frequently asked questions

General Frequently Asked Questions

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What are reborn dolls?

Reborn dolls are collectible works of art, hand sculpted and hand painted by a single artist or group of artists. Reborn dolls are first created from a vinyl set of parts (head and limbs) known as a sculpt. The sculpt is then realistically painted and assembled to look like a real baby.

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Why do people collect reborn dolls?

There are several reasons as to why people collect reborn dolls or want to own reborns. Each collector is different and the reasons may overlap:

• People enjoy and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of life-like dolls

• People want to learn more about the craft and how to best create reborn dolls

• People want to support an artist's small business

• People use them for therapy and comfort for: anxiety, depression, dementia or child loss

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What do people do with reborn dolls?

Since there are many type of reborn doll colletors with varying reasons on why they collect dolls, the same variations can be said for what collectors actually do with their dolls. For the most part, these collectible works of are art displayed around their home or craft areas, as you would precious figurines or porcelain dolls. With the popularity of social media and online communities being built, many collectors enjoy creating photoshoots with their dolls and sharing on Facebook/Instagram or creating YouTube video content. Videos range from how to create a reborn doll to roleplay (play pretend videos as if your reborn doll was a real baby).

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What is a custom reborn doll?

A custom reborn doll is a doll created to your specifications. When requesting a custom reborn doll with an artist, you are able to select the sculpt of your choice, eye color (if applicable), hair color and texture, as well as the skin tone and gender.

 

How long does it take to create a reborn?
Depending on several factors, such as the artist's schedule of work, a reborn doll can take on average, 8 weeks to complete. Other factors that can lengthen this timeframe is: rooted hair, darker skin tones, and larger size dolls (23" and up).

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Is a full body silicone (FBS) a reborn doll?

Reborn dolls can be created from vinyl doll parts or silicone. The process of taking blank parts and painting them to look like a realistic baby is called reborning. Full body silicone dolls and partial silicone dolls are a different type of reborn doll.

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Do you have silicone reborn dolls?

No. All of the reborn dolls in my collection are full limb, vinyl reborn dolls.

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What is reborn roleplay?

Reborn roleplaying is "play pretend". Doll collectors may play-pretend their dolls are real by changing it's diaper and clothing or using props for bottle feeding. Some collectors create YouTube content based on a story line of roleplaying with their favorite dolls. Some reborn roleplay can be very detailed with faux baby nursery setups, car seats/strollers, and all the essentials for a real baby. Other roleplay can be very minimal, such as outfit changings (which is what I feature on DollieLovex3 youtube channel).

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Are reborn dolls for children?

Every collector and doll artist has their own views on whether reborn dolls are for children. Because of the nature of the doll, how it was constructed and the small parts/accessories that may be associated with the doll, it is recommended that children 6 years and younger NOT be allowed to play with them. With the growing interest of reborn dolls amongst a young audience, reborn artists have created a subgroup of dolls known as playborn dolls. Playborn dolls are life-like vinyl dolls that are made lighter in weight for small children to easily play with. Magnets and other small parts are left out for safety and these are considerably less expensive.

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Purchasing Information

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Where can I purchase reborn dolls?

You can purchase reborn dolls one of two ways: directly from a reborn doll artist, or second-hand from a doll collector. The following lists online are legitimate places to purchase a doll. I do not recommend purchasing dolls via Facebook Marketplace, Instagram or non-reborn artist main web pages, unless you are familiar with the hobby and know how to navigate and shop safely. 

 

Attention: Please do your research and avoid scam purchases! Never pay for your doll with Venmo, Cash App, or Friends and Family Paypal transactions online. A legitimate sale will have several photos of the doll with and without clothing, will mention Certificate of Authenticity (if available for the sculpt) and a seller will be happy to answer any/all questions, honestly.

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• Etsy.com

• Reborns.com

• Artist made webpages

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How much do reborn dolls cost and why?

Reborn dolls can cost anywhere from $250 - $3,000+ when purchasing brand new from a reborn doll artist. The price range depends on various factors such as: rarity of sculpt, the popularity and craftsmanship of the artist, and/or the size and custom specifications of the doll (if applicable). These one-of-a-kind hand-crafted dolls take many hours to complete. When you purchase a reborn, you are not only paying for a collectible work of art, but you are also paying for the artist's time and talent.

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Custom Reborn Doll Information

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What is a custom reborn doll?

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A custom reborn doll is, is a doll that is created by the specifications of the buyer. Once an order is placed, the artist creates the doll. With a custom reborn doll, a buyer is able to choose the doll sculpt, gender, skin tone, eye color (if applicable), hair/hair color (if desired) and other details for how the doll will look.

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How long does it take to create a custom reborn doll?

Depending on several factors, such as the artist's schedule of work, a reborn doll can take on average, 8 weeks to complete. Other factors that can lengthen this timeframe is: rooted hair, darker skin tones, and larger size dolls (23" and up).

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How much do custom reborn dolls cost and why?

Custom reborn dolls can cost anywhere from $500 - $5,000+ when purchasing brand new from a reborn doll artist. The price range depends on various factors such as: rarity of sculpt, the popularity and craftsmanship of the artist, and/or the size and custom specifications of the doll (if applicable). These one-of-a-kind hand-crafted dolls take many hours to complete. When you purchase a reborn, you are not only paying for a collectible work of art, but you are also paying for the artist's time and talent.

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Where can I purchase a custom reborn doll?

The following are some of my favorite reborn doll artists to work with for custom reborn dolls!

(Some of these artists also offer custom silicone doll painting and rooting services; just ask!)

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• Pumpkin Doodle Babies by Kory Fann

• Heavenly Butterflies Nursery by Jody Slater

• Cat Creations Reborns & Silicones by Catherine Park

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How Reborn Dolls Are Made

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Reborn dolls are hand crafted works of art that take many weeks to complete. In this brief overview I will explain how these collectible, cuddly dolls are created.

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Step 1

A reborn doll sculpt is selected. A sculpt consists of the arms, legs and head of the doll. These doll parts are unpainted and unassembled. The artist may prep the doll pieces by washing them. If required, the artist may also apply a base coat of specialized mixed paint to prep the vinyl for a certain skin tone. This task is called neutralizing.

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Step 2

Once the sculpt is completely dry, the artist will start the process of reborning. This is the painting process that adds realism and detail to the doll. Reborning involves various art tools such as brushes, sponges and special paints for the craft. Several layers of painted details are added one at a time, baked in a convection oven, and then sealed with varnish to preserve the details.

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Step 3

If desired, the artist may choose to give the doll hair. Hair can be drawn/painted on or rooted with hair using a special tool. Human hair, mohair (animal hair) or synthetic fiber hair may be used for this process. Monorooting is the act of rooting a single hair at a time. This rooting method takes many hours to achieve and is the most realistic and natural look for dolls with hair. Both drawn/painted hair and rooted hair are sealed with special varnish or glue, to preserve the art.

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Step 4

Assembling a reborn doll is the final step. Materials such as soft polyfil, finely milled glass beads, nylon beads, zip ties and magnets are used to put the doll limbs and head together. If a pacifier is desired, a magnet will be glued behind the lips of the doll, inside of the head. A matching magnet is then placed onto an adjusted pacifier. This add-on accessory allows the doll to "take a pacifier" and look more realistic.

 

The head, limbs and doe suede body of the doll sculpt is then filled with polyfil and glass beads to give the doll weight. This is what makes the doll feel like a real baby when being held. The parts are then secured to the doe suede body with zip ties or string ties. 

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A reborn doll has been born!

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