LadyBug Babies Nursery

   Hello ~ My name is Cindy O'Keefe and I am the Artist here at LadyBug Babies. I have been reborning these precious babies for 3 1/2  years. I have always been very artistic and I have a 39 year background in various types of Art. I am also the mother of nine children and Grammie to six....I do know my babies! If you would like more information on my LadyBug Babies, I can be reached at willowhawk92002@yahoo.com Please send an email and I can forward any information or pictures that you'd like. Most of the babies that you see here in the Nursery can be custom made to your specifications. Please come in and enjoy your visit to the LadyBug Babies Nursery! Please be quiet, though, some of our wee little ones are sleeping!

 When I first came across reborns on the web, I was very curious as to what they were. Well, this is a short explanation - A reborn is normally a play doll that becomes very realistic looking through a transformation process. This process involves many steps. The first would be to disassemble the doll, then strip all original factory paint. Then you would wash the doll parts very well, usually in baby wash to keep them smelling baby fresh. The factory eyes are removed, the nostrils are opened and then the doll is repainted is several steps. (Now, there are several doll kits that can be bought that are ready for reborning.) I use Genesis Heat Set Paints for all of my babies. They are applied in several translucent layers, using special color blends. Much time and care is given to capture the perfect coloring, veining, and blushing of a real baby! All of this is a very long process, but worth it in the end. After the painting is finished, the new eyes would be inserted and the hair would be hand rooted with premium mohair. Some people apply mohair wigs, but personally I would rather do hand rooting. The doll is then fitted with a new soft body (hand made by me) which is filled and weighted to get the real baby feel.  The head and limbs are filled and weighted, too. After the dolls are put together, they are dressed in real baby clothes. Most of my dolls wear preemie or 0-3 month size. 

There are also many reborn kits on the market today. These dolls are actually called newborns as they were not a doll originally. Making a doll from a reborn doll kit saves several steps. The babies that come from them are amazing! When all is said and done, whether reborning or newborning, you have a doll that has become lifelike. These are no longer play dolls as they are not child safe. They have been transformed in collector's treasured heirlooms.

                            My Grandaughter ~ Lucy Jane ~

                               The Original LadyBug Baby