Why Does One Of The Original Founders Of The Rose doll show Keep Attending?

I have had the honour of speaking to one of the Roses founders, Sarah Mellman about her experiences at Rose doll show and what is so special about it that she keeps going back.

Sarah has been reborning for seven years and during this time her love for the art and babies has never changed.

She is as hooked today as she has always been.

“It was 7 years ago on March 30th that I had started my first Doll. A year before that in February of 2010 my mother who was dying of breast cancer told me she wanted to learn to make Reborn babies.

My mother loved dolls and had all kinds of dolls and kits from factory painted Adora dolls, Ashton drake dolls, to porcelain dolls lying about her house.

She was toward the end and I was stressed having had to take over her position at their family plumbing business so she could be home and rest.

So I convinced her she didn’t need something else to do when she already had several of the other dolls she could play with and assemble.

I didn’t even look to see what the dolls were. I just remember they had a weird name. “Reborn” she passed away the end of May. And l didn’t even give the dolls another thought until 8 months later when Anna my 11 year old at the time wanted me to help her fix the eyes in a childhood doll that I had, an old Berjusa doll, who’s eyes were going in opposite directions and looked creepy.

So we went to Hobby Lobby and in their doll section they had a little pair of blue eyes that had the name authentic Reborn on the package. Then I remembered the dolls my mother wanted to learn to make.

I bought the eyes, took them home and googled Reborn dolls. The first link that came up was an eBay Auction for Bronwyn Strydom. I about fell out of my chair.

I spent the next 3 weeks looking at every link that had the word Reborn in it I could find. I decided I was going to learn how since I felt I had taken that opportunity away from my mother. I would do it on her behalf.

I sold a few things, bought a kit and some paint and gave it a go. 7 years and 427 dolls later I’m still as hopelessly hooked as I was when I looked at that listing for Bronwyn. I love Reborn’s.”

Even as an artist herself she still admires other artists work.

“I have several artists that I love their work. It would be easier to name the handful of kits I don’t like then list the artists I love.

I love marita winters sculpting. I love how she can capture so many different expressions so perfectly. And her details are wonderful.

I love Cassie Brace for the details in the designs. And she also has a huge variety of facial shapes and expressions.

Laura lee eagles for sculpting such amazing realizm in her work. The details are matched my none.

Karola Wegerich
I’m naturally drawn to her kits. Many of them look like my own children so I have always loved them.

Bonnie brown has been a favorite for a long time. She has several kits that look as if she sculpted them using pictures of my kids.

Natalie Blick is very talented in details and expressions.

Like I said. There are a lot of favorites.

Even some of the artists who sculpted some of my least favorite kits have since sculpted some of my favorite.”

In her own private collection however Sarah doesn’t have too many babies.

“I have 3 Reborn’s and 5-6 mini resins.

I’m more of an artist not a collector.”

When we got on to the subject of the Rose doll show it was clear how proud she was of the event.

“I go to ROSE every year. I started Started rose in October 2013 with my sister in law and a few friends. Our first show was in June 2014.

We sold the show after the 2016 show to bountiful baby so we get to go and enjoy it more now that we get to participate in it instead of run it. Though we still run the contests to help them out.

I’m looking forward to seeing all of my dolly friends that I’ve made through the years. I love how the show builds life long friendships.”

In many ways Sarah is one of the lucky venders. Due to living in New York her travel time is not as far as others attending.

“I live in upstate New York. So it’s a long way. But less then many international artists come.