I would like to thank all of my LLRG Charter sisters that voted for me and I will do my very best to uphold this honor. LLRG has so much sincere talent and it’s such a wonderful group to be part of. A special thank you to our leaders Willow Dawn, and Sandy for their continuing support and love that they extend to all members of LLRG. They make us want to work harder and put in that constant effort to raise the bar on quality, beauty, and artistry in this field. Best of luck to everyone that enters for the remaining months of 2006, and to all our new and Rising Stars.
About The Artist
I have been an artist and doll maker all of my life. I have made just about every type of doll from cloth, porcelain, clay and everything else in between. I also sculpt newborns from Polymer Clay. I have been Reborning since December of 1989 when I received a set of realistic twin dolls for my birthday/Christmas gift from my Aunt that year. Being an artist, she thought I could find a way of permanently painting these babies to make them look even more realistic. They were full-bodied vinyl dolls and the most detailed babies available at that time. They were only sold through doll magazines and mail order. With a strong background in art, I depended on the same techniques used by the Old Master Painters that I had been taught. With a few adjustments I was able to come up with similar techniques that worked beautifully on these babies. I completed that first set of hand painted “Reborn” babies in early 1990. The first year was filled with many trials and errors and various painting techniques, but I kept coming back to the Original methods I painted the first two babies with, and I am still using them in my work today. I taught my first Reborning Class in 1990. If you visit my website there is more information about my babies and me.
I consider myself to be a “Realist type Reborner”. I specialize in newborns and those babies less than a month old. I love creating all types of preemie babies the most. Being an RN in the NICU really helped me when I was trying to figure out how to paint them, especially with details and skin coloring. Babies change so rapidly during the first few weeks and months of life, and there are many variations in techniques for texture and color that is needed to be a good Reborner and keep the babies looking age appropriate. I have been teaching Reborning off and on since 1990 and have helped many doll makers learn to do these babies. Debbie of Debbie’s Daydreams is now my Reborn teaching partner.
Even after all these years of Reborning, I still love this Art so much, and I put my heart and soul into every baby that I create. I constantly strive to improve all aspects of Reborning. With the input and creativity of many other talented doll makers, Reborning has come a long way since I painted that very first baby.
My babies are in collections all over the world, and now I only sell through custom orders. The ties and friendships I have made worldwide through my babies is something I hold close and dear to my heart. I am so grateful for these special gifts and how The Art Of Reborning has progressed and grown over the years.
Joyce & Her Babies
