Gamelady Academy

DIY Head Stand and Storage Tips: Keeping Your Doll Safe Lying Down or Standing Up

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stybc5pf
Contributor: stybc5pf

Practical DIY Solutions for Doll Owners

Creating custom head stands and safe storage methods for your GLD dolls

1

Making a Head Stand

GLD heads use a simple unthreaded connector about 12mm in diameter, so to make a head stand you need a pipe of similar or slightly larger diameter (1/2" or 15mm are close standard sizes), a platform and a flange to connect them.

In this case, I used a 15mm "pipe nipple", a matching 15mm flange and a nice wood slice. The wood provides enough weight and surface area to keep the whole stand stable, even with a pretty heavy head on it.

I wrapped a bit of electrical tape around the top of the pipe to make the head connector fit snugly.

It's cheap, easy to make, fully functional and looks good.

Head stand materials and parts
Head stand assembly in progress
Completed head stand with doll head

DIY head stand: from materials to assembly and final result

Required Materials for Head Stand:

15mm Pipe Nipple
Standard 1/2" or 15mm diameter pipe section
Matching 15mm Flange
To connect pipe to base platform
Wood Slice Platform
Provides stability and weight
Electrical Tape
For snug fit adjustment
2

Storage Lying Down and Standing Up

Lying Down Storage Method

I've had my doll for over two years now, and most of the time I keep it lying down. To prevent the gel butt from deforming, I lift it up by placing a couple of memory-foam pillows under the legs and lower back, plus some extra padding (another pillow, packing foam, folded blanket, etc.) to raise the back pillow even higher.

This way I've had no deformation after 2+ years, and I'd imagine it's even more important for newer soft silicone formulas.

Doll lying down with proper support
Close-up of support pillows under doll

Proper lying down storage technique to prevent deformation of gel butt

Standing Up Storage Method

A similar method applies to standing storage. I usually just place a foam block between the doll's back and the wall so the butt isn't pressed against it.

I've kept the doll standing like this against a wall and inside a closet for weeks at a time with no issues.

Doll standing with foam block support
Close-up of foam block placement

Standing storage technique using foam blocks to protect the doll's shape

Lying Down Storage

  • Use memory-foam pillows under legs and lower back
  • Add extra padding to raise back pillow higher
  • Prevents gel butt deformation
  • Tested for 2+ years with no issues

Standing Storage

  • Place foam block between doll's back and wall
  • Prevents butt from pressing against hard surfaces
  • Can be used against walls or inside closets
  • Safe for weeks at a time

Key Insights from Two Years of Experience

These simple, cost-effective solutions have proven effective over two years of regular use. The head stand provides a secure and attractive way to display doll heads, while the storage methods protect the doll's shape and materials.

Both solutions emphasize the importance of proper support and pressure distribution to maintain your doll's condition over time.

Thank you for reading my DIY guide!

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