22:00.001-07:00

Amazon is now distributing my book in parts of Europe! You will be able to find it available for sale - if not now, than shortly - on Amazon's websites, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain:

Unfortunately, Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners is only available in English so far. However--if you have writing and translating and BJD experience... contact me! I'd love to chat!

Fun with Photoshop

2012-05-05T11:28:00.001-07:00

Rococo Sky, a photo by alington on Flickr.

I've run an older photo of Sky (a lovely Peak's Woods Fairy of Color) through a few Topaz filters (Adjust and Star Effects) via Photoshop Elements, and I'm just having a blast.

You can add a little bling to your photos. This one has Waterdrops and Jewel Sparkle from the Star Effect plug in, and French Countryside coloring from the Adjust plug-in. They work with lots of available software--go check them out!

Jazz Baby Doll Reader exclusive by Val Zeitler

2012-05-04T07:41:00.002-07:00

In January of this year, Haute Doll released a limited edition exclusive doll, Jazz Baby, available for purchase to attendees. She is produced by DollHeart and designed by Val Zeitler. She stands 23" (58cm) tall, and is simply amazing.

She has a 1980s Speakeasy theme--she includes a soft vintage wardrobe, with additional outfits to come during the year. She includes a cigarette holder, beauty mark and garter. She is limited to just 40 dolls, and now, you can purchase this lovely girl through the Doll Reader's website for $695. Shipping is an additional $30 to Canada, and additional $60 to other international destinations.

Oh, I just adore her!

This girl is one of the many, many reasons you need to subscribe to one of the fabulous doll magazines out there. Whether in print or online, be a support of these great publications! It's a fantastic resource!

Images are property of Doll Heart, and provided so that you might be tempted to go purchase this lovely doll for yourself. Here is the link!

Update--Sorry about that. My links weren't all working earlier. I've just fixed them.

Little Queen will be available to order tomorrow!

2012-04-24T08:27:00.001-07:00

The Little Queen is now listed on Peak's Woods website as the next full set doll. She will be available for preorder starting tomorrow, April 25, 2012 through May 25, 2012. Lay away is available as well.

This gorgeous Fairy of Fairytales girl uses the Rabbit Goon sculpt with a limited face-up, which is included in the $332 base price. You choose normal or white skin. Two pairs of hand parts, 14mm crystal acrylic eyes (random in color), a box, cotton cushions and a certificate of authenticity are also included.

When you add the dress ($150), you also receive the gown, skirt, bloomers, stockings, shoes and hairband.

I'm noticing that the wig isn't listed, so I might drop them a line and ask if the wig is extra or random. I know Peak's Woods includes lovely eyelashes on their dolls, and I really adore the red lashes on this little lady!

Also, I haven't heard yet if there will be a free monthly fairy for April and May--the last one was a winking cutie, and was included with any order of a full doll.

Little Queen

2012-04-23T14:58:00.001-07:00

Image property of Peak's Woods.

A sneak preview of the next limited edition full set BJD is up on Peak's Woods home page... and they are out to get me. This gorgeous girl is the same size as Hucky--27cm or a little over 10", about YoSD size--and she is just adorable. She uses the Rabbit Goon sculpt, which is a dreaming version of Naomi.

I am absolutely captivated by her facial screening.

I adore historical dolls, and I just don't know how I will be able to pass her by! (I probably won't.) I'll keep you posted on the details, as soon as they are available. After I order mine, of course. ;)

Rococo Alice

2012-04-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

Lovely Skiya by Peak's Woods is modeling a one-of-a-kind outfit by Carol Peters. It's absolutely perfect! I need to take better photos, but I just couldn't wait to share a photo of her in my display after bringing the outfit home from Sunday's doll meet.

The outfit is done in a lovely French blue satin fabric, and includes many separate pieces:

separate bodice with lined lace, trimmed with bows and lace sleeves
satin bloomers
sheer black tulle underskirt trimmed with blue ribbon
apron
short blue half skirt shown here
additionally full-length long hooped skirt with lace trim at hem
lacey polkadot stockings with lace at the top
hair bow

You can switch Alice's skirt from the sheer tulle for a sexy Alice, to the short satin for a more traditional Alice, to the long hem for a French court look, without a skirt for dressing room lingerie. The separates also mix and match with other pieces I have in my collection for even more looks.

Skiya is wearing shoes and a wig by DollHeart, and eyes by Mint on Card. Isn't she just adorable?

New wigs and news from Peak's Woods

2012-04-18T15:16:00.005-07:00

Starting today, all Fairies of Bugs (42 cm) and Fairytales (27 cm) BJDs ordered from Peak's Woods have the option of a girl or boy body at no additional cost when you place your order (and it's conveniently located as part of the drop down menu).

Additionally, two new wigs have been added to the Fairies of Fairytale line: the Ballerina wig is a blonde or royal brown wig with braided buns for $27, and Lollipop is a twin ponytail wig available in blonde or pink for $25.

Also, from now on, the default girl make-up of Cheshire Goon will look like Pink Ballerina. She's simply adorable.

Photos are property of Peak's Woods.

New DollHeart releases!

2012-04-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Luisa for SD16 girl by DollHeart

Romance of the Palace II by DollHeart has been released for a June delivery. Oh my! What can I say? If you missed the first collection, your Rococo French Court desires might be tickled by this new line.

There are two SD17 Boy outfits, and one each for 70cm boy, SD13 boy, SD10/13 girl and SD16 girl. Lots of new gorgeous wigs and shoes are also available. Be sure to check them out from your favorite DollHeart dealer.

Janie for SD10/13 girl by DollHeart

Photos property of DollHeart.

New Vampire Basics from Peak's Woods

2012-04-09T09:31:00.002-07:00

Two new basic Fairies of Colors are available - and more importantly, on sale! - at Peak's Woods. you can save 20% off these two new girls (and even use lay-away). Sale price is $464, with $60 for a face-up. You may choose white or normal skin.

FOC Vampire Briana - she uses the lovely Briana sculpt with fangs. Her price includes a random wig, random 16mm eyes, and an extra pair of hands.

FOC Vampire Goldie - she uses the Wake-Up Goldie sculpt with fangs. She includes a random wig, extra hands, and a random wig.

This 20% off special lasts through the next 20 days only, and expires at the end of the April, so don't delay!

Photos property of Peak's Woods.

Amelia Thimble - end of edition specials

2012-03-27T12:46:00.000-07:00

Cute As A Button Amelia Thimble

End of edition specials have been posted (for the first time) at Wilde Imagination for Amelia Thimble. You can pick up A Sweet Notion outfit set for $68 (regular $80) or Cute As A Button full set BJD for $136 (regular $160).

When you use the promo code AMELIA at check out, you get free shipping on each of these items though April 10, 2012. International customers, email your order number with the subject AMELIA, and include your name as well for a $9.95 shipping credit.

Photo property of Wilde Imagination.

Iplehouse new YID releases, Erica and Emilia

2012-03-21T08:36:00.003-07:00

Emilia, new YID by Iplehouse

Wow--if I had a money tree, these two new sisters from Iplehouse have my name all over them. They are simply gorgeous. Available as limited edition dolls through April 15, you can custom order these gorgeous girls as follows:

Base price is $581for the 60cm resin BJD, normal skin. Peach Gold is $610 and Special Real is $638. 14mm eyes (random in color) and extra high heel feet are included. This includes general type thigh joints. Add $20 for a mobility joint. You can choose the breast size: medium, large or glamour (no extra charge).

Three make-up styles are offered at an additional $70.

The outfit (available in blue or pink, your choice) is available for an additional $259. When you purchase the outfit, Iplehouse will pierce your doll's ears for no additional cost. Plus, the corset will be custom fit to your doll. You may also buy both outfits.

There are two wigs you may purchase at $28, and you may additionally choose two hair accessories for and additional $5 or $8.

Shoes are also available for $35 per pair.

Let's see... if I had my "druthers"... I think Emilia in Special Real Skin, make up type C, with the blue dress, wig type B. So hard to choose!

Photos property of Iplehouse.

Erica, new YID by Iplehouse

New DollHeart items available for preorder

2012-03-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Dania and Sabastian, YOSD outfits by DollHeart

Darby, Lati outfit

Several new items are available for preorder from DollHeart, including two new Dollfie Dreams outfits (Miya and Jaylene) two new YOSD outfits (Dania and Sabastian), eight new Lati Yellow outfits (Jarvis, Odalys, Trystan, Darby, Black Rabbit Ace (version 1 Lati and version 2), and Red Rabbit Ace (version 1 and version 2).

There are lots of set prices available, plus new wigs and boots available, too, with many delivery times set for April.

Photos property of DollHeart.

Dollmore Lukia Sky/Peak's Woods FOB hybrid

2012-03-15T06:57:00.001-07:00

Lukia Sky/Peak's Woods FOB hybrid, a photo by alington on Flickr.

More hybrids in progress... this is my Dollmore Lukia head on a Peak's Woods Fairy of Bugs body. The resin is a pretty good match, especially since the PW body is a little older.

She is wearing the DollHeart dress Strawberry Garden, and also stockings, necklace, boots and wig by DollHeart (all from a Fukuburo). You can see my Viyol (PW) hybrid in the background in the turquoise wig, and also Yeru the Soul, both in Val Zeitler outfits.

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.