SUBCULTURE

THE CURIOUS WORLD OF REBORN DOLLS

S U B C U L T U R E DO REBORN MOMS GET TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY

FELICIA GREGORY BEHIND THE DREAM DOLL COLLECTION

HOW ONE YOUNG REBORN MOM OVERCAME THE FEAR OF TAKING HER REBORN BABY OUT IN PUBLIC

MARRIED WITH REBORN CHILDREN - HOW DO SOME HUSBANDS TRULY FEEL ABOUT THE HOBBY

MAY 2023 ISSUE

1

SUBCULTURE

CONTENTS THE HISTORY OF REBORNS

COLLECTING REBORNS WITH CHERRY WHITE

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT WITH TERESA SANDERS

2 Editor's Note 3 The History of Reborns 6 Happy Mother's Day

8 Interview with Cherry White, doll collector 10 Stylish Babies 12 Teresa Sander's Stepping out on Faith 16 Felicia Gregory and her dream collection

21 Young Reborn Mom Overcoming Her Fears

24 DISTURBED? Why are reborn collectors labeled so harshly

2 Happy Mother's Day Reborn Mommies Are collectors of reborn babies celebrating Mother's Day SUBCULTURE MAGAZINE

1

Editor’s Note SUBCULTURE MAGAZINE

In this issue Will always strive to provide the best content related to the reborn doll word. It is my commitment to always tackle the topics and questions that others have been wanting to know the answers to, as well as provide fascinating photos, inside scoops, and upcoming news, because we believe our readers deserve the best.

Dionne Miller Editor-in-Chief

Let's talk about the stigma behind the reborn doll hobby, how artists, collectors, and admirers got into the hobby, and the time, money and effort put into the reborn culture.

may 2023

SUBCULTURE

The earlier reborning era (Berenguer, Lee Middleton, Ashton Drake dolls). Artist unknown.

Reborns began in the US in the 1990's.

The art of making reborn dolls originated in the U.S. in the early 90's. The method of "Reborning" involved restoring and enhancing dolls to make them appear lifelike. The art has since become much more advanced since vinyl kits hit the market. At first glance, the dolls are now often mistaken for real babies.

Reborns and the Internet

Reborns are vinyl dolls that are so realistic that they can be mistaken as a human baby. They are frequently used in movies when newborn babies are needed for a role. Once the internet and World Wide Web were established in 1995, Reborns hit the internet shortly afterwards and the awareness of the dolls and hobby has grown exponentially

By D. Miller May 2023 The Subculture and the Art

There is an entire society or subculture that is based on the art of reborn dolls.

A reborn doll kit consists of vinyl doll parts (doll head, arms, legs).

Genesis Heat Set Paint, brushes, weighting beads, and cloth bodies are other components needed to complete a reborn doll.

Those familiar with the art knows not to expect all dolls to look the same once reborned. You buy a blank canvas and go to work. The same kit can produce dolls that look completely different, depending on the skill level of the artist.

And the costs associated with the finished product usually reflects this. The same doll can range in cost from $250 to $2,500. Artists set their own prices and the more experienced an artist, the higher their prices.

reborn history cont'd.

Who made the first reborn doll

This fact can be argued, but in doing a little research, it appears that in the 1980's, a Spanish company called Berusa manufactured the first contemporary reborn where existing dolls were stripped of their paint and existing features like eyes, lashes and hair, and then repainted and remade with better materials to look more life-like or reborned. From then, a craze was born, with Denise Pratt of Bountiful Baby coming out with the first vinyl reborn doll kit that artists are now using and painting from scratch. The art is continuously evolving, with many serious collectors now having their eyes on the more pricier reborn that is made of silicone. These dolls are priced as high as 10,000 with sculptors and artists such as Lorna Miller Sands, Serenity Smith, and The Yolphi's being key figures in this style of reborn.

Reborn doll kit versus finished doll

What's the Purpose

Reborn dolls can be used as therapeutic aids to help women who struggle with infertility or who have had miscarriages.

Also, women who are beyond childbearing age and want the experience of being a mom again are usually interested in the hobby. Elderly people who suffer with dimentia and people with anxiety and depression are also big fans of reborn dolls. But as the art has become more popular, the overwhelming reason that people buy reborn dolls seem to be because they see them as beautiful works of art.

Avery by Denise Pratt - first reborn doll kit

Happy Mother's Day Reborn Moms Happy Mother's Day to all reborn moms.

Especially new moms. It is so exciting getting that first reborn doll. There are as many questions associated with receiving that bundle of reborn joy as there is in having your first "real baby." How do I care for it? Can I wash its hair? Does it take a pacifier?" The list goes on and on. Nevertheless, the excitement is monumental. However; the joy of becoming a new reborn mom can be overshadowed by negative Nancy's. There are many people who do not support the hobby, and despite not knowing anything about the reborn culture, they sometimes choose to pass unwanted opinions, shaming, and judgement.

It is undisputed that reborn moms exercise the same level of care to their babies as mothers of human children - sometimes more. And each year during Mother's Day we look forward to seeing photos of reborn babies dressed to perfection in their holiday's finest, along with a rare glimpse of thier mommies.

Luckily, the reborn community is built on the support of other doll lovers, and where support isn't given within their biological family, it is shared throughout the gigantic community who usually refer to one another aunties.

Therefore, if you don't hear it anywhere else, "Happy Mother's Day to all reborn moms."

B E I N G

A R E B O R N M O M G I V E S

the joy of motherhood

without the sleepless nights

D . M I L L E R

COLLECTING W I T H

Cherry as a child and her beloved dolls

REBORNS

C H E R R Y

W H I T E

Interviewing with Cherry White for our first issue of Subculture was an extreme pleasure; magical. The amount of knowledge that Cherry holds is amazing. She is practically a reborn historian.

To date, Cherry is the oldest collector that I have ever run across. Not according to her age, but according to how long the art of reborning has existed. Cherry started collecting reborns in 2002, over two decades ago. However, her mother started her collecting dolls since she exited the womb.

The art itself was discovered in the mid 1990's, Cherry learning of it in 1998 from one of the first reborn doll artists, Melissa McCrory .

In 2000 Cherry began researching the popular doll brand, Lee Middleton. At that time there weren't many doll manufacturers that sold dolls that were considered exquisite, Lee Middleton's was. Cherry was searching EBay, which hadn't been around very long itself, and when she heard the term 'reborn' and saw an image connected to it, she became intrigued. In fact, everything about it was exciting and intriguing. By 2002, she had purchased her first reborn doll from The Bear Hollow Nursery, artist Dionne Mayne. It was a Berenguer doll that she named Asyia.

After getting a first-hand history lesson from Cherry, I was able to ask her specific questions regarding her journey into reborns and where she stands with the hobby now.

Continue with us onto the next page for our questions and answers session.

Cherry as a child and her beloved dolls

COLLECTING

REBORNS

CONT'D.

SUBCULTURE : Is the overwhelming response that you get about your reborn hobby negative or positive?

CHERRY: The responses about my collection are positive. My family and friends are used to me and my avid love for doll collecting. "Do what makes you happy!"

SUBCULTURE : Have you ever considered giving up the hobby?

Cherry: Yes! As years have gone by, life challenges and interest changes occur. I have slowed down a lot with my collection and considered giving up the hobby. Unfortunately, the hobby at times is just that. Weighing bills and a doll payment... You have to be wise. Also, without discrediting artists, but the range in which the dolls are sometimes priced, its a bit overboard; a vast difference in when the art first began. We need quality, authentic artists, but they also need us to stay in business.

SUBCULTURE : Why do you collect reborn dolls?

CHERRY: I fell in love with the realism and the way the artists are gifted a blank canvas and is able to turn it into a humanlike piece of artwork. The artistry and innovation in the doll community over the years has been extraordinary.

SUBCULTURE : Do you have a favorite doll kit?

CHERRY: Hmmmm...I have a few favorite doll kits. Basically, all of Laura Tuzio Ross', as she is my best friend and an undisputed industry favorite, along with Lorna Miller Sands.

They are both amazing sculptors/artists. Also, I must mention my Nailah kit by Jorja Pigott and the Jaylin kit, I have two.

SUBCULTURE : How do you feel overall about the reborn community?

CHERRY: The reborn community has grown and evolved over the past 20 years and I am glad to have been a Trailblazer within the African American Community as a collector and now non-profit organization curator (Dollies 4 the Hollies ), in which we partner with doll artists and families to provide dolls for children at Christmas time. With this organization in place, I am able to share my love of dolls with children Nationwide.

Kids who love reborn dolls, but are unable to afford one, will have the opportunity to obtain one.

Stylish Baby And the title goes to...

Although there are too many welldressed babies within the reborn community to count, I think it is safe to say that we never get bored with ktimes2rebornnursery's little darlings, Kynzynton and Kynzlei.

If at first you thought that the unique names were a bit complicated and hard to remember, I’m sure it didn't take long before the names began rolling right off of your tongue. That factor is attributed to the boutiquestyle clothing that the girls are commonly seen in. Not only are the girls usually in the most exquisite pieces, they oftentimes boast their names across the chest, as if shouting, "YOU WILL REMEMBER ME!"

The sweethearts are always all shined up, hair combed to perfection. There’s never a strand out of place beneath the big bow or headband to give them that extra razzle dazzle. The girls' clothing wardrobe is filled with timeless pieces that mothers of human babies could only fantasize about. Don't believe me? Witness for yourself on the girls IG page @ktimes2rebornnursery or their YouTube channel sharing the same name.

Road Map to Reborning If you are an aspiring reborn artist, here are a few tips

01

Watch a lot of YouTube videos on 'How to Reborn'. There are a lot of steps so make sure that you are really invested.

02

Go to Bountiful Baby Website (Bountifulbaby.com) and sign up to the Forum. Read existing topics and ask many questions.

03

Write down the list of supplies that you will need. Do not invest in an expensive doll kit for your first reborn. You are likely to make a mistake.

04

Check Ebay for a used NuWave oven. They are a costly investment that you do not want to be stuck with in the event that you decide that reborning isn't for you.

Happy Reborning!!!

REALLYGREATSITE.COM

TERESA SANDERS ON TAKING THAT LEAP OF FAITH

AN ARTIST'S STORY Teresa Sanders is one of the most beloved artists within the reborn community. She is the one who compliments everyone's work, press heart on everyone's posts, tells everyone 'Happy Birthday', simply offer words of encouragement when needed.

Since she's burst onto the scene almost six years ago, many have wondered where she's come from and how did she get here. Well, we are about to find out.

Teresa Sanders of Flint Michigan, discovered reborn dolls in 2014 while casually scrolling YouTube.

During her search for something totally unrelated, she stumbled across a subscriber's doll channel and has been hooked ever since.

Teresa remembers being on a complete mission after her discovery. "I was like a madwoman searching for these

life-like dolls," Teresa explained, "I've always had a great love for dolls, but never in my life had I seen one so beautiful," Teresa recalls, joy and excitement spilling over almost a decade later as she remembers how she became completely blown away with each channel that she's viewed. There was one channel in particular that really caught her eye. The owner of that channel was the now deceased artist, Kat Magistri. Kat was sharing her creation of the Luca reborn sculpt. "The level of realism and artistry was mind-blowing, "Teresa reminisced, truly feeling like she had stumbled upon a little treasure. From then on, obsession kicked in and Teresa was now ready to throw her hat into the ring.

cont'd.

Fast forward to 2016. After having a limited art background and many ruined doll kits under her belt, Teresa finally completed a reborn doll to her satisfaction. In fact, it was almost as beautiful to her as the one that she had seen painted by one of the most talented doll artist in the business. Of course, to the experienced collector's eyes it dulled in comparison, but the fact that Teresa was able to tackle the numerous tasks that goes into creating a reborn doll from start to finish, she saw nothing but beauty and perfection in her creation. Knowing that her first could not be her last, that is when her journey really took flight.

Teresa continued to create dolls for herself, building a collection, while also improving her craft and garnering confidence.

When sharing her growing collection with other collectors and artists, she would get countless requests from collectors to "make them a baby" In 2017, Teresa felt comfortable taking that leap of faith.

She retired her scrubs and put her job at the hospital on hold to pursue a new career, holding a new title, 'Doll Artist.' Stepping out on faith, Babysteps Reborn Treasures was created. It was now time to start taking orders.

Currently, Teresa is still a full-time artist. Although her business exceeded her expectations, after four years of creating dolls from other's vision, like many artists, that aspect of the business became too stressful. Although grateful for every customer who supported her business, she began to feel too overwhelmed to enjoy it. The anxiety of bringing someone else's vision to life produced too much pressure, as a result, Teresa no longer offers custom/private orders. Instead, she creates her dolls from her vision and offers the finished product as an 'available' baby, usually selling her creation within days, sometimes hours, of offering it up for sale.

Follow Teresa and her work on the following social media outlets: YouTube: BabyStepsReborn Treasures FB: Babysteps Reborn Treasures IG: @tsworld_naturally

Say Cheese!!

Smiling Babies Mila by Ping Lau

Luv Buggie by Laura Tuzio Ross

Cammi by Ping Lau

WHAT'S OFFENSIVE IN THE REBORN COMMUNITY 1

NEVER EVER EVER USE THE WORD CREEPY

When a person sees a reborn doll for the first time, the word creepy is usually used as a way of saying that the doll looks too real. Instead of saying that the doll looks creepy, which is a negative connotation, how about simply saying, "This looks too real for me." The reborn community understands that the dolls aren't for everyone, but there needs to be a way to express that wiohout being offensive.

2

DO NOT ASK HOW MUCH A BABY COST

When a picture of a doll is posted on a social media page, whether by an artist of a collector, unless the post specifically says 'For Sale', please do not ask, "How Much?" Keep in mind, many collectors treat their reborn babies like their kids, so being asked how much you want to sell him or her for isn't especially tactful.

3

GOSSIP, RIDICULE, AND BULLYING

If you have an issue with a purchase, speak with the seller directly. Do not post it all over your page or within groups. How is this solving the issue? I If you cannot reach an agreement, file a claim.

REBORN PARADISE - THE DREAM COLLECTION WITH FELICIA GREGORY

Felicia Gregory has only been on the reborn scene for a short while.

She has been collecting for a year and a half and to say that she has dominated the subculture is a huge understatement. She has surpassed most collectors in both size and variety, collecting not only vinyl dolls but the more luxurious high-priced silicone dolls, as well.

DREAM COLLECTION cont'd

Felicia Gregory-The lady behind the collection.

Judging from Felicia's collection, I would say that she is a huge fan of the sculptor, Ping Lau. At a glance, I was able to spot nearly a dozen Ping Lau sculpts in her lavish collection. So not only does she have a collection that is vast, she also has a collection that is in excellent taste, with Lau's doll kits in such high demand that they are usually hard to find in stock.

When I asked Felicia if she has a budget when it comes to her doll collection, she stated that her budget is in alignment with quality as well as other factors that makes the doll a good fit for her nursery. I could have answered that question without asking. There is nothing that spells out budget judging from the quality of her display.

DREAM COLLECTION Doll Lover's Paradise

"What about themes?" I wondered.

"Is there a theme when it comes to designing your Babe Cave," as Felicia's nursery affectionately goes by. She calls it 'Babe Cave,' but I call it as I see it, 'Felicia's'Museum of Fine Art.' Felicia says that experience is her focal point. "I make selections that flow with the experience I desire when I walk into the room," she says.

I had a few more questions for Felicia Gregory before leaving her to enjoy the happy space that she has created. "Do you have a limit on the amount of dolls that you will collect?" I asked. "As long as the space is available and as long as the doll gives me the experience that I look for when buying, I will continue."

Looking around at the massive collection, I had just one last question. "Is it hard balancing the amount of babies that you have?"

Her answer was solid. It explained it all. "No, because I see myself as more of an art collector, not an everyday doll experience collector."

Finally, I could not let Felicia go without asking if this was a hobby or a lifestyle for her. "It's a hobby that I love and I am very thankful that I am afforded the opportunity to enjoy and connect with so many beautiful people in the industry."

FELICIA'S GALLERY OF FINE ART

Sculptors Who Never Miss The key to creating a reborn doll that looks ultra realistic is choosing a sculpt that caters to details. Some of the best sculptors to help artists achieve this are the following:

Ping Lau

Natali Blick

Jannie de lange

Marita Winters

Jorja Pigott

Mila, Cammi, MeiLi, Jameelah, Raya, Julieta

Betty, Benjamin, Tutti, Pippa, Aloenka, Yannik

Ella Mae, Chanelle, Chenoa, Caitlin, MeiLin, Elora

Lexi, Skye, Sydney, Tavi, Mini Becca, Mini Fairy Petunia

Nailah, DeShawn, Elijah, Shiloh, Jaylin, Malik

There are so many more to list. Find them in the next issue of SUBCULTURE

overcoming the fear of taking your baby out for the first time Kelonilove Reborn mom, Kelonilove loves her doll collection, but like most reborn moms, she felt unsafe, almost ashamed taking her dolls out in public. The fear of being labeled unstable and being stared at by onlookers is enough to make anyone feel that the risk isn't worth the reward. Well one day, Keloni dressed her newest baby up in warm clothing and took that chance,. and luckily we got a first hand account on her experience.

"TODAY WAS A DAY!!! As you may know. I'm super anxious to tell ppl I collect reborns. But today was the first day I went out with baby girl. And lemme tell you!!! I had a blast. Ppl love her. But not more than me. THANK YOU AGAIN!!!" - KeloniLove

NURSERY SPOTLIGHT BLOOMERS 'N BRITCHES BABIES

WWW,BLOOMERSNBRITCHESBABIES.COM

MEILI

SCULPTOR PING LAU, ARTIST DEE MILLER

Disturbed What an ugly word. Why do folks who do not understand the hobby of collecting Reborns feel that one must be disturbed to be a part of the reborn community? Actually, why do these same folks feel so disturbed by another person's hobby? Not only are they the ones who are disturbed, they also take pleasure in ridiculing reborn doll collectors. "Yep, you're certified," they'd say.

In case you are wondering what being certified means, it means that they think that you are crazy. You are certified crazy, absolutely nuts for collecting, playing with, and sometimes nurturing dolls.

But why do they feel like this? Do they feel like as grown -ups, we should not be playing with toys? Is the issue with the price tag?

Or do they simply feel that the craftmanship is so exquisite, resembling a real baby so much, that this particular attraction should not be legal? The fact is...the same folks who are making these statements are the ones who do not know why they have such strong feelings about the hobby.

The dolls are realistic, one-of-a-kind, comforting, and cuddly. I haven't uncovered a problem yet. But what I have uncovered is a list of problems that people THINK that reborn doll collectors have. They think collectors are mentally ill, they think that collectors think that the dolls are real babies, they think that women who play with these dolls have either lost a child or cannot have children. While some of these reasons are factual, that still does not justify a reason to judge.

Disturbed Cont'd

Many people who experience social anxiety rely on ESA's, Emotional Support Animals, to get them through the day, but those who rely on their reborn as an (ESB) Emotional Support Baby, are looked at differently. Some men play video games all day and night, avoiding family interaction, preferring to engage with the video-game instead.

Do they have social anxiety? These same games, usually designed to be realistic in nature, are often the inspiration behind mass shootings, yet, these men are never labeled as disturbed unless something tragic takes place in the aftermath. I think that we should lose the word disturbed when judging an entire group of people. Instead, ask questions and seek knowledge .

Reborn role play Reborn Role Play is when reborn moms pose their baby to appear as if they are performing an activity such as eating , playing, or sleeping.

Bella eating her cereal

Madison’s animal cookies and milk

Ryzen Sun playing with his toys

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05/2023

MARRIED WITH REBORN CHILDREN. HOW DO SOME HUSBANDS REALLY FEEL?

If you know anything about the reborn hobby, you know that it is costly, uncommon, and to some ...embarrassing.

I was able to ask a few Reborn Moms how do their husbands or significant others truly feel about the hobby.

Autumn is the Cutesy playing in the grass.

I mean, how could you not fall in love with her.

When asking Ginger of lifeof_zoies_rebornbabies what does her husband think about her hobby, her response was matter-of-fact "Well, since I use my own money to get my babies, he doesn't say much about my addictive hobby. He even pushes the stroller during outings."

I absolutely love that response. Couples who paly together stay together, right? I also asked Shamika Looby the same question.

Shamika is approaching marriage, she is engaged and the mommy of the chocolate cutie below.

Shamika said that when she asked her fiance how does he feel about her hobby, he said that it doesn't bother him because he knows that she's always loved dolls. He is happy that she has a hobby that is perfect for her.

After asking this question to a few women, I am ecstatic to see that they are being supported, and I must admit, also a little surprised. I asked the question to one last person, Cherry White. You can find her answer on the following page.

05/2023

MARRIED WITH REBORN CHILDREN. HOW DO SOME HUSBANDS REALLY FEEL?

By Dionne Miller

Cherry White, the collector who graciously gave us an interview in an earlier article, was happy to answer the question on how does her husband feel about her hobby.

Her beloved husband, Terry White, sadly passed away a year ago this month, so when given the opportunity to speak about him it is always bittersweet.

Terry was such a beautiful spirit. He supported Cherry's hobby so much so that it was almost like the babies were "their" babies, not just Cherry's.

Before Cherry and Terry married, they both respected one another's hobbies. Terry was an avid Superman, DC Comics, Marvel and Snoopy Collector. He worked alongside her with her organization, Dollies 4 the Hollies.

"There was never a doll that came into our home that Terry did not say something positive about." He loved both Cherry and her collection. He is truly missed.

TODDLER

Time

Reborn Cuteness

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SOLE Manuel $1350

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Jordyn $675

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