The Best Online Reborn Help Forum!

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Newbie I am!

TinyEarthAngels · Guru

Hi Jenifer its lovely to meet you hun welcome to the forum ((((hugs))))

precious_lullabies · Guru

i love the twins in your avatar, two of my favourite sculpts actually. I have one of each right now but haven't decided if i'll sell them as twins or not.

welcome on board. I'm glad you decided to venture out and learn how to use the forum and let us all know your there.

look forward to getting to know you

LovesDolls · Guru

Welcome! This is a great place to be.

heartme_4ever · Veteran Member

welcome :] yu'll love it here

Miss Reborner · Senior Member

Hi Jennifer, Welcome! I noticed you live in Seattle, WA. I live in Ellensburg, WA. I don't know if you ever heard of it but it's about 2 hours from where you live. Sounds like we should just set something up. If anyone else lives in Washington, be sure to tell us. Again, welcome to the forum!

Jean · Veteran Member

The babies in your avatar are wonderful! I live in Eugene Oregon. Its about 5 hours from Seattle. We have quite the west coast group!

Jean

Buffington · Guru

Welcome to our family forum!

If anyone wants to form a group or knows of some classes in their area, please feel free to post it in the classes, etc subject of the forum :)

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi again & thanks to you all for the warm welcome! I've only been reborning since about April, so I'm pretty new at this. What happened was, I was going to sell a couple of vintage dolls I had, so I looked them up on eBay, and in that process, I ran across reborns which I had never ever seen or heard of. I'm fairly artistic, and so I decided to give it a try, and as you all seem to know...once you start, you're hooked.

I've sold a few girls on ebay for decent prices, but I have such a hard time parting with them, you know. My goal is to improve my reborning skills, and I have already learned from you all just by reading posts here, that I'm sure I will get much better by gleaning the wealth of knowledge here.

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi Miss Reborner!

I know where Ellensburg is, but have only driven through there when on the way to skiing (back when I used to ski), but also from the big rodeo. My little sister & I used to ride Gymkhana (barrel racing, etc). She lived in Hawaii for 20 years, but has now moved to Spokane with all our horses & other animals. Anyway, thanks for the welcome. I'm kind of self-isolated, so this is a nice place to chat!

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi & thanks Naomi! I love your work! I've looked at your links, and you obviously have great talent...your little angels are all beautiful! I hope I'll get to be as good as all of the experienced people here on the forum! I know with the help from all of you I will definitely improve.

I also love Sam & Sera...I sold a set on ebay a few weeks ago. I had wanted to sell them together, but they ended up going to two different bidders...oh well, if I can part with this set (I have one more set I have yet to reborn), maybe they will go together, although I did get over $400. for each of them separately(my best $$ so far), so I ain't complainin'!!

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi again Naomi!

I forgot to mention to you in last post that it's quite a coincedence that your quote is "where art gives birth to life"... I made up some business cards when I started, and my quote on the cards is "where art imitates life"! Kinda weird huh? weirdface

sara zata · Guru

WElcome Jennifer, I,m from Oz but this is also meant for Pat B, When I lived on the Suhshine coast ,I belonged to a Porcelain Doll club, seeing there are so many of you in close proximity, wouldn,t it be nice to meet once a month, midway and have show and tell over a cuppa and donuts, that,s what you do over there isn,t it. Here its Coffee, scones, jam and cream. weirdface

June M from Oz

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Hi, I'm Linda and I'm so new I'm still waiting for my first DVD and instruction manual to arrive. I heard about these beautiful dolls over a year ago and didn't know where to begin looking for them.
I too have an artistic touch and with lots of practise may one day produce something nice if I'm lucky.
I would really like to know if there are any other people on the west coast in the Vancouver, B.C. area who do reborning or any suppliers in this area who offer classes?? I've spent many hours now looking at all the beautiful work so many of you have done and am amazed at the beauty of it all!

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Thanks TEA! I just love this forum. And your work is...well...FABULOUS! If I practice alot oneday maybe I'll get even near to your talent, I will consider myself blessed!

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Thanks LD! Glad to be here!

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi Linda & welcome! I'm really new too...just became a member a day or so ago! Anyway, I live in Seattle, so I'm probably closer to you than I am to Miss Reborner in Ellensburg, WA, or to Jean in Eugene, OR. As to suppliers & classes, I don't know of anything locally. So far I have bought all my supplies online (ebay or one of the online reborn suppliers), and classes? Don't know of any, but there are quite a few of tutorials online for free. Don't know how much they would help beyond the DVD from Secrist (which is very helpful), but you never know.

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Hi Jenifer!
So nice to hear from you!
Thanks for the info and I will enjoy keeping in touch!
My favorite doll kit so far is Ariella by Reva Shick. I've ordered the kit and hopefully by this time next year I will be able to do a great job with it!
So much to learn!!
Linda, XO

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Good to hear from you too Linda! Ariella is also my favorite, but Sam & Sera twins (my avatar) run a close second. They're quite a bit smaller than Ariella, but so cute! I just finished my first Ariella, and am taking some pics tomorrow hopefully (actually I took some today, but the memory card I used isn't getting "read" by my computer so I'll try again tormorrow with an "old faithful" card I have. Once I get the pics, I'll post in Artists Showcase, though I feel kinda funny posting under such a title cause I ain't no artiste yet! Need lots & lots of help & experience, but we'll both get there eventually

sara zata · Guru

Hi Linda, I,ve already welcomed Jennifer today from Oz, happy reborning, as you would have noticed all the Ladies on the forum are so friendly and helpfull, you wont have any trouble seeking help. If you have a problem you can ask advise and I,m sure who ever is on line will give you answer or tell you where to look. I have only been reborning for 8 mths, but haven,t tried Genesis yet , have used A.S oils, waste of money, at present I use inks but most of the Aussies seem to use Genesis,there are a few Reborners that have tried and tested, and you,ll see some of their creations on the Artist Showcase. Pat B & Pat C are over there to help you all. weirdface June M from Oz

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Good Morning Jenifer!
Looking forward to seeing your Ariella! The twins are very sweet. Even in such a small picture, they look so real! Well done! You must be enjoying very much.
Would like to know if you started out by purchasing one of the doll kits available, or did you piece together your supplies?
Have a lovely day, what a change in the weather.
Linda, XO

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Hello June!
Greetings from British Columbia and thank you for the welcome. Very enjoyable to chat with other people having fun with reborning. I haven't even picked up my first paint brush yet. Am still figuring out how to get this all started without wasting $ on things I won't need.
Slowly getting it together though and am still amazed at the wonderful art pieces so many out there are creating!
Linda, XO

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi Linda! I pieced together my supplies and the first doll I worked on was one I picked up at a thrift store. What a pain that was! It was a Berjusa & in not too great shape & pretty dirty to boot! Plus ya had to sand off the hair lines in the vinyl & the arms & legs were sewn on so they didn't have grooves to attach a new body which it badly needed. Got out my dremmel & made my own grooves. All in all, it came out pretty good for a first try.

Keep posting on your progress when you start. It'll be great to follow along, and you'll be amazed how quickly you'll see the art begin to come through you into a little darling of your own!

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Wow! Thanks for the encouragement!
I managed to contact a lady on the west coast in Canada who can teach me a thing or two and I'm really looking forward to meeting her and getting on with this new hobby.
I can hardly wait to post my first success story!
Linda, XO

sara zata · Guru

Hello Linda, We ,ll be waiting patiently to see your progress weirdface

June M from Oz

English_Garden · Newbie

Hi there,
My name is Marie and I am new member to Secrist Doll forum.
I was wondering if anyone out there knows how to change the eyes on a Fayzah Spanos doll? So many of them are made from acrylic and seem to fade quickly. All Spanos doll's except for the very older kind are made from hard vinyl. I would like to mention that the neck of these dolls are sealed with vinyl. Once the wig is removed, I have discovered a cap on top of the doll's head. This cap does not screw on, it has a film of plastic around the edges, what I believe was glued onto the edges of the hole or cap to keep in the cap in place. Also, I am not sure what tools or glue I will need to glue the eyes and cap back with? Lastly, if possible, I prefer no to use heat, that is, hair dryer, oven or boiling water, if possible. I have a spare Spanos head that I would like to experiment with. I need help with this difficult task. Or if you're already an expert, I will be happy to pay for the service
Many Thanks in advance,
Marie.

libra0089 · Veteran Member

Ohhhh! Who does these twins? They are gorgeous and I would love to give them a go.

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi Linda & welcome to the group! I'm new too...just been reborning since April and the twins were my last effort just before the Ariella I just finished. The are Samantha and Seraphina by Marissa May and are available directly from Bountiful Baby, and also on eBay (I hate eBay, but what can you do!).

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Hello again Jenifer!
Looking forward to seeing your Ariella. I've spent several hours visiting the different nurseries and it's so interesting to see the doll transformed by each individual artist with their own magical touch.
It's also interesting to learn what appeals to each of us. Everyone is unique.
Hope you are having a great day!
Linda, XO

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi Linda...sorry, I meant that last post to answer Christie's question about the twins! Anyway, I'm having some trouble with my camera talking to my computer! They are evidently not speaking the same language today, and also it was way overcast. I'll try again tomorrow & post as soon as I get them.

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Hi Linda,

I've posted some pix I took this morning of Ariella in Artists Showcase, and critique even from a newbie is welcome. Sometimes just a fresh eye can see things I can't!

-- Edited by bandycoote at 23:30, 2008-08-01

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Oh Jenifer!
She is beautiful!!!!
What a gorgeous baby doll, and you have only been doing this since April???
How did you learn to create such life-like colouring? Did you take a course, use DVDs or learn from somene else? How did you put the felt in her nose and mouth to make it so perfect? I would buy her in a heart-beat, she is one of the really 'well done' dolls.
All I can add is congratulations will you be able to sell her?
Thanks so much for posting, loved every minute of looking at your great talent.
Linda,XO

bandycoote · Veteran Member

Wow, thanks Linda for the praise! Yes, I've only been doing this since April, but I did buy the Secrist DVD. I don't know of any classes close to where I live in Seattle, but I have looked at lots of free tutorials online...some good & some not so good, but take away something new each time I check one out. Every little bit of info helps, which is why this forum is such a big help! You'll be scooting along in no time with all the available help here! I still can't do open eyed dolls (I've got a mental block or something (lol)!), but plan on asking for lots of help here to get over it!!!

There's no felt in the mouth, just paint. It's easy to put the felt in the nose though. Before I begin painting, I drill out the nostrils. Then, after I have painted the head & glued the rooted mohair, I simply take a small piece of dark felt and glue it inside behind where I have drilled. That's all!

Can't wait to see some of your work!!

-- Edited by bandycoote at 23:32, 2008-08-02

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

You are very welcome Jenifer!
Thanks once again for all the information.
I've been looking at many, many dolls the last few weeks and the eyes are all very different. Not sure if it's the brands chosen or the price you pay for them.
The more$ the better the quality?
Have a great weekend. The sun is trying to come out in our area, I know Vancouver has it already, we are behind a mountain here and it always takes longer to get to us!
Linda, XO

libra0089 · Veteran Member

Where in BC are you Linda? I live in Surrey. I will have to give Macphersons a call to find out about the class. Is it being held at UBC? May be fun to give it a go together although I just know the second my kit arrives I am going to get started. I just can't wait as I am far too excited! I even went out shopping today to find some clothes and pacifiers, the E6000 glue and magnets.

Hope you are enjoying your long weekend! I am but also cursing as it means the earliest my kit could be here will be Tuesday lol

Christie

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Hi Christie!
Sorry for the delay in answering you I've been painting a couple of rooms and am trying to stop looking at all the gorgeous dolls online. Right now I'm hooked on ebay watching the bidding and and looking at the beautiful work all these talented people have done. So turning off the computer is not easy!!
I live in Port Coquitlam close to Coquitlam Centre. You are very close, so nice.

The lady who is offering the classes lives out 'by' UBC and Deborah at Macpherson's gave me her email address and phone number. Perhaps I can get this info to you somehow.

I have purchased the getting started DVD from Secrist and also won an Ariella kit by Reva Schick on ebay, my favorite doll so far. Neither have arrived yet, don't plan on doing that doll until able. Myrna, the lady offering the course told me not to buy paints or any other supplies until I get started. She plans on starting the classes the end of Aug.

Nice to hear how excited you are to get going on this wonderful hobby. I too am really looking forward to trying my hand at it.
Will keep in touch for sure, perhaps we could meet and help each other out.
Linda, XO

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

Well my gorgeous Ariella kit arrived today and even in pieces what a beautiful doll! I'll definitely have to practise plenty before I touch her with a brush!
I would love to know who in this forum is self-taught and who took courses and and did the courses cover enough. I find the first Secrist DVD interesting and frustrating because they don't show enough close ups of the work Stephanie is doing. I was very surprised that they didn't zoom in on her painting. Is the Advanced DVD more helpful? Just curious.
Thanks, Linda

Linda Hamburg · Veteran Member

I would like to thank Buffington and Libra0089 for replying to my questions the other day.
I'm sorry I haven't replied, but I have no idea how to retrieve private messages on this forum. My page tells me the messages are there but neither will open.
Linda

sara zata · Guru

Hello Linda, your like me It took me about 6 days to work out how to read them, when your name pops up that your online, it says you have a message , so go to your userdetails and it will hav ewho the message is from and a topic next to a little square box, click onto the topic. IE Hello sara zata. click onto hello and up will pop your message. weirdface

June M from Oz