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tasreborner · Senior Member

hard as a rock head, what to do?

tianakaesha · Veteran Member

Could you heat up a rice sock and place it on the head to heat it up a bit?

TinyEarthAngels · Guru

I would make an inquirie where you bought it from hun they may have sent you the wrong old head instead of the new softer one ((hugs))

precious_lullabies · Guru

well the "soft luca" is softer than the old hard vinyl luca, but when compared to other kits this "soft" luca is still one if the harder vinyls i've found any kit to be made of. If you squeeze the "soft" luca very, very hard it should smoosh a little... the old luca vinyl didn't smoosh at all. You may have been sent one of the old ones though by mistake.

Either way, your best bet for rooting is to heat the head in the oven as you root. This will make it soft and workable. approx 5 mins at 120(c) should be enough... reheat as often as you need to to keep it workable. Its totally safe to put you mohair in the oven - it wont dry or damage it any.

When it comes to these super hard vinyls a rice sock just doesn't provide enough heat.

tasreborner · Senior Member

Thank you guys, this advice is really helpful, i have never bought a luca before but Naomi the only smooshy part (love that word !!!) is between the eyes... i am not sure whether it is a soft or hard luca but it feels very hard compared to that of another "soft" kit... i only just got the kit (from Lyns) maybe i should send her an email about it ... and Naomi thanks for the advice with the oven method, i'll try that for sure... (otherwise i could guarantee breaking lots of needles or my own fingers from sheer force !!!)
now when i have washed her (with dishwash liquid?) (prior to painting) can you use the oven to fast-track the drying time or not? thanks heaps everyone !!!

tasreborner · Senior Member

I have been informed that what i bought is indeed the soft luca kit, so just to let you fellow reborn-beginners know a luca's vinyl wont be as soft as other "soft" vinyl kits and thanks so much for your method Naomi as it will be saving me alot of heartache and needles, so thanks everyone !!!

Buffington · Guru

Lyn is pretty good as a doll dealer. I have never heard of anyone having any difficulties with her or her products so far. But if in doubt, always check with your dealer :)

I have heard that the new "soft Luca" is not as soft as other kits. The old original one (which I have) is hard as a rock! I too was shocked when I received that one. I had not heard of the "rice sock method" at that point, never needed it before that.

Yes, just follow the rice sock directions here but remember to put a cup of water in the microwave beside the sock so your rice doesn't burn. And use real rice, not the minute (instant) stuff, it makes a diff. Personally, I would heat the sock as it lasts a lot longer than heating the head itself. And how many times can you heat some dolls parts before they become brittle (it may not happen for a while but why take the chance). IMHO :)

-- Edited by Buffington at 17:36, 2008-07-30

gabriela · Member

Hello Pat! i follow your advice on the lip color and turned great. Thank you! i was reading about he rice sock for rooting, but maybe because of my english i dont get it! i fill a sock with rice, put in the microwave and what about that cup of water? i dont wet the rice?
I know it may be pretty easy to understand that instruction but is a matter of language i dont get it, i saw the secrist rooting video and Stephanie mentioned it but didnt get it too!
Help, pretend you are explaining it to a baby please lol :)

sara zata · Guru

Use one cup of dry rice and put into sock or stocking, heat in microwave for 3 minutes, put inside head and root. When it starts to cool, re heat and do same process untill you are happy with your rooting. June M from Oz

gabriela · Member

Thank you! i´ll start rooting...

sara zata · Guru

good on you Gabriela, June M from Oz

Buffington · Guru

Yes, that's it. The reason we put a bowl or cup of water next to the rice sock is so the dried rice doesn't burn. Since you reheat it so many times it can get burnt inside the sock and would not be good for the dolls head.

I know some times it sounds silly about putting rice in a sock and putting it inside the dolls head, especially if you are from another country. lol And some ask if you cook the rice first before putting it in the sock. No do not cook the rice first (or at all!). Just put uncooked rice in a sock, then tie the end closed so the rice won't get out.

June, you did a very good job of explaining the rice sock, thank you. :)

sara zata · Guru

Pat B, I try to be as helpfull as I can. I know I'm not quite up to the Genesis painting yet, but do know most of the answers, when you and Pat c, are busy studying and working. I hope I don't foul up to many times. June M from Oz.