FRIDOLL FIVE #19

Well, here we are, the final Fridoll Five. I'll have to think of some new Friday feature to take its place.


#19: Play food

1. Do you have any miniature "food" or "drink" for your dolls? Are your dolls teetotallers, or do they have any dolly booze?

I have a few pieces, but not too many these days. Hypnotica has a flask in her bondage pants. I think I probably have a wine bottle or two in my collection.

2. For those who have food or drink: do you prefer "brand name" food (e.g. miniature Krispy Kreme donuts) or "generic" foods (e.g. a slice of cake)? Or both? 

-For those who don't have food or drink for your dolls: Would you want any, if they were available to you?

I just have random stuff. 

3. Do you have any tables or eating areas for your dolls?

Not anymore. I used to have the Barbie hot dog stand. I loved that thing.

4. Several Japanese companies make miniature foods and household items, packaged randomly in sealed "trading kit" boxes. If you could design your own, and if they could be any scale, what sort of miniature items would you include?

I honestly have no interest in tiny food, but I guess I'd do a tiny Happy Meal box with a meal and teeny tiny toy inside.

5. If you were to have a dolly restaurant or cafe, what kind of foods would you stock?

Just give me back the hot dog stand. That thing was awesome.

FRIDOLL FIVE #18

I was going to get more done today, but I thought, what the hey, it's my birthday, I'm just gonna relax. And so I did. But I can get out the penultimate Fridoll Five and the September Month in Review post before I heard to bed.


#18: Scents and Sensitivity

1. Do you own any pets, wear a favorite perfume, or smoke?

I've always had pets. Right now, I have 3 dogs, a guinea pig, my mom's 2 finches and her aquarium.

I do also wear perfume on a daily basis, but no one in this house smokes. Yuk.

2. If you own pets/wear perfume a lot/smoke, do you take any steps to protect your dolls from pet hair, dander, smoke or animal scents? If you *don't* do any of the above, do you think that sellers who do have a responsibility to "protect" their dolls?

Nothing can protect an item from a smoker in the house. I'm not talking about a visitor, but about someone who lives there. Even if they smoke elsewhere, they bring it home with them. Your items WILL smell like smoke if you live with a smoker.

My dogs don't spend a lot of time in my room, but I'm a dog lover. I'm not going to go out of my way to quarantine my collection from part of my family (because that's what they are). In all of my auctions, I state that my items come from a smoke free but not pet free home. It's the buyer's decision whether or not they want my stuff.


3. Have you ever washed a doll or doll clothes? What materials did you use?

I send my plushies through the wash in a delicates bag. I've done that with larger doll clothing pieces, too, but nothing delicate. I've scrubbed dolls before. Dawn detergent is one of my fave things. I condition their hair if needed. There's nothing super special I use, except the Dawn.

4. Have you ever owned or customized a "scented" doll? Did you like it?

I like most scented toys. I mean, I grew up with Strawberry Shortcake. Come on.


5. Taking a cue from Mattel's upcoming Silver Edition Chocolate Obsession Barbie (design by Robert Best), which has chocolate-toned hair and clothing *and* is scented like chocolate... If you could design a doll around a signature scent (could be food, flower, favorite perfume), what would it be like? (The doll itself doesn't have to be scented.)

Ah, right here you can see how old these questions are. Chocolate Obsession came out twelve years ago. Ha.

I've always loved the scent of Iris from Rose Petal Place, so give me that on a larger scale. 

FRIDOLL FIVE #17

#17: Imitation and Flattery


1. What are your thoughts on "clones" and "knock-offs" of popular toys? (E.g. discount stores' imitation Bratz dolls, actual dolls that make molds using pre-existing dolls)

I call them fakies, because that's what the old pony collecting community called them and that was my first real experience with actively collecting them.

Personally, I love them. They can be a lot of fun and some of them are really great. Even if they're not, they're usually good for a giggle.


2. What do you think about e-bay auctions that use terms like "friend of" or "just like" as a euphemism for knock-offs? (Okay, technically speaking that's generally to get around legal issues related to knowingly selling knock-offs.)

I don't remember knowing much about this the first time I did these Fridoll Fives and I still don't now. This is just something I don't see.


3. Is it okay to customize a doll to look like a copy-righted character, or real-life person? Have you ever done so?

I have no custom skills, so I can't, but there's nothing wrong with it. That's the bread and butter of a lot of customizers.


4. Is it okay to customize a doll to look similar to a brand-name doll? Have you ever done so? (E.g., making your own big-headed doll, making your version of a collectible doll, re-rooting an old doll to look like a pristine vintage doll)

Again, I've not done it. I don't see anything wrong with it, unless you're trying to pass it off as something it isn't.


5. Is it okay to customize or commission an outfit or wig to look like a limited edition doll outfit?

Sure.

FRIDOLL FIVE #16

#16: Do Clothes Make the Man?

1. Do your dolls have any defined style of fashion that they look good in, or that you like to dress them in? (You can discuss your dolls in general, or name specific dolls that have a "look".)

A lot of my dolls just wear their own clothes. The BEGoths are goth, the BJDs wear their stock clothing mostly, the character dolls wear their own outfits. I do have several I've cobbled together looks for, but there's a wide variety there.


2. Do you buy or make outfits so that they can be shared amongst your dolls, or do you buy/sew with one particular doll in mind?

I almost always buy for particular dolls these days, because I hardly redress anymore.


3. Do you tend to redress your dolls frequently, or do you have a favorite outfit that they tend to default to?

I used to do this all the time, but not anymore.


4. When not actively playing with your dolls, do you leave them dressed up? Leave them nude? Put them in something simple that won't stain their bodies (e.g. white underwear)?

I leave them dressed.


5. Imagine you've been given creative control of a line of dolly couture. (In other words: You come up with the ideas, and you don't necessarily have to do all the fiddly design and sewing.) What sort of fashions would your store have? Casual? Formal? Goth? Ren Faire? Costumes?

Historical. Definitely historical. I'd love to do a goth line, too, but there's more exposure for that than there is for really good historical fashion (you know, Ancient Egyptian outfits that aren't gold lame and such).

FRIDOLL FIVE #15

#15: Stand(s) in the Place Where You Live

1. Do you have any doll stands?

Yes, but not too many.


2. For those of you who have doll stands: What kind of stands do you like best? (metal, wooden, telescoping/adjustable, saddle, waist-clamp)

For those of you who don't have doll stands: Is there any particular reason?

I don't care for stands mostly, because they take up a LOT of space. Shelf space is at a premium and stands mean I can't place the dolls as close together. I do love the ones from MH's Haunted line though, because making flying dolls look like they're hovering is cool. And I have them on certain dolls to make display possible, because some need added stability. Like my Lum dolls that have pointed feet.


3. For people who display their dolls on shelves, etc: Do you put them in poses? Use stands? Have them standing or sitting?

For people who store their dolls: Do you store them sitting, standing, lying down? Do you do anything special to protect their hair or face?

Most of them are just standing all in a row, because I can fit the most that way. I do have several seated though and some have a little pose going on, but nothing drastic.

For storage, they're lying down.


4. Have you ever customized or tweaked a doll to increase poseability?

Don't think so. It doesn't matter much to me.


5. Do you prefer dolls that can stand on their own, or does it not matter?

That doesn't matter since 99% of dolls can't do this on a steady basis. I'd only have like 18" dolls, some 80s small dolls, and the DC Super Hero Girls if that was a necessity.

FRIDOLL FIVE #14

Totally missed last week! Whoops. I'll do it and include this week's early.


#14: What's in a Name?

1. Those of you with ball-joint dolls... do you have a preferred term for this type of doll? e.g. Super Dollfie, BJD, resin ball-joint doll, asian ball-joint doll, 40 cm/60 cm doll, giant-size doll thing, etc

Those of you with 1/6 scale dolls: do you have a term you prefer or tend to use, such as "action doll", "poseable doll", "fashion doll", "dollies", "dollfies", "Barbies", etc?

I use BJD for what I consider BJDs. If it's not resin, but still has the proper joints and BJD style, I say "vinyl BJD."

1/6 scale it depends on the type of doll, but I generally just say "doll" or use the brand name.


2. Do you have profiles and personalities for your dolls? If so, do they include age, astrological sign, etc?

I used to do this a lot, but much less so now, mostly because I collect lines that are more character-based. I didn't do birthdays or zodiac or anything. Age sometimes, but not always.


3. Have you ever re-named a doll? (This includes changing its name from the default one, or changing a doll's name after you named it already.) If so, what were some reasons you had for changing the name?

Of course. Doll lines like Ellowyne Wilde have a bunch of Ellowynes that look very different. I have five and each is a different girl with a different name (none are Ellowyne). When you have lines that repeat characters over and over and are more generic-looking like Bratz, it's easy to make multiple characters of the same girl. Not all my Jades are Jade, etc. I don't tend to do this with character-based lines, because the dolls are too specific. I have one Draculaura that's not Draculaura and otherwise, everyone is their canon name. I think.


4. What term do you use when talking about or thinking of your dolls? Do you call them or think of them as:

* your dolls

* your daughter/son/children

* your kids

* visitors from another dimension

* or something else entirely? 

Dolls. I think it's creepy to act like they're your children.


5. For those of you who make doll photo stories: Do you ever appear in them (off-screen or on-screen)? If so, what do your dolls call you?

For those who don't make doll photo stories: What do you think of yourself as? Your doll's owner? Mom? Auntie/Uncle? Roommate?

Yep. I'm called Lori. That is my name. I'm kind of like a large caretaker.

FRIDOLL FIVE #13

Ah, #13. We're getting nearer and nearer to the end of these. I think there are 19.

#13: Dolls and Seasons

1. First of all: What are the seasons like where you live? (hot, dry, rainy, humid, cold, freezing, etc)

I live in the Panhandle of Florida, so it's pretty temperate all year round. No snow, thank the gods. I lived in Buffalo for many years, so I know plenty about winter.


2. Many toy companies and doll-parts companies have darker skin as well as lighter skintones. Do you consider these dolls to be tanned, or just having a darker complexion, or something else?

It depends on the doll. Obviously, certain characters are not just tanned white people. I think a lot of dolls are open to interpretation. There are many that have a very clear race or ethnicity, but others can fit various ones and if there's no character development that provides a backstory, the doll is open to interpretation.


3. For people who buy dolls: Do you have any seasonal dolls? (e.g. Beach-themed dolls, winter sports-themed dolls) For people who customize their own dolls: Have you ever made a doll themed to a certain holiday or season?

Of course. Being from a very snowy place, I don't care for winter dolls, but of course I have several. I think Frosta from She-Ra would have been my first icy girl and EAH's Crystal Winter is my most recent. These aren't something I seek out though, so I really don't have many. Beach ones I'm not that interested in either, but there are some great swimsuit dolls out there.


4. Have you ever made season-themed photos or photostories for your dolls? (e.g., a beach story in the summer, winter holidays story in the winter)

I'm sure I did at some point. I know I took beach doll photos on vacation a few times.


5. For those of you who sew for your dolls: Do you sew/knit outfits so that they'll be ready for [insert name of season or holiday]? Or do you wait until the season inspires you? For those who buy outfits for your dolls: Do you have any feelings (positive or negative) towards winter-themed dolls and clothes showing up in August, or summer-themed dolls/clothes showing up in winter?

I don't care which dolls show up when. Different seasons occur at different times of the year around the world. 

FRIDOLL FIVE #12

A little late this time! Oh, well. I had a busy day.


#12: Does Size Matter?

1. Do you have a favorite doll size or body type? (e.g. American Girl, SD, SD13, MSD, Barbie, Blythe, Pullip, Licca) What do you like about it?

Nope! I'm a firm believer in variety, so I have dolls in all sizes with many body types. I don't have a particular favorite.


2. Do you prefer your dolls to be roughly the same size and body shape, or do you prefer different heights, shapes, etc? Why or why not?

Different. We just covered that. I have so much stuff that I like variety. I don't like to drop money on the same thing over and over.


3. For those with male and female dolls: Do you prefer your guys to be taller than your ladies, or does it not matter?

-For those with male dolls only: Do you like your dolls to be the same height, or would you like to give them variety (e.g. Volks FCS long-leg parts, etc.)

-For those with female dolls only: Do you have a lot of variety in your doll's body types, or do you find that you tend to gravitate towards one particular type?

Height doesn't matter. It doesn't matter in real life, so why should it with dolls?


4. Do you find it easier to shop for/sew for any particular doll more than others?

This is sadly outdated. Heh. I did so much more clothes-buying many years ago. I rarely do it now, but I think it's easier than ever. It takes a very specific, usually import, body to be hard to shop for. Like my Jossie doll still has no shoes because I don't have $20 to spend on importing doll shoes.


5. Is there such a thing as a doll that's *too* big or *too* small?

No!

FRIDOLL FIVE #11

Thought I'd get this taken care of early!

Also, I will likely be picking Jillian's winner on Saturday, so if you haven't commented yet, do so!

#11: Protecting Your Doll

1. Do you own resin ball-joint dolls or vinyl fashion dolls? Approximately how long have you had them?

Both. How long? I mean, I still have plenty of toys from when I grew up in the 80s. My doll collecting started in the late 90s. So I've had lots of them for decades. My oldest BJD is 11 years old, I think.

2. Have you ever noticed the doll's body or face changing color for any reason?

I have not noticed any color changing with my vinyl dolls except for one line. Certain series of BEGoths can get yellowed heads over time.

With my BJDs, Reign has some yellowing and Alabaster completely changed. I don't even know when he changed and he's never been hanging out in the sun or anything.


3. Do you take any steps to protect your doll from color-changing, or potential color-changing?

I try to keep my collection out of direct sunlight. In my sunnier room back in Buffalo, this was harder. I had mild sun damage, but only faded clothes. Here in Florida, I don't have a sunny room, so it's not a problem at all.


4. Have you ever noticed your doll being "stained" by colored fabrics or plastics?

Yes, but they come that way. Only once have I put a Barbie dress on a doll and had it stain while she wore it.


5. Do you take any precautions to prevent your doll from staining?

Not really. You can't plastic wrap every single doll and I certainly won't keep my dolls out of black clothing. Come on. Especially now, most of my dolls stay in what they're wearing, so it's not really an issue.

FRIDOLL FIVE #10

I was so distracted by opening the Jillian giveaway that I forgot to do last week's Fridoll Five! Well, here it is and I'm hoping to get a BEGoths post up later today, too. I'm also going to start putting together the pieces of a Winx post, since people asked for that as well.

#10: Creepy or Cute (or both)?

1. Living Dead Dolls and Living Dead Doll Minis and Living Dead Doll RagDolls and Living Dead Dollies: Creepy or Cute or Both?

You can tell how old this is, because LDDs were way more a thing back then. They still exist, but I don't hear much about them anymore. They're on Series 31, which is pretty impressive honestly.

Personally, I've always found these creepy. The death toddler aesthetic is not for me. Some of the simpler ones are kinda cute, like Sadie and Sin, and I like some of their theme choices, like the holiday set (Lammas, Beltane, etc.), the sideshow set and the urban legend set. The only one I ever wanted is Lydia from Beetlejuice and I'm still kicking myself for not getting her when her price was lower.


2. Big-Headed dolls (including but not limited to Blythe, Pullip, Bratz, MyScene, MameMomoko): Creepy or Cute?

Depends on the doll. I love most of them, but I find Blythes incredibly creepy. The somber expression, no eyebrows and giant shiny foreheads are a big no for me. I have seen cute ones, but they're usually either customs or have bangs long enough to hide the lack of eyebrows.

3. Anatomical correctness/detail on dolls (you can choose to include or leave out the specifics in your answer): Creepy or Cute? Does it matter if it's a female doll or a male doll? Is age or the size of the doll a factor?

It's not creepy, but I wouldn't say it's cute either. It's fine, but I don't care either way.


4. Matching outfits for dolly and you: Creepy or Cute? Alternately, are there any doll outfits you wish you had in *your* size?

I think that would be cute. There are LOADS of pieces I'd love in my size. Mostly MH boots and accessories.


5. Pre-teen dolls cosplaying or dressed up as adults: Creepy or Cute? (Including but not limited to CustomHouse Cosplay AI, the WaterBabies dressed as as Shrek and Fiona and Donkey, Anna Geddes dolls, etc.)

Doesn't bother me as long as it's not an overtly sexual adult character. A young girl doll dressed as Dawn the mother goddess would be weird, but one dressed as Wonder Woman is fine.

FRIDOLL FIVE #9

Well, I'm back at home. We made it back here Wednesday afternoon. I don't have any entries planned though, because I'm still wiped out from all the nonsense, on top of being really annoyed with playline dolls right now, because Ever After High is making me very angry.

Anyway, I've got enough energy for a Fridoll Five.

#9: Accessoreez

1. Do your dolls wear jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, handcuffs, etc)? If so, are they store-bought or hand-made? If not, is there any particular reason that they don't wear jewelry?

My dolls have both. The majority of the ones with jewelry wear their own, but I also have a stash of custom handmade jewelry for my BJDs and 16" dolls.


2. Have you ever bought a doll just for its accessories? (jewelry, food, outfit, handbags, shoes... basically, anything other than the doll itself)

I know I bought that old Moxie Girlz doll just for the mini Lalaloopsy figure. This sounds like something I would have done many years ago, but no longer do now, although I am tempted sometimes.


3. What's the most expensive accessory you've ever bought for your doll? (Playsets and vehicles may be included in this category.)

A custom doll bed, though I can't remember what it cost.

4. What's the least expensive accessory you've bought for your doll?

I have no idea honestly. Probably something from a craft store.


5. What is your favorite doll accessory?

One of my BEGoths has a tiny flask that I've always loved and another has a cigarette holder. I don't smoke, but I've always thought that was a pretty neat accessory, because it's unusual. Anything from Cleo de Nile is automatically awesome because Egypt. I have a metal ace of spades pendant on a tiny chain that's probably my favorite doll necklace. And the BJDs have some lovely custom pieces.

FRIDOLL FIVE #8

I've had a busy week working on a short story every night after work, but I finally finished it earlier, so I'm hoping to get some new posts up here tomorrow. Er...later today. But first!

#8: Culture and Ethnicity

1. How would you describe your own cultural identity/background? (If you don't feel like answering this one, please feel free to make up your own question.)

I'm mostly German (and some Alsatian) with about a quarter Polish.


2. Have you ever given a doll a name from another culture? What names did you choose, and why?

(e.g. a name that has a meaning in a language that you don't normally speak, a name typically associated with a culture other than yours)

Sure. I'm not going to list everything off, but a lot of my Pullips and Bratz got Japanese names. Some were from my favorite Battle Royale characters. I use names from mythology a lot. I used to be fond of place names, too. These days, I mostly buy dolls that already have names, so I usually stick with those.

3. Do you have any dolls who are a specific nationality/cultural background?

Karito Kids, American Girl, Hearts For Hearts Girls, Global Friends, Monster High. That's just the tip of the iceberg.


4. Do you have any ethnic folkwear for your dolls? If so, what countries/cultures?

My Dolls of the World, Global Friends and some Hearts For Hearts Girls have that, along with some of my other world-type dolls. I have some Discover the World with Barbie fashions, Mulan fashions, probably a kimono or two.

5. Essay question: Imagine that you've been given complete creative control over one of the major doll companies (Mattel, Takara, Volks, Integrity, Tonner, Madame Alexander, any other company of your choice)... but you are only allowed to create *one* new line of dolls. What would your line be like?

This question has always bugged me a bit, since it was like the authors of these couldn't come up with a fifth "ethnic" question.

Anyway, my answer to this is easy: Goddess Girls. I want the Goddess Girls (and godboys) from the book series as dolls. I'd probably go with Mattel to produce them, because their quality, while occasionally problematic, is still the best on the whole, and these would need a lot of detail. Tiny GG necklaces, shimmering bodies (kinda like the Star Darlings), and lots and lots of pleated chitons. I have the Goddesses of Wisdom, Spring and Beauty, so I know Mattel can make pleats. 

FRIDOLL FIVE #7

Someday, I will do one of these on time.

#7: Furnishings

(If you don't have doll furniture, please feel free to play along and talk about what you'd like to get, if you had unlimited space and finances.)

1. Do you have any furniture for your dolls? 1/6 scale or SD scale or other?

My main pieces are a custom-made 1/6 scale bed that first was used by Evelyn, my fave Bratz doll, and now it's been taken over by the Dead Tired Monster High gang; Stardust Classics Alissa's bed, which is being used by my 3 Rosette School girls and Nothing; an antique doll chair, which 2 of my larger BJDs are sitting on; MH Cleo's vanity and EAH Ginger's kitchen set. I have some smaller pieces like Zelf chairs and little bits like that.


2. Where do you keep your doll furniture? In a doll-room, on a shelf, in a display case, etc...

The two beds are so big that they're both on the floor. So is the antique chair. Cleo's vanity is on top of one of my bookcases.


3. Do you have any:

- plastic doll furniture (e.g. Barbie, Gloria)

- wood/upholstered doll furniture

- fabric furniture (beanbag chairs, etc) 

- store-bought furniture

- custom-made furniture

- home-made or customized/repainted/reupholstered furniture

- some other kind of furniture not listed here

Yes.
Yes.
I'm sure I do somewhere.
Yes.
Yes.
No.
I think I only have the above.


4. Of the above categories, what's your favorite type or style of furniture?

If I had the space, I would get more custom beds like the 1/6 scale one. It's gorgeous. I would also get both Kat and Laurel's beds from Stardust Classics and probably some other larger scale ones.


5. Let's say you're given an unlimited budget to decorate a doll-room. What kind of furniture would you buy? Who would live there?

A single room for a single doll? Hm. I don't even know which one I would gift with that. Maybe Roslin, my fave American Girl. She'd have a simple bed with a purple/black/silver bedspread, all sorts of monster figurines and posters, action figures, a dark rug, a large TV, and bookshelves.  

FRIDOLL FIVE #6

I totally had these misnumbered. I had two #3s. And none of you told me. Thanks, guys. Heh.

#6: Let’s Go Outside

1. Have you ever had someone (a friend, a stranger, a passer-by) show interest in your dolls? If so, how did you respond? Or how do you think you'd respond?

Well, a lot of my friends are doll friends, so naturally, it's easy to talk dolls with them. But several people at work, the maintenance crew of my apartment complex, etc. also know about my dolls. Some have even seen them. No one's freaked out by it and a lot even ask questions that are fun to answer. I've never had a negative experience with a non-doll person and even if someone said something, you can bet I'd have an answer for that, too!


2. Would you ever photograph your doll...
- indoors, using artificial light?
- indoors, using natural light?
- outdoors, when nobody is around (or in a semi-private place, like a backyard)?
- outdoors, in the public, with people around?

I've done all those things. Natural light is impossible in this apartment though!


3. Have you ever gone on an outing (picnic, dolly-clothes shopping, etc) with a doll? Did you take any photos?

Yup! Several accompanied me to the movies in the past. Icy and Tecna from the Mattel Winx Club line went to see AvP with me, and they went to the county fair with me, too. My BJD Nothing went to a movie with me, too, though I don't recall which one. Pullip Principessa rode around in a transparent backpack when I went to a doll show in Memphis. I don't have any photos except for the fair.


4. Would you ever go to an off-line gathering of doll-friends? Which doll(s) would you take?

Sure! Who I took would probably be dependent on what type of dolls the others had. I like to bring ones that people haven't seen much.


5. Would you ever take your doll(s) to a convention? If so, how would you like to carry them around?

I'd probably buy another transparent backpack. That worked well. She was safe and my hands were free.

FRIDOLL FIVE #5

Man, I missed Fridoll Five again. In my defense, Friday was an off day for me, because my favorite guinea pig wasn't feeling well and I helped my mom set up her new aquarium. Also, this particular FD5 is a bit intensive. I'm honestly feeling a little bit crazy to be starting it right now when I'm vaguely sleepy, but what the hey, where's the camera?


#5: Moody dolls

Photo Portion

Show us a picture of...
#1: Your happiest doll(s)

A lot of my dolls look happy, but Kitty Cheshire is definitely one of the happiest.



















#2: Your saddest doll(s)

Animator Collection Pocahontas has one of the few sadder faces in my group. If this was plush animals, it would have taken me two seconds and been super easy.

Sad Moodie and Axy

#3: Your dolls in love (or lust)

#4: Your biggest doll

Heron, my Dream of Doll DoT Lahoo, is enormous.























#5: Your smallest doll

This one's harder, because what exactly constitutes a doll? Are those tiny Squinkies dolls or figures? Is the Lego a doll because she has a fabric skirt? Or do the clothes have to be completely removable? I just picked a few small ones from around my room and shot them all together.










Text portion

1. Have you ever created a photostory, or series of photos with accompanying dialogue, using your dolls?
-If you have, link to your favorite photostory.
-If you haven't, link to your favorite photostory-by-someone-else.

Oh, I have.
http://veni-vidi-dolli.livejournal.com/2006/06/
All the ones marked Classic TWCT are my oldest picfics. There are a few past that. I can't pick a favorite, because I'd have to reread them all and I don't have time for that.


2. Do you have any dolls that are clearly a couple (or clearly siblings, etc)?

Most people with MH/EAH dolls can say yes to this. With character dolls, it's easy to identify things. Like the O'Hairs are twins. If you know a little canon, it's easier. I have some of my non-canon ones set up in couples, too, like Heath and Twyla and Neighthan and Jane.


3. For customizers: have you ever deliberately customized a doll to have a certain emotion?
For non-customizers: do you pose your dolls to display a certain feeling? (either for display, or for a photostory, or for an avatar)


For picfics, yeah, I used to do that. None of mine on display are really conveying specific feelings, I don't think.


4. Do you like or dislike dolls that are molded to have an expression? (e.g. facemolds with open smiling mouths, face molds with half-lidded sleepy/sultry eyes)

I adore expressions because they add variety to my shelves.


5. Which do you think is more effective in communicating moods: facial expressions, or body language? Does articulation help?

I always used both. I can show disappointment or joy with a doll that's only articulated at the shoulders and hips just as easily as one that's more articulated. Of course articulation helps, but it isn't necessary by any means. Creativity isn't hindered by lack of a wrist joint.

FRIDOLL FIVE #4

I've been struggling with a bad allergy attack since Friday, so I totally spaced and forgot about Fridoll Five! Well, let's get caught up.


#4: 1-2-3-4-5

#1: Name your favorite hair color.

Of your basic doll hair colors, I would pick black. However, I tend to favor unusual shades. I've loved white since I was a kid, thanks to Roxy from Jem, even though I didn't own her. I love neons and rich jewel tones. My only (so far) Azone Pure Neemo doll has a gorgeous wine color. I also like blended shades, like neon yellow and blue combined to give an overall green effect like on my Shimmers Plume doll, MH's Moanica with her gray and lavender, and Star Darlings' Scarlet dark purple with pink.

#2: Name your two most favorite doll companies.

I've got to go with Mattel for one. I've been collecting their dolls since childhood and they continue to produce a wide variety with mostly good quality.

Picking companies is difficult for me, because I look at lines more than companies. I adore Hearts for Hearts, as you all know by now, but I wouldn't pick Playmates as a favorite doll company. In older days, I would have said Jun Planning or Bleeding Edge, but those days are gone. You know, I think I'll go with A Girl for All Time. Their craftsmanship is stellar and I love all their dolls so far. I might not have Amelia, but I do like her!


#3: Name your top three favorite dolls.

Have you seen my collection? That's impossible. How about a few faves that I can see from where I'm sitting. Hearts for Hearts Girls Mosi, Dell and Lilian. Karito Kids Gia. American Girl JLY 30, my Roslin. Witty Winx Club Icy, Darcy and Stormy in their Season 6 outfits. Shopkins Shoppies Sara Sushi. Star Darlings Scarlet. Ever After High signature Duchess, Ginger and Melody. MH Isi Dawndancer, Batsy Claro, River Styxx, Kiyomi Haunterly and Marisol Coxi. And that's only from where I'm sitting. How do you expect me to choose three overall? Crazy.


#4: Name four people/characters you'd like to see as dolls.

All of the Goddess Girls characters from the book series. Equestria Girls Maud Pie with non-smiling face. Lily from Legend in her Dark Lily dress and makeup. Cabiria from Angel's Friends.

#5: Name the last five dolls you have made or bought.

Monster High Ghoul's Best Pet Cleo and Lagoona and the 2-pack of Moanica and Draculaura. American Girl Wellie Wishers Ashlyn. 

FRIDOLL FIVE #3

Since it's Friday morning and I'm not sleepy yet, let's do today's Fridoll Five.

#3: First and Last

1. What's the first doll that you remember receiving? (What was it wearing? Do you still have it?)

My first doll was a Baby Beans Talking Beans. I think I still have her in my selection of really old childhood toys. I don't remember receiving her though. It's honestly hard to say, because I have old pictures of myself receiving dolls, but I don't know if I have the actual memory or if it's just triggered by the photos. So I guess I can't really answer.

2. What's the last doll that you received as a gift?

Mom got me the new Shopkins Shoppies (Sara Sushi and Rainbow Kate).


3. What's the first doll that you bought for yourself?

For the customizers: What's the first doll that you customized? 

That I bought for myself with my own saved up money? Do you know how long ago that was? Yeesh! I can't remember that! If anyone my age can remember the first toy they bought with their own money when they were that young, I give you massive memory credit. I do have memories of buying ponies with my own money, but no doll memories stick out until later on. The first dolls I bought in adulthood were the US-sold Sailor Moon line, Jetta and Roxy from Jem, and Generation Girl Dance Party Lara. I credit Lara as really starting my adult doll collecting off.

4. What's the last doll that you bought for yourself?

For the customizers: What's the latest doll that you customized?

Monster High Frightmares Merry Trotabout and Meadoe Flurry.

5: What doll do you next hope to purchase?

(You can just list the next doll in chronological order, or share a brief wishlist.)

All five Wellie Wishers! And EAH Jillian Beanstalk and Meeshell Mermaid if they'd ever come on Amazon already.

FRIDOLL FIVE #2

Ah, time for another Fridoll Five!

#2: Dolls on Display

1. What type or brand of dolls do you own? (You can include dolls that you used to collect or own, but have parted ways with.)

Brands would take me a couple hours to type out, so let's just do general categories: vintage dolls from the 80s and some 90s, modern playline, and some collector and American Girl-style larger lines.


2. Do you prefer to debox your dolls, or keep them MISB, or a combination thereof? Why?

Debox. I collect WAY too much to keep them all boxed. Plus, I don't think that's any fun. What's the point of a doll you can touch and hold and pose? I do have some things boxed though. I have a boxed Bratz Pretty 'n' Punk Jade, because she's one of my two favorite Bratz, but I have a loose one to play with. I also have a Great Shape Barbie boxed. I had bought her for a school project for a museum class. And I have the Mini B set of classic Barbies from all the decades still boxed, because there's no way I could display them as cute as they are in that box.


3. Do you like to display your dolls, or keep them in storage? Why?

Most are displayed, but some are in my storage dresser in my closet. I like to look at as many as possible, but there's simply not enough room to show everyone.


4. For the Displayers: how do you like to display your dolls, and where? (In display boxes, on shelves, in a room box, in a doll house, around the desk, etc.)

I have a series of bookshelves that contain both books and dolls.


For the Storage folks: how do you store your dolls, and where?

My storage dresser in my closet.


5. Without looking, can you list where each of your dolls are at this very moment?

I think I could get most of them, yes.

FRIDOLL FIVE #1

So years ago, these used to be a thing amongst the doll people on Livejournal. I did them all way back then, but I figured they'd be fun to resurrect now. So every Friday, I'll be doing a new set of five.

Some of the questions may be a little obsolete. We'll deal with that as we get through them. They are really that old.


#1: What's in Your Pants?


1. Have you ever sewn an outfit for your own doll? By hand, or by machine?

Nope! I am horrible at sewing.


2. Do you prefer hand-sewn outfits, or store-bought outfits? Why?

I honestly do not buy many fashions for my dolls anymore. I used to change their clothes a lot, especially my Pullips and Mattel Winx, but I stopped doing that when I stopped doing so many picfics. I'm going to say store-bought, because they're generally cheaper, but I have some very awesome handmade ones. I just would rather spend that kind of money on a new doll than an outfit. That's why my poor Jossie doll is still shoeless. Buying her the shoes I want would be the same cost as a new playline doll. And not a budget one either!


3. Do you prefer your male or female dolls to wear underwear? Why or why not?

I have had a thing about underwear since I was young. If I wear them, shouldn't my dolls? Stockings and pants are not substitutes for panties! I love when doll lines have gorgeous underwear sets like Hi-Glamm and Maxie, but I simply have too many dolls to make them a priority now. Although most playline dolls now come with either painted or molded panties.


4. If you had the opportunity/luxury to do so, would you coordinate your dolls' underwear to go with the outfit? (in terms of color, historical accuracy, how nice it looks as a whole)

Yes! That would be fun.


5. What do you think about dolls with painted-on or molded-on underwear?

It saves me a lot of trouble, so I'm in favor of it. I prefer painted to molded, since with molded, it still looks like they're flashing you if you get an upskirt shot. With painted, there are obviously panties there.