On this page I will add little tidbits which may help or solve a problem which I have come across. Also be sure to check out the instructional videos link on the left menu.

Starting out
When you have chosen your kit you wish to reborn, it is wise to give the vinyl parts a wash under warm soapy water to take the oily vinyl feel off and to help the paint take to the vinyl better. Then dry thoroughly with a cloth.

Use a cookie sheet with an old tea towel folded in half laid on the tray so the vinyl parts don't get burnt from the heat of the oven.
The vinyl can melt a little if it comes in contact with heated metal, so also raise your top rack so the top of the head doesn't touch it. (We don't need stripes on the baby's head!)
If using Genesis Heat Set paints, set your oven to 130C, each coat is baked for 8 minutes, so always use your timer!

Rooting the Mohair
For your first couple of doll heads, you will break a few needles until you become more proficient. I found using a stocking sock with a cup of uncooked rice inside, tied with a knot & heated in the microwave for 1 minute, then placed inside the head will heat the section you are working on and helps the needle slide into the vinyl easier.
Using a mushroom tool to hold the cut needles is kinder on your hands and fingers than using the needles alone with the 90 degree hook end. They come with some pre-cut needles and an extra collett for different size needles.
As for the needles, the larger the gauge number the smaller the needle, eg: 42gauge is very small with 1-3 barbs, 20 gauge is large with 6 barbs or more.

Eyes & Lashes
To get the right size eyes for your doll, just measure across the eye from corner to corner in mms, eg: 20mm across the eye, is 20mm size eye.
Small wispy eyelashes look most natural on baby dolls in either black or brown (light or dark), and I find that a toothpick or pin with the ball on the head is the easiest way the get them in place. They can be taken out again with tweezers to be trimmed with a small pair of nail scissors if too long, and replaced as many times as you wish till you get them right, before gluing in place. I use a small bottle of nail glue for acrylic nails (or supa glue)with a pin dipped into the liquid, as it dampens the pin enough to put little dabs along he eyelash string. It dries clear and is stong to hold them in place. Make sure the lash goes under the eyelid close to the eye, as I have seen some horror mishaps where the lashes have been placed in the eyelid, or above even.