Has anyone heard of these reborn babies?

[polly7]

I know some people think they're kind of strange, but they start out as clay sculpts then manufactured into vinyl that artists paint and bake, layer by layer - up to 20 - one layer for capillaries, blushing, mottling, etc, etc, and then root in hair one by one, make a body for and weight like a real baby. Most go to collectors, a lot to nursing homes for Dementia and Alzheimer's pts, etc. Here is a picture of some, and my friend could really use some votes, if anyone would like to help. Hers is entry #2, I think she's gorgeous. http://iiora.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=110&Itemid=123

I wasn't sure if this could be posted here so please let me know if it's against the group rules. Thanks so much!

[KC]

1. I voted

They are all beautiful. I can't imagine being able to create something like that, something so lifelike. I watched some show that showed someone making those dolls like that and it was fascinating.

[polly7]

2. Thank you KC!

I only started doing them about a year ago and am nowhere near the quality of these artists yet ... mine have all gone to the Nursing Home so far as therapeutic babies. All except one I guess ........ he kind of turned out like 'Chucky', so my friends and I took him to the halloween haunted house and pretended he was meant to be that way. In my dreams! I hope to get as good as the dolls in the contest. The lady who made entry #2 has sort of taken me under her wing, she's amazingly kind and so talented. Thank you very, very much for voting!

[KC]

5. That is probably

really beneficial for the patients in the nursing home. So many there never have visitors or have Alzheimer's.
How long does it take to make one. I know a lot depends on if you're just learning.

[polly7]

6. It really is.

One woman at our Home with Alzheimer's used to walk the floors crying at night, now she most often is still awake, but rocks her 'baby' and sings to her. It's very comforting for some of them. I've made a few to give to the 4-H babysitting club here ... they can be very inexpensive to make if you get the kits on sale from, for example, here http://www.bountifulbaby.com/seaside/index/deals?_s=QOEiQSOVeocntLPJ&_k=fwbHcrjs&s=londyn&t=All+of+the+above+words&d=false&c=13111 and can take anywhere from a few days to make (with painted hair) to a month or more if you're rooting hair strand by strand. Each layer is painted, then baked until you're satisfied with the look. The vinyl is almost silicone-like, it's very soft and once the paint is baked and cured, it's permanent. You can also use special air dry paints to the same effect.

It's a fun hobby and very rewarding to see pts. in nursing homes cherish these little ones, can be an additional source of income ..... and if you get really good at it, I've seen some with more expensive kits sell for thousands of dollars. Check this out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Reborn-baby-girl-doll-PROTOTYPE-Louisa-Jannie-de-Lange-toddler-/321076856336?pt=UK_Doll_Bears_Dolls_EH&hash=item4ac1ac0610&nma=true&si=BAdayIWwgQpfL7p2gah%252BXPLqLkU%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 This lady has been doing it for a long time and usually has a waiting list of collectors ready to buy everything she makes. I imagine it cost her approx. $150.00 to make that one, not including the clothing.

[KC]

7. That's pretty cool

They look so real it's kind of spooky lol
I love that it helps some of the people in the home. That has to make you feel good too.
I ssw on that website they have some animals and dogs too. Interesting hobby!

[d_r]

3. I voted

its not my thing, but that was really interesting. I had no idea about this. They really are beautiful.

[polly7]

4. Thank you so much d_r!