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Thinking that you'd like to start creating your own beautiful bundles, but worried about the start up cost? It's true that the cost of EVERYTHING that you need to start can be overwhelming, but a lot of time goes into learning the whole process, and the entire process can be divided into 3 steps:
#1- Painting & Blushing
#2- Micro-Rooting
#3- Completing everything internal/stuffing & weighting/assembling
I've created a series of 3 Reborn Artist "In the Beginning..." shopping lists. You can practice learning one step, and purchase items from the next list, when you're comfortable, and are ready to move on. Nearly all of the supplies that you'll purchase initially will not have to be replaced for several more babies =)
#1- Painting & Blushing
* First, You'll need to decide on a doll kit. I suggest either a Berenguer or Secrist to start(though Berenguer dolls require more start up costs- see below).
Genesis Paints
*Flesh 02-08 of your choice(darkest color 02 to lightest 08)
*Pyrrole Red
*Pthalo Blue
*Pthalo Green
*Burnt Umber
*Dioxazine Purple
*Titanium White
*Glazing Gel OR Air Dry Gloss(for lips and nails)
*Matte Varnish- (Fabulous product- removes any "shine", creating a much more soft, satin baby skin texture)
*Also...the Secrist/Genesis DVD is VERY helpful
Painting Accessories
* Cosmetic Wedges
* 3/8" Maxine's Mop(Use this smaller one for blushing color)
* 1/2" Maxine's Mop(Use for flesh tones)
* #2 Filbert(Perfect brush for lips & nails)
* Loew Cornell #2/0 Comfort Script Liner
* Knobbed stencil brush(a must for pouncing between little fingers & toes- eliminating this step will result in a "painted" look on the sides & where paint will "pool" in the tiny crevices)
* (optional if you're wanting to create a more mottled, newborn look)Small, Med & Lrg Berry Maker(XL is not really neccessary) OR Natural Sea Sponge(Be careful that you don't purchase synthetic, as they harbor bacteria-YUCK!)
* optional(but recommended...will really save money very quickly)- Brush tub or rack(to ensure that brushes are stored upright when not being used)
* Odorless Mineral Spirits(available at Walmart)
* Palette
Other Items
* Bag of Pol-fil(For creating a bed for parts when heat setting)
* Craft Blade
* Toothpicks
* Practice Parts(which we'll send upon request with the purchase of the items listed in the start-up list)
For Berenguer or Other Factory Painted Dolls
* GOOF OFF!- The ONLY thing that removes ANY factory paint(found at Walmart)
* Cotton cosmetic sqaures(to remove paint)
* Clippers for plasic ties
* Dremmel tool(there's a Black & Decker equivalent at Walmart for $20)- for sanding factory hair lines
The cost of of these dolls makes them more appealing, but the time involved in preparing them for the reborn process is something that you should take into consideration. Removing paints, washing, drying, and sanding can add another 3-4 hours to the already lengthy reborning process.
#2- MICRO-ROOTING
* Micro-Rooting DVD
* Pin Vice
* 36-42 gauge Felting Needles(the higher the # the finer the gauge)- make sure that you buy the correct PRECUT or UNCUT- depending on your tool- some tools will accomodate either
* .5 oz of Angora Mohair
Though there is a lot less to purchase for this step, this is most likely to be the most lengthy part of your reborn process
#3- Sealing, Stuffing/Weighting & Assembly
* Eyes
* Eyelashes
* E-6000 craft adhesive
* Aleen's Tacky Glue
* Doe Suede or Other Cloth Body(if your kit didn't come with one, or you'd like to use one that's better quality)- If you're doll is solid vinyl, using a cloth body and converting the torso into Tummy & Tushie plates will make for a baby that feels realistic, and offers the option to add the plates for added realism
* Weighting Materials- Steel pellets, glass beads, poly-pellets, baby fat, or any combonation of them
* Cable Ties (having extras is a MUST).
* Clippers for cable ties(you'll already have these if you've decided on a Berenguer to start with)
* Optional items- Magnets for pacifiers, beating hearts
* Apparel that you'll be dressing them in and photo props & backdrops
Guide created: 04/30/07 (updated 08/16/08)
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