As a former newborn nursery nurse, I have experience with literally thousands of newborn babies including four of my own. I have also been a doll collector and enthusiast for most of my life. I am happy to have found this art form that allows me to combine my love and experience with real babies with my passion for “doll” babies.

This is not my occupation but rather a hobby that I truly love as well as my creative outlet. I work long hours on these precious little ones and if paid by the hour, they would not be affordable for most people.

I get so excited to see what was once a plain toy doll come to life adding personality to each and every Reborn I make. Each baby is truly one of a kind collector doll.

I begin the reborning process as a painter would begin his painting on a blank canvas. My blank canvas is in the form of a manufactured toy doll. The finished product is a stark contrast between the toy it once was and the true to life look of the Reborn. It is this “true to life” look that is the challenge for me to achieve with each and every one of my Reborns.

Each one will emerge with my own expression of his or her “personality”. To accomplish this, I make each one a part of my daily routine. I then begin to add the details one layer at a time.   I look at them, study them, adding as I go along. I note the reaction of visitors and onlookers. Most often people comment on how astonishingly real the baby looks. When I hear someone gasp and say that they “ I thought it was a real baby” I know I am on my way to the finished goal.

Each has a name and look all its own. I love to try various skin tones, hair and eye combinations, and different complexions. Some may have a ruddy and mottled complexion; others have peaches and cream. Some may have a “lazy eye” others look as if they are looking at something off to the side while others will stare straight into your heart.

Unless I want to achieve the look of an older infant, I give all my reborn baby’s eyes a deep deep shade of blue. This is the color of newborn baby’s eyes, which is so dark it is often hard to tell what color the eyes are. I often set the eyes as if looking at the new “mother” when the doll is held.

The technique used in Reborning is standard and is strictly adhered to. This must be done to achieve long lasting, quality Reborn Dolls. I apply my own “twists” to the standard technique that I have developed to achieve my individual style and look. My favorite part of the process is seeing the new little one emerge to become the finished product. The hardest part for me is putting them in the box to ship them. I have to remind myself they are just dolls. Just the same, I love it when others appreciate what I do enough to purchase one of my Reborns. It is very rewarding to know other people love my work.