I can barely believe I am typing this, but...I have at last decided to learn how to create reborn dolls! It's taken some time for me to come around to this idea. Friends, family and other reborn doll hobbyists have encouraging me for years and urging me to pick up this craft. I'm finally doing it, y'all.
I admire the craftsmanship it takes to create these beautiful, huggable works of art. I don't take the commitment to learning this painting skill lightly, at all! I've done research on it for many years and have weighted the pros and cons for myself personally on investing in this venture. Now, seems to be the right time to go for it. I am so proud of all the newcomers that I've inspired in this hobby to collect dolls; I in turn have been inspired by them when they've decided to not only collect reborns, but create their own. Thank you!
Professionally, I work as a graphic designer/illustrator. I've always had an artistic bone in my body when it comes to drawing, painting and other art mediums. I've never learned to paint 3D objects extensively, but I have mastered color theory and drawing techniques in my career that I think will aid me well in pursuing this. Ultimately, I'd love to perfect my painting style and be able to offer beautiful dolls for adoption, just like some of my favorite artists. For now though, my focus will be on learning and creating something I can be proud of.
This morning, I added everything to my cart across the various websites and checked out all of my supplies to get started. I've decided to learn with Waterborne Air-Dry paints by HunnyBuns Dolls & Reborn Supplies. I was on the fence a long time deciding between the standard of Genesis Heat Set Paints (GHSP) and the air-dry paint method. As GHSP became less available and I recognize the risks I'd be taking with my asthma, I decided to go with air-dry. I am also familiar with how acrylic type paints work, so I feel the learning curve of these paints will be easier on me. Over the last year I have been following fellow Pumpkin Doodle Babies promoter, Jess (Reborns of Jess), in her journey with creating dolls with these air-dry paints and I am impressed with her work. I hope one day to be as good in the craft as she is.
Prototype Realborn Tessa Asleep by Beatriz Clemente
The reborn sculpt I chose to learn with is Realborn Tessa Asleep from Bountiful Baby. I love her baby fat rolls on the face and arms. Her hands are a nice position for me to get nail details. I chose an asleep sculpt so I can focus on painting for now and not worry about placing eyes. I'll also be working in painted/drawn hair as lately it has been one of my favorite types of hair for newborn size dolls. Rooting and placing eyes will be a different phase of my learning that I will focus on later.
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