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Australian mom removes heavy makeup from Bratz dolls, makes them more realistic
AP060210045070
"Feelin' Pretty" Bratz dolls are shown in this file photo. - photo by Sarah Sanders Petersen
Australian scientist, artist and mom Sonia Singh grew up playing with dolls that were homemade or found at second-hand stores. Now, as an adult, Singh enjoys re-working discarded toys and giving them new life.

Most recently, Singh experimented with a second-hand Bratz doll. Singh removed the original paint and put her own simpler version in its place. Singh's mother then knitted an outfit for the doll. Once her project was completed, Singh published the before-and-after pictures on her Tumblr site.

"I was actually a bit embarrassed," Singh told her local radio station 936 ABC Hobart. "A 34-year-old playing with dolls, I don't know, ... but my partner really encouraged it. He thought it was a great idea."

Since she published the photographs, Singh's artwork has been shared around the world.

"These lil (sic) fashion dolls have opted for a 'tree change,' swapping high-maintenance glitz 'n' glamour for down-to-earth style," Singh wrote on her website.

Singh has received comments from hundreds, along with requests to purchase the dolls. Singh plans to sell them on Etsy soon.

Although Singh is excited to promote the use of second-hand dolls, she never expected to receive reactions from so many.

"I showed the before-and-after pictures to my daughter, my friend did the same," Sara Robertson Klepacz wrote on Facebook. "Both girls liked your dolls better! My daughter said, 'I like the ones that don't look mad.' These are just great. I love them!"

Dawn Glass also posted on Facebook, "I just found out about your dolls through Buzzfeed, and I must say they are fabulous! They look so natural. I wish manufacturers would make dolls like this. They would instill a healthy self-image for any child. Thank you."

Singh continues to express her gratitude for the support she has received, along with her desire to create something that so many appreciate.

"Kids just relate so closely to their dolls and their toys," Singh told 936 ABC Hobart. "So it's nice for them to have something they can relate to."