Special Snowflake Nursery

First, I wash the outside of each kit with gentle dishsoap. Then I pat it dry and let it dry overnight.

Then once the kit is throughly dry, I will seal the kit with a non toxic matte sealer (FolkArt Outdoor Matte Sealer). This helps to prevent the vinyl from staining. It also helps the acrylic (air dry) paints to adhere to the surface a bit better.

Sometimes I change up these steps, but I usually start with subtle veining, then some light creases. Then it's a few skin layers, some mottling and blushing from there. Then afterwards I'll go back in and add any more layers or details as needed. Thankfully working with air dry paints allow me to work on numerous layers at a time, but I like to take frequent pauses to let my work dry overnight to ensure that the pigment I see is what will stay.

Once I'm satisfied with the baby's complexion I then seal my work (with the same matte sealer as I used during the prep), and generally let it dry for a few hours or overnight.

Depending on the baby, now would be the time I would begin painting some soft wispy hair. I like to start off with light soft strokes to get a feel for where baby's hair will be, then I will begin filling in with more detailed (and possibly thicker) lines of hair. Once the hairline's been established then I will paint baby's brows. Finally, after all is done, I then seal again and let it dry overnight. Sensing a theme, eh?

Fantasy reborns tend to get their markings at this stage after they've been sealed, I'll paint their markings and seal again.

Can't forget a manicure and pedicure for the little snowflakes! I like to vary my work when it comes to nails, just like in real life, not all nails have half moons or strong french manicures. Some nailbeds are darker or barely darker than the skin.

Once each tiny nail has been painted, all ten fingers and all ten toes, I will lightly gloss with Aleene's Paper Glaze (which is non toxic and non yellowing). At this time I also like to add a light touch of gloss to the eyes, inside of the ears and nose. And the lips are nicely moistened. A bit of gloss goes a long way to bringing out the lifelike qualities of reborns. About now is when I apply the lashes if needed - some kits look great without! - and install the eyes. I don't typically seal the eyes unless asked (that way you can change the gaze if you'd like).

Finally! It's time to assemble this beautifully painted kit into a soft and cuddly Snowflake Baby! I personally prefer string bodies as it makes reweighting later on much easier. But I understand that everyone has their own preferences, which is why I have thin zip ties at the ready! I always stuff my babies with polyfill and weight their limbs/bodies with either small glass beads (purchased from Bountiful Baby) or poly pellets - sometimes both!