I am a doll maker mainly creating witches, wizards, Santas and elves. My creations are constructed of fabrics, clay, lace, feathers, recycled fur, vintage jewelry, beads, ribbons, found treasures, charms and buttons. I love the richness of fabrics from the decision of purchase to coordinating to cutting and creating. Very much like quilting or making soup-two more things I enjoy doing!

Detail in my work is very important to me. Customers enjoy looking closely to see the details and find the items I tuck onto the dolls. They will always have a few lady bugs for good luck and perhaps a dragon fly, spider or frog.

The hands and faces are made of cloth or polymer clay. I do not use molds so each piece is different. Hair will be either feathers, wools or silk threads. My work is generally between twelve inches and twenty two inches in height. The dolls are completely made by me with the exception of some toys and items that I incorporate as embellishment. Some of the dolls are freestanding on a plinth which is embellished with toys or treasures. I will also have chairs and tuffets for the other dolls that are seated.

The dolls are from a family or series. Each family or series has a story line and then each doll has its own name and purpose.

Why do I enjoy making dolls?? First is the creativity and seeing if "it will work." At shows, I enjoy the feedback, laughter and smiles from people as they come into my space. I have been involved with arts and crafts for quite a while and selling dolls since 1985. I also am able to use my love of fabric and embellishment while designing and making costumes for little theatre.

Diane