So here I am, this is me....
What is your name? Lacey Michelle : First & Middle name, my last name is not who defines me as an artist. It's just me... LM
What is your nursery name? I don't really have one, I suppose because I do other art besides reborn babies I never had one or nothing stood out. LMRB is how you can search for babies up for adoption on eBay which stands for "Lacey Michelle Reborn Baby's". I have other interests as an artist, that I have not yet tried to sell but when I am feeling more confident I will start sharing them. All in due time... So perhaps Lacey Michelle Studios is perfect, or L-Michelle Studios..hmm I'll toy with it more. I just want to be able to offer & show my work all together when that time comes.
How long have you been making reborns? I sold my very first on eBay I believe in June of 2009. I had created 1 prior to that, that I kept because it was my 1st! I decided to see how my 2nd one would do and she sold for over $600 and that's when I said "I think I may be good at this, perhaps I'll try another". Within a couple of months I went full time and have never looked back.
How did you learn to create these dolls? YouTube! That's right, you tube. I am a visual learner, once I see something I can take it and run with it. I had some amazing help from some of the doll forums when I had questions after I started and even still. I basically just purchased my first kit, supplies and went for it.
Why did you start creating reborns? I ran a baby clothes store (now closed) & wanted a unique mannequin to display the clothes. I searched for months, then I came across these amazing lifelike dolls! What the freak are these? These are so cool I was thinking... So I purchased my first one thinking this will be great. The clothes started selling better & faster. I needed more faces and different sizes but did not want to spend more money than I could afford at the time. So I said hey, maybe I can make one myself to cut down on cost.. and long story short that door opened to where it has led me today. I believe one thing can lead you to the next if only you pay attention and take a chance. I truly Looovvee creating this little ones!
What is your favorite reborning activity? Painting! I love the painting process the best. I get to see a blank vinyl kit and decide how I wish to bring him/her to life. I already know how they will look before I pick up a paint brush. I love turing on my pandora and sit for the few hours my son is at school and just paint. It's really relaxing.
What is your least favorite reborning activity? Setting eyes. I am a freakish perfectionist and I can't stand when eyes are not aligned correctly. I'll take photo after photo and examine and then set with glue, before they dry are are still able to move, more pictures, and pray as I leave them over night they do not shift. It's kinda impossible to not damage eyes if you have to take them out after the glue has set. Needless to say, I am always a happy camper when I am working on a sleeping baby.
If you could master a new reborning skill, what would it be? "You know, like nunchuku skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills"... oh wait we are talking about reborn skills...;) Probably rooting or painted hair, I am pretty good but there is always a ton of room for improvement.
Why did you decide to start creating Victorian Gothic-Glam reborn dolls? I am a fan of fantasy! I love the dark realm of fiction and the places your imagination can take you. I created a dark beautiful "Wednesday Addams" doll back in october of 2009. Everything about her creative process was magic. Same with my current baby V. I found horror dolls which are pretty freaking cool, but I could not find any dark beautiful lifelike looking babies who fit into that category anywhere on the web. Wednesday Addams opened up an entire new creative outlet for me. I adore making them, and I'm so thankful for everyones e-mails & comments. I am in the process of creating my 3rd and hope you all like her just as much!
Whats with MYF? The Make Yourself Foundation is a non-profit organization which was founded by one of my favorite bands Incubus. There are many personal reasons why I choose to donate 10% of most of my works proceeds. This is a fantastic way to give back, and by purchasing some of my art work you are also giving a helping hand. TY!
