Handmade Dolls International Artists and Artisans handmade art dolls

Jill Bennett has been drawing and painting all her life. As a child she wanted to be a children's book illustrator and indeed she worked as one for many years. Among the authors she has illustrated are Roald Dahl, Dorothy Edwards, Dick King-Smith and Helen Cresswell.

Her other great love is the theatre. She studied theatre design at Wimbledon School of Art and the Slade School of Fine Art. So began a lifetime study of historical clothes and the way of life of the people who wore them.

Jill started making dolls in the late 1970's and found they were an ideal vehicle for her three great interests story telling, the theatre and social history.

She tries to make each doll a person, with individual personality and clothes to match, whether they are aristocrat, servant or street urchin. Jill Bennett makes small dolls. Most of them are strictly 1 inch to the foot (1/12th scale is the international scale for dolls houses). But from time to time she makes slightly larger ones up to 9 inches high.

The miniature dolls have porcelain heads and pewter bodies strung through with twisted steel wire at the joints. This gives them considerable flexibility to stand or sit or adopt other poses. (They will stand without support.)

The larger dolls have porcelain heads, hands and feet. Their bodies are padded and wired to give some flexibility. They are usually mounted on wooden plinths for display purposes.

Sherry Nicolas: Art Doll Figuratives

Each of the figuratives that I create are One of a Kind and hand sculpted. I do not use molds of any kind, and never exactly reproduce a figure, although the same theme may be presented in a different manner. Some of my creations are full body sculpts, while others are partial sculpts with the head, hands/arms, feet/legs being sculpted and the body a soft sculpt. I try to capture the expression, mood and personality of each figure according to the theme. Many of the items held in the hands of my figures are sculpted, while others may be purchased. The hands are sculpted to hold the items in a natural pose. The eyes of the larger dolls are of the finest blown glass and have eyelashes. The eyes of the smaller sculpts are sculpted and painted.

The costuming is specially designed and constructed for each figure without the use of commercial patterns. Sumptuous velvets, brocades, tapestries, woolens, cotton, denim, yards of lace, braids, both faux and real furs are used to construct the clothing. All real furs are recycled. I never use new furs. Although one may never see them, all figures are fully dressed including underwear and stockings. On many, the outerwear is layered. All coats, cloaks and capes are lined. Each figure is signed, dated and numbered on the back of the neck, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Although numbered, they are not one in a series, but are One of a Kind. I sculpt and construct every part of each piece. They are truly Original Dolls.

I will be happy to create that special doll for you. I do commission work on a first order basis from January through the middle of October. You may let me use my imagination to create your doll, or help me design it. Either way, I'm sure you will be pleased with the results. You may also furnish special items, fabrics, or furs to be incorporated into your doll (No New Furs Please). If furnishing materials, the price of the finished sculpt will be adjusted accordingly. I require one half (1/2) the total price, including taxes, and shipping, before work begins.

Aura Buckwalter: Handcrafted Santa Dolls

Our Santa's Story ...

In the magical world of Santa, children of all ages have anticipated and spent sleepless nights awaiting his arrival.

Now that I am an adult, I find such pleasure in creating Santas for everyone.

My desire is to make each Santa have their own personality. It's unique to be able to use materials to make Santas that one would not expect.

For example; Using recycled fur, special trim from sweaters, antique lace from gowns and velvet. The bodies of Santa are constructed with wire and padding. In the larger Santas I use wood and wire. This construction technique give more structural stability to the bigger Santa dolls.

Each Santa has different colored glass eyes.

If you desire custom Santa or any other dolls, custome pieces can be made. Santas can be made from clothing that has sentimental value to you.

As a child I loved the story of Santa. Now I pass the Santa's story onto my son and daughter. Just like Santa has helpers, I now have my daughter to help me.