Vera's Angelica Pictures

Saturday, January 30, 2010



Vera of www.veradollcouture.com is currently attending IDEX in Orlando, Florida. Vera kindly shared pictures of Reva Schick's new Angelica kit. I love Angelica's realistic feet! I can't wait to work on this beautiful kit! Reva's sculpts are just amazing!



Xoxo,
BN

Reva's New Kits!

Saturday, January 30, 2010



Omigosh! Reva strikes again…in a good way, of course! She has created two new kits for Doll Dreams. Angelica is a child doll kit measuring in at 39 inches tall, and Noah is a 20 inch baby doll kit. These kiddos are beyond perfect!



I actually received an email from one of my reborn mommies requesting an ethnic Angelica this morning. I was like, “who is Angelica, lol?” When the mommy sent me a link, I was in heaven. Angelica is the same size as my three year-old daughter, so the wardrobe thing is taken care of. My daughter is very much into fashion, so I am sure she will help me out, lol! Angelica’s vinyl torso, neck and shoulders will make sundress shopping a breeze!

I already have ideas swirling around in my head about human hair lace front wigs, and various textures of human hair for rooting. Angelica may look really cute with painted nails (like nail polish)…just something different from the babies. Change is always nice!

Anyway, I believe the Angelica kit will be available mid-February and will sell for $166.00. I know Angelica will not fit into my convection oven, so I will have to figure something out.



Noah on the other hand will fit perfectly in my convection oven. I love that face! My list of “want to do” kits is so long, and with amazing sculptresses like Reva around, I do not anticipate my list getting any shorter, lol.

Xoxo,
BN

Back Home!

Monday, January 25, 2010



Thank you all for the emails regarding the contest prizes. I am glad you like them! Vegan chocolate candy is so good, but not calorie-free, so try your best to share, lol. Some asked about the candy boxes and cellophane. Everything came from Nashville Wraps. That place is awesome! The next contest is scheduled for February 15, so get your cameras ready! I will not be judging this time around, but I will be in charge of prizes again. I have to think of something good!

I removed my picture from this blog because I no longer look like that, hehe. I was feeling spontaneous the week before last, and I chopped off my long relaxed hair. I thought I would cry about it, but I did not, lol. My hair is back to its natural, kinky curly state and is now about 4 inches long. I have not seen my natural texture since I was about 7 years old so I am just lovin' the ringlets! I will take an updated picture soon.

Speaking of hair:

I was able to stop by the beauty supply store on my way to the airport last week. I finally got my hands on the afro kinky hair I need for my Trinity kit. The type I use is not sold online, unfortunately. I cannot wait to see Trinity finished! I absolutely cannot paint or root without music, so I have my YouTube playlist all ready. My favorite songs this week are "Hoodie" by Omarion, “Body Language” by Jesse McCartney and "Party In The U.S.A." by Miley Cyrus. No apologies for who I am or what I like, lol! ♥

The blog will more than likely be slow this week. I will be spending my spare time rooting and besides-- I have not seen any baby clothes I like, I am hesitant to show my works in progress, and most of the dolly folk will be away at IDEX. I am not going to IDEX, but I can't wait to see all of the photos from the event. Anyway, I still have a brand new Estelle kit up for trade! Pretty please consider trading me for a kit listed below!

Also, I am having trouble with my web hosting today. You may notice some red x's throughout the day.

Xoxo,
BN

Out of Town

Tuesday, January 19, 2010



Hi everyone! I am leaving for Seattle tonight. I will be back next Monday (Jan 25). I won't be updating the blog, but I will be checking my email regularly. All of the contest [sur]prizes and syringes have been shipped out as of today. Everyone should have received USPS tracking numbers. If you didn't receive one, please send an email, and I will send your tracking number right away. :)

Xoxo,
BN

Nashville Wraps

Sunday, January 17, 2010



Fellow reborners: If you love packing reborns in style like I do, then you'll love Nashville Wraps! I order all of my packing materials from Nashville Wraps. They ship quickly and everything is always so gorgeous! I am in love with the basket boxes and lids from the Rendezvous Collection. Nashville Wraps also has the best selection of cellophane rolls and tissue paper! Have fun!

Trade Estelle - *SOLD*

Sunday, January 17, 2010



I have been going back and forth with Estelle, but I definitely want to trade her...so someone please trade me. :)

My Estelle kit is *BRAND NEW* and untouched. She is made of Real Effect's new, neutral vinyl. Here is a list of kits I would trade for:

Vienna by Andrea Arcello
Kellie Ann by Romie Strydom
Andie by Dawn Donofrio
Bella by Maribel Villanova
Bonnie by Maribel Villanova
Michelle by Evelina Wosnjuk
Vivien by Evelina Wosnjuk
Noe by Evelina Wosnjuk
Nina by Gudrun Legler
Rebecca by Reva Schick
Lulu by Adrie Stoete
Rose by Adrie Stoete
Noelle by Adrie Stoete
Ava Raine by Laura Tuzio-Ross
Megan by Heike Kolpin
Ella Rose by Vikki Ebbeling
Barbara by Adrie Stoete
Luna by Jannie de Lange
Valentina by Gudrun Legler
Kylin by Laura Tuzio-Ross

Xoxo,
BN

Portrait Kits Chosen!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

I was contacted by a celebrity mommy last month who wants portrait reborn babies of herself and her two children. Well, the last time I posted, the mommy and I were still trying to decide which kits would work best. I heard from mom today. She and dad chose the Vivien kit for mom, Michelle for their oldest and Noe for their youngest. They wanted me to choose the kits, but I made them do it, lol! ♥



Great choices, Mom and Dad! These are three of my favorite kits. Evelina is one amazing talent! I am especially excited to work on Vivien again. I last reborned a Vivien kit in 2007, and I would love to use some updated techniques on her. Thank goodness for open editions! I can't wait to get started on the babies.

Xoxo,
BN

Natalie Scholl's New Kit

Friday, January 15, 2010



I am sure I am not the only person who has been dying for artist Natalie Scholl to release another reborn kit. Well, it looks like our wish has come true! Natalie will be releasing a newborn-sized kit for reborners very soon!



These limbs are without a doubt some of the most realistic I have ever seen-- and I have seen a lot of limbs. The belly button is too cute! Natalie's work is truly phenomenal! Click here to read more about this kit.

Xoxo,
BN

J'adore Baby Phat!

Friday, January 15, 2010


2 Pacifiers and Clip by Baby Phat - $14.99

Kimora never ceases to amaze me with her urban designs, and these items are no exception! First off, I am thrilled that she is now offering pacifiers! You know I have to have them, hehe.

And, this hat is pure perfection! I have been searching for a colorful hat like this with earflaps and a pom pom without much luck. I even tried Etsy and I still couldn't find one I liked.


Infant Hat & Mitten Set by Baby Phat - $24.00

These accessories are going to go perfectly with the jumper set I have here...


2 pc Tee & Jumper Set by Baby Phat - $26.99 SALE


2 pc Tee & Jumper Set by Baby Phat - $26.99 SALE

...Now, all I have to do is find a pair of cruelty-free shoes that don't contain leather, suede or fur. I want to stick with the Baby Phat theme, so I may have to go with socks. Kimora makes the best socks, so that shouldn't be a problem at all.

Xoxo,
BN

Sculpted Tear Ducts

Friday, January 15, 2010

I saw a reborn on eBay with sculpted tear ducts today, and I have got to try my hand at the technique! Actually, I saw several reborns with sculpted tear ducts last year, and I wanted to try creating my own tear ducts when I reborned the Lotus kit. I changed my mind at the last minute because he was a private order, and I wasn't sure about his new mommy's feelings. Now that I am working on the indie project (Trinity), I have got to try this!



I wasted my last bar of Prosculpt attempting a mini OOAK, lol, so I have to order more. I found these sample bars on eBay for a good price! I think I will use the baby flesh color since I will be painting the tear ducts pink.

If anyone else tries or has tried this technique, let me know how it worked out for you! Gotta love the ever-changing art of reborning. :)

Xoxo,
BN

Lightest Vinyl Ever!

Friday, January 15, 2010

I am home today because my daughter got sick at school. I have mixed feelings of happy and sad, lol.

Anyway, I have some time to surf the net while she is sleeping. I noticed these new kits on Doll-Fan and I love the vinyl color. It looks so light and versatile! I wish more kits were made this way. Neutralizing and lightening vinyl are pet peeves of mine. Take a look at an older post on this subject.



Xoxo,
BN

Baby Gap = Too Cute

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I shop at Baby Gap way too much (especially for my real kid) but I can't help it! The styles and colors are irresistibly cute. They hold up well in the wash too, lol. Here are some of the things from the new PopShop line that caught my eye for dolls:


Fruity Bodysuit - $15.00, Crawler Skirt - $20.00, Pear Socks - $8.00


Arch logo Zip-up Hoodie - $25.00, Striped bubble T - $17.00, Crawler skirt - $20.00


Bright knot hats (2-pack) - $13.00, Boatneck graphic T - $15.00, Crawler skirt - $20.00


Bright knot hats (2-pack) - $13.00, Boatneck graphic T - $15.00, Fruity leggings - $13.00

Click here to view the entire collection. Please don't blame me if you are tempted to overspend. :)

Xoxo,
BN

Infant Fashion Tuesday

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Window shopping. That's all I can do for about two more weeks, lol.

I have my eye on a couple of goodies from nordstrom.com because a good reborner friend of mine and I are planning a reborn gift exchange. I have a new baby coming next month! This is my first reborn in ages, and I am too excited! She is Noelle by Adrie Stoete, and I hear she wears 0-3 months. I'd better be prepared because I don't have anything for her to wear. Yeah right, hehe! :)


Juicy Couture Printed Coveralls & Bib Set (Infant) - $68.00

And this is too cute. I must have it!


Barefoot Dreams® Pocket Buddies & Blanket - $28.00

Baby Gap also has some tempting little outfits. I will posting about those later today.

Xoxo,
BN

Summer Bookings

Tuesday, January 12, 2010



Hi ladies! I am not yet accepting orders for Summer 2010. My spring portrait orders could very well run into early summer, so I will begin booking the summer slots when my spring orders are complete. Thank you all so much for the inquiries! I do hope to have a reborned Trinity kit available for sale in the near future.

Xoxo,
BN

Glenna Jean's Isabella Bedding

Friday, January 08, 2010


Isabella tassle pillow by Glenna Jean - $48.00

There is a white crib in the corner of our bedroom filled with dolls. It is currently decorated with my daughter's Glenna Jean crib bedding that she never used. Actually, she refused to sleep in her crib at all. She was with us for 18 longgggg months, lol.


Isabella comforter by Glenna Jean - $124.97

Anyway, after staring at the same bedding for years, I need a change. I have my eye on another Glenna Jean design, Isabella. Isn't this purdy? I ordered the comforter and square pillow this afternoon using a store credit I had from last year. I am hunting for a bargain (maybe used) on the bumper pads, mobile and wall hangings. I can't seem to find those precious heart shaped pillows anywhere, unfortunately. I gotta have them!

This set is going to look so cool in my nursery themed photo shoot I mentioned last month. Can't wait!

Xoxo,
BN

What is Indie?

Thursday, January 07, 2010



Lol, some noticed that I am “working on an indie project” for the month of January. Indie means independent. I am not working on an order, just a Trinity kit by Dawn Donofrio that will eventually be listed for sale on the blog. I can’t wait to show her off! Her lips are so cute. Dawn did a great job on them. Poor baby is all painted...just waiting for her afro kinky human hair.

Xoxo,
BN

Slumberland Mohair on eBay- *SOLD*

Tuesday, January 05, 2010



I listed 1.5 ounces of brand new mohair from Slumberland Nursery on eBay. I can ship worldwide! Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300384189058

And also an Estelle kit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300383491925&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT


Xoxo,
BN

Seamstress Wanted- *FOUND*

Tuesday, January 05, 2010


Me in 1983

Hi ladies! I am looking for a seamstress who can make a dress similar the dress I am wearing in the photos. I would like a size 12 months because I am planning to use it for a 26” doll.

I am not looking for a miracle. I would just like the red gingham dress with puff sleeves and peter pan collar with any red and white piping. I would like the white overlay with the red buttons. Any lace trim and red embroidery design is okay. If you can help me or if you know someone who can, I would be forever grateful. Please email me.

Update:

YAY! The talented Vera of www.VeraDollCouture.com has kindly agreed to help me with the red gingham dress for my OOAK. Thanks so much, Vera! I am so excited! :)

Xoxo,
BN

Tommee Tippee Pacifiers

Tuesday, January 05, 2010


Tommee Tippee 2-Pack Closer to Nature Clear Shield Pacifier - $5.99

Let's face it, not all pacifiers are created equally. If you have collected dolls for as long as I have, you know there is nothing worse than complimenting that perfect, designer outfit with a dull, unattractive binky. I remember when the ‘Luv N Care’ pacis with decorated handles were all the rage back in 2001. I finally jumped on the bandwagon after reading the "oohs and ahhs", and couldn’t believe how nicely the pacifiers photographed! It was at that point I realized that pacifier aesthetics ARE important.


Tommee Tippee 2-Pack Closer to Nature Soft Shield Pacifier - $5.99

Avent’s crystal clear pacifiers have been my reigning favorites since 2007, but they have some competition now that Tommee Tippee pacifiers are available in the United States! Babiesrus.com has these lovely binkies available for pre-order.

Pre-order now and thank me later, lol.

Xoxo,
BN

Wee Yawns

Sunday, January 03, 2010



Take a look at this sweetheart by Marita Winters! Marita’s babies are always so wonderfully detailed. I have one of her “Little Loves” produced by Masterpiece Galleries, and she is too cute. This kit looks like a must-have for me. That wish list of mine grows longer every day.

Xoxo,
BN

Order Discussion

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Hi everyone! I am still catching up on emails sent during my holiday break. I received a few emails requesting clarification for [private] orders. I would like to explain what I see as the differences between private orders, portrait orders and custom orders.




Private orders are for collectors who would like to have a specific kit reborned by a particular reborn artist. This works best for collectors who are very familiar (and smitten) with a particular artist’s work, her overall style of painting, and her rooting technique. The collector trusts the reborn artist will produce a doll that both collector and reborn artist will love. The eye color, hair color, hair texture, skin color, lip color, hairline, clothing, and layette are all at the artist’s discretion.

Collector role: Choose a kit.

Artist role: Create the reborn doll according to her personal artistic vision as described above.

I do accept private orders.

_______________________________________________________




Portrait orders are for collectors who want a reborn doll created that closely resembles a real baby’s photograph. Portrait orders work best for collectors who are seeking to duplicate in vinyl the baby’s same age, size, facial features, skin tone, hair style, expression, and eye color as shown in the photograph. The collector is fully aware that while the reborn doll will bear a remarkable likeness to the baby in the photograph, it will not be exact.

Collector role: Provide a much-loved photograph of a real baby.

Artist role: Select a kit that closely matches the facial features of the baby in the photograph. Create the reborn doll using the supplied photograph as her artistic guide.

I do accept portrait orders on a case-by-case basis.

_______________________________________________________




Custom orders are for collectors who are seeking to fully customize a reborn doll. This option works best for collectors who have a vision of a reborn doll they would like to see created, and need a reborn artist to do the handy work for them. The doll kit, eye color, hair color, hair texture, skin color, lip color, hairline, clothing, and layette are all at the collector’s discretion. The artist and collector work very closely throughout the reborning process to ensure the completed reborn doll meets the collector’s specifications.

Collector role: Develop a vision for a doll she would like created. Locate a reborn artist willing to fulfill her vision.

Artist role: Create the reborn doll precisely as specified by the collector, and as promised by the artist.

I do not accept custom orders. It is impossible for me to create a reborn doll based on someone else’s vision. My reborn dolls are products of my artistic eye. Art is not standardized. When I allow someone else to influence my artistic eye, I lose the intrinsic motivation that I need to create a reborn doll. I do not feel comfortable accepting adoption fees for reborn dolls that I would never purchase for myself.

I can't give direct referrals to artists who take custom orders; however, here is a link to a doll forum thread where artists are advertising their services.

Thanks so much to everyone for writing. I hope this answers your questions. If not, feel free to contact me again. I can’t respond to individual inquiries, but I will update the blog right away.

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