I'm trying to learn more about BJDs but it's quite confusing at the moment.
What advice would you give someone new to BJDs who knows NOTHING about them?

see if you can go to a meetup

if that's not possible, try to find out if someone close to you owns one that you may meet and see.

if that's not possible either... look at lots of pictures and ask us XD

I know a lot about them I think... I customize them myself and have done heaps and heaps of research. And if I dont know I probaly know someone who does know, in the netherlands there's a very close community and there are a few people that know a lot about the hobby. :D

What confuses you in particular?? The advice I'd give is to think about what you like, the sort of dolls you collect, the clothes you would like to buy or make, the overall style of the doll. Then read every forum, every site you can, until you find the sculpt you fall totally in love with Liking baby dolls you might like the sweet tinies, or you might go for a fashion diva such as Narae. Or an elf.. or .. well it goes on forever!!!

This is currently the one I have my eye on, and I never would have thought this type and look of doll would appeal to me, but I love her http://www.ainai.com/en/product/view.asp?c...040800&seq=1874

I've been to loads of BJD sites all day and saved Custom House earlier in my favorites.I fell in love with quite a few there.Eeek!
What confuses me is the various BJD sizes and the fact that some sites don't give you enough information on clothing sizes,shoe sizes etc.
It all varies so much from site to site.
It's just there is so much going on in the BJD world.

Size wise, you have the SD, the MSD and the Tiny categories. MSD and SD tend to be more standard sizes, although there is some differences between the two. 'Tiny' covers everything more or less smaller than MSD so they do come in a greater variety of sizes. On DoA in the Tiny section there is a great link to a measurement chart where you can compare all the tiny doll sizes. Then you can see if one doll can wear another doll's clothes. Well worth checking out if it's tinies you are looking at - this is the link to the chart but I have no idea if you can see it or not if you're not signed in to DoA!! I have it printed off (although they do update it regularly) so I can look up measurements of the dolls I'm interested in. Then I check out the relevant thread there for suitable clothes, etc. I don't really use DoA as a chat forum (that's this one :) ) but it is a mine of information for BJDs

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pf3...LiCvmEs9VYmfvEw

MSD and SD are easier as there is more crossover of clothes to wear, I've not seen a chart similar to the tiny one, you tend to have to look out each doll and compare.

Which dolls have you been looking at

My advise... book a month, yes at LEAST a month off work, sit in front of your comp and vist the millions of stores, websites, forums there are to do with bjds, have LOTS of coffee to hand for those late nights! and at the end of the month you will still be non the wiser!
Failing that ask Kayjay Kath, thats what i always do!

As Kath said tinies cover anything under msd size and there are trillions! But more specifically yo sd size covers dolls 26-30cm, this is a great size in my opinion!

Not all stores sell clothes and shoes, most that do are always flippin sold out!

Just look and learn Liz, visit the sites when you have a mo, ask questions everywhere and you will learn quickly, what you need to find out is what is your preferred size, or maybe you want a whole family of different sizes?
Search search and search again is the only way.
Good luck

My knowledge of the BJD world is pretty limited, Liz, because it is SO expansive and one would need to seriously sit at the computer for a month as Cindy mentioned. Frankly, I couldn't be bothered and just dabble a little.

My advice would be to go to meet up with Sylvia and see her dolls. Ask her questions and handle the dolls.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

1) What size do you like?
2) What proportions do you like?
3) What kind of stringing tension do you prefer?
4) What type of jointing system do you prefer - more or less?

Another thing to keep in mind is that clothes and accessories are most available for the SD, SD13 and MSD sizes. This doesn't mean other sizes aren't available, but they are harder to find.

Liz,

welcome.

I'm one year old when it comes to BJDs - and I still get confused, so you're certainly not alone!

I think the best advice I can give you, is to research and research and be absolutely sure that the doll you buy, is the one you really want. Because I bought a cheap one i really didn't want, instead of saving up a bit more and buy one i really wanted.. and to be honest, it sucks... I don't like my doll, I'm sick and tired of her, and basically she just annoys me being here... so I'm never again going on compromise with a doll i want.

That is my advice to you - don't buy something else than what you want , just to save money ... you won't be happy with it and you'll keep dreaming of the one you really wanted.

hugs
karina

Yo-SD sized clothing is a lot availeble to elphsnt! ( you-sd is 26-30 cm sized todler like dolls )

Yes, it is available but not in the same amount as other sizes. I buy Yo-SD sized items at doll shows in Japan because it is rare to find in stock items on-line. But only my experience. I find my MSD much easier to find clothes for.

Shawna you are so right about the 'in stock' bit!
Oh my life i spent an entire week trying to find just one pretty dress for my Leina (msd) and everywhere was sold out , so i made my own!
I think 'sold out ' is the norm for these sites!