Video Contest Info and Rules

For the first time this year, we will be having a video contest There will be two categories, Music Video and Stop Motion Animation. Entries must be no more than three (3) minutes long, in .avi format and no more than PG-13. One entry per person. We will be screening all the videos on Saturday when the attendees will be able to vote for their favorites and then announcing the winners and showing their videos at the awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Applications for this contest must be received by June 18, 2008 and can be sent to programming@bjdcon.com

Please include the following information with your application:

Your real name:
Your badge name:
Title of the video:
Music Video or Stop Motion Animation
Length:

Please do not attach your video to your application email. I will contact you later to make arrangements to get the video so that our virus blocker won't eat it.

Photography Contest

With so many wonderful submissions last year, we had to have this contest again this year. However, since we are expecting even more submissions this year, we had to put a few more guidelines in place. Please read carefully:

One (1) entry per attendee
Photo Size: 8" x 10"
Frame: Plain glass or plastic with metal or plastic side clips or a plastic one-piece frame with a built-in stand.
Must bring own stand

Costume Contest

The theme for this year's contest is Steampunk. You will be allowed to create a set for your doll(s) if you like, but everything must stay in an 18" x 18" space. To register for this contest: on Saturday morning there will be 1.5 hours (7am-8:30am - subject to change) where you can register your doll and set them up in the display hall. You will receive a slip with your entry number and that will be your ticket to retrieve your doll. We will also have you paperwork (that you'll fill-out when you drop-off your entry) that we can check against a photo ID. At the end of the day (hours will be posted later) you'll be able to pick-up your entry. Please enter at your own risk though. We will have security in there to make sure no one touches the dolls, but we are not responsible for dolls that are lost or broken. All dolls must be on sturdy stand to be included in the contest.

Swap Meet

The Swap Meet will be held on Saturday, July 19th. Seller's set-up will start at 6:00 PM and doors will be open from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Pre-registration for the Swap Meet is not required. Applications will be available starting Saturday morning at the Information Desk and at the door of the meet. The fee for a 4 x 5 foot space is $15.

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Friday, July 18
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4pm – 8pm
Registration

5pm
Cocktail Party – Emerald Ballroom, 1st Floor
A Friday evening cocktail party will kick off the second year of Dollectable! In addition to delicious gourmet hors d’oeuvres, soft drinks and wine, there will also be a paid bar available. As at last year’s party, there will also be fun table prizes! Open to the first 100 attendees who registered prior to March 1, 2008.
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Saturday, July 19
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8:30am – 5pm
Registration
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9am
Early Opening – Vendor’s Hall
Early opening is available to attendees who are staying at the hotel. Must show room key card and convention badge to enter.

Opening for Contest Entries – Display Room
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10am – 5pm

General Opening – Vendor’s Hall
General Opening – Display Room
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10am

Opening Ceremonies – Main Events Hall
Please join us in opening up this year’s convention -- meet our Guests of Honor and staff, see some of the gorgeous dolls that will be given as door and raffle prizes and hear more about the exciting events planned for the weekend.
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11am

Pasu Lau – Main Events Hall
The president of DollHeart, Pasu Lau, will discuss the founding and designs of his BJD clothing and shoe company, discuss future plans for the business and answer questions from his fans.
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12pm

Elfdoll's Dollyworld with Rainman – Main Events Hall
Mrs. Cholong of Elfdoll will present a slideshow illustrating Rainman’s innovative BJD design process.

Extreme Modification (MieAga) – Workshop
We'll be tackling methods to creating 'one of a kind' BJDs. There will be photo examples, physical examples, and hands-on sculpting for the last 30 minutes of the event. You are welcome to bring your own head and supplies: paper clay, styrofoam balls, sculpting tools.

Beginning Photography (Mercy) – 2hrs – Photography Room
This hands-on class will go over the basics of photography: composition, texture, colors, perspective and lighting. But unlike most basic photography classes, we are asking you to bring your doll, your camera and a copy of your manual, as we will be delving into getting to know how everything works better. If you have a doll stand, bring that as well. This is not going to be a typical lecture, but an interactive class, so be ready to ask questions, work on shooting your own doll and learn to really use the manual settings on your camera! Be prepared to take lots of pictures!

Basic Sewing for BJD (Gayle) – 2hrs – Seminar Room
An overview of simple sewing techniques for dolls. Seminar will include discussion of equipment, supplies, fabric types and usage, pattern cutting, and basic garment assembly, we will do a step-by-step assembly of a simple T-shirt and elastic waist pants. Resource sheets and two patterns will be provided, but please bring a notebook and pen.
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1pm

Donn Kinney – Main Events Hall
Bishonen House was one of the first American BJD companies. Meet the sculptor, Donn, and learn about the unique, large and handsome boy dolls he designs.

Body Blush 101(MieAga) – Workshop
An introductory demo on body blushing methods and application. We'll cover pastels, airbrush, watercolor, flocking (application of mohair), and body painting. There will be photo examples, physical examples, and an open Q&A for the last 10 minutes of the event.
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2pm

Basic Faceups (SDink & thelyn) – Main Events Hall
In this PowerPoint slideshow, the steps of a start-to-finish basic faceup will be demonstrated. A list of beginning materials and tips for practice techniques will be given. Q&A will follow.

Sueding Workshop (Annie Blue) – Workshop
Does your doll go weak in the knees at the sight of a Hound, kick you while being dressed, or refuse to hold any pose? Sueding can solve this problem; hot glue sueding is one of the easiest and fastest methods. Try it out for yourself!

Outdoor/Natural Lighting (Zagzagael) – 2 hrs – Meet in Photography Room
Properly lighting your dolls will bring you three-quarters of the way closer to creating beautiful images! You can take wonderful photographs by using JUST natural lighting - meaning sunlight, open shade, reflectors, diffusers and bounced lighting! In this hands-on panel you will learn what it means to use natural lighting. You will be taught techniques in the field when we go outside to photograph our resin models. Please bring your camera and note-taking material. Using your own doll as your model is optional. (In the field)

Nearly Seamless Sweaters (ANN14747) – 2hrs – Seminar Room
Knitting techniques tailored for BJD. Basics from casting on & problem solving, to a finished sweater that will really fit your doll. An exclusive pattern for a cute little shrug, and a sleeveless shell or turtleneck sweater, have been designed just for conventioneers! Limited to 25 - $20 kit available at Info Desk prior to panel.
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3pm

Mold Making and Resin Casting (Gravity Dolls) – 2hrs– Workshop
If you have ever been curious about the various stages of flexible mold-making and resin-casting, then our hands-on workshop is here to quench your thirst for knowledge. We will be presenting flexible molds in various stages and explaining the processes for making 1-, 2-, and 3-part molds. There will be a brief commentary on the basics of casting resin, followed by a hands-on session where participants will be able to cast a small object using a 1:1 ratio quick setting resin. We will also be discussing other types of resins, cure times, air bubbles (and the prevention thereof), and resin pigmentation.

Kimono Dressing for BJD (Kellyhime) – Photography Room
Are you not quite sure what an obiage is and where it goes? Have your dolls ended up dressing "dead" by accident? With kimonos having so many parts, it's often hard to know where it all goes. This is compounded by many doll-costumers making kimonos in different ways to facilitate dressing. In this panel you will learn about the different types of kimono, how to dress seasonally appropriately, how to put on kimono and where you can find out more about this beautiful traditional Japanese garment.
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4pm

BJD Video Contest – Main Events Hall
Not quite the Academy Awards, but this first-ever BJD video contest promises to be just as exciting, unpredictable and glamorous as the Oscars— and you will be the judges!

The Art of the Photostory (Darkawaii & Mercy) – Photography Room
Discussion on how different photostories are done, from the idea to the script to the photography.

Meet-Up Etiquette (Ready2rokk) – Seminar Room
This is a general information panel about some usually unspoken rules of conduct (i.e. don't snatch people's dolls without permission; if at a restaurant, wash your hands before handling other people's dolls; appropriate behavior for a restaurant meet as opposed to a meet at someone's house, etc.). I will also include some tips for meet-up planners, such as planning in advance, requiring R.S.V.P., calling the meet-up location beforehand, etc. I would like to, if I have time, open up the floor for others to add to my list of etiquette tips.
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5pm

Rainman Fan-Meeting via MSN Screen Chat – Main Events Hall
Mrs. Cholong will lead a live discussion with Elfdoll’s designer, Rainman.

Pattern Drafting (AJ and Judy) – Workshop
Unfortunately, Super Dollfie owners can't run out to the fabric store and pick up patterns for their doll. Luckily, it's not too difficult to create your own! This class will provide hands on experience creating your own patterns for your doll. We will concentrate on the draping technique (which is molding the fabric around your doll), so please bring your doll along!

Photoshop Techniques (Zagzagael) – Photography Room
Preparing Your Images for Online or Print Viewing. In today's digital age, you no longer need to be a PhotoShop Tech to augment your digital images. There are many consumer digital imaging software programs available and with a few simple steps you can learn to use post-capture software to properly size your images, enhance them, colour balance and correct, sharpen, and crop, for optimum online viewing or printing.

Kawaii Girls! [18+] (DirtyD) – Seminar Room
Inspired by Our Resin Bishounen. Come celebrate our beautiful ABJD Girls! We'll be exploring the different doll companies and their interpretation of the female form. We'll also show the artistic imagery that accentuates female beauty.
*Explicit content warning. Please note that this panel is for ages 18+ only. ID and badges will be checked at the door.
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6pm – 8pm

Swap Meet – Main Events Hall
Is your wig box threatening to take over your room? Did that outfit not suit your doll as well as you thought it would? Bring your BJD-related items to sell or just stop by for some great deals. The fee to sell is $15 for 4x5 feet of floor space. Registration forms will be available at the Info Desk throughout the day. Sellers’ set-up will be 6:00pm-6:30pm. Doors will open to buyers at 6:30pm.
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9pm – 11pm

Yaoi-fest [18+] (JennyNemesis, Mercy & Kellyhime) – Main Events Hall
Back by popular demand is this fabulously naughty panel, plus a whole lot more, including LIVE BJD Bishounen! The evening will start with JennyNemesis’ entertainingly explicit slideshow & discussion including a collection of resin-boys' love from around the world, all shapes and sizes and kinks, from naughty to nice to WTF. This will be followed with a brief demonstration by Mercy of how to take gorgeous yaoi photos. Then, wrapping up the evening will be a charity raffle with fun prizes, including chances to dress up one of the Ball-jointed Bishies and have a professional photo taken with him.
*Explicit content warning. Please note that this panel is for ages 18+ only. ID and badges will be checked at the door.

BJD Spa Night (Fireflytrance) – Workshop
Are you and your resin kids worn out from a long day of panels and shopping? We welcome you to come to the spa to relax and chat about the day and join us for BJD maintenance and trivia. We will provide magic sponges to use for cleaning your BJDs, fine grain sand paper for sanding seam lines and supplies to help you with restringing. Feel free to bring any of your own supplies as well. Think you know a lot about BJDs? Then come join us for a round of trivia and you could win BJD maintenance prizes to take home with you! Pajamas are welcomed at the spa but not required.
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Sunday, July 20
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9:30am – 2pm

Registration
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10am – 3pm

General Opening – Vendor’s Hall

General Opening – Display Room
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10am

Advanced Faceups (SDink & thelyn) – 2hrs – Workshop
This hands-on workshop is designed for more experienced faceup artists. Please bring your faceup materials, a pre-coated head to paint, and specific questions for the instructors. Airbrush basics will also be demonstrated and you will be able to try some airbrushing yourself. Please note that MSC or other chemicals cannot be sprayed inside.

Advanced Photography (Mercy) – 2hrs – Photography Room
This carry-over from Beginning Photography is another hands-on class. We’ll be focusing more on the advanced functions of trick photography, such as Depth of Field, Long Exposure tricks, and Artificial Lighting. We will discuss the differences between point-and-shoots and DSLRs as well. Please bring: your doll, camera, a copy of your manual, a doll stand (if you can) and a tripod if you have one handy. Be prepared to take lots of pictures!

BJD Travel in Japan (Rkold) – Seminar Room
Traveling to Japan is appealing for many reasons, but particularly for BJD fans. Come hear the experiences of a fan who has made over twenty trips to Japan, and learn a variety of tips and tricks from where to get the cheapest tickets to how to pack your dolls.
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11am

Tenshi no Sato (Rkold & Kellyhime) – Seminar Room
To many, Tenshi no Sato is the Shangri-La of BJD fandom and a few lucky collectors have actually been able to go there. Join these two fans and possibly more for a slide show and discussion of the beautiful Volks headquarters.
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12pm

Just Eyebrows! (Aznbutterfly) – Workshop
The most common complaint among beginning faceup artists is that eyebrows are the most difficult part of doing faceups. Come learn tips and tricks from a very patient teacher on how to get perfect brows every time.

Posing and Doll Management on "The Set" (Zagzagael) – Photography Room
Although photographing dolls is really akin to still-life photography, the trick to creating gorgeous portraits of your ABJD is to learn to photograph them by using "people photography" tricks and techniques. This panel will give you the people-portrait skills necessary for great doll portraiture. Discussion of working with resin ball-jointed dolls in a creative, productive and safe manner will also be part of learning to manage your dolls during a photo shoot!

Hat Making For Dolls (AJ & Judy) – Workshop
Have you ever wondered how to make the perfect bonnet or top hat for your doll? Are you unhappy with choosing between floppy fabric hats and wedding favor top hats? This panel will cover traditional hatmaking techniques that you can use to create the perfect hat for your doll. We will cover pattern-making, construction, and materials. While hatmaking can be rather time-intensive, it can also be very rewarding and provide the finishing touch.
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1pm

Gothic & Lolita Teaparty – Main Events Hall
Do you like to dress yourself or your dolls as Sweet Lolitas or Elegant Gothic Aristocrats? Come join other Lolitas – and Dandy Lolitas – for an afternoon of cookies, tea and much prettiness. For the first hour, there will be a dress code of some interpretation of Gothic & Lolita for either the dolls, attendees or, ideally, both, but the second hour will be open to all attendees to come learn more about this lovely fashion.

Restringing Workshop (St. James & Idrisfynn) – 2hrs – Workshop
Is your doll like a wet noodle or a jack-in-the-box? If so, restringing may help. In this workshop, you will learn how to restring your doll so that it will pose perfectly.

Consumer Tips: Buying & selling ABJD (Juubei) – Seminar Room
Tips for buying and selling on eBay, Yahoo!Japan (and related services), and doll-related forums. You will learn what to expect when buying or selling secondhand, and how to avoid being scammed, scalped, or otherwise taken advantage of.
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2pm

Wig Construction Workshop (Katie Bair) – Photography Room
Join expert wig crafter Katie Bair for this crash course on doll wig creation and styling. Learn how to make wigs for your dolls from scratch, or modify existing wigs to create custom pieces. Katie will be demonstrating techniques on several types of wigs, including synthetic fiber, mohair, and faux-fur.

Chainmail for BJD (Greg Dean) – Seminar
Learn to make chainmail the "real " way. We'll go over how to weave the rings and discuss a few patterns as well as materials and tools.
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3pm

Inked Resin: Tattoos for BJD (MieAga) - Workshop
Tattoos have become as popular for our resin friends as they are for people these days. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn how to design, transfer, paint and seal tattoos on BJD. Please bring your doll, acrylic paints, a small brush and some ideas for designs.

BJD-inspired Writing Panel (Zagzagael & GreenJudy) – Photography Room
There are so many ways to use your unique creative spark in the dollery: photography, modding and painting, costuming, and writing! Have you “shelled” one of your fictional characters in resin? Do you own a ball-joint doll that feels like a resin muse? How can we, as writers, use ball-joint dolls to inspire us to write? Role-playing, fiction or photostories are all ways to express the character of your doll or the doll itself through prose form.

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4pm – 6pm

Awards & Closing Ceremony – Main Events Hall
To end the con with a bang, we have saved the awards presentations until the last. Door and raffle prize winners will be drawn and prizes will be given for the winners of the Costume, Photography and Video Contests. These will be followed by a brief closing ceremony to thank our Guests of Honor, Panelists and Staff. We hope to see everyone again next year!