Take a workshop….learn something new, build a new skill and have fun!
Scroll down to check out our workshops and sign up here!
Please note that to sign up for a workshop, you must be a registered attendee of BJDC 2025. Upon registration, you will be contacted by the workshop facilitator who will provide any additional information including how to pay for materials fees (if applicable). To sign up, fill out the form below, check the workshops you’d like to attend, and hit the SUBMIT button. Workshop registration for each session is limited, so please register early to secure your spot!
Workshop #1: BJD Basics with Sherri Rhein
Thursday
1:00-2:00
Whether you're a curious newcomer or just starting your journey under the big top, this Intro to BJDs workshop is your all-access pass to the magical world of ball-jointed dolls! We’ll uncover the mysteries of resin royalty — from posing and proportions to customizing and collecting. So take your seat, open your mind, and let the BJD circus begin! From how to change a wig and eyes to an overview of stringing, face-ups and customizing…whether you feel like BJDs are a “whole new world” or there is still some “unexplored territory”, this BJD workshop with Sherri Rhein is for you!
Max 25 Attendees
Free
Workshop #2: BJD Restringing and Sueding with Jenell Howell
Thursday 2:30-4:00
Workshop Full-Waitlist Only
Hold onto your top hats — it’s time for the ultimate balancing act! In this BJD Restringing Workshop, we’ll tame those wild limbs and floppy joints to bring your dolls back into center-ring shape. With a little tension, a lot of technique, and a few circus-worthy tricks, you'll turn a wobbly wonder into a perfectly posed performer. Let’s get those strings singing and the show back on the road! Ever wonder how to restring a BJD? Do you have a BJD that needs to be restrung and not sure what to do? Then this workshop is for you! In this hands-on session with Jenell Howell of Jenell’s Dolls, you’ll learn how to restring and suede! Please bring a doll with you. All materials and supplies needed are included and for your use later!
Max 8 Attendees
$50
Workshop #3: Make a Fur Wig Pattern with Sandra Maxwell
Thursday 4:30-5:00
Get ready to witness the mane event — a fabulous fur wig demo where your dolls will go from bare to big top-ready in no time! Whether you're taming wild styles or crafting cotton-candy curls, this is the wig-tastic spectacle you’ve been waiting for. Sandra Maxwell of Sandra Maxwell Studios will show you how to draft a pattern for a fur wig for any size doll! That’s what I call a big top!
Max 25 Attendees
Free
Workshop #4: Make a Ringmaster’s Top Hat with Sandra Maxwell
Friday
1:00- 2:00
The spotlight is on as we dive into the most dazzling accessory under the big top — the RINGMASTER'S TOP HAT! Get ready to craft tiny toppers with big personality, perfect for leading any three-ring fashion circus. Precision, pizzazz, and a sprinkle of sawdust sparkle await… all supplies provided! Let’s hat things up with Sandra Maxwell from Sandra Maxwell Studios!
Max 25 Attendees
$35
Seminar #5: Making Stylistic Choices in Doll Making with Isabel Anderson (Glowmoon Doll)
Friday 2:30-3:30
Learn about character design and stylization specifically for doll making and sculpting. Explore the fundamental principles of creating characters, from initial concept to final sculpt with Isabel Anderson from Glowmoon Doll!. Discover how to infuse your personality and unique style into your creations so each doll tells a part of your story. Isabel will discuss some of her techniques for conceptualizing characters and developing a silhouette, emphasizing how different stylistic approaches can bring your dolls to life and make them unique to your style. Additionally, we'll cover how to harmonize anatomy, proportion, and expressive details to bring your doll ideas to life.
Max 45 Attendees
Free
Workshop #6: Try and Buy with Gina Rolo Eyes
Friday 4:30-5:30
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn all about how the perfect eyes can completely change the look of your BJD and what factors to consider in selecting that perfect pair. You’ll even get to try them on (and buy if you like them!)
Max 25 Attendees
Free
Workshop #10: BJD Pattern Making 101 with blankspacedolls Jacob Hosey
Friday 4:30-5:30
Join us under the big top for a dazzling display of design! t’s time to unleash your inner costume designer in this pattern-making extravaganza! Learn the tricks of the trade from blankspacedolls Jacob Hosey to create perfectly fitted pieces for your BJDs! You’ll sketch, snip, and shape your way to pattern perfection and draft your own doll-sized patterns—no lion taming required! You’ll learn about prepping your doll for patterning -choosing how to create block-based on the style you're trying to create (ball gowns to t shirts) as well as the process of taping doll body correctly. We’ll cover drawing fashion lines to follow when cutting desired style, transferring pattern to paper, adding seam allowances and finalizing pattern and adjustments. -Attendees will be able to leave with a basic pattern block for their doll of choice once workshop is complete! Whether you're a seasoned ringmaster of sewing or a curious clown just starting out, you'll leave with big-top-worthy skills and a custom pattern block to show for it. Come one, come all—this workshop is “sew” much fun!
Please bring scissors or exacto knife (depending on what you are comfortable with) and a pencil or sharpie…other supplies will be provided!
Max 25 Attendees
$25
Seminar #7: The Art of BJD Photography with Debbie Hood
Saturday 10:30-11:30
Are you interested in improving your doll photography? Wondering about lighting, posing and photo editing? Whether you use a camera phone or a DSLR, this workshop is for you! Learn tips, tricks and the art of storytelling with STAND Magazine Editor-in-Chief Deborah Hood, PhD.
Max 45
Free
Workshop #8: BJD Face-Ups with Linda Macario Option 1
Saturday 12:00-1:30
Are you interested in learning how to do faceups? Learn the tricks of the trade to bring your dolls to life with charm, character, and a dash of circus magic from one of the best in the business! Join Linda Macario of Linda Macario Dolls in this very hands-on workshop! Linda will review the basics and application of how to do a classic faceup! All supplies provided and in this option, you will receive a blank Maggie to customize in the workshop!
Max 5 Attendees
$495 (includes blank doll)
Workshop #8: BJD Face-Ups with Linda Macario Option 2
Saturday 12:00-1:30
Are you interested in learning how to do faceups? Learn the tricks of the trade to bring your dolls to life with charm, character, and a dash of circus magic from one of the best in the business! Join Linda Macario of Linda Macario Dolls in this very hands-on workshop! Linda will review the basics and application of how to do a classic faceup! All supplies provided! Please note that with Option 2, you will not receive a blank Maggie.
Max 10 Attendees
$150 (please bring your own doll head to work on)
Workshop #9: Make a Simple Skirt with a “Perfect Pocket” with Donnell Wisniewski
Saturday 2:00-4:00
Step right up, stitchers and style-makers for The Skirt with the Perfect Pocket — because even the tiniest ringmaster needs a place to stash their secrets (or snacks)! Get ready to sew up a showstopper with Donnell Wisniewski that twirls, thrills, and fits like a dream. Precision, flair, and a pocket full of wow — it’s sewing time under the big top! Each attendee will receive a pre-sewn gathered skirt in assorted fabrics which will need hemming. Donnell will teach the blindstitch and attendees will sew a contrasting lined pocket. Patterns for the skirt, pocket and a blouse or top included. Needed tools: needle, pins, and small scissors. You will need to let Donnell know what doll you are sewing for - Stella line, tiny, small, 16", big 20" or another doll of your choice - provide waist measurement and finished skirt length.
Max 20 Attendees
$20