Breaking the rules on Day 10

     So I get that Day 10 is supposed to be a picture of one of your dolls with an animal. But where I live lacks animals. I don't have any pets, and even though the apartment complex is pet-friendly, it looks like all the cats that like to greet me on their daily walk (or just get belly rubs) are in hiding. I can't find a single animal that won't scurry away at the sight of a person, or even the sight of a doll.

     I'm going to break the rules of the challenge today, but I plan to stick to the rest of them for the rest of the 30 days. Instead, I'm going to write about my first near-BJD experience.

A small rant.

     Why don't people use proper respiratory protection when they work on their dolls? Why do they spray their dolls inside their house with MSC or Dullcote or whatever and then complain that they don't like the sealants because it hurts their lungs? Why do these same people explain that they don't have a respirator because they're expensive? I got mine at Harbor Freight for 15 dollars! Fumes, dust, smoke...these are all things that aren't supposed to be in your lungs--these are all things that DAMAGE your lungs! Some of the chemicals in sealants (and even pastels) have been linked to lung cancer, COPD, and all sorts of other bad stuff from prolonged exposure. People die from this stuff. Cancer isn't fun. I shouldn't have to tell people this. Your life is worth more than 15 dollars. You can afford 15 dollars. Hell, you can afford to go for a 35 dollar respirator and it still won't compare to the medical bills that would be incurred later on without protection.

     Not to mention the people who might be in your house when you're spraying inside, unprotected. It's often recommended to spray outside (or in a well-ventilated area) and not to let people/animals near the area unprotected for at least 30 minutes AFTER you're done. So, not only is there potential to harm yourself from this exposure, you could also be hurting those around you. It's just not smart, and it's irresponsible. If you know the consequences and still choose to put yourself at risk, that's on you. But putting other people's health at risk, knowingly, is just... I mean, this stuff kills people. Do you really want that on your hands? Instead of paying for decent protection? Even if you don't get a mask because it's still "too expensive" for you, could you at least spray where you can't harm anyone else? And if you start to feel your lungs hurting, you should STOP right then--not continue until you're done with the faceup and about to pass out! You shouldn't keep doing this for three more months and refuse to see a doctor about it! Please, everyone, just be smart about it. Be considerate. Protect yourself, and protect those around you. No matter how much you love this hobby, it's not worth serious health issues like that. It's not worth shortening or even accidentally ending your life.

     I'm going to stop browsing the workshop threads now, because it just keeps getting worse.

Buying your first doll

     So, you're still bright-eyed and in wonder of all these beautiful dolls you see around. You come to admire some hobbyists, and you think you want your first BJD. 

   

BJD Modification Tips and Advice

     Some people really enjoy customizing their dolls--a few of them have previous knowledge from other, similar crafts and carry those skills over to their dolls. This guide is generally geared towards budding modifiers who find themselves without any real direction, but I hope that it can be a suitable guide for those with a basic knowledge, or who are even proficient as well.