Ball-Jointed Dolls

To the uninitiated, ball-jointed dolls can be mystifying, amusing, and even a wee bit alarming. On a first glance, a layman might think they are toys. However, these dolls are clearly designed with adults in mind--small and delicate parts, expensive hand-made miniature clothing and shoes, and expansive customization options abound. Perhaps it is more accurate to think of them as interactive art pieces, meant to be customized, dressed, posed, photographed, and enjoyed at a distance.

Customization is a huge part of ball-jointed doll ownership. The bjd hobbyist can alter the appearance of their doll with a wide assortment of clothes, miniature accessories, eyes, wigs, and painted faces and bodies. Some people go so far as to modify the physical bodies of the dolls themselves, changing genders or adding limbs or heads from other dollmakers. There is an entire science to their posing, clothing, painting, storage, and care.

It is my hope that this site will introduce ball-jointed dolls, help to dispel some of the myths surrounding them, and share some of the passion I possess.