In today’s video, I aim to guide beginners through creating a ball-jointed doll (BJD doll) they can be proud of.

Step-by-Step BJD Doll

1. Essential Materials

To start, you'll need either polymer clay or air-dry plastic. I highly recommend polymer clay, specifically Livingdoll by Super Sculpey, for its durability and ease of use. While air-dry plastic doesn't require baking, it prolongs the drying process and results in a more fragile BJD doll.

2. Creating BJD Stencil

Before diving into sculpting, create a detailed stencil. Draw your doll in both profile and frontal views, ensuring all proportions are accurate. This stencil will guide you in maintaining proper dimensions throughout the sculpting process.

I have a special short video about the stencils.

3. Building the Base

Use crumpled foil to form the basic shape of your doll. Cover this base with clay, baking it at low temperatures (around 110°C) to harden the details while allowing for further modifications.

4. Sculpting and Baking

Sculpt the finer details, baking the clay at 130°C to finalize the structure. This iterative process helps in achieving the desired precision and detail in your artist’s doll.

5. Eyes and Eyelashes

Choose acrylic or glass eyes for a realistic look. Insertable eyes not only look more effective but also simplify the assembly process. You can also buy eyelashes or cut and glue false eyelashes one hair at a time for added realism in your ball-jointed doll.

6. Joints and Assembly

Glue thin leather or suede to the joints for smooth movement and durability. Assemble the BJD doll using elastic bands or springs for larger dolls, ensuring flexibility and stability.

7. Painting and Finishing

You can paint your doll with acrylics or pastels, but it’s better to use durable Genesis paints or the alternative named Kebelka. For wigs, use natural materials like goat fur, merino wool, or mohair, avoiding synthetic options for a more refined appearance in your ball-jointed doll (BJD).

8. Costuming

Use high-quality materials such as natural silk and antique lace for the doll’s clothing. Consider volumetric costumes for a more striking visual impact. Tools like Midjourney and Dall-E can help generate costume ideas, making the design process easier and more creative for your art dolls.

Inspirational Success Story

Recently, I conducted an intensive masterclass with Anji from Peru. Despite the language barrier, modern technology allowed us to communicate effectively, leading to a successful collaboration. Over the course of a week, we sculpted a beautiful ball-jointed doll (BJD), demonstrating that with dedication and the right guidance, anyone can create stunning ball-jointed dolls.

Conclusion

Creating a ball-jointed doll is a rewarding journey that combines art, craft, and a touch of magic. By following these steps and embracing the process, you can bring your own unique ball-jointed doll (BJD) to life.

Remember, the key is to start small, tackle each step methodically, and most importantly, enjoy the creative adventure.