The Nono Saga Continues

There’s a nagging thought in my mind that’s been driving me crazy–a little voice that whispers, “You want a Volks Nono.”

I try very hard to ignore the voice. I really enjoy Claire, and although I haven’t taken pictures of her in a while or purchased anything lately, she isn’t forgotten. Indeed, the only reason I haven’t purchased anything for her in a month or so is because I decided instead to purchase some things for myself and because the things I had in mind for her are sold out! (Darn that White Rose Collection gray school uniform… I know I’ll have to pay extra for it on the second-hand market… ;_; *sob*) I wonder to myself, “Should she own any lolita clothing? Where can I find cute shoes for her chubby feet?” She sits on my lap while I work on homework; my husband pats her head when he passes by. Continue reading »

A Triumphant Return

Surprise! Some Boxes

Last Monday, after coming home from a long day, I received quite a surprise: two packages! After a hectic day at work and presenting a final project during my evening class, it felt like quite a reward~ Claire had been off with Zingor, receiving new makeup more suited to a little girl, and my portion of a Volks full-choice system split. I really adore a lot of the FCS wigs–especially the pigtailed ones. (I think I’ve already complained about pigtail wigs not being parted down the back…) Continue reading »

Off She Goes!

It feels a little bit odd knowing in the house right now. I’ve finally made the decision to do it, so Claire is on her way to a customizer for new makeup. I was lucky enough to be able to commission one of my favourite face-up artists–Zingor! :3 I really admire her work–particularly because of her eyebrows. She paints some of the loveliest eyebrows I’ve seen–good shape, good detail of the individual hairs, and good placement. Even though it might sound silly, the eyebrows really matter to me! The default “Nagisa in Preschool” eyebrows bothered me so much. I couldn’t stand how they are thicker and darker on the outer edge; it looks so unnatural. Continue reading »

Spoiled Little Doll

Claire has been with us for only about a week at this point, and I just can’t keep myself from spoiling her! I like knowing that I can dress her up in whatever I think is cute and she won’t complain or ruin her clothes. I’ve been hearing some suggestions that wanting a doll that’s like a little girl is like wanting a child, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Continue reading »

She Has Arrived

Well, that much-awaited day finally arrived. My package from Crescent Shop was delivered safely, and I now have a Volks MSD “Nagisa in Preschool” to call my own.

Yesterday started off a bit on the rough side. I had left the city to visit relatives on Friday night, hoping to return Saturday morning. I don’t own a car because I use public transportation, but this means that when I am out in the suburbs I am subject to the whims of whoever is kind enough to take me to the train station. I had plans for part of the day, so I couldn’t stay out until any old time, but I didn’t end up on a train heading back in until just after noon~ I worried the whole way, because I had an appointment to meet with Claudia’s new owner and transfer her. Continue reading »

Increasing Excitement!

This is one of the best things I have seen in a long time!!!

When I logged into Crescent Shop and checked the status of my pending shipment (which is still “processing”), I saw a new and ~beautiful~ icon. An icon that had not previously existed. An icon that proclaims that my Nagisa in Preschool will be packed up soon! Continue reading »

Oh That Waiting Game

While waiting for my auction to arrive to and be shipped from Crescent Shop, I’ve been completely fixated on dolls and doll accessories. I’ve browsed the wig section of every major ball-jointed doll retailer. I’ve overloaded my internet browser with tab after tab of meticulously photographed doll outfits…most of which are out of stock anyway. I’ve scrutinized the measurements of every “MSD”-sized shoe, wondering which would fit on my incoming doll’s chubby little feet. My person suffered through discussion after discussion about the “right” kind of items for the doll who wasn’t even in transit yet. Continue reading »

Creating a Character within a Doll

While I’m waiting for news of my recent purchase, I can’t stop thinking about all of the possibilities for her. Unlike most ball-jointed doll owners, I don’t have characters in mind when I purchase dolls.

I’ve only ever been an extremely casual writer, and the attachment to my characters isn’t one where I hope to embody them. I find that the majority of ball-jointed doll owners (or at least those who are most visible) are writers with a desire to see their beloved characters in a tangible form. These are the people who plan every aspect of a doll down to the last detail. They don’t only know what colour eyes their doll should have–they know the price shade, depth, and speckling that should be present. They hunt endlessly for that perfect wig, frowning at a shade that is slightly off in tint, and contenting themselves that the current wig will be a placeholder until they find the right one. Continue reading »

Patience Is A Virtue…But It’s So Hard!

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my soon-to-be doll, Volks Mini Super Dollfie Nagisa in Preschool, ever since I won the auction. There were a few bumps in the road, which I worried would cast a negative light on a (hopefully) happy doll arrival, but so far I’m not holding a grudge.

The auction for Nagisa in Preschool was my first time using Crescent Shop as a shopping service; usually I bid on Yahoo!Japan Auctions via Celga. However, I discovered the auction on such short notice that I didn’t think Celga would be able to bid on it in time. Crescent Shop, on the other hand, uses a real-time bidding system. However, I failed to realize several key differences in the payment system for Crescent Shop when I registered–I was simply too anxious and excited; I didn’t pay attention to certain parts of their instructions. Continue reading »