Glenda Ewart from Ballyhackett Road makes "reborns" which are lifesize newborn baby dolls created to the exact measurements and weight of a real child.
Mother-of-three Glenda just took up the craft when she was expecting her own little bundle - her youngest son Leo.

"When I was expecting Leo, my blood pressure was so high that the midwife told me I wasn't allowed to do anything," Glenda told LifeTimes.
"I was looking on E-bay for baby clothes when I came across the reborns and just though to myself "I'll have a go" at that.

"In the past I had always been interested in drawing, knitting and crocheting so I tried it out."
That was four years ago and now, as well as being a wife and mum to Caleb, Zac and Leo, Glenda now creates her reborn babies for collectors around the world.
A sleeping baby will cost around £150 and a reborn with open eyes comes at a price around £200 - so these dolls definitely aren't for playing with.

"Most people who buy the reborns are collectors. I have sold them throughout the UK, also to America and Australia. That's the great thing about the internet, you can sell all around the world.
"All the faces are different and have different expressions. They also come with a certificate with their name on it. I can make the doll to look exactly as the owner wants it."

During our interview, Glenda had one doll sitting ready for collection, kitted out in a white Babygro with a crocheted bonnet also made by Glenda. The buyer had specifically requested that the reborn have dark eyes and "wispy" dark hair.

Each hair is placed into the scalp by hand and Glenda reckoned that it had taken her a month just to thread the hair into the doll in question.
"Thick hair takes even longer so you have to be very patient," laughed Glenda who is a member of the guild of Original Reborn Babies.

As well as doll collectors, Glenda has also been asked to create reborns for use in ante-natal classes in England.
"I also made one for a pregnant lady who had a twisted spine and was advised to practice with a reborn to see how to carry her own baby properly so it wouldn't damage her back.

"Some members of the guild have been asked to create reborns for use in TV programmes but I haven't been approached yet. I would love to have an offer from someone like that."

Having taught herself to make the reborn babies, Glenda's next project is to learn how to sculpt the actual bodies and faces which can come in all forms including white, Afro-American and Asian.
For further information on Glenda's business check out her website www.yellowcottagenursery.com or telephone her on 07931733663.