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 2026. 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 beginning your journey into the fascinating world of ball-jointed dolls, this Intro to BJDs workshop is your passport into the marvels of resin artistry.
Join Sherri Rhein as she unveils the inner workings of these remarkable creations—from posing and proportions to the many possibilities of customizing and collecting. Together we’ll explore the essential mechanics of BJDs, including how to change wigs and eyes, along with an overview of restringing, face-ups, and personalization techniques.
Consider this your introduction to the craft and curiosity behind these elegant resin companions. Whether BJDs feel like a brand-new discovery or there are still a few uncharted gears and gadgets to explore, this workshop will help set your creative machinery in motion.
Max 25 Attendees
Free
Workshop #2: BJD Restringing and Sueding with Jenell Howell
Thursday 2:30-4:00
Secure your goggles and steady your gears — it’s time for a little mechanical mastery! In this BJD Restringing Workshop, we’ll bring order to those unruly limbs and restore proper tension to your resin companions.
Join Jenell Howell of Jenell’s Dolls for a hands-on session where you’ll learn the essential techniques of restringing and sueding your ball-jointed dolls. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and some expert guidance, you’ll transform a floppy automaton into a perfectly balanced creation ready to pose with confidence.
Ever wondered how to restring a BJD? Have a doll in need of a little internal engineering but aren’t sure where to begin? This workshop will walk you through the process step by step.
Please bring a doll with you to work on during the session. All materials and supplies are included, and you’ll have what you need to continue your restringing adventures at home.
Max 10 Attendees
$50
Workshop #3: Styling Natural Fiber Wigs with Tonja King (Creations by Tonja)
Thursday 4:30-5:00
Step into the workshop with Tonja King of Creations by Tonja and learn the art of taming luxurious locks for your resin companions.
In this session, you’ll discover the care and styling of handmade hard cap natural fiber wigs…the best combs and styling tools, how to make a low cost wig styling stand, how to get rid of the frizz, how to bring out the natural curl, how to set curls and how to heat curls. This class does not cover soft cap wigs made from any material. We’ll explore tools, methods, and clever tricks to shape each strand into a masterpiece.
Bring your curiosity, and a spirit of invention as we craft coiffures fit for the most distinguished members of the steampunk society.
Max 25 Attendees
Free
Workshop #4: FINN the Steampunk Fish with Sandy Anderson of Anderson Art Dolls
Friday 12:30-2:30
Create your own whimsical steampunk fish with Sandy Anderson of Anderson Art Dolls, affectionately known as FINN! Each finished piece will measure just over 10 inches long and feature mechanical charm worthy of any airship or inventor’s workshop.
To ensure we have plenty of time to complete the project during the session, much of the base construction will be prepared in advance. During the workshop, participants will learn several finishing techniques including faux patina and rust effects on the mid-section, stringing the fins, and applying a protective glaze sealant to complete the piece.
By focusing on a smaller section for the finishing techniques, everyone will have time to complete their fish and allow it to properly dry before the end of the session.
Sandy has also created the perfect companion for FINN—a Mini Celeste as a steampunk fullset. She will be available for purchase as an add-on to workshop attendees first. Should a few extra FINNs and/or Mini Celestes spring to life from our gears and gizmos, they’ll happily swim their way to Sandy’s table in the salesroom!
All materials and supplies are included.
Max 30 Attendees
$400 (includes FINN, supplies and packaging). Add-on Mini Celeste available for an additional fee.
Workshop #5: Make a Steampunk Top Hat with Sandra Maxwell
Friday
5:00-6:00
All eyes forward — it’s time to craft one of the most distinguished accessories in any proper steampunk wardrobe: the TOP HAT! In this workshop, you’ll create a tiny topper with grand personality, perfect for your dolls’ most stylish Victorian adventures.
Join Sandra Maxwell of Sandra Maxwell Studios as she guides you through the art of crafting beautifully detailed miniature top hats. With precision, creativity, and a touch of vintage ingenuity, you’ll design a hat worthy of an airship captain, daring explorer, or brilliant inventor.
All supplies are provided—just bring your imagination and prepare to hat things up in true steampunk fashion!
Max 25 Attendees
$20
Workshop #6: Try and Buy with Gina Rolo Eyes
Friday 4:30-5:30
Step into the workshop and discover how the perfect pair of eyes can transform the entire character of your BJD. In this hands-on session, Gina Rolo will explore how subtle differences in color, size, depth, and shine can completely change your doll’s expression and personality. You’ll learn what factors seasoned collectors and artisans consider when selecting the ideal pair—from resin tone and face sculpt to lighting, mood, and overall aesthetic.
Of course, theory is only the beginning. You’ll have the opportunity to try different eyes directly in your dolls, experimenting with looks and styles until the gears of inspiration begin to turn. And if you happen to find the pair that makes your doll truly come alive, you’ll have the option to purchase them and take that spark of transformation home with you.
Because sometimes, all it takes is the right pair of eyes to awaken the soul within the machine.
Max 25 Attendees
Free
Seminar #7: The Art of BJD Photography with Debbie Hood
Saturday 11-12
Are you ready to elevate your doll photography and capture images worthy of the finest Victorian studio? Curious about lighting, posing, and the magic of photo editing? Whether you wield a camera phone or a full DSLR apparatus, this workshop will help you bring your creative vision into sharp focus.
In this engaging hands-on session, you’ll learn practical tips and tricks for lighting your dolls, posing them to create dynamic scenes, and enhancing your photos through thoughtful editing. We’ll also explore the art of visual storytelling—how a single photograph can convey mood, character, and adventure.
Join STAND Magazine Editor-in-Chief Deborah Hood, PhD, as she shares insights and techniques to help you transform simple snapshots into striking images that truly bring your dolls to life
Max 25
Free
Workshop #8: Making Resin Eyes with Linda Macario
Saturday 12:30-1:30
Step into the workshop with Linda Macario and prepare to tinker like a true artisan of the age of steam! Each participant will receive three pairs of blank eyes—one pair to craft during the session and two additional pairs to take back to your workshop for further experimentation. For those whose curiosity keeps the gears turning, additional blank eyes will also be available for purchase.
The tools pictured represent the essential instruments of the trade, used in the delicate art of eye making. A more detailed image of the full collection of materials can also be provided.
Every attendee will receive a printed step-by-step guide, complete with a list of materials and photographs illustrating each stage of the process—perfect for continuing your creations long after the workshop has concluded.
By the end of our session, you will depart with newly forged knowledge, one completed pair of handcrafted eyes, materials to create two more pairs at home, and a detailed guide to keep your creative gears turning.
Max 25 Attendees
$85 (includes eyes, tools and materials)
Workshop #9: Make a Steampunk Corset with Donnell Wisniewski
Saturday 2:00-3:00
Join Donnell Wisniewski as she guides participants through the finishing techniques that transform simple fabric into a striking corset. Each attendee will receive a partially pre-constructed corset in assorted fabrics so we can focus our time on the details that make it truly spectacular. Donnell will demonstrate finishing techniques and guide attendees through hand-stitching, lining, and adding extras to complete the corset.
Participants will leave with a finished corset and patterns for the corset and coordinating pieces to continue creating steampunk fashions at home.
Needed tools: needle, pins, and small scissors.
After registering, please let Donnell know which doll you are sewing for (Stella line, Tiny, Small, 16", Big 20", or another doll of your choice) and provide the doll’s chest/waist measurement to ensure the corset fits properly.
Max 15 Attendees
$20