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ROOTING !!!!

sage brush nursery · Guru

hi linda,yes you can pull it out if you don't like it .for micro i use a 40g needle and secrists got a couple of rooting dvds-theres also a nice book out there.can't remember the name but know its on ebay right now. rooting is a matter of trial and error,make sure you have a good rooting tool that helped me alot. good luck . sage aww

ps. its called realistic hair rooting secrist might carry it

-- Edited by sage brush nursery on Tuesday 23rd of February 2010 07:25:52 PM

-- Edited by sage brush nursery on Tuesday 23rd of February 2010 07:56:03 PM

Play Days Dolls · Guru

Welcome back, Linda. I'm glad you have one knee done so now you only have one to go.

About the rooting... Like Sage said, it's trial and error. Three things that have helped me are eBay, YouTube, and baby photos. If you search through the YouTube videos for rooting hair on reborn dolls, I bet you will find a video to watch on your computer that demonstrates someone doing hair rooting.

I study the hair rooted on the the best reborns for sale on eBay. It really helps me to look at the work of the best artists.

Of course, looking at real babies is the best. I like to study their hair growth to see the natural growth pattern.

The biggest mistake I made as a beginner was getting the hair too thick, and it's still a challenge to know when to stop.

If you want a DVD, Secrist sells one on the secristdolls.com website.

sage brush nursery · Guru

my problem is not making the hair full enough as seen from my babies,we all have different challenges when it comes to rooting. sage aww

Buffington · Guru

If you want thicker hair on your babies, just make sure the holes are closer together if you're using a finer needle. Also if you want it you can use a 3 or 6 barb needle. If you're using darker hair, this might look a little pluggish though.

I wish someone lived by me too! I would love to either teach a class again, or to just sit and make babies with someone :o

sage brush nursery · Guru

that would be great, even if i find some one to do babys with i have to drive about 70 miles round trip. the women in my town(very very small) arn't geared toward the arts as it were. but if its meant to be it'll happen. sage aww

Play Days Dolls · Guru

Yes, it would be truly wonderful to sit and make dolls with someone. Pure fun! We can wish.

It takes forever to produce thick hair if you are using the fine micro rooting needles. It's less time-consuming to use a larger needle like Buffington said, but it will look less natural due to the plugs. It just takes time to produce a great result. The rooting can make a realistically painted doll look like a living baby or it can make it look like a toy.

Buffington · Guru

I agree with Linda, rooting can make all the difference in the world on a baby. I have seen several that were meticulously painted but the hair wasn't realistic. It did make it stil look like a doll instead of a baby. :(
Secrist is now coming out with a hair rooting diagram which will show how to root in the right direction. I havent seen it yet but I think it's in the new 10/11 catalog.

sara zata · Guru

I also agree with the above comments, wigs where made for porcelain dolls and rooting should be pain stakingly done on a reborn or rescue, repainted baby for a more realistic baby. XXXXXX June

Play Days Dolls · Guru

Secrist is selling the rooting guide for $4.95. Check it out here.

Linda