|
Post by Snegurochka on Jan 31, 2015 16:53:41 GMT -8
I actually think that's a very good way to do it, orchidesigns!
|
|
|
Post by lazhielle on Jan 31, 2015 23:37:12 GMT -8
For me I purchase dolls on Layaway if I know the artist well enough, otherwise I use PayPal interest free financing (credit). But it has to be interest free for minimum 6 months otherwise I don't go for it for those who require immediate payment. I learned not to be so impulsive over many years and still learning to reel it in. I always pay on time to avoid interest. If I don't do layaway or interest free payment then I don't get creative in finding ways to get extra income ^^ But normally I trade in a doll (sell) to get another doll if I don't have that much funds available. Of course I have a budget in mind, but if there's a doll that looks unique and ideal, you have to snatch it at the right opportunity. For a few of them I was lucky enough to buy when I did otherwise I would have to pay the inflated price for certain dolls, or never getting the chance to purchase that doll again. Luckily I have very discerning taste so for the most part am able to sell the dolls if needed. However if I am not rolling in regular income I try to stay away from purchases. I try to only purchase things that I know I can pay off. But the way allurose buys dolls is a much safer method.
Oh and to be able to afford to purchase these dolls, I don't eat out so much, very frugal on any outside food if needed, don't buy too much clothes or too expensive clothes (actually I am quite cheap with clothes), don't drink at all, don't make too many random purchases, I basically live on the cheap to afford these dolls haha.
|
|
fawkes
Senior Member
Posts: 297
|
Post by fawkes on Feb 1, 2015 0:54:43 GMT -8
Quite an interesting topic! Personally I started collecting Tonner and Gene dolls a few years ago and I discovered that Tonner had started his business creating porcelain dolls in his garage. I've always liked manual activities so I bought polymer clay and started making my first doll. Starting from scratch with no idea how to sculpt or design a doll it was tough but exciting. Meanwhile I discovered ED dolls - wow! - and also Angel's Egg Dolls. I was hooked on the latter and bought 5 resins from Eli. Of course I had to sell most of my Tonner and Gene dolls; I couldn't afford to keep everything on a teacher's salary; but then again I had bought more than 40 - silly me - so I could part with some. In retrospect I think it was part of my evolution. One thing led to another I invested in a kiln and started my own porcelain doll. I also discovered that creating my own doll interested me more and was more rewarding than buying one. I still have buying a Marmite Sue porcelain doll in the back of my mind though lol Today most of my doll budget goes into buying material for my own dolls (porcelain slip, mohair, magnets, springs...can be quite expensive)
|
|
|
Post by bibarina on Feb 1, 2015 3:47:08 GMT -8
I don't have a huge income since separating from my husband and being a single mum, so dolls never really come out of my main finances other than the little I save on 'going without' lol!. What I've done so far, is if I really want a doll I have a major clear out of all unwanted/unused items in my home, and list anything that is worth selling on ebay. I also make clothes for dolls and sell those. It is surprising how much these things add up, but at least my dolls have kind of paid for themselves, so I don't feel guilty. I wouldn't want to get into debt because of my hobby. It has surprised me how much I have collected over the years that I can really do without, and so I am happy to 'get rid' for something I truly want.
|
|
|
Post by nordicfairies on Feb 1, 2015 4:48:06 GMT -8
For me I purchase dolls on Layaway if I know the artist well enough, otherwise I use PayPal interest free financing (credit). But it has to be interest free for minimum 6 months otherwise I don't go for it for those who require immediate payment. I learned not to be so impulsive over many years and still learning to reel it in. I always pay on time to avoid interest. If I don't do layaway or interest free payment then I don't get creative in finding ways to get extra income ^^ But normally I trade in a doll (sell) to get another doll if I don't have that much funds available. Of course I have a budget in mind, but if there's a doll that looks unique and ideal, you have to snatch it at the right opportunity. For a few of them I was lucky enough to buy when I did otherwise I would have to pay the inflated price for certain dolls, or never getting the chance to purchase that doll again. Luckily I have very discerning taste so for the most part am able to sell the dolls if needed. However if I am not rolling in regular income I try to stay away from purchases. I try to only purchase things that I know I can pay off. But the way allurose buys dolls is a much safer method. Oh and to be able to afford to purchase these dolls, I don't eat out so much, very frugal on any outside food if needed, don't buy too much clothes or too expensive clothes (actually I am quite cheap with clothes), don't drink at all, don't make too many random purchases, I basically live on the cheap to afford these dolls haha. We sound actually very like ^^ Reading from your text.. But i actually do want to change My habbits, and try to save money before even if i take more than 1 year. I can feel that i buy a doll from a safe way, actually i had moment when selling 2 dolls but cheaper ones just to pay for My cats vet costs so Its not a good way to buy dolls on layaway or credit :/ in My personal experience.. But everyone handle things diffrent. I have to feel right now that i earned that doll, saved for it or sell other stuff not necessary to be happy with My doll purchase, actually this februari is my birthday i Will get money ( but Will not buy a doll for that money just because) i Will save it or even do things with friends and family so it is very important as alloruse Said to find a balance
|
|
|
Post by domstudio on Feb 1, 2015 9:52:46 GMT -8
Definitely it is not a cheap hobby,but doll making also not. I save also the money first and then buy.At the moment I'm home with my youngest daughter,so I haven't own money,just what I save from Christmas/birthday money: ). I have two piece of Ooak figures.When a very first time i would liked to buy a doll,my boyfriend said: You should make one,not buy.Muhahahha!! When I would like to buy one Klimt painting,then I should paint them?!?: DDD But who does not love dolls does not understand what mean Art of Dolls!!
|
|
Hasel
Senior Member
Posts: 220
|
Post by Hasel on Feb 1, 2015 11:45:24 GMT -8
When I got my first doll (resin) 8 or 9 years ago my mother paid half of her as a loan to me, I paid it off in just 2 months (still so proud of young me) After that I have paid all my dolls from my own money earned first. I soon discovered wigmaking and I kind of paid all my dolls from what I earned with that Except my first porcelain XD When I saw Nita might be being sold I just thought, this is a once in a lifetime chance and I took money from my savings for her. I'm so glad I did <3 I love her to bits and no other doll compares to her. As soon as I paid for her I listed a lot of unused doll parts/items/etc. and filled back the gap in my savings with that. For me it wasn't the ideal situation but it was a good solution. Although getting into this whole world with porcelain beauty's did have me realise I am both rich and poor at the same time >.<'' I'm lucky to be in a good situation where my work is my hobby and I have a place to life (thanks to my dad) and a very understanding boyfriend. But I also got to realise we really do earn so, so little :s I've taken a critical look at my income as an artist and I kind of want to turn things around and make it more sustainable. My boyfriend (also an artist) feels the same way about his situation so I'm kind of hoping it's just a learning curve and something you have to grow into. We haven't been 'working adults' (I don't feel like an adult XD) for long yet.
|
|
|
Post by jilljackson on Feb 9, 2015 7:53:47 GMT -8
I've been collecting for a long time so have used different methods of acquiring money during those 20 years. The first doll I fell in love with was a Himstedt. The price was $295. I thought it was outrageous and couldn't imagine myself ever spending that kind of money on a doll. I watched that doll for very long time. Each year it rose in value from $50 to $100. The doll I loved was getting further away from me instead of closer. I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy her before her price rose more. I was working and I handled the family finances so it was easy to find $20 or so over a few months and buy a doll. However, I never thought my husband would approve so kept the doll (which soon became dolls) in a closet. That went on for several years before I finally told him about it.
I always had a "reason" why the doll I wanted was a "good buy". I've given up all pretense about a doll's value since then and writing for the doll magazines allowed me to get to know the artists and the number of dolls, reasons for buying, and the prices have gone higher. I have stopped feeling guilty. If we can afford it, I do it. I probably spend more on dolls than I earn these days but am no longer young and we don't travel and spend as much on other things as I used to. I used to buy a lot of jewelry & clothes. I don't do that these days. It's the dolls who get the jewelry and clothing. I still feel guilty on occasion, but I ignore it and go on.
|
|
Lasmallen
New Member
thinking.... ;)
Posts: 14
|
Post by Lasmallen on Feb 18, 2015 19:47:52 GMT -8
hahaha!! I confess I started making dolls because I fell in love with ED and had no money to buy it (or any other bjd). I also confess that as a child I hated playing with dolls !! (only played with toy cars and I climbed trees!!) now as Mom, I've become an expert making furniture, houses and clothes for dolls ... just had to start creating them!
|
|
|
Post by jilljackson on Feb 19, 2015 7:26:41 GMT -8
Lasmallen, So happy to see another group member. Have you posted photos of the furniture, houses, and clothing you create for your dolls? do you sell your creations? I loved playing with my dolls, but also loved climbing trees and making towns with roads & houses in my cousin's sand box. Once climbed up on the roof of a garage & then couldn't get down. I was definitely a "risk taker". Luckily my dolls were not required to go on those adventures with me. (They led a very pampered, sheltered life. )
|
|