Reborning…....
Perhaps through your World Wide Web travels you may have come across the word ‘reborn’ or reborning. Maybe you passed on by with a furrowed brow, thinking, yet another religion. Or, maybe your gaze became fixated on the information or even perhaps a vision of lifelike artistry!
The dictionary lists the word reborn as: renewed as in recreated or regenerated, especially in order to be more effective or modern, or renewed spiritually. This term has been adopted by a growing trend of artists/collectors indulging in the transformation of dolls.
Even the term ‘dolls’ is broadening to include not only play dolls or the typical porcelain collectible, but also dolls sculpted with different clay material such as resin and pro sculpt. And even as far as dolls are being sculpted, molds can be made and poured from silicone or made into vinyl kits!
I, myself have delved into the mysterious world of reborning, enhancing an ordinary play doll, I was captivated by the simple lifelike appeal this craft brings forth. Years ago collectors of these dolls seemed pleased with a simple vinyl play doll that was enhanced by using permanent painting to add lifelike coloring to the dolls ‘skin’, nails and brows. Lifelike eyelashes adorned sleeping and open eyed versions, most having the eyes replaced with more ‘alive’ looking plastic or glass eyes. Most dolls then received fake hair woven in wig caps and some were given newly shaped jointed cloth bodies. Adding weighting material really seemed to bring out the ‘cuddle’ factor of these reborn dolls.
Another ‘turn on’ with the reborn dolls is the fact that most were life size, meaning the doll could be adorned with the wonderful real baby ensembles available!
As time has passed the reborning techniques have greatly improved and some artists out there have really put forth great effort that creates a doll that seems to be truly alive!
Instead of wigging, vinyl, silicone and clay dolls are often ‘rooted’, meaning small needles are used to push hair, albeit faux, mod acrylic, human or alpaca mohair, giving the impression of real baby hair ‘growing’ from the lifelike painted scalp!
Reborns now are given ‘mottled’ baby skin, veining, stork bites and birth marks with special heated painting techniques, white tipped finger nails, opened noses, tear ducts and ‘wet’ eyes, mouths with spit bubbles, magnetic hair bows and pacifiers, cloth bodies with ‘pockets’ for heated packs or voice boxes, weighted with materials such as tiny glass beads or poly pellets and even silicone ‘baby fat’ inserts!
Many reborn artists are able to create ‘portrait dolls’, meaning enhancing a doll, or even sculpting one to resemble a live or perhaps diseased child. Just like a dimensional portrait!
Some artists spare no expense when creating the beloved reborn doll! Many newer vinyl and silicone doll kits are created by experienced sculptors to appear as realistic as possible. Preemies are sculpted to gestational age with large heads and skinny limbs, delicate hands and feet. Lifelike newborn sized dolls are also proportionate, and some have expressive hands and faces. Many even have belly and bottom accessorizing plates, including anatomically correct versions. Allowing the reborn doll collector the ability for many cute bare baby poses! There are an increasing number of large dolls joining the reborn world. Wonderful toddler sizes that even stand on their own, with big smiles and mouths with teeth!
Many reborn doll collectors purchase numerous dolls from favorite reborn artists. There are several artists that are so popular in the reborning communities, any kits they may make available are often scoffed up before they are even produced! As is any reborns they put forth causes a feeding frenzy!
Reborning also has a profitable side. Experienced reborn doll artists take the time to carefully create the most lifelike version of a baby possible. It seems quite competitive at times. The better the material used, the most lifelike painting, best rooted hair, lifelike eyes, lashes ect and real baby accessories seems to make or break a reborn artist. Many reborns are being sold from a few to as much as thousands of dollars! The market for a replica of a baby is steadily increasing!
Many reborn doll collectors take their collections so seriously, some even dedicate a room in their home, just to display their collections. Some may even travel and take their dolls with them out in public. Hence sometimes causing a bit of controversy among those not able to see the ‘attraction’ to such an art!
These types of collectors are often referred to as ‘crazy’ or lacking in correct adult behavior, or being accused of trying to replace children ect. It may be hard for those looking in, to really see inside a reborn collector’s world. Unless we personally know, we can only make a judgment from the outside.
Many reborn collectors liken their collections to those who may collect other items, such as model train sets, die cast cars, even live animals! It seems many of those types of collections are more familiar and are easily accepted in general.
I, myself love looking at the innocence of young children, watching them play, learn and experience the world. The reborn doll can represent that time of life when true innocent encompasses a new life. What better way to capture such innocence, in a tangible, touchable, huggable and commemorative piece of art!
If you are still curious about the art of reborning, explore the web; look for words that include the word reborn. Visit doll forums, sites that make and sell reborn dolls. Even visit auction sites, you will be blown away and perhaps catch that ‘reborning’ bug yourself! You’ll be glad you did!
About the author:
Robin Gilbert has experience reborning dolls for the past 10 years. Though a creative hobby at best, Robin also enjoys buying and selling baby items for use with reborn dolls or actual babies! Visit her online website at www.babydollboutique.net and a newer site www.TheBabyDollBoutique.net find some great items!
Shopping online for baby items is getting easier! Just sit back and let your fingers do the walking! Start by visiting the Baby Doll Boutique, come find great prices and a large variety of items! http://www.babydollboutique.net/
Friday, December 24, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Helpful reborn tip from the Baby Doll Boutique
How to make a fake formula bottle prop for reborn baby dolls
Here's my way of making fake formula/milk bottles
supplies needed; clear plastic baby bottle, bottle nipple with ring and disk, something to stir with, hot water, carpenters glue (yellow), strong glue, like super glue for sealing, silicone (aquarium type is fine) for sealing hole in nipple if so desired, tooth pick
NOTE: I usually mix my fake formula in the bottle itself, so have the chosen bottle prepared, and choose your method of sealing (either just the nipple hole is sealed ((sealant inside nipple top))or the sealing disk will be glued to the top of the bottle then the nipple and ring is placed on).
I like to use any carpenter's glue, the slight yellow glue makes a great formula color. I pour glue into the bottle, up to the one ounce line for a 2 oz bottle, 2 ounce line for a 4 ounce bottle etc. I then add hot water up to the 4,6,8 ounce mark. (leave room for proper shaking for remixing any separated substances and for making those 'gassy' bubbles in the 'fake' formula.) Then mix the 'fake' formula a bit with the end of a spoon, Popsicle stick, paint brush handle etc.(for 'breast milk just add extra water for a thinner consistency)
To 'seal' the fake bottle:Be sure the top edge of the bottle is dry, apply a thin line of glue to the very edge of the bottle opening. Set on the little sealing disk, aligning to cover the entire opening. Quickly screwing on the ring and nipple helps with alignment. Screw on tightly let dry for an hour, and shake! If you choose not to be able to remove the nipple and ring, then also apply the glue to the thread of the nipple ring and threads on the bottle itself, thin lines of glue should do. Screw on the nipple and ring tightly.
Sealing the hole in the nipple: to allow fake milk to fill the nipple (I don't care for this method as there is always the potential for the silicone plug to dislodge, thus allowing leaking, but some reborn doll collectors like the realism!) Using the silicone, aquarium type seams to be the favorite, apply to the end of a toothpick and carefully put it inside the nipple to cover the hole area, I would allow this to dry for at least a day, then follow the above methods, minus gluing the sealing disk to the top of the bottle. I would glue, again super glue works great here, the nipple and the ring to the bottle, apply the glue to the threads and screw on tightly, allow to dry before shaking.
Another note: I have only thrown out this type of fake formula one time in six years...all the others are still like new!Be aware that if you choose anything organic or like paint, vanilla flavoring to color formula...it may get moldy!
Other recipes for 'fake' formula and juices
(Remember that 'real' food products will get moldy after a period of time)
Formula: white colored fabric softener mixed with water,
a few drops of vanilla flavoring added to any white mixture,
white glue with a bit of yellow paint,
few teaspoons of flour to water white acrylic paint to paint the inside of a clear bottle, gives the illusion of formula no liquid need,
putting white poly fill (stuffing for bears and dolls),inside a clear bottle (the least realistic though) great for young children's play doll bottles!
Apple juice:brown marker dipped in water until the desired color,
a drop each of red and orange food coloring added to about 6-8 ounces of water,
Orange juice:one to a few drops each of yellow and red of food coloring to 6-8 oz of water,
one to a few drops of red and yellow acrylic paint added to water
If your reborn doll does not have an open mouth, you can still use a 'fake' formula bottle!
Some people do not use a nipple at all. They glue the disk and nipple less ring to the bottle, and just place the bottle to the lips of the doll, some add a magnet to the disk before sealing and a magnet inside the doll behind the lips, drawing the bottle to the doll's mouth. Using an empty, white, or any colored bottle for this is great for a reborn that may look like it's drinking by itself (the light weight helps)I use a 'fake' formula bottle with a nipple, sealed tightly and I push on the top of the nipple, inverting it in on itself...thus making it barely visible! Then I put the bottle to the doll's mouth, pushing just a bit, and wallah, looks like the baby doll is drinking from the bottle!
Want to make a magnetic pacifier for your reborn doll? See my page with instructions for these pacifiers!
This tip offered by Reborn Doll Artist Robin Gilbert
Here's my way of making fake formula/milk bottles
supplies needed; clear plastic baby bottle, bottle nipple with ring and disk, something to stir with, hot water, carpenters glue (yellow), strong glue, like super glue for sealing, silicone (aquarium type is fine) for sealing hole in nipple if so desired, tooth pick
NOTE: I usually mix my fake formula in the bottle itself, so have the chosen bottle prepared, and choose your method of sealing (either just the nipple hole is sealed ((sealant inside nipple top))or the sealing disk will be glued to the top of the bottle then the nipple and ring is placed on).
I like to use any carpenter's glue, the slight yellow glue makes a great formula color. I pour glue into the bottle, up to the one ounce line for a 2 oz bottle, 2 ounce line for a 4 ounce bottle etc. I then add hot water up to the 4,6,8 ounce mark. (leave room for proper shaking for remixing any separated substances and for making those 'gassy' bubbles in the 'fake' formula.) Then mix the 'fake' formula a bit with the end of a spoon, Popsicle stick, paint brush handle etc.(for 'breast milk just add extra water for a thinner consistency)
To 'seal' the fake bottle:Be sure the top edge of the bottle is dry, apply a thin line of glue to the very edge of the bottle opening. Set on the little sealing disk, aligning to cover the entire opening. Quickly screwing on the ring and nipple helps with alignment. Screw on tightly let dry for an hour, and shake! If you choose not to be able to remove the nipple and ring, then also apply the glue to the thread of the nipple ring and threads on the bottle itself, thin lines of glue should do. Screw on the nipple and ring tightly.
Sealing the hole in the nipple: to allow fake milk to fill the nipple (I don't care for this method as there is always the potential for the silicone plug to dislodge, thus allowing leaking, but some reborn doll collectors like the realism!) Using the silicone, aquarium type seams to be the favorite, apply to the end of a toothpick and carefully put it inside the nipple to cover the hole area, I would allow this to dry for at least a day, then follow the above methods, minus gluing the sealing disk to the top of the bottle. I would glue, again super glue works great here, the nipple and the ring to the bottle, apply the glue to the threads and screw on tightly, allow to dry before shaking.
Another note: I have only thrown out this type of fake formula one time in six years...all the others are still like new!Be aware that if you choose anything organic or like paint, vanilla flavoring to color formula...it may get moldy!
Other recipes for 'fake' formula and juices
(Remember that 'real' food products will get moldy after a period of time)
Formula: white colored fabric softener mixed with water,
a few drops of vanilla flavoring added to any white mixture,
white glue with a bit of yellow paint,
few teaspoons of flour to water white acrylic paint to paint the inside of a clear bottle, gives the illusion of formula no liquid need,
putting white poly fill (stuffing for bears and dolls),inside a clear bottle (the least realistic though) great for young children's play doll bottles!
Apple juice:brown marker dipped in water until the desired color,
a drop each of red and orange food coloring added to about 6-8 ounces of water,
Orange juice:one to a few drops each of yellow and red of food coloring to 6-8 oz of water,
one to a few drops of red and yellow acrylic paint added to water
If your reborn doll does not have an open mouth, you can still use a 'fake' formula bottle!
Some people do not use a nipple at all. They glue the disk and nipple less ring to the bottle, and just place the bottle to the lips of the doll, some add a magnet to the disk before sealing and a magnet inside the doll behind the lips, drawing the bottle to the doll's mouth. Using an empty, white, or any colored bottle for this is great for a reborn that may look like it's drinking by itself (the light weight helps)I use a 'fake' formula bottle with a nipple, sealed tightly and I push on the top of the nipple, inverting it in on itself...thus making it barely visible! Then I put the bottle to the doll's mouth, pushing just a bit, and wallah, looks like the baby doll is drinking from the bottle!
Want to make a magnetic pacifier for your reborn doll? See my page with instructions for these pacifiers!
This tip offered by Reborn Doll Artist Robin Gilbert
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Helpful reborn tips from the Baby Doll Boutique
Making a magnetic/modified pacifier for reborn dolls
Here's how I have been making magnetic plastic pacifiers for use with reborn dolls:
Supplies: a suitable size plastic pacifier, sharp craft knife/scissors, super glue, 2 appropriate size strong magnets (Earth/Neo magnets seem popular),colored felt cut in small oval or circle (to cover magnet once glued)
Clip the rubber or silicone nipple off the pacifier by pulling it away from pacifier body and snipping with scissors or craft knife (careful!)
Supplies: a suitable size plastic pacifier, sharp craft knife/scissors, super glue, 2 appropriate size strong magnets (Earth/Neo magnets seem popular),colored felt cut in small oval or circle (to cover magnet once glued)
Clip the rubber or silicone nipple off the pacifier by pulling it away from pacifier body and snipping with scissors or craft knife (careful!)
Sometimes I like to leave a bit of the nipple material and stick the small magnet to the plastic inside the left over area. (allows for the paci to look like it is actually in the 'dolls' mouth with a bit of nipple showing. Works great for parted lips.
Before gluing the magnet to the pacifier, chose which side/pole of the magnet will be glued down...as the opposite side/pole with go inside the dolls head, behind the lips.
Some pacifiers will have a ridge where the nipple meets the plastic. If you need it to be flush/flat you will need to trim away excess plastic before gluing on the magnet. Carefully use the craft knife to 'whittle' away the plastic, use care that the knife does not nick other areas of the pacifier while you cut! Some pacifiers need a bit of a divot (hollowed out)area for the magnet to sit in.
Don't give up...it can be done!
Once the magnet has been glued and secure, cut an appropriate size piece of felt, I like to use a wine or dark pink color, to cover the exposed magnet preventing scratching of the painted lips.
NOTE:
Please use caution handling any custom made magnetic pacifier. It has been
made known that magnets can interfere with electronic equipment, computers,
credit cards and pace makers. Magnets can be a danger to young children who may swallow them.
However, with appropriate care and storage, magnetic pacifiers can be a
great prop for reborn dolls!
To glue a magnet inside vinyl head, behind the lips:
(NOTE: some like to have a piece of felt glued behind the lips BEFORE applying the magnet, for added material protection, this is up to you.) be sure to use an extra strong magnet in this case!
Have the doll's head upside down on your lap (easy to hold between your knees) use a q-tip/Popsicle stick/toothpick anything to reach in the doll's head to the lip area, to apply the glue, (I use super glue for added strength, the gel kind works great!)
A small amount is all that is needed. Be sure to apply the glue right on the lip area, like between the lips, hold the head up to a light to help see thru the lips.
Once the glue is applied on the inside, have the prepared pacifier, or another magnet ready to hold against the doll's lips ON THE OUTSIDE.
Once the glue is applied on the inside, have the prepared pacifier, or another magnet ready to hold against the doll's lips ON THE OUTSIDE.
This is where your knees (or protected clamping devise) come in handy.
Grasp the doll's head, with the neck opening up (in your knees or other holding source)and drop a small magnet inside the head. Then hold the opposite magnet or prepared magnetic pacifier to the OUTSIDE of the dolls lips, exactly how you think the pacifier looks the best on the lips, not to high or to low, like, right in the center.
Tip the head to allow the dropped magnet to tumble towards the doll's lips...waalah...the magnet will be grabbed to the vinyl by the outside magnetic pacifier (or opposite magnet.) Allow the two magnets to stay applied until the one inside is secure.
If you like (and I always do) glue a piece of felt INSIDE over the doll's mouth area BEFORE putting stuffing/weighting material into the head.
Tip the head to allow the dropped magnet to tumble towards the doll's lips...waalah...the magnet will be grabbed to the vinyl by the outside magnetic pacifier (or opposite magnet.) Allow the two magnets to stay applied until the one inside is secure.
If you like (and I always do) glue a piece of felt INSIDE over the doll's mouth area BEFORE putting stuffing/weighting material into the head.
This prevents the magnet from possibly snagging on the stuffing, or other material.
Stay tuned to more reborning tips from The Baby Doll Boutique!
This tip is provided by Robin Gilbert, a reborn doll artist
Monday, February 8, 2010
Online shopping for baby items: a tip from the Baby Doll Boutique
So, you have gotten over the shock of the new arrival, now what? Many new parents run hither and tither, scrambling for those crucial, last minute ‘must haves’ for baby. Some, precisely planned bundles arrive as scheduled to a room built just for them, adorned in all its baby glory, with a closet full of clothing for all ages!
Be it planned or a surprise a new baby just needs, well…everything.
OK, not really everything, let’s just say things are needed to make the parent’s life a bit easier. Items like, let’s say, a nursing pillow, you know that specially made pillow, shaped like the letter C, wraps around Mom’s belly like a shelf, so baby can be placed in that perfect “football’ position? Come, on how on earth did parents in the past make through infancy without one? How about that wonderful coordinating diaper stacker, that hangs on the door, so much more handier than those packages the diaper co. designed, just be prepared to pick up fallen diapers EVERY DAY!
Even as I jest about those items that are not considered ‘essentials’ for baby care, many of us have known a parent or two that absolutely thinks these items are God sends. So, why not indulge these parents? After all, it can be fun to shop for that special baby shower gift, even as the buyer of that gift ponders over necessity vs. a cute knick knack.
Shopping for baby has become so much easier and somewhat cost effective. Via the online shopping trend, saving costs of fuel and not having to drag Mr. Fussy pants around has become quite useful as well as pleasant.
One of the best reasons to choose online shopping for baby items is, most items are generic, boy or girl, one size fits all ECT. Also, many clothing items are categorized, preemie boy or girl, newborn boy or girl. And sizes are generally listed for baby clothing, preemie, (12 to 16 inches), newborn, (17 to 20 inches), with the lengths increasing for, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6- 9 months, 9-12 months, all considered infant sizes. Baby shoes go by the same sizing as well, such as 0 for preemie, 1 for newborn (0-3 months) and it goes on.
So if the shopper knows the age of the baby and whether that baby is considered preemie or newborn, the whole web opens for countless choices of items!
Whether the need is for baby attire, baby care essentials or items for that new reborn baby doll, online shopping can be fun and adventurous. Clicking links leads to greater exposure to the newest clothing lines, the newest products and many sites offering all kinds of helpful information.
So if you are new to the online shopping for baby, be prepared to spend quite a bit of time at the keyboard, for once you get started, you can’t look at just one baby site, you’ll soon find your favorites and as many other ‘baby shoppers’, you will most likely return to those that gave you a pleasant experience. With great low prices, easy to use website controls and fair shipping fees all bundled together helps make your shopping experience memorable.
Author Bio
Robin Gilbert has been working with babies and young children for 38 years. Working in many childcare centers as well as home care, Robin has seen the need for quality, low cost baby items. Robin has also been delving in the field of reborn artistry for the past 8 years, selling reborn baby dolls all around the world. She has taken advantage of the need for accessible baby items and has opened up an online website for such a purpose. Please visit the Baby Doll Boutique! http://www.babydollboutique.net/
Be it planned or a surprise a new baby just needs, well…everything.
OK, not really everything, let’s just say things are needed to make the parent’s life a bit easier. Items like, let’s say, a nursing pillow, you know that specially made pillow, shaped like the letter C, wraps around Mom’s belly like a shelf, so baby can be placed in that perfect “football’ position? Come, on how on earth did parents in the past make through infancy without one? How about that wonderful coordinating diaper stacker, that hangs on the door, so much more handier than those packages the diaper co. designed, just be prepared to pick up fallen diapers EVERY DAY!
Even as I jest about those items that are not considered ‘essentials’ for baby care, many of us have known a parent or two that absolutely thinks these items are God sends. So, why not indulge these parents? After all, it can be fun to shop for that special baby shower gift, even as the buyer of that gift ponders over necessity vs. a cute knick knack.
Shopping for baby has become so much easier and somewhat cost effective. Via the online shopping trend, saving costs of fuel and not having to drag Mr. Fussy pants around has become quite useful as well as pleasant.
One of the best reasons to choose online shopping for baby items is, most items are generic, boy or girl, one size fits all ECT. Also, many clothing items are categorized, preemie boy or girl, newborn boy or girl. And sizes are generally listed for baby clothing, preemie, (12 to 16 inches), newborn, (17 to 20 inches), with the lengths increasing for, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6- 9 months, 9-12 months, all considered infant sizes. Baby shoes go by the same sizing as well, such as 0 for preemie, 1 for newborn (0-3 months) and it goes on.
So if the shopper knows the age of the baby and whether that baby is considered preemie or newborn, the whole web opens for countless choices of items!
Whether the need is for baby attire, baby care essentials or items for that new reborn baby doll, online shopping can be fun and adventurous. Clicking links leads to greater exposure to the newest clothing lines, the newest products and many sites offering all kinds of helpful information.
So if you are new to the online shopping for baby, be prepared to spend quite a bit of time at the keyboard, for once you get started, you can’t look at just one baby site, you’ll soon find your favorites and as many other ‘baby shoppers’, you will most likely return to those that gave you a pleasant experience. With great low prices, easy to use website controls and fair shipping fees all bundled together helps make your shopping experience memorable.
Author Bio
Robin Gilbert has been working with babies and young children for 38 years. Working in many childcare centers as well as home care, Robin has seen the need for quality, low cost baby items. Robin has also been delving in the field of reborn artistry for the past 8 years, selling reborn baby dolls all around the world. She has taken advantage of the need for accessible baby items and has opened up an online website for such a purpose. Please visit the Baby Doll Boutique! http://www.babydollboutique.net/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)