Product Review: Winsor & Newton Gloss Varnish

Monday, November 1, 2010

Unfortunately, the air dry gloss varnish made by Genesis stopped working for me. I began using it in 2005 for nails, lips, and eyes. I never had a problem with it until earlier this year when it turned sticky on three or more occasions, prompting me to throw it away. Luckily, I was able to remove the sticky gloss from my vinyl parts with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. I spoke to several other artists who had similar experiences with Genesis' air dry gloss. We suspect Genesis changed the formula at some point.



I decided to try Winsor & Newton's Artisan Water Mixable Oil Gloss Varnish and so far, I love it! It is easy to apply and has a perfect, smooth glossy finish. It is definitely not sticky or gummy at all. It is an air dry formula, but it takes about 24 hours to dry completely, which is a long time compared to Genesis' air dry gloss which dries within minutes. Drying time aside, this is a great alternative to Genesis' air dry gloss varnish for artists looking to switch.

Pro: Smooth, glossy finish. Not gummy or sticky.
Con: Lengthy drying time (24 hours)
Price: $5 - $10 for a 75ml bottle
Where to purchase: Dick Blick
Would I purchase this product again: Yes

Carter's Footed Sleep & Play

Monday, November 1, 2010



Here is one of the Carter's outfits I mentioned in the 'Aisha in Progress' entry. Isn't it cute? I know it looks very simple, but the polka dots and velour will photograph well, especially on an Ofelia blanket from Ikea. *wink* I purchased a newborn sized romper from Bonanza a few hours ago. Now, if only I can find the matching toy...

Happy belated Halloween!

Aisha in Progress - Part 1

Saturday, October 30, 2010



Here is my beautiful Aisha kit by sculptress Marissa May. I have not done much to him yet. I am trying to match up the vinyl pieces because I ended up with a pink head, peach arms, one light pink leg, one extra pink leg, and an extra pink belly plate. I found the arms and belly plate tucked away in my reborning cabinet, so I ordered the legs from Bountiful Baby. When they arrived I noticed they were two different colors, lol! That’s okay; I am up for a challenge.



Wow, this baby looks so real even lying around in pieces barely painted, lol! The second I saw this face in person I saw a baby boy. There is just something that screams BOY about the jaw area. Anyone else see it? Maybe it is just me, lol. I am so excited about a boy because there are two Carter’s newborn outfits that I am dying to use for a reborn. I’ll post them tomorrow.

More of Aisha coming soon!

Found Them : Onyx Brown Glass Eyes!

Saturday, October 30, 2010



Before I stopped blogging in July, I promised to update readers on the status of my search for very dark brown, almost black eyes with no red tint and a smaller iris. I have noticed the larger iris commonly found in eyes sold specifically for reborn dolls do not work for every kit. I like a lot of white to show on my babies' eyes. It is less alien-like, lol.

Anyway, Staci and I finally found mouth blown, full round eyes online at Axel Marx's doll shop, which is located in Germany. I can barely see the pupil in these eyes (which is a good thing!). The almost black color is identical to the color of my eyes which I have affectionately nicknamed onyx brown. I love myself, okay?... :)

The iris is definitely not as large as some I have seen, but to be sure I will have to try them on a doll. I do not have any kits that take a size 22mm eye in stock right now. I have one on the way and I'll post a picture of her wearing these eyes soon, promise!

Axel responded promptly with my invoice and shipped super fast! The eyes arrived in less than a week. Axel, if you are reading: THANK YOU!

Back to Blogging & New Layout

Friday, October 29, 2010



Hello everyone! You guessed it: my blogging phase has started over, lol. :) I am so happy to be back! Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes to Emme Jae when she was ill. She is doing much better and she sends hugs to all of you! ♥

As you can see, I published a new blog layout. I am still tweaking some things here and there, so bear with me if some of the elements look…weird. :)

Okay, now for the doll talk:

I am definitely dealing with withdrawal issues because I have not picked up a paintbrush in a long time. I am so looking forward to starting on some of the kits I have here. First up is Aisha by Marissa May. Aisha was a present from my sister (for my birthday-- which is tomorrow-- I am sooooo old, lol!). I have a pair of Avery limbs here I think will work well for Aisha. I will be posting work in progress (WIP) photos of Aisha, so stay tuned!