Meet Bobby the BJD Doll!

Could you still remember the last doll made by Wayne? It was probably done more than 2 years ago! 

This time Wayne took up a challenge to make a BJD (Ball Jointed Doll)!

Wayne signed up for a Simple SteamPunk BJD Contest hosted by Apryl Jenson, Owner of the Makingfairies.com

He decided to do this because this would give him the opportunity to learn something new; he had always wanted to make dolls and other creations besides just bears. The other challenge that he would had to overcome was his inability to create outfits and use a sewing machine. He hoped that by joining this competition, it would give him the opportunity to discover and learn new techniques.

The first face made by Wayne

With the help of Wayne's doll teacher, Carmel, Wayne learnt to created a more child-like face

Wayne discovered that doll making is more difficult than making Teddy Bears because there are basically no patterns to make a doll! All you need is to use your imagination to mold and sculpt a doll by using balls of clay. Thankfully, there is a printed size and proportion of the doll so that you can always keep track and make sure your doll is not oversized!

The dolls made are definitely OOAK (One of a Kind) since they are hand sculpted. That is unless you cast and make multiples of them from molds.

It's very frustrating when the joints kept breaking.

Wayne learns to make a wig cap for Bobby!

Wayne felt that the most difficult process of making a BJD was to prevent the breakage of the joints on the limbs. He would need more experience through trial and error to find a better way to strengthen the joints. That is why most of the BJD in the market are made of resin as resin is hard and strong.

First attempt to give doll a make-up with oil paints

Wayne also felt that he needs more practise to learn how to paint a doll's face. It is very difficult to paint symmetrical eye brows and lashes. 

After the doll was completed, Wayne measured and drew an outfit pattern and sew it using a sewing machine. It took Wayne two tries to get the right fitting for the doll to wear. Looking at Bobby's completed outfit made all the effort worthwhile!

Sewing pants for Bobby

A failed attempt!

Bobby finally has his pants and shoes on.

Wayne is very proud of Bobby! Wayne has submitted Bobby for the competition and we hope we can win some blocks of clay to make more dolls!

We want to take this opportunity to thank Apryl for organising this event and we hope to join the event again next time.

Hugs, Wayne