By Wil Peterson
In the ever-revolving, here-today-gone-tomorrow world of doll releases, Nuria Torras has cracked the code for both longevity and sustained relevance: Create imagination-provoking ball-jointed dolls that are unencumbered by elaborate backstories but brimming with potential for personalized play. Since launching Merry Doll Round 12 years ago, Torras continues to adhere to this philosophy.
“I try to avoid characters when sculpting a doll, because I feel it limits my vision for future customizations,” Torras said. “The first head I sold, Merry, was a character of mine. This character was very Anne from Anne of Green Gables: freckles, red hair, and green eyes. And whenever I tried to use different colors — let’s say, blond or black hair and brown or blue eyes — it looked really weird to me. So now I like to think of my sculpts more like a canvas for my customers to capture their characters!”
Variety is a primary focus for the whimsically named Merry Doll Round, which is based near Torras’ hometown of Valencia, Spain. Three lines are available in multiple resin tones: Pygmy (8.66 inches, 1/6 scale), Coppelia (12.6 inches, about 1/6 scale), and Juvenille (20.47 inches, 1/3 scale). Four face sculpts and three bodies have been released in the Pygmy line, while four face sculpts and one body comprise the Coppelia line. Meanwhile, the Juvenille line holds a special distinction. “This is the size I’ve been offering since I started,” Torras said. “Since then, I have released seven head sculpts and four bodies, but some of those have been discontinued, and now four heads and two bodies are available from time to time.”
A fourth line, Munchkin (16.54 inches, 1/3 scale), is scheduled to debut soon. It will feature one body and two head sculpts. “I am so excited to have them cast, since they will look like the Juvenille line’s small sisters!” Torras said.
Inspiration for Merry Doll Round’s unique face sculpts is often unexpected. “I don’t have a specific source, and it strikes in many ways. Sometimes, it starts with a nose or a mouth from someone walking by,” Torras said. “Sometimes, it’s an illustration from an artist I like. Even from my own dreams! But I would say I like to take inspiration from non-Western features, and most of my dolls’ traits are from East Asia or Africa.”
Designing dolls wasn’t originally a career goal for Torras. She initially studied fine arts, but personal issues prompted a return to her parents’ home to seek other options. A childhood interest in creating jointed dolls provided a long-dormant foundation. “I have always been a crafty person. One of the things that appealed to me from the BJD hobby was the ability to fully customize them by yourself,” she said. “I started painting the face of my first doll — I even had a face-up service and got commissions from other collectors! — and also started sewing clothes for her, making wigs, and taking photos. So, I think trying to sculpt my own doll was the next natural step for me.”
Torras took the leap from aspiring artist to full-fledged doll designer. She said, “I started sculpting my first head while I was trying to find a job. I was lucky enough that I didn’t need an income to provide, so I could focus on this new project. The first head preorder was pretty successful, so I just kept going!”
Preorders are the lifeblood of Merry Doll Round, although in-stock sales of canceled or unsold dolls are occasionally offered. “I try to run at least two or three preorders each year, but since I have different lines and several head sculpts and bodies, sometimes years can pass until a sculpt is offered again,” said Torras, who utilizes a casting factory and sometimes sources clothing and other items for the rare full-set releases. She exclusively makes wigs for the Pygmy and Coppelia lines, using natural fibers such as angora or alpaca. “When I sew, I prefer to avoid synthetic fibers, so I mostly use different cotton fabrics and silks,” she said.
This entire year has been an ongoing celebration for Merry Doll Round’s 12th anniversary. “I’ve chosen to celebrate the 12th because I was born on 12/12, so this number is special to me,” Torras said. “This year, I’ve released a new head, Berry, that is inspired by my very first released head, Merry. I will be giving this head for free as a gift during several anniversary events!”
Tsubaki, a new head in the Juvenille line, is scheduled to debut sometime in 2025, and Torras doesn’t expect to slow down creatively anytime soon. “After that, I would like to focus on the dolls I’ve already made,” she said, “until the new idea pops!”
Meanwhile, Torras remains grateful to everyone with whom her BJDs have resonated. She said, “I wake up every day being thankful because I can make dolls for a living, and my customers are the ones that make that possible. I love my work, and I like to think my customers feel it and see how much love and care has been poured into Merry Doll Round dolls when they receive them!”
Merry Doll Round
merrydollround.com
