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I would recommend seriously considering NOT doing this though June. The tannins in the tea and coffee degrade the fabrics (specifically on natural fibres) so that over time, the fabric breaks down. Now for an every day doll, that would not be so much of an issue, but as the idea behind reborns is to create heirlooms, you are decreasing the longevity of the doll body....



but of course, that is only my two cents ;)

I,ve been making Porcelain dolls for 20years and I hope mine will be heirlooms one day. I put them in competitions from Mackay to Melbourne and the lowest points out of 100 have been 95. About six have scored 100, and been Champions of show. I have been doing the dark bodies like this without any problems for almost as long. Most fabrics you buy today have formaldehyde in it, and should be washed before sewing or wearing. Some clothing such as bra,s have a flesh eating substance in them and should also be washed before wearing. A lot of old collectable dolls bodies disintergrate over time, but sell for lots of money. I,ve also repaired dolls for shop owners that have come in with damaged bodies with wire sticking out. I am also new at reborning, I,ve made about 20, but have never used Genesis paints yet, that is my next step.June M from Oz

-- Edited by sara zata at 11:57, 2008-07-30

And speaking of salt ladies...
After I have dyed my items and rinsed them many many times (either using tea, coffee, or fabric dye), I throw a handfull of salt into the water (or a cup of vinegar), let them soak for about 10 minutes and then rinse again several times (making sure the water is perfectly clear after the last rinse!).

Then I either iron the fabric or toss in the dryer on high heat to SET the color. This stops the processing of the tea or coffee in taking the fabric to a deteriorating state later on and renders it null.

Hope this helps and thanks for playing nice ladies!!!! :)

-- Edited by Buffington at 14:35, 2008-07-30

Hello Tiana, I am only trying to pass on my knowledge and not take comments to heart. I know tea has a tannins in it and is also used for dying leather. I,m at a stage in my life where I can only share and am willing to do so, any criticism is welcome because I know we cant always be right all the time. Thank you for yours.I still have to look up the dictionary for some of my spelling. I,m a pieces and a dreamer.June M from Oz