Preston's To-Do List Explained

Monday, September 24, 2012



I wanted to explain what I meant about adding baby hairs to Preston.  Looking at his tester shot, I can see that his hairline is not as symmetrical as I’d like, so I need to add baby hairs to his right temple. Some say asymmetry makes dolls look more realistic, but I personally disagree. I crave symmetry, lol! I’d go crazy without it.



Also, for those who may want to order a Shyann face sculpt from me in the future, please allow an additional four weeks for your baby’s creation. Shyann takes longer for me to paint than most other sculpts.  In order to make Shyann look like he or she is breathing, I have to put my painting skills to the test. I basically paint a face on top of a blank vinyl face, and it takes a longggggg time.  With other sculpts, I can enhance features that are already present, but with Shyann, I have to add features plus enhance them.  Make sense?

If I went into more detail, I’d be giving away some of my very valuable business secrets, so I will leave the rest to your imagination! :) I just wanted to post this notice for anyone considering Shyann.

...and a photo of his curlicues!  I added a small dollop of Giovanni Direct Leave-In, and the ringlets just bounced right up and dried this way.  I love this mohair!  Thank you, Joanna! :)



Anywhoo, I will be back soon with photos of a completed Preston, and a sneek peek of my next baby, Sarah Bella! :)

Preston's Final Phase of Painting

Sunday, September 23, 2012


Click to enlarge

Hola amigos! :) This is definitely not a lazy Sunday for me. Little Preston is keeping me busy busy. I finished rooting his hair last night, so I am starting on his final phase of painting today.

He is wearing temporary eyes in the above photo, so don't judge him, lol! :) I should have a final photo shoot by this weekend depending on how long it takes the eye glaze to dry. I just love Preston so far. His paint looks sooooo smooth and silky, omigosh, I can't wait to see him assembled! ♥
 

Baby Shower In A Box

Saturday, September 15, 2012


Me in colorful fantasy world :)

For those of you who sent kind words regarding Stephania’s box packing—thank you so much! Some asked about the additional cost for the gifts. There is no upcharge for my “Baby Shower in a Box”. It is included with every baby doll. Each of my doll mommies can expect to receive a double dose of spoiled divalicious me with each box opening, haha. The Brooke Nicole brand will remain synonymous with class and style. ;)

Magnetic pacifiers and tummy plates are available upon request and free of charge. Please send an email to request these items for your baby. Depending on your selected kit sculpt; I may be able to add them.  All of the babies listed on the sidebar have tummy plates.  Contact me to discuss magnet options. :)
 

Booked For Immediate Deliveries

Saturday, September 15, 2012



Hi ladies! I am completely booked for immediate deliveries until January 2013. Until that time, I can only accept new layaway orders from those who need a payment plan longer than 12 weeks.

Some of the current layaway moms asked about the terms of the layaway agreement. My reborning process consists of three phases:

1. Painting One
2. Hair Rooting
3. Painting Two

When your deposit reaches the $650.00 mark, I will complete the “Painting One” phase. When your deposit reaches the $1,650.00 mark, I will root and complete the “Painting Two” phase.

Preston (the Shyann boy) will be finished up next week, and I will list more layaway slots on eBay at that time. :)
 

Q & A: What is BSD?

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Q & A: What is BSD for the tutorial and how do you get to it? Thanks!

BSD is private support group for family members of Alzheimer’s patients. The forum is named for one of the residents at my grandmother's Alzheimer’s living facility. The forum is closed to anyone other than family members of the residents.

The reborning classes and tutorials are my family's contribution toward the BSD charity fund for Alzheimer's research. I don't offer classes otherwise. I apologize for any confusion, but my blog is the easiest way for me to communicate with BSD members when our forum goes down.  I hope everyone has a great Wednesday and thank you for reading. :)

BSD is Down … Again :)

Monday, August 27, 2012

Hi ladies! BSD is offline but Lexus and I did not want to wait to thank everyone who came to our ‘painted kit show’ last weekend, hehe! :)

Many of you asked how to make the anatomically correct torsos look so real, and I promised to post a lil’ somethin’ that should help explain.  :)  Just follow the same advice I gave for the tummy plates and paint dark pigmentation where you would see it on a real baby.

For the newbies- the pigmentation video I posted in March explains how brown skin shows non-subtle darker pigmentation in certain areas. When you hold a brown baby close, you see that his or her brown skin has permanent shadows, permanent mid-tones and permanent highlights. It not only light making the skin “look” different colors. Be sure to wrap your mind around this fact while painting. Brown people are living paintings-- especially brown babies who refuse to wear concealer and foundation that “hide” their natural dark to light pigmentation. ;)

Of course, dark pigmentation varies from baby to baby, so model your reborn after a baby you like.  There is no right or wrong way when it comes to placement, as long as the end result is realistic.

Allison, Katie and Wu were concerned about not having access to brown skin up close and in person, but please, ladies, do not get discouraged! :) Use the provided professional reference photos and have fun painting what you see. Here is a great reference photo for the torso.





Also, for the newbies, and this one is a biggie-- be sure not to confuse coloring with shading. Some artists around the Internet use these terms interchangeably. Confusing the two will not help improve your ethnic painting skills. I have noticed that some Caucasian painting tutorials use both of these terms to describe the same thing, but with my ethnic painting technique, I draw a distinct line. Watch video #14 for a complete explanation on this topic.

Anywhoo, thank you all again for coming over! I am looking forward to our next weekend together in November! :)
 

Preston's Infant Fashion & No Ebay Babies

Thursday, August 23, 2012



Baby Gap is amazing! They are my go-to shoppe for baby boy clothing, hands down. I asked Preston's mom to help choose two outfits for Preston's photo shoot, and she chose Baby Gap for one look! I was thrilled because I think the deep navy and red will look wonderful with his skin tone. These clothes are amazing quality!



Ebay Babies on Hold
I said I would have a baby listed on eBay at the end of August, but I will not because I am working on Preston's order.  I am also working on an Ariella order, and I confirmed the details on a toddler order yesterday afternoon.  All of that considered, plus painting Greta, it looks like I won't have a baby on eBay again until next year maybe.  If I do, I will send a notice through my mailing list and of course post a link here on the blog. :) 

I am still accepting lengthy 18 month layaways.  I will post a new eBay listing for a slot when I can add the photos from Preston's shoot.
 

Preston In Progress

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share this progress photo of Preston's limbs and torso. This photo was taken about a week ago, so I have made more progress with the crease colorings, etc.  I just love the tummy on the torso sculpt!  I decided to paint an umbilical cord and it turned out great!

I am still working hard on the face. Shyann takes much longer for me to detail than other sculpts because I like to create boundary in the eye area by painting "fat", and my "fat" painting technique is a bit complex so I like to take my time creating the puffy eye area.  I feel fat adds more detail and character to the finished baby.  It also makes him look younger, which is good since he has an umbilical cord. The "fat" thing may sound weird right now, but you'll see what I mean about this very soon when I post completed pics very soon, lol! :)