Middleton Dolls
The Art Of Reborn Dolls
More and more doll collectors are embracing a market that produces realistic baby dolls. The creativity and hard work necessary to produce the lifelike figures has been named “creating reborn dolls.” This article takes a look at this popular trend, explores its popularity, and suggests some pros and cons.
A review of doll history indicates that the Berenguer and Preemie dolls were the forerunners of this current trend. These dolls were the first of their kind to closely resemble human babies with their realistic expressions, body shapes, materials used on the outer surfaces, and other lifelike attributes. Once the desire for realism was sparked, doll artists began to experiment with laborious processes to eliminate artificial appearances. Discoveries of new artistic techniques resulted in more realistic enhancements for reborn dolls.
The concept of “reborning” is simple; however, it is a painstaking process that starts with a soft vinyl doll that can come apart. It is then stuffed for realistic weight and painted for lifelike tinting. All features of the dolls are chosen by the creator. There are many choices to make when creating realistic baby dolls: the color and texture of the hair that is individually hand rooted; the color of the eyes; the shape of the mouth; the shape of the face and facial features.
The process begins with purchasing a soft vinyl baby doll with the features you want. Kits to “reborn” dolls are also available to purchase. A good starter kit can be purchased for around $30, and an advanced kit upwards of $150. Berenguer reborning kits are the most basic. They come unassembled and simple. You will actually start by sculpting your own baby’s face yourself. Middleton Dolls, as well, offers unassembled realistic baby doll kits with the baby’s face already sculpted for painting. These faces are sculpts created by two well-known artists, Reva Schick and Eva Helland.
One advantage of creating realistic baby dolls is that reborn dolls are individually handmade and therefore, very unique. It is a work of art that when finished is truly your own original creation. It can be a very personally satisfying experience. “Reborning” may also be a way to represent a memory of a child by recreating a baby that stays forever young and doesn’t grow up. It may replace a child that was lost. Another rewarding aspect of the “reborning” process is purchasing clothes for the baby, or making them yourself. Creating original clothes adds to the uniqueness of the dolls.
While some doll lovers enjoy the realism this new technique offers, many are turned off by the idea. For some, creating realistic baby dolls to represent children, or to replace a child that was lost isn’t desirable. Too much realism by adding a built in beating heart or a breathing mechanism is going too far for some doll lovers’ comfort.
Although creating reborn dolls is a craft that anyone can do, it can be very time consuming. It takes a lot of patience and practice to perfect the technique to produce a realistic baby doll. A disadvantage of the craft for some may be that the process is too time consuming and laborious. That alone is a good reason to pay a good price for well crafted original “reborn” dolls, made by artists who enjoy the rewards of the laborious process.
The debate about how “real” realistic baby dolls must be in order to be enjoyed may be related to the age old question, “What is the purpose of art?” Do dolls need to be realistic to be enjoyed, or is it possible to use artistic license to create dolls that transcend reality, and are enjoyed for their aesthetically pleasing qualities?
Whatever one decides about the appeal of “reborning,” it is a trend that has caught on and is very popular. It is a trend that adds creativity and variety to the doll world, and as indicated by its popularity, it is making an impression on the world of dolls and doll history.
About the Author
Jeanine SG, Webmaster, Special Dolls Online. Ashton Drake Dolls reborn dolls, realistic baby dolls
Royal Wedding Merchandise: Kate Middleton Doll and more!
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Lee Middleton doll Little Cub. Limited edition # 388 of 600, dated 2004 $50.00 |
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Balance of Life 26in Vinyl Doll by Lee Middleton $213.88 |
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Kiki 26in Vinyl Doll by Lee Middleton $213.88 |
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Antique Love 22in Silicone Doll by Lee Middleton $142.88 |
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Middleton Berenger Reborn Doll Clothes 19-21″ DOLL DREAMS Nightgown Set White $13.25 |
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New in Box Lee Middleton Reagan Toddler Doll Brunette $46.99 |
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New in Box Lee Middleton Savannah Toddler Doll Brunette $51.99 |
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Lee Middleton Doll- Little Bo Peep Miniature $45.00 |
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Lee Middleton Cuddle Babies Angel Love 19″ Vinyl Brown Hair Eyes Baby Girl Doll $99.99 |
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Lee Middleton Baby Doll 1998 By Reva With Original Outfit~Too Cute! $25.00 |
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Lee Middleton original doll by Reva Schick 1997 used $63.00 |
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Dolls Color of Spring – Middleton $270.00 |
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New in Box ~ Lee Middleton ~ Katherine ~ Toddler Doll ~ Blonde ~ Blue Eyes $37.99 |
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New Lee Middleton Duncan Toddler Boy Doll 19″ $49.95 |
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Lee Middleton Doll Missy Signed $15.00 |
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Lee Middleton Original outfit for toddler baby doll 20-22″ NEW w/tags FREE SHIPG $46.95 |
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Lee Middleton Doll/ BUTTERFLY DREAMER Reg.$125 $89.00 |
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SALE! Lee Middleton Tan Hiking Boots for Dolls New/Never used $4.25 |
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14″ Newborn Wonder Baby Doll CUTE Thumb Sucker! 2000 LEE MIDDLETON Great Shape! $24.99 |
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Middleton DOLL DREAMS Ohhh Ducky Bathrobe 19-21″ SALE $10.00 |
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Lee Middleton doll – First Born (Boy) – “My Own Baby Series” $65.00 |
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1997 LEE MIDDLETON DOLL REVA SHORT HAIR $15.00 |
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TAGGED MIDDLETON DOLL DRESS $9.99 |
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PRINCE WILLIAM Doll at One Year Lee Middleton 1983 USA 22″ $49.99 |
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New In Box Lee Middleton Jordan Toddler Doll 20″ $71.95 |
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Samantha Brunette Lee Middleton Baby Doll From Play Babies Collection, New $49.00 |
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Alexa AA, Lee Middleton Baby Doll From Play Babies Collection Sucks Thumb $49.00 |
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Lee Middleton Newborn Nursery Doll $15.50 |
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Lee Middleton 20″ Vinyl/Cloth Baby Doll, Darling Sleeping Baby, Great Condition $50.50 |
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Lee Middleton doll ~ 2005 Collectors Club doll Little Baby light ~ NEW IN BOX $48.99 |
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Lee Middleton doll ~ AA 2005 Collectors Club doll Little Baby ~ NEW IN BOX $48.99 |
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Middleton Club Doll 2002Trunk Set $19.99 |
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Middleton Toddler Doll-Lilacs and Gingham $26.00 |
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JUST REDUCED~Little Peanut~RETIRED~Lee Middleton Doll~ $130.00 |
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LEE MIDDLETON DOLL -” LOVE” LTD EDITON 215/1000 ( JULY 2001) $40.00 |
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Three Lee Middleton Dolls Cinderella, Rapunzal Little Bo Peep $38.25 |
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Adorable 2000 Lee Middleton 18” Baby Doll by Riva Vinyl & Cloth/Blond w/BlueEyes $6.50 |
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BNIB Prince William & Kate Middleton COLLECTOR DOLL Royal Wedding MEMORABILIA $150.60 |
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KATE MIDDLETON ENGAEMENT FRANKLIN MINT DOLL #1537/5000 NEW IN BOX PRINCESS ROYAL $129.99 |
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Doll Shoes Girls 3 3/4″ Leather Made By Lee Middleton $7.75 |
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Victorian FLORAL WHITE LACE DOLL DRESS VEST OVERLAY Fits Lee Middleton NIP $11.95 |
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New! Barbie Prince William and Katherine Kate Middleton Royal Wedding Doll Set $155.57 |
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Lee Middleton Original Dolls “Lets Go Sailing” w/C.O.A. $99.00 |
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1980’s – A LEE MIDDLETON DOLL ORIGINAL – NAME: SINCERITY-VERY SWEET & DEMURE! $35.99 |
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SAVANNAH LEE MIDDLETON BABY DOLL, BRUNETTE, NEW, MY LAST ONE $35.00 |
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Lee Middleton * Alice in Wonderland Doll * $119.95 |
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Lee Middleton Miniature ASIAN Doll ~ Maia $59.00 |
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BIG Lee Middleton Little Black Girl Doll 23″ $64.00 |
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Lee Middleton Original Doll Limited Ed COA 22″ NIB 1999 $135.99 |
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1993 ORIGINAL LEE MIDDLETON “BABY” FULL BODIED VINYL DOLL 13 1/2″ WITH HAND TAG $24.00 |
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Lee middleton original Baby doll girl,2002 in Box $46.00 |
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1996 LEE MIDDLETON DOLL 20″ BOY 010596 W RED SLEEPER BLUE EYES BROWN HAIR REBORN $18.50 |
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Lee Middleton Doll 17′ $5.00 |
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Lee Middleton Thumb Sucker Baby Doll W/Red Hair and Gorgeous Violet Eyes So Cute $11.99 |
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Lee Middleton Here Comes Trouble boy doll blonde MIB $135.00 |
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1998 LEE MIDDLETON ORIGINAL GIRL DOLL BY REVA /REDDISH HAIR BLUE EYES $19.99 |
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Lee Middleton Dolls Candy Stripe Blonde Retired Doll $149.99 |
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Lee Middleton Dolls Crystal Fairy Limited Edition Doll $149.99 |
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Lee Middleton Dolls Day At The Orchard Retired Doll HTF $199.99 |
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Lee Middleton Dolls Sleepy Little Lamb Life Like Doll $199.99 |
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Reva Schick So Sleepy Lee Middleton Vinyl Lifelike Doll $229.99 |
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LEE MIDDLETON PLUSH DOLL PURPLE PINK SATIN LOVEY 13″ $12.99 |
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“Bright New World” Lee Middleton Collector Doll $150.00 |
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Lee Middleton Toddler Doll Reva Schick, Vinyl & Cloth, 2000, Brown Hair/Eyes 19″ $22.50 |
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2007 Middleton Doll the Complete Collection catolog book MINT NOS FREE SHIP’G $8.95 |
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Middleton Doll Babydoll Crib $59.99 |
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Little Middleton Tagged Outfit “Afternoon Adventure” to fit a 26″ Doll $12.95 |
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Middleton Doll 19 inch Doll – Hayden $51.99 |
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Middleton Doll Puppy Pajamas Doll Clothing $15.99 |
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Middleton Doll 19 inch Doll – Duncan $46.99 |
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Lee Middleton Dolls By Gone Days 309 Numbered Edition BOX/COA $65.00 |
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Lee Middleton Doll Hunny Bunny 156 BOX/COA Limited Edition $65.00 |
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Lee Middleton doll Golden Girl Mint ! What a Beauty $75.00 |
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LEE MIDDLETON O CHRISTMAS TREE DOLL ETHNIC/MEDIUM $125.00 |
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Beautiful Lee Middleton Doll Harvest Ball Blonde NEW with Box and Tags $79.99 |
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FRANKLIN MINT Kate Middleton Engagement Vinyl Doll ~RTS $195.00 |
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ASTON DRAKE Kate Middleton Engagement Porcelain Doll With 2ND Portrait DRESS $179.99 |
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Spring 2009 Middleton Doll Complete Collection catolog guide book FREE SHIP’G $6.95 |
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CUTE 14″ LEE MIDDLETON NEWBORN BABY DOLL – THUMBSUCKER – VINYL/CLOTH STUFFED $19.99 |
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Authentic Lee Middleton Baby Doll Thumb Sucking Blonde Hair Blue Eyes Boy/Girl $17.75 |
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Lee Middleton doll ”Little Miss Proper” $165.00 |
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LEE MIDDLETON DOLL BABY RUDOLPHl/Certificate Of Authenticity/ Original Box. $118.99 |
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Lee Middleton My First Nursery Polka Dot Gown Baby Blue Eyes Light Skin Doll $39.99 |
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Middleton Doll “Kya” NEW IN BOX $20.00 |
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Lee Middleton 1991 Bubba Batboy Doll $55.00 |
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Lee Middleton Doll Peru 767 Limited Edition BOX/COA $65.00 |
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Lee Middleton Doll Mittens Mittens 226 Limited Edition BOX/COA $65.00 |
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Prince William and Kate Middleton WEDDING **LICENSED** Commemorative Coffee Mug Cup (New Design #3)- 29th April 2011 – Ideal gift as a Collectors Item – Affordable Gift for your loved one! $19.99 This mug has specially been designed to commemorate Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton. The mug image is licensed and is professionally printed with vibrant colors. This mug is a unique design and this is your chance to own a part of royal history…. |
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M. Middleton Blank Stock Letterhead – Baby Doll Colorfully designed letterhead paper available in packs of 100. Paper is both InkJet and Laser printer compatible…. |
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Barbie Collector William And Catherine Royal Wedding® Giftset $100.00 Gold Label® Designed by: Robert Best Release Date: 2/14/2012 Product Code: W3420 This Royal Wedding® Gift Set includes exquisite portrait dolls of the bride and groom now bestowed with the titles, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Catherine doll wears an elegant, yet chic, gown inspired by the original and features lovely ivory taffeta trimmed with lace and faux pearl buttons. Also includes wed… |
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Royal Wedding Dolls | Princess Catherine Wedding Doll and Prince William Doll | Limited Edition Kate Middleton Bride Collector’s Doll $69.95 A host of renowned British fashion designers have come together to exclusively dress and accessorise the Arklu Princess Catherine Wedding Doll and the Prince William Wedding Doll. The instantly recognisable Royal Wedding Dolls pay homage to the stunning best-of-British outfits that so impressed the world when HRH Prince William of Wales married Catherine “Kate” Middleton on April 29, 2011. Auth… |
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Mommy & Me Shopping Cart – Kids Pretend Play By Toys To Discover $29.99 Just like when mommy goes to the supermarket! This little cart is the perfect for the pretend little mommy!… |
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Lee Middleton Dolls 2148 Toggle Switch Plate $4.99 … |
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Middleton Doll Lamp $39.99 … |
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Lee Middleton Dolls 2149 Rocker Switch Plate $4.99 … |
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William & Kate $4.98 The romantic relationship between England’s Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton is dramatized in this original Lifetime channel film, from the pair’s meeting as students at the University of St. Andrews through their nine-year courtship and royal wedding in 2011. Experience the tribulations the couple faced as they dealt with social and familial struggles, as well as international attention… |
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