Creative Doll Makeovers

The creative process begins with that most ordinary of items: a vinyl play doll, available anywhere. But when it’s made over with a touch of color and other embellishments, it becomes a realistic-looking display piece—a work of art that often resembles a real baby and may even remind the creator of her own child, niece, nephew, or grandchild. The craft has become a hot new thing, and here’s the secret of designing these “reborn dolls.” It covers all the steps, from preparing the base doll to coloring, from adding eyes and hair to producing various types of cloth bodies and accessories from the included patterns. Inspiration comes from the numerous examples of finished dolls, created by both the author and other artists.