Pittypat's Reborn Nursery

From Then to Now

2018-12-14T14:18:00.001-06:00

I looked back to my very first reborn that I painted and my oh my - what a difference a few years can make! My first reborn kit was Gemma. I thought at the time that I did a pretty good job on her, but now that I am looking at her - poor baby was a blotchy mess. I think I sold her for $125.

This is one of my latest - and I think quite the improvement! (I should hope so, right?)

These are a few of my latest creations:

I love reborning as much as ever if not more. I am so happy I have found my niche and hope to be able to continue improving as the days and years go by.

Christmas Card Time Again Sneak Peek

2018-12-07T07:57:00.004-06:00

This was choice for my Christmas cards this year from Pittypat's Reborn Nursery. I usually buy 10 cards and send to my repeat customers. I almost waited to late this year but they are here now and ready to go!

So here they are...

front side

back side

They turned out pretty good - I always use Shutterfly

Actually the back side is the photo that was on my cards last year - I decided to just recycle that one! :)
Ivy Elizabeth is my toddler "keeper" baby.

New Shop Sign

2018-09-21T14:49:00.002-05:00

Another woodworking/wood burning project of my husband. Another idea that I think he should add to his "retirement things to do". I love how it looks.

Cradle Rock

2018-09-21T14:45:00.001-05:00

We have been trying to come up with something that my husband can do once we retire. I have my retirement life planned out - as long as I am able - I will be reborning. We plan to find a house on several acres of land in Arkansas - but he is going to have to find something to keep him busy, too. He loves woodworking. So - my idea was for him to make doll cradles - for starters - so he has made 2 for the youngest granddaughters for Christmas and he really enjoyed making them - they turned out really cute - I think the girls will enjoy them.

Of course he will have to come up with a few other things - since one of my plans is to enter craft fairs and shows, I think the cradles will be a hit and at the very least - make a great way to display my babies.

I want him to make a couple more and we will see how it goes since Christmas is around the corner - it would be great if he could sell them and that would spur his interest in woodworking even more.

Reborns.Com

2018-07-24T09:24:00.004-05:00

I have been meaning to add the website that my babies are featured on for awhile now. I just haven't taken the time. It is a great website without fees for your sales. I love it. I probably get 75% of my sales through this site.

The website is called Reborns.com and my specific page is Pittypat's Reborn Nursery

I am a gold member so my babies are featured regularly on the front page. There are literally thousands of Reborns on this site so I count it a blessing everytime one of mine is chosen for adoption.

At this writing, I have 7 babies up for adoption. I have over 130 babies listed that have been adopted.

I hope you take the time to check it out - it is just another avenue for the reborn lover and collector.

Esmae - a limited edition that you can find on my website.

Vintage Baby Decor

2018-05-01T13:30:00.000-05:00

I have been on a vintage kick lately in just decorating my house so I started picking up things here and there for my nursery and workshop. I love metal signs. I have found some super cute ones that look vintage but in reality are just made to look that way. Very cute, nonetheless. I am putting the metal signs on the outside of my workshop.

A Few Babies To Catch Up

2018-04-27T15:29:00.000-05:00

I realize I have not added quite a number of babies lately to my blog so I thought I would do that now. These are just some of the photos on my computer but I am sure I will be leaving some out. I have had 2 babies go to Singapore and one to Indonesia in the last couple of months.

Libby

Maggie

Cutie

Eden

Nursery Furniture - What A Bargain!

2018-04-02T08:33:00.003-05:00

I had been looking for a white dresser for the reborn nursery and could not find a decent one under $300. I looked at flea markets, online varage sales and garage sales. If I found one I liked, it was already sold. I was about to give up and just buy one from IKEA or one of those cheapie websites.

Someone advertised a white dresser, tall boy, nightstand, desk with hutch and chair for $400 and I really liked it but I didn't need all the furniture - I got in touch with them and they would not separate the pieces (I guess they thought they would miss one another?) Anyway - I passed on it - and then noticed they lowered the price to $375 and then $350 and then $325. They could not get any interest because they would not sell the bed that was also showing in the photos - nor would they separate. The seller says that they bought it all at Sears and had only had it a few months in a spare bedroom that no ones uses so they decided to turn it in a game room and no longer needed the furniture - it is in excellent condition.

I kept my eye on it, tho. Then they lowered it all down to $275 and I thought to myself - why not have all the furniture?? Why not, indeed! I bought it --- every piece. I love it. I have so many baby clothes and my closet is always totally full. That was the reason for wanting a dresser - but now I have plenty of drawer space - and it is just wonderful!

Looks great, too!

What Goes In My Box Openings

2018-02-26T08:52:00.000-06:00

This is a question I get asked by every person interested in adopting a reborn baby from me. The items that go into the box are hand picked with that individual baby in mind. This is a super fun part of the process. I love baby clothes! I love dressing them! So I do try the clothes on the babies before making the decisions. I wrap each piece individually and tie a little plastic charm on each one. I try to coordinate everything. Since a lot of people like to do the Youtube box openings now, it is important to me to make sure my boxes are special.

So what comes in the box?

Well, the baby is wrapped in a blanket, of course - some are hand crocheted by my mom and some are regular baby blankets. The baby will be wearing a hat and then a diaper over the head for both protection and the element of surprise. My babies wear a onesie or tee shirt and usually will be wearing a sleeper. They may be wearing socks or booties.

The wrapped items will be a variety of clothing items. I buy most all of my baby clothing at my favorite thrift store or outlet store. I try to make sure they are in excellent condition if not brand new. I find clothing with tags on them all the time in thrift stores. Occasionally I find items in other stores, as well. Onesies, dresses, bloomers, pants...I make sure they have a cute wardrobe to get them on their way. I pack 3 Honest Company diapers. I have a lot of cute prints! They will be wearing one and 2 comes wrapped. The diaper on the head is usually an off brand. For the girls, I send a cute headband. Sometimes bibs are included. Sometimes a sweater or jacket. I include the birth certificate (made by moi) and if it is a baby that comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, it will be included. (COA) These are usually the limited edition babies.
I am a traditional kind of girl - so pink is for girls and blue is for boys. That is just me. I know a lot of people have different ideas - and that is Ok! that is what makes each one of us unique - our own minds!

So - with that being said - my baby girls are sent with everything girly girl, you know, sugar n' spice and everything nice and my baby boys are sent with snips n' snails and puppy dog tails.

Sometimes, if I know the person is a big fan of a particular theme, I try to find things that will go with that. I had a lady that was all into giraffes and elephants and that was super easy because I just happen to be, too!

I try to buy sport team specific items as I can - so if I happen to get a new mom from New York and have a New York Yankees onesie - of course I will add that.

All items are individually wrapped in tissue paper, ribbon and little plastic charm. I add a couple of pieces of "It's A Girl" or "Its A Boy" candy. Sometimes a stuffed animal or toy.

It is all the fun of a baby shower in a box!

Happy New Year!

2018-01-11T13:27:00.003-06:00

Happy 2018!
Here we are with a brand new year! The holidays were crazy busy - I was sending babies all over the world - including Singapore and Israel! It was exciting to think about all the new mommies that would be waking up Christmas morning to new babies to love. I have received many photos from Christmas morning but I don't have permission to post them as of yet. Some are on my facebook nursery page - I got the ok on that.

This month has started off slow but it was expected. At the moment I have 5 babies available and 3 work in progress so I will have a nursery full! That just gives me a chance to dress them up and have fun with them myself.

In the nursery...all available at the moment

By the weekend there will be 3 more to add to the nursery! I am going to need a bigger crib!

Christmas Babies Around The World

2017-12-11T10:02:00.001-06:00

I love the thought that my babies will be included on Christmas morning. It has been a busy 2 months with people adopting my babies as Christmas presents. From Virginia to California to Canada to Singapore!
I wish I could see the faces of those who open their boxes Christmas morning to pull out their dream baby. I have had so many write to me and tell me that they cannot wait until their daughter or niece or wife open up their gift of a Reborn Baby Doll.

Most of the people who have adopted a baby for Christmas tell me they have bought strollers, carriers or beds. Most have bought diaper bags and newborn clothing. I can just imagine the happiness and that makes me happy.

I have been sending most babies to their new homes in Christmas outfits and then some in their sleepers wrapped in their blanket but a Christmas item is still included.

I have asked them all to send me a photo so I can add to my album on Facebook. Some plan to do videos. One mother who adopted two babies for her two daughters says they plan to do videos on Youtube on a regular basis. I can't wait to see them.

So it has been a super busy Christmas getting all of these babies ready to go home. I know that after the holidays it will slow down some but right now I am enjoying making these babies and knowing they will all be truly loved.

Our PittyPat Christmas Cards

2017-11-28T09:32:00.000-06:00

This year I am sending out Christmas cards to some of my most frequent customers from my nursery. My toddler, Ivy, certainly makes the photo adorable! The first 2 photos are the ones going on the cards. I ordered these through Shutterfly.com. Doesn't she look precious in her Christmas dress and sweater? I posted these on Facebook and I can't tell you how many people commented that they thought she was a real baby on first look. That is what I love to here!!

My First (Reborn) Toddler

2017-11-17T10:50:00.002-06:00

I have made my first toddler baby and she is my keeper baby. She is the Ella Mae sculpt and is 26 inches tall.

This is her before I got her wig. My husband actually likes her better bald -

Here she is complete - cutie patootie.

I knew her middle name was going to be Elizabeth - I actually let my husband pick out the middle name - but took me a bit to decide on her first name. My top choices were -

Olive
Sage
Tillie
Sybil
Olivia
Ivy
Raven
Delilah
Cordelia

So after much thought - I have chosen her name and it is...Ivy Elizabeth

DOB: November 12th
Weight: 10 pounds 1 ounce

More Twins

2017-11-02T10:47:00.000-05:00

Seems I have been asked to do a lot of twins lately! They are so much fun to do - there are quite a few twin kits out there but the ones I have been doing are the same kits x 2. I have quite a few of the actual twin kits in my stash, but so far I have just been doing doubles. (Which is fine).

My newest set of Natalie twins - being adopted as twin boys:

Set of Maddox twins - these are anatomically correct boys -

This set of Gena twins - boy and girl

My first set of Avery AA Twins - both girls

and my very first set of twins - which I made for my mom from the Jewel kit. Also boy and girl

I really do enjoy doing them as sets of twins. Maybe one of these days I will make a set of triplets!!

My Commercial Baby!

2017-09-29T09:08:00.001-05:00

This sweet little one is now in Canada shooting her first commercial! I can't wait to see the end results. All I know about the commercial is that it is for the Wall Street Journal. So exciting! I had to over night her with FedEx and they paid a hefty amount to get here there in time to begin the shoot. ( almost as much as they paid for her!) I have been promised a link to the commercial once it is completed and that should be within 2 - 3 months. I will certainly share as soon as I can!

Baylee

Available Littles at the Moment

2017-09-29T09:05:00.000-05:00

Christmas is coming and so I am filling up the crib! Some of these are pending but wanted to share anyway.

Maddox twins - they can be separated

Nathan

Moritz - sold out limited edition (as a girl)

Moritz - sold out limited edition (as a boy)

Lillian - pending completion of payment

Preemie Thomas

My New DOLL HOUSE/Workshop

2017-09-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

I know, it has been awhile! I don't even have an excuse for it - just life, I guess.

I am so excited to have my workshop finished. It is the cutest. We bought one of those little sheds from Lowe's - this one is 12 x 8 x 8. Brad put in an air conditioner - it has great lighting - and it is just so much better than tying up a bedroom in the house. I was always worried about the vinyl baking and not enough ventilation - so now I can just sit my oven right outside the door on a little table as needed.

I need a little bench to sit out in front - I have since added a welcome mat and a bucket of flowers. I think a little window box of flowers would be cute, too.
The following pictures were taken before the ceiling was finished with sheetrock or curtain added.

My cute elephant print curtain I made.

We had it put together by Lowe's professionals but my husband did the sheetrock inside, cut out another window for AC and did all the painting. He is making me a sign with my nursery name to add to the outside.

I love it!

Thrift Treasure

2017-07-29T20:12:00.001-05:00

Oh, today I hit the jackpot. I have a thrift store that I love to go to on the weekends and that is where I buy most of my Reborn clothing to send with the adopted babies. Each week a different color tag is 50% off and another tag is 35% off. I try to stay with the sale colors unless it is an exceptional bargain.I have bought so many "like new" and "new with tags" it's crazy.

Today I did my usual treasure hunt - I have a system - I go to the socks, hats and bibs first - then I slide over to the 2 piece items - cute dresses with bloomers and such. After that I head over to the blankets. All babies are wrapped in blankets when I send them to new homes and I am always finding beautiful ones. Then my favorite part - the sleepers and lastly the onesies. Oh - and while I am at the blankets I look over the stuffed animals (I have found a mint condition Cabbage Patch Doll so I am always on the look out for another!)

So generally my husband drops me off and he heads over to Lowes or Home Depot and then I call him when I am ready for him to pick my up - I take my time (which he loves) and can easily spend an hour and half. Today when I was finished treasure hunting I texted Brad to let him know I was ready - but got no response. Then I look up and there he is - trying to pull one on me - he had been there for quite some time stalking me. (lol he is cute that way)

Anyway - we get ready to check out and he spots this beautiful vintage baby carriage (or pram, as the British say) and commented I should get it - I looked at the price and although it wasn't too awfully bad high - I told him no - I would wait until the color tag on it was half price - and I kind of know the rotation so I figured it would be the following weekend. He kept saying I should get it - I stood firm and paid for my items. We got in the car and I decided to google vintage baby carriages and we were almost home and I told him to TURN AROUND - OH MY GOSH - it was a steal according to all I was seeing and reading on google!! So turn around we did and I paid the ticket and was just so excited I couldn't stand it! It is in MINT condition, people! MINT! I love it. I am still not sure what year it is from but I am guessing 1950ish.

Of course Brad kept telling me how I would have been sick had we gone back and it was gone - and he was right. I am not one to pay full price for hardly anything - but at full price - it was about a fourth of the value.

I can't imagine dropping off something so pretty at a thrift store - not wanting it any more and just discarding it. Who does that? Obviously the person didn't know the value of such a piece.

So - it is in our study - with a reborn baby in it. I plan to use it to display babies at craft/vendor shows sometimes - and I am just thrilled beyond words at this gorgeous find.

So glad Brad chose today to come "stalk" me at the thrift store!

What's Happening In The Crib

2017-07-27T20:02:00.003-05:00

So - who do we have looking for a new home? Let's see...

Isaac

Kameko

Maikey (limited edition #1 out of 150)

Sleeping Logan

Kyle

Aisha

Things Are Looking Up!

2017-07-27T19:48:00.001-05:00

The lull did not last but a minute. Thank goodness! Although I do have a crib full at the moment, that's good - because once people get into the holiday spirit - it is on! I need to get ahead and have a nursery full. With it being summer I have had much more time, but that will soon come to an end. I start back to work August 7th. (Boo Hiss!)

So - playing catch up once again - these are the babies that have been adopted over the summer. Some were made over the summer and some in the spring.

A Full Crib

2017-06-25T12:03:00.001-05:00

Right now it seems that most reborn artist are in a lull, including me. After getting used to my babies selling so quickly, it seems strange having a crib full. I suppose most are choosing vacations over reborns - go figure ;)
I belong to a couple of reborn forums and everyone is saying the same - very few sales this month. Of course Christmas is 6 months away and more than likely it will pick up again by early September and maybe even August. The last 3 months of 2016 my babies were practically flying out of here.

I have adopted out 6 this month (June) so I am not complaining. Three of those were layaways but they still count.
These are babies that have been adopted out -

Aubrey

Megan

Joseph

Gena

Amber

Harper

Then there are those still waiting -

Grant

Kyle

Sleeping Kimberly

Kameko

Maikey

Pebbles

Maggie

My Downs Syndrome Reborn

2017-06-04T20:49:00.003-05:00

This has been like my dream reborn to create. I have wanted to do a Down Syndrome kit since I started reborning. It was a toss up between Pebbles and Vincent - I went with Pebbles. She is adorable.
I didn't know what kind of reactions I would get but once I posted her to my Facebook page (both personal and reborn) there has been nothing but positive. In fact, I believe I have had more comments with this one than any other so far. That makes me very happy I chose to make her.

I would really like to do another with blonde curls and I hope to someday, just another reason to get my rooting skills down this summer. I think she still looks pretty cute with painted hair. As you can see she makes a sweet looking girl or boy.

My First Craft & Vendor Market

2017-06-04T13:13:00.001-05:00

I finally got to participate in my first Craft & Vendor Market - I am so glad I did but I will not be doing so again until Fall or I find an indoor market. I am too much of a wimp and can't take the heat! My babies can't either. I worried the whole time if they were getting too hot and the eyelashes were getting a little limp on one of my babies. I don't worry with hand rooted eyelashes but the falsies are glued on so the glue can get a little sticky in the heat. It wasn't that it was really that bad hot, but the humidity was horrible.

Anyway - I went in knowing that I most likely would not make a sale - most people do not expect to spend over $150 at a whack when going to those type of places BUT I did get plenty of exposure which was my intentions. I gave out plenty of business cards and several people asked to hold one of the babies. I answered a lot of questions and after all was said and done I only had 2 people say they were "creepy". Not bad! Not a single person walked by that didn't make a comment about how real they looked. I took 4 babies with me - Kameko, Grant, Kimberly & Amber. I think Kimberly got the most lovin' on but every one was impressed with Grant's size. I was able to explain some of the reasons people adopt reborn baby dolls such as for dementia therapy, grief therapy or they just want a baby doll to hold. There are dozens of reasons that people want them, but I was not really prepared for one man who kept coming to my booth and making comments about how creepy they look, how real they look, etc and he kept telling me he would love to have one. After the 3rd time it was obvious he wanted me to ask him why he wanted one if they looked so creepy and he couldn't wait to tell me. He said he would love to tie one in a carseat to his bumper and drive down the highway just to watch peoples reactions or leave it in the car and sit back and watch people try to "save the baby". Weirdo! He also asked if I would just sell a few body parts since he couldn't afford a "whole doll". Of course I said no!

I had a 10 x 10 spot down the middle of the pavilion so that was pretty good, I think.
I had 2 photo albums full of babies that I have made and adopted out. I also took a couple of blank parts (head, limbs) to show how they look before I start painting and baking. I had a small bag of the fine glass beads and polyfil, as well.

It was a good day (other than the creepy weirdo) and I feel like I accomplished what I set out to and that was to make people aware of my Reborn art and hopefully they will remember me when they have a birthday or Christmas gift to purchase in the future!

Before & After

2017-04-25T14:02:00.000-05:00

I thought it would be pretty cool to see some before and after photos of the Reborns I have done. I took a count this past week of my completed babies and I have completed 79 as of this date. (4/25/17) and have 2 about a third of the way done, which are customs for someone in Australia.

In these pictures I am showing the sculpt of the head as it comes to me and in the other is a finished baby. They do not come with eyes, body or weighting material. In the ones where eyes are being shown, this is not how I get them. Those were just for the purpose of showing how they will look with eyes.

My First Reborn Orangutan

2017-04-07T21:11:00.000-05:00

The Orangutan is a couple inches smaller than the Gorilla - but equally cute, in my opinion (maybe even a little cuter. I made these banana bottles today - not my idea - I believe I saw them on Etsy. It is just a styrofoam banana that I picked up at Hobby Lobby - cut it in half and hot glued the bottle nipple on it. Simple as that. It makes a cute prop.

*Update - sold for $145 and going to Idaho.