2024 Doll Plans

On 12/23/2023 at 8:44 PM, Imawerecat said:

*Actually learn how to hand sew doll clothes. I don't have access to a sewing machine atm, and it's a good skill to have regardless. I'm not making it easy for myself though, considering the pattern I have calls for stretchy fabric.

If it helps, stretchy fabric really isn't any harder to sew by hand than non-stretch fabrics. A stretchy knit that doesn't fray or unravel, like t-shirt material, is actually easier to hand sew than a typical woven fabric that will fray. Good luck with your project!

2024 is going to be a lot more limited in the doll-buying sense and will probably be more of a doll-selling year and focusing-on-current-doll-plans year
But I think that'll be a good thing!

Plans for 2024 that are doll-related or adjacent:

-I have ~3 dolls I plan to sell but I'm waiting til the first and "easiest" one sells before listing the others because I have never sold dolls before and I don't want to risk doing anything wrong. I really hope they sell quickly but I've heard the secondhand market (and the economy in general?) is in a slump and so I'm sadly not too optimistic about that. Depending on how long it takes I may end up tempted to underprice honestly, because money sooner means other doll things sooner (see below), but I don't want to have to.

-I'll be getting Obitsu 11cm bodies/neck adaptors for the rest of my Nendoroids and dressing them up in cute clothing (maybe trying my hand at sewing some myself), as well as making one to be a mini-me of a self insert because why the heck not?? xD I get to have a lil me hanging out with my favorite characters, what's not to like about that? What could possibly go wrong, when all my faves are villains? Guess we'll see. 😄

-I have BIG plans for one upcoming 1/3 scale doll purchase to also be a mini me since that was planned first, but I won't be able to get her until May at best(highly dependent on whether some of my dolls are sold) and August or beyond at the semi-worst(as opposed to not getting her at all). Being vague on purpose for now, because reasons. But I'm really excited and I'd almost say this sculpt is possibly a grail now? Despite being a standard model once released if nothing changes. I really hope I can find glasses that work with the face, and figuring out a (custom?) wig with braids that long (my hair is almost down to my waist IRL, my "sona" basically has Jinx's ankle-length braids tho so that should be fun).

-I want to work on my current doll projects as well, focus on the dolls I'm keeping from the "purge" and actually making some of them their first outfits.
I know I've been a bad dolly owner when a project doll stays blank and clothesless in a box for 3 years 😧

-I really want to work on my sewing skills this year, my "someday" dream is to get as good as Saphar BJD Tailoring on Instagram but even within 3-5 years that may be too optimistic lol

-I may keep an eye on sales listings for two other doll heads secondhand, in case there's a deal I really can't miss, but those projects are low priority as I really shouldn't be buying new dolls before I work on the ones I have/get the grail and have all that set up. But these projects have been rattling in my head for a while and as the heads are discontinued I'm kind of limited to getting them when I can get them, assuming all goes well.

-Not entirely doll related but I'm planning on a LOT of decluttering in my room/the rest of the house, so hopefully all my dolls will have somewhere to display/hang out outside their boxes, and if not, well, maybe that's a sign that some of them might also need new homes. 😕 I'm trying to be more space-conscious especially living with my parents, they haven't exactly complained lately, but I want to show that I'm trying. I used to have a lot more hoarding tendencies so taking this step is actually a big deal for me.

TL;DR: Sell 3 dolls, Nendoroids -> Obitsuroids, 2 mini-me dolls, focus on dolls I've had for a while (esp. sewing), clean room and make better displays. And maybe acquire 1-2 discontinued heads secondhand if it's the right time, but ideally no more doll buys!

 

I wasn't planning on getting another smart doll, but I REALLY like tea legion. However I am still trying to save up for my grail dollfie 2B. I'd love to get Mash krielight too if i ever found her for a decent price. I'm also torn about whether I should get harmonia bloom Oberon or not. Never had one and its a lot for a 1/6 doll but hes so cute...

Exciting news for 2024! I have started making my custom Frieren and planning to repaint Jeanne d’Arc. I'm also turning some beloved anime characters into dolls, and I can't wait to embark on a custom Genshin Impact project with a friend to make her favourite character. 

Additionally, a trip to Japan is on the horizon, and I'm hopeful about attending some doll events if I’m lucky enough. 

Some other plans :

Making my own prototype eyes 

Buying a limited doll as a gift to myself 

Taking more pictures of my dolls 

Opening more slots for commissions on my Instagram. 

I just hope having enough time and energy to have things done 😪

My vinyl collection's real teeny, so I'm hoping to finish planning out/purchasing either an MDD or DDB by year's end!

I'm waiting on some non-vinyls currently and will have to assess once they arrive.

My plans are to take more pics of my dolls! I want to learn how to take better pictures and that takes practice.

On 12/14/2023 at 12:53 PM, Cazzie_Bliss said:

• Maybe get a Proxy Dream Choice girl (tan) or an MDD to add to the family. (Too early to shoot for a Japan trip myself ;_;) 

Some beautiful Dream Choices sometimes come up for sale on FB Groups. I acquired Hana (left, semi-white) and Misaki (right, tan) from FB sellers. Both were in the UK so there were no import charges. On the downside these sweeties are hugely popular and sell extremely quickly. I almost missed out on Hana but the initial buyer dropped out.

They're twins as both have the DD-H-24 head.

2023 was a crazy doll year, and 2024 will probably be the same lol 😂.

If there are any new arrivals they will probably be new Volks releases. Shin Sato and Ciel turned out to be very good buys. Yoru was another good buy and it will be a great day when she is united with Anya. My dream release for 2024 will be Fern because honestly Frieren is lost without mommy Fern to keep her level headed.

I think the doll Youtubing will go on hiatus while I refocus on my nerd channel. Dolltubing was fun but nerdtubing helps pays the bills. As it stands my channel is on 210,005 lifetime views and 921 subscribers and the girls have 111,255 views and 522 subscribers.

DIY projects will include some 3D printing and maybe the construction of a diorama (most likely a classroom). I'd also like to learn how to many little books so I can make Frieren some grimoires.

Here's Shin Sato and Ciel. The real stars of this year has been Shin Sato's big gripping hands, which have featured in almost every doll video I've made in 2023 🤭.

Edited December 30, 2023 by Xiongmao

For a low-expectation year, especially after having to leave my toxic job environment, I completed a fair number of goals. Including some of the biggest ones. I do regret having to miss out on an Anthy more than once to make them happen, but in retrospect, I think getting more accomplished was the better move.

And I have some tangible goals for this next year:

First and foremost, get a job. Granted I've been trying, but the market here is small and stale.  Acquired in October. So far, so good.

• Finish layaway on Kizuna AI. Almost time to bring this girl home. Done.
• At least one or two faceups. I've made five attempts, and every time I have money, the artists I know are closed.
• Save up for a grey Smart Doll. Priority goal. This was my #1 for the year. Done in January.
• Goggles for Bex and Paladin
• Wigs and eyes
• More clothes and shoes
• More elf ears (Pending)
• If possible, another Dream Choice order
• More photography
• Rehome some extra fluff

Stretch goals:

• A body for Nemicus and / or DDH18, another SMD Tea body
• DDH18 MDD in tan? Skipping this for now.
• Find a head for the Automaton? Gonna put this off, but now have a default alternative to customs.
• DD Cyber Street sets Female set acquired. Still wanting the male set, or at least those cargo pants.

Someday:

• DD Kaito head or full doll  😱
• Full SMD guy / Body for Llewyr
• DD Anthy
• SMD Pear... whenever anime heads become available. I've heard there's a very cute prototype Chitose in the works. Nevermind. I caved and got a Legion with birthday money.

Edited November 29, 2024 by PolitelyNefarious

4 hours ago, PolitelyNefarious said:

At least one or two faceups. Seriously. I've made five attempts, and every time I have money, the artists I know are closed. Need to find more options.

@Shirayuridolls does some amazing faceups, just sayin’ 👀 

33 minutes ago, ragnamuffin said:

@Shirayuridolls does some amazing faceups, just sayin’ 👀 

Oh my ! How sweet ✨🤍 Thank you for recommending my faceups, this brightened my day 🫣
 

@PolitelyNefarious I would be very happy to work on a project with you 😊 I’m opening some slots on late January. 

@Shirayuridolls  I will unfortunately not be able to afford slots this month after finding a grail body. But your work is gorgeous, and I'd be honored to commission you in the future. Thank you, @ragnamuffin , for the recommendation!  I've added your Instagram to my sales account follow list so I can keep track.

Volks dolls - Not really a plan but I am already getting Anya and I hope to get Frieren. If there is a lottery for another SD doll I like then I might enter that, otherwise I have no solid plans Volks-wise.

BJDs - As for other doll makers, I always have my eye on a Peakswoods doll so that might be something I might get, thn who knows if I can find a doll to make into Sesshomaru or Nanamin, then maybe...

Doll clothes - I plan to sew kimono/yukata for all the boys and girls in my doll family.  Definitely casual clothes for Yor and Anya based on the anime.

Doll photography - I am too lazy to take photos but I know I should. I am planning on taking more of my nendos and their playsets as I have quite a few of the official playsets plus a few of my own dollhouses to play with, so we'll see.

Not sure how much budget I can plan for doll wise as this is also a year for renovations (building new deck) so I might just be limited to Anya and Frieren if I can get them.

 

this year i plan to get my first doll in 10 years! hoping for kaede, and i plan to customise her to the max!

nails, new face up, sparkly eyes, dddy body and lots of lingerie ☺️

Hmm, I think I should write down my plans to held myself accountable.

 

- Don't spend as much as I've spent in 2023. Most important one!

- Don't fall for FOMO stuff, regret it and sell it later.

- Get the FFXIV Twins.

- Maybe try and start Project Himmel.

- Maybe get a gloomy MDD.

- Put together the pink MDD.

- Forgot one: Get Rise, maybe.

Edited January 12, 2024 by Weltfremd

Since I'm starting off this seems like a good time to make some 'resolutions' as well-

• Decide if the doll I'm putting together at the moment will be MDD or DDB (things seem to be leaning DDB)
• Put together an MDD of some sort- one with an auction or commissioned head, hopefully?
• Other than this, save! For future DCH or FCS on the resin end of Volks' work.
• Go to LA Dolpa 2024!

I've been building too many of my characters in doll forms for a couple of years, and I still have many floating heads so, my plans for 2024 are:

• Making face ups for 3 of my incoming heads, they're all arriving soon
• Getting bodies for my 4 floating DD heads (2 of them are those arriving soon)
• Getting at least 2 boys bodies once Imomodoll releases the 68 cm ones! (I have 3 boys heads to paint!)
• Making a new face up for my grail doll too -currently floating- who arrived half a year ago and I think I can make her better, and ordering her custom design clothes commissioned from an artist!
• Getting a big new showcase for my gaming/office room so I can move many figures from my living room showcase, and use that previous space for my dolls! (Half of that furniture has 50% of my doll collection, but the other half need a safe place too! And I want almost all of them to be together)
• I want to prevent getting more heads if possible, except for those 2 exceptions from my wishlist. If they appear, I need to go for them ^^U
• Hopefully, getting these 2 specific heads from my wishlist xD

I already broke my rule of no more buying. 
 

fern, stark, ubel, and a 2nd frieren have been commissioned. Ordered the stupid expensive dragon rider from dream valley. 
 

I’ve got to be done now. 

In 2024, I had my first Dollfie. This is a dream come true now in February. Another dream was to find a group of people who enjoy these dolls, and www.dolldreaming.com was a light in this sea of the Internet. I am very happy to find you all and your posts!

I finally got my first DD this year too (Y’shtola) so don’t have any huge plans hobby wise apart from getting some basics that I want for her. I’m also really bad at planning!

Basically:

• Get some clothes for her that aren’t her standard full set, lol. 
• Find more tan skin coloured parts, especially hands!
• Learn doll photography. I’m hoping there is a fair bit of cross over between figure and doll photography!
• Learn to sew.
• Try to get involved in the community, both online and hopefully also find some doll meets, both to make some friends!
• Stretch goal might be to get Stoli a friend, probably a DD 2B or one of the other upcoming semi-realistic FF dolls.

 

Fingers crossed for everything to go as planned this year!

My big plans in regards to this year :

• I would love to hopefully attend Dolpa this year in LA!

My other minor plans :

• To stop procrastinating and finally finish setting up me sewing area so I can start making clothes again.
• I would like to start on the doll whose plans I've had floating around in my head for a while so I better get started on that soon rather than later.
• I've had this DDdy for a little over a year now and she still doesn't have a name so I would finally like to name her sometime this year. :')

I think my doll fam have decided we have an ideal number of family members. We have our eye on a couple of potential new members, but this year is primarily about getting new space so our cramped apartment isn't totally overwhelmed with boxes.

We have a lot of unopened outfits and wigs, and they've gradually been exploring those.

They're still reeling from the spectacular boom and then bust of their YouTube channel. But they're mildly excited that a few of them (mostly Frieren and Uzuki) are going to star in my next nerd channel video.

I'm really satisfied with my collection and this point and don't have my eyes set on anything in particular. The very large 73" BJD I ordered nearly a year ago finally arrived and I love him to bits but I don't foresee myself buying anymore large dolls anytime soon, just running out of space to display them where I can appreciate them fully.

 

In the past year or so I've gotten more into following the TinyFox releases and exploring some smaller dolls on Taobao (blind boxes, Little Gulliver, etc) plus I always enjoy looking for new wigs, eyes, and clothing to freshen up my existing dolls with new looks.

Doll plans for 2024? One of my main aims is to photograph them more. I had so many new arrivals in 2023 but it was a crazy hectic year because I moved home, I had no time to really take many snaps of them. I am really hoping my neighbours finish their building work before summer so I can take the girls into the garden. I'm wanting them to have their own little area outside in a corner of the garden. This would mean I'd have to design and 3D print them some outdoor furniture. I'd also like to complete a few of the 3D printing projects I started last year.

As for dolls, one of my plans was to get a Frieren but I didn't have much luck in the click war. I had better luck in the Miku NT lottery so we now wait for her to ship out in fall. As for doll arrivals so far this year, DD Sirius with green hair arrived to join my Sirius prototype and DDS Youmu Konpaku from Touhou project came to link up with Marisa and Reimu.  I'm currently waiting for my first Azone dolls to arrive. I have 2 of the 1/3 scale ones on the way from AmiAmi. I'm not sure how many other dolls might arrive, it all depends on who becomes available as most of my purchases are impulse buys on pre owned market places.

I also need to organise my display area, I'm thinking of putting one huge shelf up above my bed since some of my current display areas are getting a bit crowded.

I just got my first dollfie dream, so I want to open her eyes and do her faceup. Luckily I already have a stock of 1/3 clothing and 8/9 wigs! 

For my other bjds, I need to finish 3 faceups, order or make wigs, and sew outfits for my characters. Right now a lot of my dolls are in temporary outfits bc I haven't had time to sew. I'm also moving this summer, so I'm trying to decide how to pack them all in my car; I'm thinking about putting them all in a tub with their COAs and parts, then packing their actual boxes with the movers so I can keep them. I would pack their boxes in my car, but SD boxes are so big!