Once you have your doll!

Ok, so you now have that doll you've also wanted. You finally got her! Here's some tips to keep her in tip-top condition. I wrote these tips for BJDs, but they should work for blythes and other dolls as well.

• Keep out of direct sunlight. Resin yellows over time. The less sunlight it's exposed to the better. You're probably thinking, but I want to display her. I like to display my dolls as well, but I pull the shade when too much sunlight begins to enter the room and fall on my dolls.


• Mr. Magic Eraser is your best friend. Sooner or later something will probably happen to your doll that requires cleaning; whether it's a wig stain, an accident with a face-up, or something else. You will want a magic eraser around for when this event occurs, it gets rid of marks quickly and easily.


• Keep painted parts out of water. Most of the time your doll will be just fine in water, but placing your dolly in water can damage paint. If you do put your doll in water, please remember to take the doll apart and let all the pieces dry. If the water is not clean, such as river water, make sure to clean all the pieces before putting the doll back together or it could lead to future damage.


• Invest in eye putty. Not all dolls come with eyes or eye putty. So it is good to invest in some before you receive one, especially if you plan on changing out the eyes often.


• Plan to spend money on string. Some dolls come strung too tightly or loosely. It is not rare for the doll owner to have to restring the doll upon arrival. Even if your doll comes home well strung the stringing will become looser over time and it will eventually have to be restrung.


• Shoes fit better with socks. It's a fact. Shoes that you would think will never fit your doll work just fine with the right pair of socks. So when you are searching for new shoes always consider whether or not your doll will be wearing socks with them.


• Wig caps always help. Sooner or later you will probably get a wig that doesn't stay on your dolls head perfectly or causes staining. Wig caps can help you prevent staining and keep that wig in place.


• A better camera equals better pictures. If you plan to take lots of pictures of your new doll, consider investing in a new camera. It makes your pictures look better, allows you to show off your doll better, and probably makes your doll happier too.


• Don't drop it! I know a lot of people like to be super careful with their dolls (including me), but dolls are hardier than people give them credit for. If you do happen to drop the doll, most of time you will probably get a minor crack and maybe get a little bit dirty. No worries though, you can always sand the crack to make it almost invisible.


• Have fun! Whether that is taking picture, making up stories, or designing new clothes for your dolly to wear; it's up to you!

Have more tips for owners? Comment below!