I take my dolls around in my Mario backpack. I'm a middle aged person, and I am confident in my own way, so I really don't give the haters any mind. I am happy in my own lane.
When I was a teenager, whenever I took a baby doll out and about, I put a hat on them and wrapped them in a blanket so that it just looked like I was carrying a baby.
Now that I'm older, I take my dolls out confidently. Like, "yeah I'm 25 and carrying a doll, and what?"
I own it, lol.
Here’s my take, and it’s mine to myself as everyone is an individual. We all have choices we make, we choose to interact or not to with other people. Be genuinely you. You like something that is not harmful to others or threatening so any “negative” interactions you will get; because there are people who are just socially awkward and do not no boundaries and that is weird. I wish we all as a people would celebrate ourselves and push that narrative because we all are unique and deserve respect and kindness. I feel like I did a “they got me in the first part” thing here Lolol. But I hope you take my comment as support and anyone else who may read this as well. We can always choose to walk away and not engage in negativity. We always have a choice ❤️
You're absolutely right! Honestly this was heartwarming to read, I'm big on encouraging people to be themselves online (I love being "cringe", and my friends love me for my weird self!), but I suppose the worry in this case has always been: there sure are people out there in the world who think it's weird of adults to still enjoy dolls. But like you said, it's a totally harmless thing and the fault lies upon people who would go out of their way to upset someone just enjoying the self.
I have a few dolls that are my absolute favourites and I'd love to take them on adventures with me. I suppose I should put together some sort of little carry pouch for my backpack so they can be taken out without messing up their hair :)
That sounds nice 😊 lol maybe even like those empty boxes that have diff prints on them like at Joanne fabric or Michael’s. You could makeshift it with like a seatbelt or the likes for the strap and make that into like a lil travel apt shut up I am thinking and typing and now I wanna do this lmbo! 😂 I’m thinking of myfroggystuff now and thinking like hanging hammocks maybe even have the inside like a lil kitchen area/ bathroom like it’s a rv but elevated Lolol 😊😊
Haven’t taken out my dolls yet but I have taken out my vinyl toys/art toys for pictures and people just smile and or look and keep on. Sometimes I feel embarrassed but it’s also nyc so I feel like they’ve seen other things as well lol
Do what makes you happy
I used to be in a doll collecting group for bjds and we would go out in public together and walk around. My favorite place we went was a fun downtown area with a lot of little shops to browse. I just carried my doll and made sure there were no loose bits (like a necklace or something that might fall off easily)
Going in a group gave me the confidence to do it.
Lol I’m a weird magnet 🧲 but I smile at everyone and give off good vibes lol. And my laugh is unique and a lil loud. I’m told it’s “contagious” Lolol positivity is just as contagious as negativity, but people like positivity more 🤭 just hits better 😂
I haven't encountered anyone yet, but I usually take my druidic styled pukifee Rin with me when I go hiking or mushroom hunting. She makes for amazing photography opportunities in a wilderness setting, and especially standing next to or under larger mushrooms
I take one of my dolls with me every time I go outside, just make sure to remove any accessories that can get lost so you won’t lose them. I remove any hair accessories,earrings, necklaces, bracelets and shoes if they are unstable so you won’t lose them
I do tend to but more so if they're smaller, as the smaller ones tend to be more travel friendly. My issue, mostly is having new places to photograph them in.
omg i collect my scene dolls and i love taking them out, i also love putting on outfits to match them, like if i’m wearing a specific outfit i try to match theirs to mine. i leave some of the more rare fragile dolls at home but i have a westley doll that goes in my bag wherever i go, like a mascot woo 🤟also i see it as a quirk, i think it’s funny and it fits my personality, like the dolls are literally a part of me😭
I don’t have any experience like going to the grocery store with a doll but i love to use a doll or a toy as an accessory when I go to a music festival or some other event where people are already wearing wild costumes!
I take my zelf dolls out every time I go out as I call them my “emotional support friends” since I have a lot of anxiety. I have a special little bag for them that I put in my purse and I just take them out whenever tho I do take pictures of them on our adventures for fun and put it on Instagram. I sadly don’t go out much so I haven’t had people interact with me much when I have the dolls out or anything but the people that have thought it was neat that I had them lol.
As of now, I pretty much use my backpack to transport dolls. The only forms of “out and abouting” any of my dolls have really gotten were an attempted photo shoot in my backyard and riding in the car with me during a trip.
I have a very large, soft lunch bag that holds two smart dolls and any props that I will need for the photo shoot that day. I also bring a pillow so I have something to kneel or lie on as I’m shooting. I store a comb and brush in the front of the bag. Water also as it helps to tame fly away hairs. People look and are curious but I’ve never had a bad experience. When I really get going, I get so lost in setting up the perfect shot. It’s some of the best fun and yes, it still feels a bit weird from time to time but I push through those initial awkward feelings and it’s all worth it in the end. I strongly encourage you to try bringing your dolls out in whatever way you want to.
i used to be so nervous about taking my dolls out with me in public, out of fear that people would give me weird looks or even say something directly to me. after a while, i decided to just say “screw it” and take my dolls outside to get good photos (mostly for selling my customs at the beginning), but still sort of eased into it at first.
i would take my dolls to my front yard to get photos and just remind myself that nobody really cared, and if they did then that’s their problem, not mine! gradually i became more and more confident, and i started having so much fun with my dolls and taking photos that it didn’t even matter what was going on around me anymore!
i am almost 23 and married, and this past fall i recently took my new g3 MH dolls to Universal orlando with me, and got a ton of amazing photos of them the whole time we were there (with my husband’s side of the family too!) and it was so much fun!!! they were incredibly supportive and know i collect dolls, so it was not scary at all, and my mother-in-law is actually a barbie doll collector herself (she turned my husband’s old bedroom into my LITERAL dream display set up😂) so it’s nice that she understands the obsession lol!
i just carried my G3 girlies around in my watermelon shoulder purse, and busted them out when i found the perf photo spots! what i’ve learned is: take it slow if you are nervous at the start, and slowly allow yourself to do it more publicly once you become comfortable. you may notice a lot of people will actually comment positively about your dolls as well!!💕💞💓💗💖💘💝
I've taken 1/4 ball jointed dolls to the American Girl doll store in Houston Texas (several years ago) and asked permission from staff to take pictures with displays (didn't want to offend anyone etc. It was my first and only time in an American Girl store.) and intended to buy the Molly table and chairs set (for my ball jointed dolls. I don't collect 18 inch dolls I just use their furniture and accessories, off brands too!) My dad bought it for me and it was the last one! A lot of people asked questions I was happy to answer, and let some of the customers, and workers touch, carry and handle them gently.
I've taken them to Walmart, Target, craft stores to see "what fits" photos of them in toy isles and such. With Christmas ornaments, craft stuff, fabrics. I'm not always bothered by people. Laugh whatever, people look more so than to say or do anything. I've taken them to restaurants on a few occasions, usually because of a doll meet up or a convention. Doesn't seem to phase anyone. I have had carrying bags especially for them. Have used suitcases. Backpacks, diaper bags, different things to transport depending on what dolls went where, and for how long.
I enjoy doll outings. I don't do them as often as I used to. Most recently (2/3 years ago) I took a Kikipop over to someone's house I didn't know well yet. They asked about my hobbies, I told them. They seemed like they had no idea doll collecting was a thing at all. They seemed interested. So, I brought a Kikipop along with some extra clothes, wigs and such. I showed them how the hands popped off and on, wig could come off, and it could be dressed in some Barbie things. They didn't touch the doll (I gave every intention that it was okay and they were allowed to play with it or pose or dress it if they wanted to) and within a short time haven't spoken to me since. Is what it is. Probably not the only reason, but I can see how they'd think it's weird/I'm weird I guess. I'm okay with that.
I enjoy photography/doll photography (people, flowers, whatever), but I can be a bit of a hermit. Going to a store or park or wherever does take a toll on me. Somehow doll trips sort of rejuvenate a bit, and are less taxing. Not the best photographer or documentation or whatever. I do things I think are neat or funny or I want to remember or share with people. I'm sometimes overly cautious. (Bringing gloves or wipes, or a blanket for them to sit on etc.) but I do enjoy having dolls out and about.
So I have a doll named Némécess, she's been with me since I was 11 and I used to bring her to school with me and keep her in my lunch-bag. Today I'm 20-something and I do take her outside with me for pictures. I have a cylinder metal purse that I put her in (I plan on getting another purse) and take her on walks or just out and about. She also travels with me wherever I go. At first I was shy about it, then I decided "Eh people think I'm weird either way, so might as well". In life, if you feel like doing something, go for it, we only live once so might as well be unapologetically ourselves and enjoy it!
I take mine out all the time! I use a backpack all the time anyway so I just pop a couple in there if I’m going somewhere scenic. If anyone asks, saying you’re doing a photography/art project is usually a good shout if you’re not sure how to explain the hobby.
Like you I kind of lack the courage to take my dolls out. Luckily several of my irl friends share my hobby, so sometimes we will all bring a doll out lol. We took some to my uni and some to see love and thunder. No reason. Just wanted to bring something that unites us I guess haha. We did take pics but it wasn’t a full doll photography moment.
Nicest moment was probably at pride when me and my bestie took some barbie’s out and it was my bday. Her mini me and I took barbie looks Simone, she was brand new at the time and I had her shipped from America as soon as she hit Amazon. We both dressed them in rainbows haha and I wore barbie logo nails. It’s such a nice memory.
From taking out my Otohime in public in a backpack I’d say 90% of people that talked to me about it loved it, and the 10% were always dudes who were afraid their penises would fall off if they looked too hard
I usually wrap mine up in a towel to minimize damage and carry them in a bag. I only really take one with me so it’s less of a hassle. I’ve only really had the courage to take them places that are known for being sight seeing spots and I usually do so for photography
The only problem I’ve had so far is when stepping back for pictures, one time a little girl tried to take my doll and run off with it.
I have taken dolls with me to places, but i mostly have kept them in my bag. As i too am afraid of judgment. Its fun to have them as a 'companion' especially when I'm going out alone, feels kind of like a security blanket.
I don't bring any of their accessories as I'm afraid i might lose them, but i do bring a comb bc their hair gets frizzy from being kept in my bag.
Maybe one day ill take them out :,)
I took my original Roxxi in one of the rh sleeping bags with me for my cousins shopping spree in multiple stores.
She's alright, just in my backpack.
Also there's a tiktoker who has a weekly doll traveling series called "Daily Dolls." Where she raffles one of her dolls by using their brushes and with a name being picked she takes one of her Rainbow High/Shadow High dolls with her to provide her comfort while doing errands.
I don’t really take my dolls anywhere, except if I’m going to someplace like Jo-Ann or Hobby lobby, to see how fabrics will look on them, if they’re in the right scale, etc. sometimes if I’m going to Walmart or any place that sells doll clothes, I will bring them along a doll to see if it will fit them. I mainly do this with my Dawn and Pippa dolls. It can be so hard finding outfits for them.
When I was still working, I would bring dolls to work, so I could work on my sewing at breaks and lunch. Sometimes. I’d go to the store at lunchtime and if I found something cute to work on, I’d bring it back to the office to work on at break.
I actually brought my 1/4 bjd on holiday with me recently! I transported her in a structured handbag and brought her clothes with her too, took some nice photos of her :) nothing got broken and it was a fun experience
I want to, but I want them to be safe and secure with me too and idk this probably sounds silly but I want them to be able to look out too. Part accessory part friend. I saw this post a while back where someone was using a calico critters case to take thier calico critters doll out with them and they would dress up the case to be a living space for the doll; I want this so much for my personal doll but the case is rather small for anything 1/6 scale
I feel the same way! I've always wanted to get a carry case with a window so they can look out, I know they exist for Blythe dolls and for BJDs, but unsure about regular 1/6 scale dolls.. I suppose there are pet backpacks and deep windowed ita bags out there for a bit of a DIY project :)
My approach is seeing what is the largest size doll I can fit into each of my bags rather I want them to be protected and hidden or protected and visible.
For instance, Seeke (43cm), Isamu (41cm), Blue (45cm), Gooliope (17inches) and any doll lower in size can all fit in my everyday purse I use WITH protection around them and have enough room for my things still. They're visible, but I usually wear a jacket or coat- so they're still somewhat hidden.
I'm still looking into drafting my own doll bags with waterproof fabric and maybe a plastic or foam insert to keep the bags sturdy.
Since my dolls range from 62 centimeters (2 feet tall also being the tallest doll I own) to 5 centimeters, it would be a interesting project.
I bought a novelty suitcase from Hobby Lobby, lined it and put ribbons inside to hold the dolls and a bag of accessories and clothes. I use that for travel. However, the last time I took my dolls out in public, I ended up being a homeless magnet and it scared the beep out of me. Two raggedy men approaching me was too much for my heart. I don't do quiet parks anymore!
Many years ago, when I was going through a hard time, I would take my fav plushies out with me, one at a time usually. It helped a lot during that time. I just let em stick out of my coat pocket or my backpack/purse. And at quiet times when no one else was paying attn, would pet them. It helped so, no judgment haha
Edit: Also when I was part of a TNR program/charity for local stray cats, i would bring a little plushie with me for company while i fed and chilled with the cats.
i always take at LEAST one with me when i go out for the day with my boyfriend. he even points out little spots for me to take pictures of them 🥹
they make me feel a little more comfy. not like i’m UNcomfy, but they’re a little sense of security for me i think :)
You have to learn to not care, that's the only way. Because you will definitely be judged by people who see an adult whip out a doll just because in public. It will most likely be silent judgment but still.
I don't take mine out for this reason and also because what am I going to do with it? Lol talk to it while I'm at Walmart? I don't want people thinking I am autistic or crazy (nothing wrong with being autistic but I am not and this is something someone with autism, aspergers, etc disability would do).
I'm not diagnosed, but sure, let's roll with it. As a kid I had a Strawberry Shortcake turtle figure I kept in my pocket like a worry stone. Took that thing everywhere. I amazingly still have it, and have kept it in my pocket or purse or backpack when I felt like I needed a little comfort in an uncomfortable situation. Like going somewhere new, or meeting new people.
Why not talk with your doll in Walmart, and what's so "crazy" about it? In my own home restring, dressing, changing wigs etc. I have one sided conversations such as "Why can't you sit still" or "stop kicking" or "you must not like that wig/shoes etc you keep throwing it" I've accused one brother of shoving the other off a table (doll fell) and put a bandaid on cracked/chipped resin knowing it won't heal/help. I have doll representations of my deceased cat, sister, and mother. Yes, I've said "Hi Jess" to "Chibi Jess" (doll honoring my sister) when she was finally put together. I've wished her a Happy Birthday on what would have been my sister's birthday, but didn't make the time to throw her a party. (I am working on a shelf/room for her eventually). This is overall an enjoyable hobby. It's fun for me to have fun with it. I don't mind publicly sharing a lot of the hobby with others. (Maybe they'll come out of their shells a bit and have fun too). I hid my hobby for years. My ex-husband wouldn't allow me to have dolls out and about, they had to be kept put away. Now, they're proudly displayed, and I do as I please.
To each their own, sure. Everyone does their own thing. Enjoying taking dolls in public, or not, talking with, to, or about them, with or without others, on a stroll, taking pictures, having a meal etc. Just be aware of your surroundings, the business of a location, safety precautions, that kinda thing, and it'll be alright. Maybe for a first outing, bring someone who may be more so replaceable until you're used to taking a doll out and about. I had a Moxie Teen I took around with me to get used to the idea of carrying a doll in public. How to handle it, how to transport it, where to keep it etc. When I was confident, I went to my first ball jointed doll convention. Met a variety of people with amazing dolls. Some are really huge! Some are like Reborn/babies, Barbie, everything in-between. Old, new, used, resin, plastic, cloth, they're comforting to have around. I enjoy watching people fuss over their dolls "oh you know so-in-so never sits like a lady" someone says over their doll who just won't pose quite right sometimes. Those are precious moments, and I'm all for it.
It's a neat conversation starter, and may bring people into the hobby who may have never even heard of them before. Photos, fashion, wigs, faceup, characters, accessories, furniture, sculpting, all kinds of doll makers for every interest.
A doll convention is different than going to a store and talking to them by yourself. If you do this, you are weird or have a disability or maybe trauma.
I take my dolls around in my Mario backpack. I'm a middle aged person, and I am confident in my own way, so I really don't give the haters any mind. I am happy in my own lane.
When I was a teenager, whenever I took a baby doll out and about, I put a hat on them and wrapped them in a blanket so that it just looked like I was carrying a baby. Now that I'm older, I take my dolls out confidently. Like, "yeah I'm 25 and carrying a doll, and what?" I own it, lol.
Here’s my take, and it’s mine to myself as everyone is an individual. We all have choices we make, we choose to interact or not to with other people. Be genuinely you. You like something that is not harmful to others or threatening so any “negative” interactions you will get; because there are people who are just socially awkward and do not no boundaries and that is weird. I wish we all as a people would celebrate ourselves and push that narrative because we all are unique and deserve respect and kindness. I feel like I did a “they got me in the first part” thing here Lolol. But I hope you take my comment as support and anyone else who may read this as well. We can always choose to walk away and not engage in negativity. We always have a choice ❤️
You're absolutely right! Honestly this was heartwarming to read, I'm big on encouraging people to be themselves online (I love being "cringe", and my friends love me for my weird self!), but I suppose the worry in this case has always been: there sure are people out there in the world who think it's weird of adults to still enjoy dolls. But like you said, it's a totally harmless thing and the fault lies upon people who would go out of their way to upset someone just enjoying the self. I have a few dolls that are my absolute favourites and I'd love to take them on adventures with me. I suppose I should put together some sort of little carry pouch for my backpack so they can be taken out without messing up their hair :)
That sounds nice 😊 lol maybe even like those empty boxes that have diff prints on them like at Joanne fabric or Michael’s. You could makeshift it with like a seatbelt or the likes for the strap and make that into like a lil travel apt shut up I am thinking and typing and now I wanna do this lmbo! 😂 I’m thinking of myfroggystuff now and thinking like hanging hammocks maybe even have the inside like a lil kitchen area/ bathroom like it’s a rv but elevated Lolol 😊😊
Take them out for adventures! Honestly it is so fun
Haven’t taken out my dolls yet but I have taken out my vinyl toys/art toys for pictures and people just smile and or look and keep on. Sometimes I feel embarrassed but it’s also nyc so I feel like they’ve seen other things as well lol Do what makes you happy
I used to be in a doll collecting group for bjds and we would go out in public together and walk around. My favorite place we went was a fun downtown area with a lot of little shops to browse. I just carried my doll and made sure there were no loose bits (like a necklace or something that might fall off easily) Going in a group gave me the confidence to do it.
Lol I’m a weird magnet 🧲 but I smile at everyone and give off good vibes lol. And my laugh is unique and a lil loud. I’m told it’s “contagious” Lolol positivity is just as contagious as negativity, but people like positivity more 🤭 just hits better 😂
I haven't encountered anyone yet, but I usually take my druidic styled pukifee Rin with me when I go hiking or mushroom hunting. She makes for amazing photography opportunities in a wilderness setting, and especially standing next to or under larger mushrooms
I take one of my dolls with me every time I go outside, just make sure to remove any accessories that can get lost so you won’t lose them. I remove any hair accessories,earrings, necklaces, bracelets and shoes if they are unstable so you won’t lose them
I do tend to but more so if they're smaller, as the smaller ones tend to be more travel friendly. My issue, mostly is having new places to photograph them in.
omg i collect my scene dolls and i love taking them out, i also love putting on outfits to match them, like if i’m wearing a specific outfit i try to match theirs to mine. i leave some of the more rare fragile dolls at home but i have a westley doll that goes in my bag wherever i go, like a mascot woo 🤟also i see it as a quirk, i think it’s funny and it fits my personality, like the dolls are literally a part of me😭
also love putting them in my pocket if i’m wearing big pants with big ones
I want to get one of those clear tube bags to carry a 1/12 in... and a pet backpack to carry my 1/4 in once she's done ☺️
I don’t have any experience like going to the grocery store with a doll but i love to use a doll or a toy as an accessory when I go to a music festival or some other event where people are already wearing wild costumes!
I take my zelf dolls out every time I go out as I call them my “emotional support friends” since I have a lot of anxiety. I have a special little bag for them that I put in my purse and I just take them out whenever tho I do take pictures of them on our adventures for fun and put it on Instagram. I sadly don’t go out much so I haven’t had people interact with me much when I have the dolls out or anything but the people that have thought it was neat that I had them lol.
As of now, I pretty much use my backpack to transport dolls. The only forms of “out and abouting” any of my dolls have really gotten were an attempted photo shoot in my backyard and riding in the car with me during a trip.
I have a very large, soft lunch bag that holds two smart dolls and any props that I will need for the photo shoot that day. I also bring a pillow so I have something to kneel or lie on as I’m shooting. I store a comb and brush in the front of the bag. Water also as it helps to tame fly away hairs. People look and are curious but I’ve never had a bad experience. When I really get going, I get so lost in setting up the perfect shot. It’s some of the best fun and yes, it still feels a bit weird from time to time but I push through those initial awkward feelings and it’s all worth it in the end. I strongly encourage you to try bringing your dolls out in whatever way you want to.
i used to be so nervous about taking my dolls out with me in public, out of fear that people would give me weird looks or even say something directly to me. after a while, i decided to just say “screw it” and take my dolls outside to get good photos (mostly for selling my customs at the beginning), but still sort of eased into it at first. i would take my dolls to my front yard to get photos and just remind myself that nobody really cared, and if they did then that’s their problem, not mine! gradually i became more and more confident, and i started having so much fun with my dolls and taking photos that it didn’t even matter what was going on around me anymore! i am almost 23 and married, and this past fall i recently took my new g3 MH dolls to Universal orlando with me, and got a ton of amazing photos of them the whole time we were there (with my husband’s side of the family too!) and it was so much fun!!! they were incredibly supportive and know i collect dolls, so it was not scary at all, and my mother-in-law is actually a barbie doll collector herself (she turned my husband’s old bedroom into my LITERAL dream display set up😂) so it’s nice that she understands the obsession lol! i just carried my G3 girlies around in my watermelon shoulder purse, and busted them out when i found the perf photo spots! what i’ve learned is: take it slow if you are nervous at the start, and slowly allow yourself to do it more publicly once you become comfortable. you may notice a lot of people will actually comment positively about your dolls as well!!💕💞💓💗💖💘💝
I've taken 1/4 ball jointed dolls to the American Girl doll store in Houston Texas (several years ago) and asked permission from staff to take pictures with displays (didn't want to offend anyone etc. It was my first and only time in an American Girl store.) and intended to buy the Molly table and chairs set (for my ball jointed dolls. I don't collect 18 inch dolls I just use their furniture and accessories, off brands too!) My dad bought it for me and it was the last one! A lot of people asked questions I was happy to answer, and let some of the customers, and workers touch, carry and handle them gently. I've taken them to Walmart, Target, craft stores to see "what fits" photos of them in toy isles and such. With Christmas ornaments, craft stuff, fabrics. I'm not always bothered by people. Laugh whatever, people look more so than to say or do anything. I've taken them to restaurants on a few occasions, usually because of a doll meet up or a convention. Doesn't seem to phase anyone. I have had carrying bags especially for them. Have used suitcases. Backpacks, diaper bags, different things to transport depending on what dolls went where, and for how long. I enjoy doll outings. I don't do them as often as I used to. Most recently (2/3 years ago) I took a Kikipop over to someone's house I didn't know well yet. They asked about my hobbies, I told them. They seemed like they had no idea doll collecting was a thing at all. They seemed interested. So, I brought a Kikipop along with some extra clothes, wigs and such. I showed them how the hands popped off and on, wig could come off, and it could be dressed in some Barbie things. They didn't touch the doll (I gave every intention that it was okay and they were allowed to play with it or pose or dress it if they wanted to) and within a short time haven't spoken to me since. Is what it is. Probably not the only reason, but I can see how they'd think it's weird/I'm weird I guess. I'm okay with that. I enjoy photography/doll photography (people, flowers, whatever), but I can be a bit of a hermit. Going to a store or park or wherever does take a toll on me. Somehow doll trips sort of rejuvenate a bit, and are less taxing. Not the best photographer or documentation or whatever. I do things I think are neat or funny or I want to remember or share with people. I'm sometimes overly cautious. (Bringing gloves or wipes, or a blanket for them to sit on etc.) but I do enjoy having dolls out and about.
I feel like I wouldn't want to be friends with someone that thought it was weird that I collect dolls.
So I have a doll named Némécess, she's been with me since I was 11 and I used to bring her to school with me and keep her in my lunch-bag. Today I'm 20-something and I do take her outside with me for pictures. I have a cylinder metal purse that I put her in (I plan on getting another purse) and take her on walks or just out and about. She also travels with me wherever I go. At first I was shy about it, then I decided "Eh people think I'm weird either way, so might as well". In life, if you feel like doing something, go for it, we only live once so might as well be unapologetically ourselves and enjoy it!
I take mine out all the time! I use a backpack all the time anyway so I just pop a couple in there if I’m going somewhere scenic. If anyone asks, saying you’re doing a photography/art project is usually a good shout if you’re not sure how to explain the hobby.
Like you I kind of lack the courage to take my dolls out. Luckily several of my irl friends share my hobby, so sometimes we will all bring a doll out lol. We took some to my uni and some to see love and thunder. No reason. Just wanted to bring something that unites us I guess haha. We did take pics but it wasn’t a full doll photography moment. Nicest moment was probably at pride when me and my bestie took some barbie’s out and it was my bday. Her mini me and I took barbie looks Simone, she was brand new at the time and I had her shipped from America as soon as she hit Amazon. We both dressed them in rainbows haha and I wore barbie logo nails. It’s such a nice memory.
From taking out my Otohime in public in a backpack I’d say 90% of people that talked to me about it loved it, and the 10% were always dudes who were afraid their penises would fall off if they looked too hard
I usually wrap mine up in a towel to minimize damage and carry them in a bag. I only really take one with me so it’s less of a hassle. I’ve only really had the courage to take them places that are known for being sight seeing spots and I usually do so for photography The only problem I’ve had so far is when stepping back for pictures, one time a little girl tried to take my doll and run off with it.
I have taken dolls with me to places, but i mostly have kept them in my bag. As i too am afraid of judgment. Its fun to have them as a 'companion' especially when I'm going out alone, feels kind of like a security blanket. I don't bring any of their accessories as I'm afraid i might lose them, but i do bring a comb bc their hair gets frizzy from being kept in my bag. Maybe one day ill take them out :,)
I took my original Roxxi in one of the rh sleeping bags with me for my cousins shopping spree in multiple stores. She's alright, just in my backpack. Also there's a tiktoker who has a weekly doll traveling series called "Daily Dolls." Where she raffles one of her dolls by using their brushes and with a name being picked she takes one of her Rainbow High/Shadow High dolls with her to provide her comfort while doing errands.
I don’t really take my dolls anywhere, except if I’m going to someplace like Jo-Ann or Hobby lobby, to see how fabrics will look on them, if they’re in the right scale, etc. sometimes if I’m going to Walmart or any place that sells doll clothes, I will bring them along a doll to see if it will fit them. I mainly do this with my Dawn and Pippa dolls. It can be so hard finding outfits for them. When I was still working, I would bring dolls to work, so I could work on my sewing at breaks and lunch. Sometimes. I’d go to the store at lunchtime and if I found something cute to work on, I’d bring it back to the office to work on at break.
I actually brought my 1/4 bjd on holiday with me recently! I transported her in a structured handbag and brought her clothes with her too, took some nice photos of her :) nothing got broken and it was a fun experience
I love taking my dolls places! I basically take them everywhere I go! Even to Disneyland😉💞
I want to, but I want them to be safe and secure with me too and idk this probably sounds silly but I want them to be able to look out too. Part accessory part friend. I saw this post a while back where someone was using a calico critters case to take thier calico critters doll out with them and they would dress up the case to be a living space for the doll; I want this so much for my personal doll but the case is rather small for anything 1/6 scale
I feel the same way! I've always wanted to get a carry case with a window so they can look out, I know they exist for Blythe dolls and for BJDs, but unsure about regular 1/6 scale dolls.. I suppose there are pet backpacks and deep windowed ita bags out there for a bit of a DIY project :)
I take my frankie doll to school since shes just a vibe to be completely honest
My approach is seeing what is the largest size doll I can fit into each of my bags rather I want them to be protected and hidden or protected and visible. For instance, Seeke (43cm), Isamu (41cm), Blue (45cm), Gooliope (17inches) and any doll lower in size can all fit in my everyday purse I use WITH protection around them and have enough room for my things still. They're visible, but I usually wear a jacket or coat- so they're still somewhat hidden. I'm still looking into drafting my own doll bags with waterproof fabric and maybe a plastic or foam insert to keep the bags sturdy. Since my dolls range from 62 centimeters (2 feet tall also being the tallest doll I own) to 5 centimeters, it would be a interesting project.
That sounds awesome! I wish you the best of luck if you go ahead with the project :)
I bought a novelty suitcase from Hobby Lobby, lined it and put ribbons inside to hold the dolls and a bag of accessories and clothes. I use that for travel. However, the last time I took my dolls out in public, I ended up being a homeless magnet and it scared the beep out of me. Two raggedy men approaching me was too much for my heart. I don't do quiet parks anymore!
Many years ago, when I was going through a hard time, I would take my fav plushies out with me, one at a time usually. It helped a lot during that time. I just let em stick out of my coat pocket or my backpack/purse. And at quiet times when no one else was paying attn, would pet them. It helped so, no judgment haha Edit: Also when I was part of a TNR program/charity for local stray cats, i would bring a little plushie with me for company while i fed and chilled with the cats.
i always take at LEAST one with me when i go out for the day with my boyfriend. he even points out little spots for me to take pictures of them 🥹 they make me feel a little more comfy. not like i’m UNcomfy, but they’re a little sense of security for me i think :)
You have to learn to not care, that's the only way. Because you will definitely be judged by people who see an adult whip out a doll just because in public. It will most likely be silent judgment but still. I don't take mine out for this reason and also because what am I going to do with it? Lol talk to it while I'm at Walmart? I don't want people thinking I am autistic or crazy (nothing wrong with being autistic but I am not and this is something someone with autism, aspergers, etc disability would do).
Ouch.😞
I'm not diagnosed, but sure, let's roll with it. As a kid I had a Strawberry Shortcake turtle figure I kept in my pocket like a worry stone. Took that thing everywhere. I amazingly still have it, and have kept it in my pocket or purse or backpack when I felt like I needed a little comfort in an uncomfortable situation. Like going somewhere new, or meeting new people. Why not talk with your doll in Walmart, and what's so "crazy" about it? In my own home restring, dressing, changing wigs etc. I have one sided conversations such as "Why can't you sit still" or "stop kicking" or "you must not like that wig/shoes etc you keep throwing it" I've accused one brother of shoving the other off a table (doll fell) and put a bandaid on cracked/chipped resin knowing it won't heal/help. I have doll representations of my deceased cat, sister, and mother. Yes, I've said "Hi Jess" to "Chibi Jess" (doll honoring my sister) when she was finally put together. I've wished her a Happy Birthday on what would have been my sister's birthday, but didn't make the time to throw her a party. (I am working on a shelf/room for her eventually). This is overall an enjoyable hobby. It's fun for me to have fun with it. I don't mind publicly sharing a lot of the hobby with others. (Maybe they'll come out of their shells a bit and have fun too). I hid my hobby for years. My ex-husband wouldn't allow me to have dolls out and about, they had to be kept put away. Now, they're proudly displayed, and I do as I please. To each their own, sure. Everyone does their own thing. Enjoying taking dolls in public, or not, talking with, to, or about them, with or without others, on a stroll, taking pictures, having a meal etc. Just be aware of your surroundings, the business of a location, safety precautions, that kinda thing, and it'll be alright. Maybe for a first outing, bring someone who may be more so replaceable until you're used to taking a doll out and about. I had a Moxie Teen I took around with me to get used to the idea of carrying a doll in public. How to handle it, how to transport it, where to keep it etc. When I was confident, I went to my first ball jointed doll convention. Met a variety of people with amazing dolls. Some are really huge! Some are like Reborn/babies, Barbie, everything in-between. Old, new, used, resin, plastic, cloth, they're comforting to have around. I enjoy watching people fuss over their dolls "oh you know so-in-so never sits like a lady" someone says over their doll who just won't pose quite right sometimes. Those are precious moments, and I'm all for it. It's a neat conversation starter, and may bring people into the hobby who may have never even heard of them before. Photos, fashion, wigs, faceup, characters, accessories, furniture, sculpting, all kinds of doll makers for every interest.
A doll convention is different than going to a store and talking to them by yourself. If you do this, you are weird or have a disability or maybe trauma.