I've been Professionally making dolls since 1994 full time. I have always had hobbies. In 1975 I started Ceramics. I was so hooked I bought a kiln, molds and everything that went with the hobby. My painting and creating lasted for years.
One day I went to a doll show and saw hand made porcelain dolls. I was hooked that was it.... My calling. I figured if they could do it I could do it.... I took classes for a year and spent lots of time (and money). Bought a new very large kiln and lots and lots of new doll molds and everything that went with it.... I soon had orders coming out of my ears. I was constantly working on orders. 99% were custom Portrait Dolls of children, they provided the pictures. In between I made dolls for 3 Shops, to sell on commission and I had special orders from the shops too. I left my job of 13 years and did dolls at home full time. I slowly moved over to some Vintage Tiny Tears (1950`s baby doll) restoration. That was fun and I enjoyed fixing the old babies. So they could be enjoyed again.
Then my best friend Joyce of Sweet Dreams Baby Nursery, asked me if I had ever seen the Berenguers dolls on ebay? I didn`t think so.... So I went on line and to my surprise I had 7 of them here in my home that I bought for my Granddaughter (she lives with me). None were reborn of course, just play dolls. As soon as I saw the Reborn babies I was hooked. This is where all my training has come in handy. I love this form of artwork. I`ve always been interested in some sort of painting or craft and this seems to handle both and I don`t have to lift those heavy filled molds anymore, what a back breaker.
Going from Porcelain dolls to Berenguers really wasn`t much of a change. Joyce gave me bunches of tips and helped me with paints and I was off and running. The painting part comes so easy, I just love that part. To start out with a doll and end up with a treasured keepsake is my goal all the time..... Every-time I make a doll I make it for myself or I make a doll that I would buy... I can`t keep all of them so they end up getting listed. But not right away. I usually fall in love with my most recent creation. Then I find it easier to let my last one go.... These are my little babies. I put a lot of time and love into each baby. Everything has to be perfect. I`m a perfectionist. I can`t help it.... I know what needs to be done and I know how it must look. I don`t stop till its right.
I just can`t.
