Tree Change Dolls artist Sonia Singh: DIY factory face paint removal

[@maureenkick319]

Thank you for washing their faces and making them beautiful.

[@lindseyj15]

Yeah

[@joandsarah77]

I think your makeovers of these dolls is wonderful. They look so natural and lovely, just like a doll should look.

[@sarahjustsarah3640]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this yet, but for the really tough pen marks, you can get rid of them using acne cream, the kind with 10 percent benzyl peroxide. Put the cream on the ink spot, doll under a lamp for an hour or so, remove the cream... and repeat as needed. I found a doll in a thrift store who had so many blue pen marks on her, it looked like she'd lost a boxing match! Now you can't even tell. She's as good as new.

[@lesleyrosasunstoppable2381]

Thank you for this video. I have been wanting to change up some dolls for my granddaughters and I am thrilled to find your videos and dolls. You are a sweetheart!

[@olivixen]

It is so awesome that you're willing to show us the process so that we can do it ourselves. Thank you!

[@rosiesheba899]

You are so humble and lovely Sonia! Beautiful work. Yes please, a video of painting them please!

[@mariadawes4707]

I love that you're making the process available online for others to try, I'm looking forward to having a go!

[@exlije]

Thank you for giving these second-hand dolls a better life:) Looking forward to new videos on repainting and clothing!

[@crazyzebra1284]

I love your down- to- earth dolls, they really show young girls that girls aren't just make up and all, I love this idea I might try it

[@tutukathy]

I love that as you are naturally beautiful, so you have made these dolls! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@gardenmomof2]

DoReMiForever its more beautiful than a mask that hides everything beautiful on the inside

[@gardenmomof2]

DoReMiForever not on the inside

[@gardenmomof2]

DoReMiForever If that is what you would like to think, that is your right, you are allowed to think that way. I respect that you like that time. Please don't expect everyone to think the same way you do, though, I used to do that and BOY was I dissapointed! Just try and see things through other people's eyes, and respect the fact that everyone can think differently.

[@gardenmomof2]

DoReMiForever I have had this feeling before in my life, too. Sometimes it felt like I was on a rollercoaster. It does have a lot to do with hormones, and this does settle down after a while. Now bear with me, don't think I'm crazy or anything, but I usually had the worst problems when I was eating a lot of junk food and sugar. I know, I know what in the world does that have to do with it? But it really does, it's kind of scary. When I didn't do that stuff as much, no more roller coaster. And I can look back and say to myself, I'm glad I don't feel that way anymore.

[@EatMeBeatMeGirl]

gardenmomof2 I love you're counselling the troll! :) Brilliant response.

[@antishay]

Your work is so inspiring!! Seeing you in a video is great - you seem so kind and deliberate. I would love more videos!

[@theoriginalmilji]

Thank you for all the tutorials. I'm planning on making my daughter and niece their own "tree change" dolls. I'm so excited!

[@brettab4740]

I just bought my first doll to change!!!! I am so excited to try this!!!! =)

[@urban_gse_]

Good luck❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤

[@n.o.mcitizenoftheworld]

:) when i was little i never felt related to dolls because they didn't look like me, I'm happy you are doing this :) this made me think how wrong we are thinking about beauty standards

[@Kahleah727]

I think my daughter has a couple dolls in need of a tree change! I'm not great at drawing faces so I'll have someone else do that part for me! Thank you so much for this video and for your doll movement!little girls deserve so much more than what's offered out there!

[@divinefreedomyoga]

I just love that you have done this. You are a pure channel of divine inspiration and empowerment for young girls and their mother's. Thank you. Bountiful Blessings to you.

[@beergnomedc]

Sonia, this is such an amazing thing that you're doing. Such a simple idea and it's already had such an impact on people. Keep up the amazing work!

[@michellecorbett3323]

I love what you have done, you've given little girls an option!

[@knittingismylife]

I think you are doing a fantastic thing for the kids..to have beautiful doll to play with and relate to! thanks!!!

[@silvicurlytop]

very good advise to use oil, i`m going to try it, it was so relaxing by the way ,to watch the process, and no goofy music behind..

[@claudiadesierra9979]

love your art, you are so kind to teach everyone to do it so thank you !!! keep following you in every way :)

[@MeemNoon485]

Sonia, Thank you for such a positive contribution to our society! It's great that you recycle and reinvent these dolls to be more wholesome. Your dolls seem like dolls that little girls and parents prefer. Hope the doll manufacturers see that people prefer wholesome dolls and change the manufacturing of their dolls.

[@sunshine-alicerink1603]

Love Love love it, your tree change dolls are beautiful and i am inspired to change some of our dolls,, Thank you for the remedy for paint removal.. wow, you make it look so easy

[@ameliamgh2024]

I really love what you're doing with these dolls. I feel like it really is helping to combat the sexualization of dolls and help encourage body love and natural looks. Serious kudos to you!

[@rorypatrick7203]

Sonia, thank-you so much for making dolls look so normal and pleasant. You are an inspiration to many of us doll-lovers around the world. And, like another person has said, you are so humble. Well done and thank-you again!

[@melissac1967]

So wonderful. Thank you for sharing and teaching us how we can also do this. Please make a video on the face painting. I would have no idea where to start, what pain to use, etc... The dolls are beautiful.

[@Mcgrandma]

Love your videos and precious dolls. AND love your sweetness and helping others like you are. You're amazing!

[@TotalVikingPower]

this is awesome. Is there a video where you paint her ?

[@littlegringa78]

These are so lovely, you're inspiring a lot of people with this! Beautiful work. I love how these dolls are getting a new, more natural lease on life.

[@LADY_JEMIMA_FORTESCUE]

you are fantastic sonia, thanks for looking at these dolls in a different way & showing the rest of us how it should be done. congrats.

[@cathyroberts7363]

What a great idea! You have such a generous heart. I hope you post more videos about painting them and making the clay shoes and clothes. You may just start a new thing all over the world.

[@PurdyBear1]

I love this and I'm so going to try this out. It's great that people are actually working towards having dolls more realistic then the usual.

[@Proutprutproutprout]

The more i look at your dolls the more I realize how monstrous the brand new ones are ! Yours are so pretty and realistic!!

[@cindyjimmiesmokeyneg]

How refreshingly beautiful; as God intended, I believe. Thank you for sharing your artistry with the world.

[@maggierda]

I love that you do this! I wish more dolls had this look instead of the Bratz/ over made up looks. Thanks!

[@melh5720]

Thank you for doing such a lovely and humble thing for society 😀

[@jenystaiman]

Sonia, you are so awesome. What you've done is really quite moving to me, it chokes me up to see these discarded dolls rescued and transformed into real-looking girls by your loving hands. Now I am even more impressed with you that you're sharing your process and inviting all of us to join you in creating our own Tree Change Dolls. Thank you for sharing, your story brings me such joy. :')

[@ArielDavis-kb7ne]

You are absolutely amazing!!! I was having trouble with some stains on the dolls face and the eucalyptus oil work! Thank you so much!!!

[@carmelinda62]

Hi, Sonia. I'm italian and I love a lot your work. I found on KZbin a video about you. I'm a doll collectionist and your dolls are very lovely. I'm posting your links on my italian Facebook page to allow all my friends to know about these dolls.

[@anatindall7416]

Please share the type of paint you use to create new faces on the dolls. As a play therapist I can see these dolls going a long way to help children express their experiences in therapy sessions.

[@francinecashman7417]

Dear Sonia thanks for all of your suggestions I m French but live in Africa and dolls are very expensive here and I can find old dolls on the market here and try my best to make them look nice again ! You should see the faces of the children when I give them !!!! Sorry for my English 🙄😍👍 Greetings Francine

[@birdieweargumboots]

We go to the same tip shop! So glad that the discarded dolls are getting a second chance :))

[@Kikipotamus]

Thank you for rescuing these poor dolls from their hideous makeup jobs and giving them darling human faces. They look so happy after their make-unders! I eagerly await the video in which you tell what kind of paint and brushes you use. Then I'll rescue a doll and send you the before and after pics! I'm a seamstress, so making the new outfit will be fun, too! Though I may have to learn to knit because your mum's sweaters are just precious.

[@mserzysko]

You did amazing job! I have a daughter (9 months so far), and I just hated those barbie dolls which look like.. well, we all know how do they look like. ;) I just love the idea of makeover :D

[@phoenix0909]

This was the best makeup removal tutorial. The oil is really key. Thank you.

[@nellekevanlooveren7763]

Thank you for sharing! I'm going to try this on my old dolls, for my daughter to play with :) But I have one question: what do you mean with eucalyptus oil? The pure essential oil?

[@LionheartHypnoterapi]

Tree Change Dolls​ has an etsy shop - opening 15 Feb 2015 "This woman deserves a major award. Do you know how long mothers (and grandmothers) have asked for, looked for and wished for dolls like these? She has nailed it! They are genuine looking dolls that reflect the real women in the world, including their clothing. BRAVO!! Well done and I wish her major success! I'd love to be one of her first customers and will be closely following her progress. Much applause and best wishes!!" kzbin.info/www/bejne/haLMf3epiciepM0

[@paintandpot]

Thank you for sharing the process! I love the vision girls everywhere reclaiming dolls with your techniques. Kits perhaps?

[@melancholy2486]

makes me proud to be Tasmanian!

[@marianaruiz3963]

querida Sonia: tengo 52 años y aun disfruto jugando con muñecas. Junto a mi madre (75) que teje maravillosamente( como tu madre) vestimos muñecas y las regalamos a niñas en situación económica, familiar e intelectual deprivadas. Me inspira mucho tu trabajo, además de reutilizar muñecas y darles una nueva identidad y oportunidad. Gracias por tu generosidad para compartir tu arte, felicitaciones y bendiciones. Desde Santiago, Chile, Sudamérica te envío un gran abrazo!!

[@yumitoo]

No matter what some adults think about this - the kids love it , that's the only thing that matters ;) Well done!

[@Ava-pz1wc]

I hope that dolls in the future look like what she does because it is very pretty and natural and thats what i think young girls should have nice dolls that are cute and natural...

[@Chilidog02]

Yes!

[@renatas5141]

Thank you for the inspiration. You are amazing. i will definitely try this. it would be nice for my children to play with more natural looking dolls. thank you

[@Laurad093]

thanks so much I have been struggling to remove make-up-tried the nail-polish remover but didn't know about the oil this will help so much!

[@Puppysnax]

What kind of paint do you use to repaint them?

[@zeiger256854]

Water-based acrylic:)

[@Puppysnax]

Jillian Zeiger Thanks! :)

[@LaVero2476]

I love so much your work 😍😍😍 i think you're a great artist! 💖

[@judymccarthy9423]

Love this idea.Love the more natural looking dolls. Please be careful of the nail polish remover and wear a mask that filters chemicals.Bunnings etc have these.Not expensive. Judy xx

[@abitojoy]

Hi Sonia, what do you do to seal the acrylic paint after you've finished repainting?

[@FreeSchool]

Hi, Sonia! I love what you are doing, thank you for sharing this video for those who want to try their own. It might be wise of you to monetize your youtube channel, and I, for one, would love to watch videos of full repaints (from stripping to re-clothing.) Good luck!

[@heathernice7923]

I think there are already comments on it, but would love to know what you use to paint their faces :) would be so much fun to see everyone's designs, you've definitely started a movement!

[@TheAmazingLiv]

Hello. :) Sonia Singh posted on her Tree Change Dolls Facebook page that she uses Jo Sonja's artist acrylics and matte varnish to seal the paint. She also mentions that there are other brands of paint that may work just as well or better. I hope you find this helpful! You can check out her her page here: facebook.com/treechangedolls?ref=br_tf I'm sure she would love to see your designs if you ended up making some!

[@donnasires2017]

This is wonderful. Please do another video on painting the faces and repairing the feet with the types of material you use. I've always disliked the Bratz dolls and love the dolly makeovers.

[@joann7257]

Your dolls are so beautiful!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@atesy12]

Great job with these dolls!!! I saw the article and the interview. You should do this for a living, i think many people would buy them :) Thumbs up from Hungary!

[@brindlilliahslilli5775]

I just discovered this site today. I AM SO EXCITED about what you are doing. I have shared it and invited everyone I know. Sonia, as one artist/sculpter to another, I strongly encourage you to limit your exposure to the many chemicals involved in this process. Use a vent, mask, nyplex surgical gloves. etc. These things can, and will break down the immune system as they accumulate in the system. I Love You for This So Much ! Shalom.

[@SoniaSinghTreeChangeDolls]

BRINDLiLLi AHSLiLLi Thanks. Now I'm doing it more regularly I have taken steps around OHS.

[@saeriellyn]

Beautiful and inspiring! I am going to try this out as well! Thank you so much for sharing.

[@soniahmath]

Sonia.. You are so down to earth! You are awesome and soooo inspiring..

[@maricota7]

Amazing work! 👏👏👏😍

[@Imblessed-qy5ww]

I just bought a $5.00 bratz doll and am giving her a tree change right now

[@soulhoney101]

Thank you very much for this. You are on to something big !!

[@MissElectricCompany]

BRILLIANT, Sonia! Love love love this

[@leewitte4580]

You are an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing this with us! I look forward to seeing a how to video on the repainting! That will be so important to getting these dolls to look like young girls!! Eyes are particularly difficult for me, because if you mess up the eyes, they will look crazy!!

[@makeupbyarchie4903]

I love this I changed three faces already and I love her dolls so much more my daughter is apart of the process and chooses the eye color (: a lot of fun

[@considerthis2023]

wow! Thank you so much for posting this. You have inspired me to try this myself.

[@ViriViriBumBum]

Omg I'm so trying this thank you so much for the video definitely using to help how to do it when I get all the stuff I need.

[@alisonn8641]

What kind of paint do you use to paint the faces? and what do you use to make the shoes? LOVE this btw :)

[@VintageBiotv]

Thank you for sharing. I hope you will do a painting tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing Sonia.

[@chrispnicholson]

Sonia my two girls 5 and 7 think this is wonderful, so do I...A father who is not keen on Children wearing, or being influenced by toy manufacturers to wear make up. Cheers.

[@not-bv1ek]

U don't know how much i want the dolls u make!!

[@teresaeckert9675]

Very informative. I love your accent by the way, it's very lovely. Your dolls transformation are exquisite. I am looking forward to more videos of your dolls transformation and the steps of doing so. Thank you so much for your love and caring for these dolls, it's refreshing to see and share with others who feel the same way about what sort of message are we as parents relaying to our children when purchasing these brat dolls or any other overly made up with makeup or skimpy worn clothing dolls. Is this what we want our children to be playing with, I think not. As a mother and a caregiver I have not fallen for any of it myself, but I have always steered away from purchasing such provocative dolls in the past because I didn't believe it was the right message to send to our young children. But it would have been nice to have maybe thought of your way of thinking and removed the makeup and start from fresh like you have done, so thank you for setting the bar for us and following through like you have done. I will be practicing this myself and continue your creative techniques on doll transformation for any or all used or new dolls in the future. Well done Sonia!..Bravo!

[@RaphaellyRaphaelly-KalimbaHike]

I randomly encountered your video. In my country, I also have a recycled toys shop. I always saw Bratz there, but I found them disgusting, because of their makeup so....trivial, not suitable for a little girl. after I saw your videos, guess what I bought today :D 2 bratz, I already cleaned them well and cleaned their "canvas" (faces), and I can hardly wait to paint them as good play companions , just that I forgot all my acrylic paints and brushes in the countryside (I paint, as an amateur). I can hardly wait to get them back. I promise you pictures when they're done! I wish to thank you for your idea, you are a candid woman, you transmitted me so much emotion, I really like you! THANK YOU!

[@Maryloohoo2]

This is such a good idea, glad this is taking off.

[@LunarNightLights]

Actually just use pure acetone, the only ingredient in the nail polish remover that's removing the face is the acetone. putting the oil on the face also prevents it from removing quickly and doesn't do anything at all to help. the ink does not stain the face as you were assuming, that was just your nail polish remover not removing it properly. for ink stains and other stains you can get them out with acne cream that has the ingredient 10% benzoyl peroxide. put it on the stained area wrap some plastic wrap on it and place it in the sun, it may take a few applications but it will remove the ink. ANY ink can be removed, pen, sharpie, ANYTHING.

[@MatthewSmith-si8ks]

In my experience of removing ink from plastics, cheap nail polish remover is the best bet. Pure acetone has immediately started to eat away at the plastic, causing a hazy effect.

[@frankieleftwich5310]

LunarNightLights fMy fingernail remover did the same thing, smeared and nothing would get it off. I might try the acne treatment. I finally just tossed the doll.

[@joeyk34]

Great work Sonia Singh

[@irisrodriguez682]

Omg this its So beautiful work. natural awww

[@artistbyrandom3069]

okay what if you only have nail polish remover? would that still work?

[@SoniaSinghTreeChangeDolls]

+Artist by Random As long as it has acetone as an active ingredient. It takes more work and a bit more time if you don't use the oil as that really helps to move any excess residue.

[@artistbyrandom3069]

Thanks so much

[@carolparr3990]

Melaleuca is tea tree oil, Marta.

[@kristyhughes3146]

Hairspray can work at removing ink from things... The molecules from the hairspray bond with the ink and then you can wash it off. This works on clothing as well (if you accidentally washed a pen with your clothing). Not sure if the plastic would affect this process but might work before you added the eucalyptus oil. Thank you for sharing your process.

[@judesirbu198]

Thank you so much for this, it's a brilliant idea and an amazing work! Your dolls are beautiful, and so natural and sweet, just what a little could actually relate to: freshness, youth and a glint of mischief in the eyes =D

[@lauramesonescasto4463]

I love your project I would live to try to make my own for my cousins this hollydays... How do you modelate the feet. Thanks!. You beautiful idea will change so many girl lifes... awesome

[@adrianaarellano6307]

I am only 10 and I am inspired to start to try to do what you do

[@megantollefson169]

I love your work! What paint would you recommend?

[@aliceandwonderland207]

I think they are wonderful your dolls and your work is inspiring! I love dolls, but manufactured, sexualized dolls make me so sad! Even if this dolls are teenagers or adults, they shouldn't be so sexualized, they should be different as REALL girls/women are! Thank you for your video! Please make one then you paining them! I' d like to try to do my own make over! :) Big hug from Sweden

[@nevertoooldfordolls]

they have lamaly dolls there realistic dolls look it up

[@nevertoooldfordolls]

DoReMiForever ok?

[@nevertoooldfordolls]

DoReMiForever personally i think bratz are creepy but thets just my opinion. i have a bratzz doll and i thing i will repaint her and give her feet

[@nevertoooldfordolls]

DoReMiForever its just my opinion

[@nevertoooldfordolls]

DoReMiForever i would never dress like bratz and if i looked like them i would get plastic surgry

[@ConstanceMarkiewicz]

I'm 42, when I was a kid I did this with Barbies as I hated the look of them. My mother used to say that I was ruining them! This warms my heart, as a mother myself.

[@Chilidog02]

I have two questions, what other oils can you use? And where can you find used, or old dolls that no one uses, for this, on amazon? eBay? Used-stuff-shops?

[@Veryfaery]

you could probably go to a thrift store, thrift stores usually have lots of dolls. although they might be damaged.

[@TheAmazingLiv]

Thank you for the video! I would love to change a few dolls. They look so much better with a natural look. :) What kind of paint do you use to repaint the faces?

[@TheAmazingLiv]

How so?

[@TheAmazingLiv]

Oh, I see why you would be opposed to her changing the dolls. But she is not actually vandalizing them. :) She is taking old, discarded dolls that no one wants any more and making them look brand new but with her own artistic spin on them. And natural looking dolls are just my personal preference. :)

[@TheAmazingLiv]

I like some of the clothes. :) Not all of them of course but some of them are quite cute! Like this one: facebook.com/treechangedolls/photos/pb.832457213478698.-2207520000.1423861852./840460579345028/?type=3&theater It's just a matter of style preference. I like some old style clothes and I like some modern style clothing too. If you like the modern style more then good for you. :) I just have a different opinion.

[@gardenmomof2]

DoReMiForever why does it have to be seen as right or wrong? Why can't you just say, this is my personal preference, and that is yours. You don't have to take such an opposing negative stance.

[@gardenmomof2]

DoReMiForever well you have to learn to see things in a positive way, because there is NO stopping change! I know what you mean, though, it does seem to wear a person out if there is too much, even change for the good. You just have to learn to take a deep breath, keep your head up high, and think good thoughts.

[@bhuxtable]

will you be making more videos? I LOVE watching you work!! It's so cool to see!

[@crochetcatcrafty]

So wonderful! Dolls that look like real people! Thanks so much for sharing this. :-)

[@mytreasuredcreations]

Like you, Sonia, I don't wear much make up at all, so when I see these dolls or people with that much make up on it just makes my skin crawl. What are they trying to hide? The dolls under your care turn out to be so sweet with that innocence of childhood. Great job. :)

[@shelbyleezook7145]

These are so beautiful and inspiring! My 4 y.o. daughter has been watching your videos over and over. Now I am on the lookout for a little auburn haired dolly to make into a "Beatrix" Doll. :)

[@RobininTexas]

Lovely! Well done! I'm looking forward to more tutorials. :) Thank you!

[@VG2013SS]

This is absolutely amazing!