Your Hyper-Realistic Portrait Baby
If you are thinking about custom ordering a baby made to look like a real baby you love ~ you're in the right place! I work hard to make it as easy as possible for you to bring home an heirloom quality doll that you and your family will treasure for generations.
Choosing The Material
It is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each selection before making a choice. You don't have to do that today, because I include all mediums in your sourcing project. But, in the meantime while you're waiting for me to complete the search you can learn as much as possible about each selection, so when I have your form ready, you will already know which one you're leaning toward.
BabySoft vinyl kits are made of very soft vinyl arms, legs and head that attach to a premium fabric body. When available, I will include a removable, anatomically correct torso for realism in displaying your baby. Removable so you can preserve the realistic feel of the baby' during bonding time ~ with the flexibility of being able to keep the realism of posing your baby with the torso on for a breathtaking display.
- Vinyl babies are quite soft nowadays. They are not the hard as a brick dolls of your childhood, that's for sure. Visually, they are superior because detailing has a precision that is unavailable in silicone. That's why you will hear many folks say that vinyl is more realistic than silicone. The limbs are made of extremely thin, flexible material that you can press gently into and it "gives" a little. It's smooth with a matte finish. Your baby created in this medium is weighted to curl into your arms and will look & feel just like a real baby. I often recommend babies in this material because they are durable, beautiful, easy to care for and last for years when properly handled. The hair is sealed from the inside of the head so shedding is minimal. The limbs can be cleaned with a dampened cloth and the hair can be gently shampooed when necessary. These babies cannot be submerged in water.
- Silicone babies (both partial and full bodied) are soft & quishy. These babies feel sort of like a gummy candy if you press it between your fingers. These babies are created from a sculpt that has been hand poured by a molding artist. There are always imperfections in silicone. Little bumps, lumps & divits occur naturally throughout. Partial silicone babies can be hand washed with a washcloth. Full bodied babies can be submerged in water, although it is recommended to do so sparingly with babies with rooted hair to prevent additional shedding. Since the head is solid, there is no way to seal the hair from the inside. So, over time the hair will shed. Another possible consideration with this medium is its magnetism for anything lint, hair or dustlike. It will attract fuzz and may get sticky and need to be re-matted.
Partial Silicone kits are made of ecoflex 20, ecoflex 30 or marshmallow silicone depending on the manufacturer of the kit. A premium fabric body brings the baby together and keeps flexibility in the torso for the ultimate cuddle experience. When available, I will include a silicone tummy plate for realistic posing.
Full bodied silicone kits are 100% solid silicone and can be poured in ecoflex 20, ecoflex 30 or marshmallow blend silicone. This depends solely on the artist who pours the mold. I have worked with all three styles and they are all equally enchanting when finished.
How It Works
Using the image(s) you have provided in this form, I will source all of the available sculpt(s) in all three materials. I will be searching for blank models that are as similar as possible to your photograph. Once I have completed this process, you will receive a report showing all of the choices I have found for you. Please allow 4-6 weeks for me to source the highest number of compatible sculpts. It can be a more lengthy process for silicone, and yield less results, because there are far fewer available for us to choose from.
My goal is to help you create a cherished replication of your precious baby. If you choose me to complete this project I will be honored. But that is in no way a requirement. If at that time you have decided to choose me as your artist, you can then approve the sculpt you like for your portrait baby & make your deposit. The work will begin right away. Once you have chosen your sculpt and selected me to create your baby you will have the option to pay in full or to pay with layaway. I understand that finances can be hard. That's why I am as flexible as possible with payment plan orders and I will work with you to help make this investment fit your budget. There are a few things to consider before signing up for a payment plan.
- All payments are non-refundable.
- Your portrait baby will not ship until all payments have been completed.
- You will be required to make timely payments and keep your account current.
- One payment is required every 30 days.
- I allow a generous 14 day grace period because I know things sometimes happen.
- If 45 days pass with no payment, your order will automatically be paused and the payments you have made will be transferred to store credit until you re-establish a new payment plan or you can pay the remaining balance in full and your order can be shipped.
When I have the list of sculpts for you to review for your baby you will receive a form that allows you to choose from the following options.
- Approve Kit Selection & Pay Your Deposit *if you choose me to create your baby
- Re-Source Kits in 90 Days *if you don't like any of the kits
- Download Your File & Choose Your Own Artist
Processing Time
- BabySoft Vinyl: 16-24 weeks
- Partial Silicone: 20-32 weeks
- Full Silicone: Up to 40 weeks
How Much Does It Cost?
The final price is dependent upon the cost of the materials to create the portrait baby. Vinyl is more economical, partial silicone is middle of the road and full bodied is in the highest pricing bracket. Below you will find estimates of each selection. Today, you pay only $55 no matter what medium you ultimately decide on. This includes the reservation for your project and the sourcing fee for me to find the kit(s) that most resemble your baby.
Total Cost Estimate
- BabySoft Vinyl: $1,495
- Partial Silicone: $2,975
- Full Body Silicone: $3,900
Your total cost will depend on the cost of the materials required to complete your doll. Today, you will only pay the reservation & sourcing fee of $55. *Exact replication is NOT possible in any medium because I am not a sculptor. I work with existing kits only. My specialty is using my artistic skills, talent and love to build your baby's details into a believable replication using a base model that is structurally similar and that is approved by you for recreating your precious little one.