GREAT EXPRESSIONS
Doll Atelier
Life-like Creations
by Artist Marie Lambert
What is a Reborn Doll?
A reborn doll use to be a manufactured vinyl doll stripped of her paint and hair that was transformed to resemble a human baby with as much realism as possible. Today blank kits are created specifically to be reborned. A reborn is an exclusive doll. It's a unique piece of art. Even two dolls made from the same kit will be unique because of the features and reborning style.
The process of creating a reborn doll is called reborning, and the doll artists are called reborners. These types of dolls are also known as life-like dolls or fake babies.
The hobby of reborning began around 1980, when artists, who were also doll enthusiasts, wondered how realistic a doll
could be. What started as a hobby has turned into a full blown industry. Now, artists--like myself--can make a living reborning full-time.
Reborning involves hours of numerous detailed steps. In brief, the process involves adding multiple layers of special paints to a vinyl doll, and adding physical features to transform the doll into a baby. I see it as hyper-realistic, 3D portraiture work.
Reborn dolls are very sought after by doll collectors, and doll owners usually treat them with great care. They often care for them as if they are real life infants. They are an art investment. New markets are opening each day for these beautiful art creations.
Reborning my way
I reborn with passion. This is my way. It is a pleasure to let the vinyl guide me as I use the appropriate techniques until the beauty of the baby is revealed. The finished product is a unique baby doll that makes someone happy.
As many other reborn artists, I initially taught myself the art. Always striving for perfection, I spent countless hours on the internet researching, exchanging, learning. Attending workshops and classes definitelly added an edge to the development of new techniques. Daring to be diferent in order to find my own style helped me develop respect for all the artists who are laboring to create great works.
There are many pictures of my work throughout the website. I hope you'll take the time to look around. I do believe that a picture really says more than words. I don't participate in competitions or guilds. I do not believe in prizes. I reborn because it is a part of me. If the people that see my work also like it, then I reached my highest goal.
Most of my work is done using genesis heat set paints and mediums. With the discovery of new doll materials, like the silicone and porcelain imitation, I added air dry and silicone paint to my palette.
The materials used to finish and weight the dolls are the best on the market. That allows me to have my work appreciated nationally and internationally.
I believe in innovation and improvement.
I would love to have you join me on this doll art adventure.
Adoption Experience
Adopting a Great Expression's doll should be a pleasant experience. I wish to bring joy through my creations.
To ensure this happens, I have invested in quality materials and use state-of-the-art techniques to prepare each doll.
I offer layaway plans to ease the payments. All payment plans arrangements must be made before the purchase.
The baby dolls are properly packaged for a safe trip home. The layette is composed of new items with tags usually still on them. All work is done in a pet and smoke free environment.
Communication plays a great role in the adoption process. Especially when I'm reborning a custom doll. Keeping close contact with my clients during the process is vital for optimum satisfaction with the final product.
Because of the nature of the product, I do accept returns as lomg as the doll, and any accompanying items are in perfect condition. A restocking fee will be applied for returns, unless the Nursery is at fault.
Cancellation of a custom doll will have a 10% fee of the total value of the doll to pay for the materials already spent.
The Dreamer
Thank you for taking the time to stop by and know more about me. I wouls like to start saying that I do dream of dolls. Dolls that say something to people throught their expressions. The challenge in my work is to turn these images from my dreams into reality.
My name is Marie Lambert. I'm the sole reborn artist behing Great Expressions Doll Atelier. I was born in Haiti, and at a very early age I discovered the beauty of traveling the world. My family moved to Brazil and I became part of a great nation with very exotic cultures, warm and exciting people. I feel that I've been favored by heavens. To have been given so much access to understand others and the world around me. My parents offered me the best. I want the knowledge given to me, and the cultures that touched me to reflect in my work. I believe in kindness and saying 'Thank you". I believe in fairness, that we are all one. But above all I do believe in love.
I live today in The US with my husband our 5 beautiful daughters. Yes, we are busy. They keep us going even in our sleep. When we are awake we spend our time with school, parks, soccer practice, cooking, reading, getting silly. As I said before I'm very belessed and I desire to share this with the ones that have the same passion as me for dolls. This website, with the time should became a place of reunion and sharing.
My work as a reborner is to bring a glance of the marvellous first years of a child. They bless our lives in so many ways. Usually just a smile is enought. Ahhh... If I can only keep the flame of this memory in every doll. This great expression of life.
