The Doll Forum

Hi, Just wondering if anyone has tried, (or better still succeeded), in modifying a mannequin into a ball jointed doll, as I'm trying to figure out what needs cutting and to what shape, and what to use for joints etc. etc. and a few pointers in the right direction would be very welcome.

I would suggest to unbuild a Barbie to learn how to replicate the joints, good luck with your project

Hi kev55,

Here's a thread dedicated to this subject if you want to take a look.
May give you some ideas...
http://dollforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=57877

They aren't exactly BJDs, but there are also jointed mannequins available...
http://www.roxydisplayinc.com/webpage/m ... vable.html

How big of a BJD are you wanting?
I took a readily available 48" BJD and added 6" to it. See PIC. Could have gone a little more.
Mannequins tend to run rather tall and can be cumbersome to play with.

Have you done any sheet metal work w/ rivets or fiberglass & resin? Bondo work?

Many thanks guys, the link will be a great help, and yes I've done a bit with creating molds in silicone and casting out with fibreglass, I'm not quite up to a zen master at it, more the gifted amateur, but I'm confident that it can be done fairly easily, and I'm planning to modify a 5 foot mannequin, (teenage sized), but I'll age her before I show any pics.