I graduated from art school, and I now work in a furniture warehouse so I have some technical knowledge that helps me out with craft. Anyone can do this stuff! It just takes time and dedication. I let myself go slow and have fun with it.
My first customization was turning a persian kitten (from the Baby Sea Friends blind bag) into a fluffy diluted calico. This was one of my doubles, so I was not afraid to part with it if things went south.
I'd say this was successful to a point. I used diluted gouache paint and dabbed it into the kitten's fur to get better coverage, and gently rubbed a paper towel in circles to take the paint off. It would leave a stain while still keeping the fur soft.
I mixed paint and water on top of newspaper, which eventually blended altogether with the printed ink. This made my paint discolored... I found out the hard way when dark, purple stains shown on the kitty's white fur. The worst parts are covered up by her shoes from the Rainy Day Duo babies.
I gave her twin the other shoe pair and had a little photoshoot.