What is a Reborn
Reborn in the dolly world is a word which originally came from the craft where a reborn artist purchased a specific brand of doll from the shops, brought it home and using chemicals, stripped the factory paint and hair off the doll. Then putting it through the reborning process using products like clothing dye and stencil creams to create a one of a kind "baby".
These days, although that option is still available, it is little used because of the wonderful vinyl kits specifically created for reborners as well as the more perminant paint options available. What do I use ?
I will happily choose any reborn kit. The only limit is my imagination. There are so many beautiful kits available.
I personally choose the Genesis heat set paints. It is just what works for me of the choices available and will last for generations with the right care.
Hair, I am leaning more towards painted hair. But for the real feel of baby hair, I choose only high quality mohair. Either way, painted or rooted hair takes many hours to carefully place each hair in the right place for maximum realism.
Weighting is done using mostly micro glass beads and polyfill. Sometimes I use tiny glass balls depending on the babies size. Never sand or anything that could cause damage to the vinyl or make international postage a bit risky.
| What is a BJD
BJD is short for Ball Jointed Doll. Or also known as Asian Ball Jointed Doll.
There are many different creators of BJD's and unending places to buy them from.
Most BJD's are made from resin. They can be bought with a faceup already completed or you can buy them blank and give yourself complete artistic rights to create something original with your own doll. Clothing and accessories are also easily accessable or you could create anything your heart desires to complete the style and personality of your own BJD.
What do I use ?
BJD's are easy to give a faceup. Though there are many rules with them also. Nothing oil based. Careful with heat as they can be misshapen. Caution with choice of stripper (I learnt that the hard way). Keep out of the sun !!! Absolutely MUST be kept away from direct sunlight or intense indoor lighting because their colour changes. Some BJD skin colours can yellow and other skin colours can green. Occasionally the yellowing can be lessened with a lot of work but never can it be undone completely. Better to be extra careful and not risk damage in the first place.
But to give them a faceup, you need a range of different sized brushes. Mr Super Clear UV Flat Spray sealer. Good quality soft Artists Chalks. A blade to "shave" the chalks. Liquid gloss sealer. And a soft kneedable eraser.
Sounds easy doesn't it ;-)
But bravery is also something to add to that list of needed items.
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