Dolls

Reborn Dolls and Kits for Collectors   by Katrina Stephens

Certainly an act of making and collecting reborn dolls is not for every crafter or collector. But reborn dolls are coming on strong around the continent. Although the time spent in the art of crafting dolls has been around for hundreds of years, creating ooak reborn dolls has advanced to variatative proportions over the past two decades.
Reborn doll artists have studiously refined painting techniques to create more realism. It isn't over at the point of the external look either, by including technical advancement elements such as a heartbeat simulator, these creations are truly life-like.
To restate, reborn dolls aren't for every type of crafter. To the uninitiated this is a strange obsession, but to the collectors who appreciate these creations, the act of making and owning these works of art provide an uncommon pleasure.
Although not everyone will appreciate reborning, just about any one can get started in the technique with an inexpensive purchase of a reborn doll kit. From the easiest and tiniest premature reborn doll kits to the napping toddler, you can add the enhancements as your skills develop. As mentioned above this could be a heartbeat simulator or a battery powered breathing device. Imagine a visitor's surprise when they see a resting, breathing baby in a crib that has a real up and down movement simulating a beating heart!
Before we dive into a long winded explanation on creating these dolls (from kits or scratch), let's talk a little more about the finished product. The term reborn doll refers to a soft plastic baby that has been customized. The process of customization is to repaint and enhance the baby so that it resembles a human. This is why we call the technique reborning.
Every doll is as personable as the person who created it. Each has elements of beauty and artistry just like human babies. They come in every shape, length, and color you could imagine today. You can purchase kits or create African American, Caucasian, Asian and East Indian dolls from a variety of markets - online or off.
Existing or vintage dolls used for reborning have been stripped of their factory finishes before being refashioned into a lifelike baby. If you visit http://www.angelsupply.com/reborn-dolls you will find hundreds of finished reborns to get an idea of this specialty craft.
Some of these are so realistic they make passersby do a double take. In fact it was reported that in Australia last year, police officers broke a car window left parked on the street corner to assist an unconscious baby from a secured vehicle. The baby assisted was a reborn doll. The same rescue mission has taken place in America in 2009.
Before you start thinking that the police in either country weren't too aware you'll have to see some of these creations. From their skin hue to their micro- rooted hair (done with special tools and techniques), a perfectly proportioned and weighted body, these babies not only look and feel real they also have movement in their chests that make them look alive.
From a true masterpiece to a starter's kit, reborning baby dolls could be a lucrative hobby for many home crafters. In fact there are now many famous artists in this industry who sell their creations for thousands of dollars. However, should you desire to just keep this as a hobby you'll want to enter slowly into the art and explore the many hand tools, make up paint and mechanics available on the hobby sites or stores.
People who buy OoAK, hand crafted reborn dolls are not only collectors. You may discover these dolls are owned singly by women who yearn for a baby of their own, or couples who have lost a child and need a small helper to get through the toughest days. These babies' chests rise and fall with every breath and when held closely emit a subtle heartbeat.
What other embellishments are available to create such dolls seem more true to life? Consider a reborn with a heating pack to maintain an internal temperature of 98.6F. Or a premature including an incubator and an oxygen nasal tube. Add a touch of fragrance that are also available in sweet milk and baby powder variety.

About the Author

Katrina Stephens shares her doll making tips and supply sources - Reborn Doll kits. Stop in to see her wide selection of one of a kind dolls, collectable dolls and doll making crafting tips at www.AngelSupply.com
Senior Craft: Downtown Ventura: Everything in our shop is handcrafted by seniors

	Baby Doll Cradle Woodworking Pattern

	Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Doll High Chair

	Hasbro Playskool Lullaby Gloworm

	Classic PoohTM Plush Tigger Toy - Orange (8")

	Great Little Quilts: 45 Antique Crib and Doll-Size Quilts With Patterns and Directions