SKIN TONES
The reborning process of
painting on vinyl/silicone is very similar to painting on canvas - by painting
on several translucent layers on a clean, blank canvas or vinyl/silicone.
Through this process, I strive to achieve the most realistic, life-like baby
skin tones possible to produce an Original Artist Reborn Baby (OARB).
Furthermore, I also aim to achieve a result that is completely durable to ensure
that the reborn baby retains this quality for a lifetime. Genesis Heat Set
Paints ensures a completely fade-proof and colourfast result. In contrast
to oil paints, which can take weeks to dry, Genesis Heat Set Paints can be
carefully heat set into the vinyl/silicone between layers. This process
facilitates the creation of a true 'living skin' with fine detailing, such as
subtle veining beneath the skin and mottling, without being forced to wait weeks
for each layer to dry. Finger and toe nails are detailed in the same way
and sealed with a delicate satin sheen. To enhance the appearance of
realism, I may apply a glossy sheen around the eyes, nose and mouth for a moist
appearance.
HAIR AND DETAILING
Micro-rooting the hair
involves the insertion of no more than one or two hairs into the scalp in a
natural hair growth pattern by using the very finest needles designed for this
purpose, and premium angora mohair. The hair is then waterproof-sealed
inside the head to prevent shedding and allow for occasional gentle washing and
brushing. In the same way, sleeping babies' eyelashes are also rooted and
sealed inside the head. Open-eyed babies usually have delicate eyelashes
glued on, but the application of these eyelashes on open-eyed babies remains an
option which differs from my choice of sculpt and the look I wish to achieve.
Nostrils are usually also carefully opened, smoothed, and backed with dark felt
to give added depth and realism to the reborn baby. In addition, magnets
may be glued inside the head to accommodate a magnetised pacifier and/or hair
accessory. For this reason, it is important to use caution
and avoid handling the reborn baby around people with pacemakers, computers,
credit cards, and other electronic equipment.
ASSEMBLY PROCESS
My reborn babies are
assembled by using the finest quality cloth/flannel/doe suede body - often
custom designed for the particular reborn baby by the sculpt artist. A
variety of fillings may be used to add the perfect balance and weight to create
the ultimate cuddly feel of a real-life baby. However, I NEVER use sand
for this purpose. My fillings usually comprise genuine siliconised
polyester/PolyPuff fibre, fine glass beads and/or poly-pellets for weighting the
head, body and vinyl parts. The glass beads are contained within secure
calico bags inside the head and body. For this reason, the reborn baby's
head needs to be supported exactly like that of a real baby.
Finally, the reborn baby
has a neat hair trim and is dressed in an adorable outfit chosen to complement
his/her "personality" and match his/her size.
Due to the use of small magnets and fine glass beads, reborns are not suitable as a child's toy, but are collectors' items to be cherished for generations to come.
