Infant Fashion & Macy's Picks

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Years Eve, everyone! I will be staying in this year. Actually, I have stayed in every year since my daughter was born…so this makes year number four, lol.

Anyway, I have a $50 Macy's gift card to spend and I have been all over macys.com this morning looking for baby clothes to add to my collection. Here is what I have picked out so far:


Orchid Pink Bear Velour Coverall by First Impressions - $7.99 SALE
*Picked in 0-3M!




Light Blue Bold Velour Hooded Coverall by Guess Baby - $15.99 SALE
*Passed. I don't have many male dolls in my collection, and I don't have any male reborns planned for this season. Cute though!



Shirt and Tutu Set by Greendog - $19.99 SALE
*Picked the pink bear set on the right in 3-6M!



Baby Girl Footie by Little Me - $9.98
*Passed, but I will order it one day when I have the extra funds.


Baby Girls Footie with Flower Toggles by First Impressions - $11.99 SALE
*Passed... It is pretty, but I just don't need it right now.



Stucco (ivory) Micro Fur Jacket with Lamb Ears by First Impressions - $11.99 SALE
*Picked the ivory in 0-3M!

Pink Hooded Sherpa Jacket by Carter's - $15.99 SALE
*Passed because I really want the footed pram version of this.

Well, $50 doesn't go but so far, especially with shipping charges. One of those free shipping coupons would really come in handy right now, lol! I need to make a final selection and checkout soon. I wish everything weren't so cute. :)

Xoxo,
BN

WANTED: Onyx Brown Eyes

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A fellow reborner and I were chatting this morning about glass eyes. We agreed that we love solid glass eyes for reborns, but we are having trouble finding dark brown (almost black) glass eyes that do not have a reddish hue.

To further explain, the shade I desperately want is a deep brown, almost black like this:




The only dark brown glass eyes I have ever been able to find are reddish mahogany shades like this:




Okay, now for the rant:


I wish I could go to a store and shop for eyes in person. I have wasted so much money ordering glass eyes searching for the onyx brown shade. Several websites sell eyes that are labeled “dark brown” and also appear almost black in the photographs. I get so excited but when these eyes arrive, they are actually a light reddish brown in person. I have enough reddish brown eyes here to open a museum, ugh...

If anyone can recommend a particular brand or website, pretty please drop me a line. I would be ever so grateful!

Xoxo,
BN

Afro Kinky Human Hair Review

Tuesday, December 29, 2009


I ordered afro kinky human hair to try out from hisandher.com. First off, the #2 color (darkest brown) is perfection and the quality is top-notch. It arrived in 56 tight coils (yes, I counted them) that look exactly like the photograph. The coils are between 6-8 inches stretched. I unraveled a coil by twisting in the opposite direction and rooted a few individual strands. The strands did not break but they were difficult to grab with my 42 gauge, 3 barb needle. That is to be expected when rooting any curly hair though.

Because the hair is human, it became nice and soft when I added water and conditioner to it. Straight out of the package, the hair feels like a 4a texture that needs to be moisturized. For an explanation of “4a” and other hair types, click here.

The amount of hair I received (one ounce) is definitely not enough to root an entire head. I estimate that I would need approximately 6 ounces to complete a newborn-sized head due to the waste factor.

I am glad I had a chance to try the hair out. The coils are not something I care to deal with. They are better suited for wig making just as the website stated, lol.

I am planning to stick with my Beverly Johnson afro kinky human hair. It is sold unraveled and in my opinion is more rooting friendly. I haven’t had much luck finding it online and I really do not have time to go downtown to purchase the hair until February. Little Shani will just have to wait it out.

Xoxo,
BN

Holiday 2009

Tuesday, December 29, 2009



I hope everyone had a great holiday! My family and I celebrated in Atlanta this year. We got in last night and I passed out, lol. I had way too much fun in ATL….so much that I am so sad to see the holiday season end. I know that sounds ridiculous, but I can’t help feeling that way. I am looking forward to next December. I’ll bet my daughter is too. She was even more surprised this year than she was last year!

Okay, so what did I get? hehe

I have a HUGE extended family, so instead of buying individual gifts, we play a gift exchange game. Everybody puts money into a gift account throughout the year. The party hosts use that money to purchase a variety of goodies. Each gift is assigned a number and the adults pick numbers from a hat to determine who gets what gifts.

My lucky numbers this year were 43 and 19. One of my numbers was assigned to a wine refrigerator but since I don’t drink, I traded with my cousin. I ended up with a 24” inch monitor for my desktop and a $50 Macy’s gift card! You know I will be visiting Macy’s baby department verrrry soon, lol.

I received several special gifts including Vera Wang’s Princess spray and lotion, a precious CPK baby, Thatcher (a Russ Berrie teddy bear that I have been wanting), and a pink Juicy Couture laptop bag that I totally was not expecting!



My wonderful parents started a family vacation account for us. Hopefully we can add to it and take advantage of it soon. My daddy stuck with tradition and gave me and my sisters cash. That means it is blogsite makeover time, lol! I think I found a professional graphics designer who can help me.

I got a beautiful, hand-me-down table set from my mother, who according to my father is “running a furniture racket”, lol. Here is a pic of the table set. If anyone recognizes that teacup, it is from Bonnie Chyle’s hollow silicone doll, “Not my Cup of Tea”. hehe





My sisters gave me a pair of darling Juicy Couture ballet flats that I can’t wait to show off this spring. I wonder if this pic my dogs sent them had anything to do with it? ROTFL



Some great packages arrived while I was away, so those count as gifts too! A pair of glass eyes, a couple of baby outfits, and most importantly, my blank Unexpected Arrival kit by Tina Kewy. UA is one of my absolute faves so she is like gold to me. I hope to start reborning her this summer. The afro kinky hair I ordered from hisandher.com is scheduled to arrive today. I will post that review the second I open the box. I am so curious about that hair...

Xoxo,
BN

Juicy Couture Baby

Sunday, December 20, 2009

I have always admired Juicy Couture's baby line which starts at size 3-6 months. I do not have many dolls that can fit 3-6 months, so I never purchased any of Juicy Couture's deliciously irresistible designs.

Lucky for me, my Trinity kit (renamed Shani) fits size 3-6 months. In addition, she has the perfect look for Juicy Couture's style of clothing. Shani will be modeled after the African-American baby girls I so often see when I venture into the city. The babies whose moms have a keen eye for stylish designer baby clothing, flawless hairstyles complete with adorned pigtails, and sparkling baby bling. Think three year-old model/actress Taylor Dior. I LOVE her style!

Anyway, these are some of the things I have in mind for Shani. I can’t order right away though. The holiday season has overworked my credit cards. hehe


Juicy Couture Baby Two Piece Velour Short Set - $44.00 SALE


Juicy Couture Baby Ruffled Slip On Sneakers - $58.00


Juicy Couture Baby Suede Boots - $58.00 (UGH! These are not cruelty free, I did not notice when I posted them. Oh well, I like the sneakers more anyway...)

Xoxo,
BN

It's Snowing...Yay

Saturday, December 19, 2009

There aren't many things I hate more than snow. This unwelcome East Coast blizzard is driving me crazy. I can’t believe I am going to be stuck indoors all day long with my dogs. My daughter is staying the weekend with my sister, brother in-law and nephew.

I was hoping my mohair would arrive so I can start rooting Estelle, but I doubt the mail lady is gonna show up when there is already five inches of snow smothering the streets. I am not really in a painting mood, but I guess I could finish up with Jazzy and my Trinity kit. Okay enough whining about the white stuff, lol.

Speaking of kits, Andrea Arcello announced two new kits yesterday! I just love the little girl, Niah. I think she would look great with a light tan. *wink*



I purchased the Le Top outfit pictured below for my Estelle reborn. I have to search for the coordinating blanket and hat. I decided against using bright colors for Estelle's photo shoot. I am going for a nursery theme this time around and all of my props have light pastel colors. Wish me luck with this. It has been almost four years since I decorated a nursery....haha


Le Top Baby 'Primrose' Dress & Legging - $40.00


Le Top Baby 'Primrose' Dress & Legging - $40.00

I decided to root my Trinity kit with afro kinky human hair. Trinity's skin tone turned out a light/medium golden brown, and the black hair I already have is too dark for her. I am planning to order some deep brown hair later today.



It will be a while before I can go downtown to the beauty supply store for human hair. If anyone else is looking for kinky human hair, the girls at the natural hair care forum I belong to recommended the online beauty supply store linked below. I have never ordered from them, so I will do some digging to find out if they are legit. I will post an update later on.

http://www.hisandher.com/Coiled_Afro_Kinky-list.aspx

Okay, I am off to start painting now. Happy Holidays, everyone!

Xoxo,
BN


Update:


Wednesday, December 23, 2009

I placed an order with hisandher.com and it has shipped out. I will post a review of the hair when it arrives.

Xoxo,
BN

1st Grade

Wednesday, December 16, 2009



Totally OT, but the holiday season would not be complete without sharing old photos, lol. One of my BFF's and I were laughing at this pic today. First grade....such good times...back when lunch meant recess & chatting about our dolly wishlists. Fast forward to the present when lunch now means a one hour break from our beloved nine-to-fives & a rushed phone convo about our daughters who have dolly wishlists of their own. ♥


click photo to enlarge

Xoxo,
BN

Oooh! Infant Fashion Monday

Monday, December 14, 2009


Stretch Corduroy Jumper Set by Ralph Lauren - $44.99 SALE

This set is by Ralph Lauren and I am in love! Mr. Lauren sure does use a lot of real fur for his designs, but this one is cruelty-free. I did not find any matching, cruelty-free shoes to go with the jumper set, so I picked out some socks instead:


Scallop Cuffed 3-Pack by Ralph Lauren - $12.00

I only needed one pair, but they come in a set. 12 bucks is a good deal for three pair...



Take-Me-Home Floral Gift Set by Ralph Lauren - $49.99 SALE

...And this is just something I couldn't leave behind! It looks funny in this picture, but I think it will look good on Jazzy. If not, there is always eBay, right? lol

Xoxo,
BN

Jazzy in Progress

Friday, December 11, 2009



Someone asked to see a larger picture of baby Jazzy, so I thought I'd post it here. She is nowhere near complete, unfortunately. I started on her in July, and abandoned her for the Lotus kit. lol

Hopefully I can get to finish Jazzy next year. I just love the Ariella sculpt. Reva is the BEST! I hope Reva can sculpt forever and ever, because I am a forever fan. ♥ haha

My Stuffing and Weighting Materials

Thursday, December 10, 2009



I love reading about the stuffing and weighting techniques of fellow artists, so I thought I would share a list of my current materials.

The stuffing and weighting step of reborning depends on individual preferences and trends, so there is a fine line between right and preference. I have used these same materials for about 3 years, with the exception of the dance tights. Those are new for me. Here is my current list of materials:



(from left to right)

Poly-fil® for head, torso and limbs
E-6000® craft adhesive to seal eyes and limbs
White felt to cover limb openings
Black felt for nose
White Danskin® durasoft dance tights (to contain steel pellets for head)
1mm steel pellets for head and bottom
Plastic Poly-Pellets® for lower torso/bottom area
Waterproof Beacon™ Gem Tac™ permanent adhesive to seal hair
Extra fine (sand-like) granulated glass for limbs
Sheer nylons or knee highs (to contain pellets for torso)

Looking For a Rebecca Kit

Wednesday, December 09, 2009



If you have a mint, untouched Rebecca kit by Reva Schick for sale at a reasonable (below retail) price, please email me. Thanks!

Xoxo,
BN

Baby ChloƩ!

Tuesday, December 08, 2009


Infant Girl's Coverall & Bib by ChloƩ - $89.60

I have been avoiding this designer coverall from Saks Fifth Avenue.com for a long time, but today it is on sale for like $90, and I think I have to order it. The style is just sooooo cute! I know I need help for my impulse buying, okay? Where is IMPULSE BUYERS ANONYMOUS when you need it? lol


Infant Girl's Coverall & Bib by ChloƩ - $89.60

I am really just trying to pass time while I wait to make my phone call. One hour to go...

Xoxo,
BN

Like OhMiGosh!

Tuesday, December 08, 2009



I am so ecstatic right now that I can hardly type! I left an email from eBay sitting in my inbox because I figured it was junk mail. I almost deleted it this morning, but something told me to open it. Much to my surprise it was from one of my TOTALLY favorite celebs! OMG! She wants me to do portrait reborn babies of her kids! She said someone sent her a link to my Blasian baby!

I called the number she left in the email...it seemed to be a good number and everything seems to be legit based on the recording. I guess I will find out more when I call her back tonight. I am just on CLOUD 50! I am a HUGE fan and her kids are so cute!

Xoxo,
BN


Update:

I can't wait to get out of this office so I can call again. 5:30 pm can't come soon enough for me. lol I so hope this works out!

Xoxo,
BN

Update:

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

OMG! I talked to the mom on the phone this morning and we have set up an ichat appointment for tomorrow night. She is sooooo sweet and friendly! I have been asked not to give details about the family on the blog, so I will respect their privacy and leave out names, etc. from my posts. I am just so excited about this and I would like to thank the mom for contacting me. I can't wait to get started on this project next year!

Update:

Friday, December 11, 2009

It is 2 am and I have been "iChatting" for the past three hours with my lovely new friend! It is an amazing feeling to meet someone that I have admired for so long. I also met the kiddos that I will be making portraits reborns of, and they are too cute!

We are still trying to decide on what kits to use for the portrait babies. I sent the mom a few links so she can see the kits I have in mind. We are considering the Michelle sculpt by Evelina Wosnjuk, Ariella by Reva Schick, and Bella by Maribel Villanova.

Okay, I am definitely going to work harder on my lighter skin tones and perfect them by next year because we agreed to start in March. I am just so thrilled about this project and I can't wait to start on the babies. Thank you, again, mommy, for contacting me!

Xoxo,
BN

Artist Desiree Holman

Monday, December 07, 2009



Are Reborn Artists & Collectors Being Judged Again?

Take a look at this bizarre collection of drawings of reborn collectors holding and nursing reborn dolls. I don't know what to make of this collection. I plan to read more about Desiree Holman's work tomorrow. It is late, I have to get to bed. I will post an update tomorrow.

http://whitehotmagazine.com/articles/2009-desiree-holman-silverman-gallery/1885

http://www.desireeholman.com/everything_else/Reborn_drawings1.html

Update:

I had a chance to read more about Desiree Holman's work this afternoon, and I am at a loss for words. The milk running out of the mouths of the women is odd indeed. Are there collectors out there who treat their reborn dolls the way Desiree Holman depicted, or is she mistaken?

Take a look at the "Reborn" video:


http://www.desireeholman.com/everything_else/Reborn_video.html

Xoxo,
BN

Ariella Kit for Trade *TRADED*

Sunday, December 06, 2009





I have a brand new Ariella kit by Reva Schick for trade. My Ariella is mint and untouched. She is made of the older, orange vinyl that has to be neutralized. She is a big 22" girl and fits 0-3 months perfectly.

I would like to trade her for a brand new Megan kit by Heike Kolpin -OR- an Ella Rose kit by Vikki Ebbeling. I know the Ella Rose kits were on clearance at one point, but I don't care about that. lol

Xoxo,
BN

My New Barbara Kit

Sunday, December 06, 2009


I traded my Kaelyn kit by Tamie Yarie for Barbara by Adrie Stoete today. I saw a reborned Barbara on eBay and fell in love! Apparently, this kit has been released for a while, but I'd never heard of it. Adrie has so many cute kits, it is hard to keep up with them all.

I love Barbara's fussy expression! It is so unique. And, I hear she is a big baby which means that she can wear my new Bunnies By The Bay dress. Unless of course she turns out to be a boy...

I tried to do some holiday shopping yesterday and I did not have fun. I get so worked up buying gifts for friends and family. I am always so worried they won't like the gifts. I guess I will do Amazon gift cards again this year. lol My daughter's gifts will be easy because I love shopping for toys! I will try not to pick up any dolls for myself, but some of those Cabbage Patch Kids are irresistible. Yup, I am a dollaholic for life and proud of it! haha

Nikon D70

Friday, December 04, 2009



Ok, so I bought a Nikon D70. I didn’t have any luck camera shopping on Black Friday. Best Buy was such a waste of time! LOL

The Nikon D70 is an older model. I got mine used for $229.00. A few photographers at a forum gave me some advice: “Purchasing a bunch of expensive equipment will not make you a better photographer. It is the photographer, not the camera.”

I really needed that advice. I will admit that I sought out expensive SLR’s during 2009 (like the $2,700 Canon 5D Mark II) to improve my photography. I really need to practice more to improve, not spend unnecessary money.

The D70 is a good unit to practice with. I bought a 50mm 1.4 to go with it. Everything should arrive next Wednesday or Thursday, so I can finally get some shots of my Estelle! I finished painting her last night and I am ready to root her hair. Her skin tone turned out nicely. It is very close to my daughter’s fair AA skin tone. I think I finally found a formula for the skin tone I have been desperately trying to achieve since last year. Raw Sienna is the ticket! I wrote down every little thing I did to Estelle. I will post everything soon.

Xoxo,
BN

Update:

BH sent me an email to say the camera is actually out of stock and issued me a refund. :( I do not know what I am going to get now....I guess I will wait for another to come up. I have a lens on the way though. Yippeee. lol

Bunnies By The Bay

Friday, December 04, 2009

Here is another line of clothing I am not really a fan of. I mean, I can't deny the cuteness of Bunnies By The Bay, but in the past, their clothing has reminded me of Halloween costumes (rather than everyday wear). I did love their famous bunny coat though! A relative gave me one for my baby shower. Their outerwear is darling, but I just couldn't love their outfits...

...I was bored last night, so I took a trip to http://www.bunniesbythebay.com. For some strange reason, I just had to have this little hat:


"Bao Bao" Hat by Bunnies By the Bay - $18.00

...And strangely, I could not check out without this dress:


"Girlbug Dress" by Bunnies By the Bay - $34.00

I guess I like Bunnies By The Bay after all? LOL I really have to get help for my impulse buying! Well, the girl dollies in my collection will be happy.

Xoxo,
BN

About Me

Friday, December 04, 2009

I have been a part of the life-like doll community since I was a teenager. My business dealings have always been squeaky clean. During my time, I have come into contact with hundreds of very nice collectors and artists. Every now and again, a weirdo comes along.

Listen up:

1. I do not have to talk to anyone who makes me uncomfortable.
2. I do not have to be friends with everyone.
3. I do not have to sell dolls to anyone I do not want to sell to.
4. No one can tell me what makes me feel uncomfortable.

My safety and comfort level come first. I do not have to sell to anyone I believe is hiding behind a smokescreen (i.e. pretending to want a doll and all the while hoping for a shot at my personal life).

Xoxo,
BN

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Brooke Nicole - Photographer + Doll Artist | Creative Commons Attribution- Noncommercial License | 2002-2015 Brooke Nicole