The 2023 Dolls of the World Expo kicked off on Wednesday, June 21, at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills in North Carolina. The four-day event featured classes, workshops, a baby shower, and an awards banquet, all dedicated to the art of reborning dolls.
Reborn dolls are realistic-looking dolls that are created by artists who sculpt, paint, and root the dolls to look like newborn babies. The art of reborning has grown in popularity in recent years, and the Dolls of the World Expo is one of the largest events of its kind in the world.
This year's expo featured a variety of classes and workshops taught by some of the leading reborning artists in the industry. Topics covered included fantasy painting, heat set hair painting, and silicone painting. There were also several vendors selling reborn dolls, supplies, and accessories.
The highlight of the expo was the baby shower, which was held on Friday night. The shower was open to 100 people, and attendees were asked to bring a wrapped gift valued at $25 or more. The shower featured games, giveaways, and prizes, and there was also a fun gift exchange.
The awards banquet was held on Saturday night. The banquet was open to 150 people, and it started with a delicious Southern dinner. After dinner, there was an awards ceremony where artists were recognized for their work. There were also some giveaways, and the evening ended with dessert.
The Dolls of the World Expo was a great success, and it drew hundreds of artists and collectors from all over the world. The event was a celebration of the art of reborning, and it was a great opportunity for people to learn new skills, meet new people, and buy or sell reborn dolls.
In addition to the classes, workshops, baby shower, and awards banquet, the Dolls of the World Expo also featured an expo hall with over 100 vendors selling reborn dolls, supplies, and accessories.
Kelli Maple's YouTube channel has over 2.18 million subscribers!
(p.s. our daughter LOVES Kelli Maple! She was on cloud 9 having the opportunity to meet her!)
Some of the popular reborn baby artists who were in attendance at the expo included Kelli Maple, Vivian Zamora, Stephanie Hayes, Anna Peterson, and Melody Hess and many more. These artists are known for their realistic-looking dolls, and their work was on display throughout the expo hall.
Our daughter posing with Vivian Zamora from Forever Sproutz Nursery and a stunningly realistic cuddle buddy named Joslyn!
The Dolls of the World Expo was a great opportunity for people to learn about the art of reborning and to see some of the best work in the industry. The event was also a great opportunity for people to buy or sell reborn dolls, and it was a chance for collectors to meet new people and share their passion for reborning.
If you are interested in learning more about the art of reborning, or if you are looking to buy or sell reborn dolls, check out the Dolls of the World Expo website. The website has information about upcoming events, as well as a directory of reborning artists and vendors.
How much do reborn dolls cost?
Here is a general range of prices for reborn dolls:
- Under $200: These dolls are typically made from vinyl and have a basic level of detail. They may not have rooted hair or eyelashes, and they may not be as realistic as more expensive dolls.
- $200 - $500: These dolls are made from vinyl or silicone and have a higher level of detail. They may have rooted hair and eyelashes, and they may be more realistic than less expensive dolls.
- $500 - $1,000: These dolls are made from high-quality materials and have a very high level of detail. They may be made from silicone, and they may have very realistic features, such as veins and fingerprints.
- Over $1,000: These dolls are the most expensive reborn dolls. They are made from the highest quality materials and have the most realistic features. They may be custom-made, and they may be commissioned by collectors.
It is important to note that these are just general ranges, and the actual price of a reborn doll can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. If you are interested in buying a reborn doll, it is a good idea to do some research to find an artist who specializes in the type of doll you are looking for. You can also check out online auction sites, such as eBay, to see what reborn dolls are selling for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reborn Babies
What is the process of creating a reborn baby?
The process of creating a reborn baby, known as "reborning", involves numerous stages of disassembling, painting, detailing, and reassembling the doll parts to create a realistic-looking baby doll. This process can take many hours and requires a range of materials and techniques.
What materials are used to make reborn babies?
The materials used to create reborn babies can vary, but typically include a doll kit, paint for detailing, stuffing materials, weighting materials (like glass beads), mohair or synthetic hair for the doll's hair, and various adhesives and sealers.
Who typically collects reborn babies?
There is a diverse range of people who collect reborn babies, including doll enthusiasts, parents who have lost a child, people who enjoy the artistry of the dolls, and individuals who use the dolls for therapeutic purposes.
Are reborn babies used for therapeutic purposes?
Yes, reborn babies can be used for therapeutic purposes, especially in settings involving elderly care, such as for individuals with dementia. They can evoke nurturing feelings and help to ease feelings of loneliness or loss.
How much does a reborn baby typically cost?
The cost of a reborn baby can vary widely, depending on the level of detail, the materials used, and the artist's reputation. Prices can range from under a hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Silicone Babies
How do silicone babies differ from reborn babies?
While reborn babies are typically made from vinyl, silicone babies are made from a flexible silicone material. This material allows for a more realistic feel and movement, but is also more expensive and requires more care to maintain.
What is the process of creating a silicone baby?
The process of creating a silicone baby involves sculpting a model of a baby, making a mold from that model, and then pouring silicone into the mold. Once the silicone has cured, it is painted and detailed, then assembled.
How do you care for a silicone baby?
Silicone babies require special care, including gentle handling to avoid tearing the silicone, cleaning with mild products, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, which can damage the silicone.
Who typically collects silicone babies?
Silicone babies are typically collected by the same types of individuals who collect reborn babies. However, due to their higher price point and the increased realism, some collectors specifically prefer silicone babies.
How much does a silicone baby typically cost?
The cost of a silicone baby can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on factors such as the quality of the silicone, the level of detail in the doll, and the artist's reputation.
Cuddle Babies
What is a cuddle baby?
A cuddle baby is a type of reborn doll that is designed with a soft, cloth body, making it more cuddly and huggable. These dolls typically have a realistic vinyl or silicone head, arms, and legs, but a soft, weighted body.
How is a cuddle baby made?
A cuddle baby is typically made in the same way as a reborn baby, with the primary difference being the use of a cloth body instead of a fully vinyl or silicone body.
Who typically collects cuddle babies?
Cuddle babies can be appealing to a wide range of collectors, including those who like the feel of a softer, more huggable doll. They can also be popular among younger children or individuals who use the dolls for therapeutic purposes.
Are cuddle babies used for therapeutic purposes?
Yes, like other types of reborn dolls, cuddle babies can be used for therapeutic purposes. Their soft, weighted bodies can provide comfort and evoke nurturing feelings
How much does a cuddle baby typically cost?
The cost of a cuddle baby can vary, but they are typically less expensive than full silicone babies. Prices can range from under a hundred dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on factors like the quality of the materials used and the level of detail in the doll.