Reborn Artist Shelley McGrath

Our interview with reborn artist Shelley McGrath of Everything Shines Nursery

The end result of the dolls is amazingly lifelike, how much time and money can go into making your best dolls?

It usually takes me a week to complete a doll. I would say the rooting takes me the longest to complete. Then there is the shopping for the clothes, which I have to say I really enjoy. Some of the kits vary in prices, but the more popular ones are usually over a $100.00. Then you have your supplies to create them, with clothing cost another $100.00 plus. I try not to think about the price to much, I don't want to discourage myself. lol!

How many dolls have you made?

I believe I have made just over 40 dolls now.

What is the general response you've received from people who've seen the dolls or taken classes?

I have had very good feedback on all my dolls that have been adopted. I love hearing from people after they receive their babies. That's the most rewarding part of reborning....just knowing that you have made someone very happy is much more rewarding then the amound of money you receive for your doll.

Is there a certain type of person this craft appeals to? Age? Gender? Occupation?

I think this craft seems to appeal more to ladies then men. I do find that most reborners are over the age of 30 from my experience.

Most of them have been involed in crafts and the arts before venturing into reborning.

Do you do custom orders? What are people desiring custom orders usually after?

I have done some custom orders and I still do a few, but I prefer to do my dolls the way I want them to look. I will still do them when I have the time. I think people like customs, because they can have the dolls resemble one of their own children or even themselves and it's probably a good feeling that they were able to take part in the creation of their new little bundle.

Have you ever been commissioned to make a reborn of someone’s baby as a keepsake to remember when they get older, as a graduation present or something?

I have, but I have to say I prefer to make my own creations.

What do you say to people who are scared or unnerved by the lifelikeness of the dolls?

I find it kind of funny to tell the truth, but I also take it as a compliment. It just means that I have done my job well and that my doll looks very realistic. lol!

What would you say to people who are interested in reborning, but unsure whether it is something that they can do? How much skill is involved?

I have done many crafts in my life and this is the most rewarding one I have done. I am so grateful to have found it. I do think you have to have some kind of artistic ability to reborn and to do it well. I would say that you should keep at it and don't give up. You can not expect your first doll to be a masterpiece. You will get better and better the more you work at it.

Can someone make a living from creating reborn dolls? Is there a strong market for them?

The economy hasn't been very good lately, but I do think if times were better that you could make a living at it, if you are good enough.

There has been a fair amount of controversy over reborning being used as a tool to deal with grief or loss, in your experience do you encounter this regularly or is it exceptional? I have encountered a few people who have lost a child and want a doll made to help them with the loss. I don't find it to be strange and if a doll can comfort them, I think it is nice that I am able to help with that. I could never imagine how hard it would be to loose a child and I don't think it's fair to judge how someone chooses to deal with that kind of sadness.

Any tips for beginner artists?

I would start of with the cheaper kits and I wouldn't sell them right away. Practice and every doll will be better then the next. Get yourself involved in doll forums. There are so many talented artist out there and they are not only very helpful, but you will meet some very special friends. I have met so many wonderful caring ladies on my doll forums.

Any memorable/funny stories from customers or personal experience with your dolls?

I had one man that refused to believe that my baby was a doll. I showed him that the doll was not breathing and he still kept trying to find a pulse. He could even feel that the doll was cold and still didn't believe me. lol! I love seeing peoples reactions when they see a reborn for the first time. I find it to be a very rewarding part of reborning.

How can people find you - website or ebay ID

If you would like to check my little bundles out you can go to Everything Shines and my ebay user id is everythingshines.