Making To-Live-For Dolls

About the Book

This book is a must read for anyone making a porcelain doll wanting to enter in a competition. In the book you will find tips and information from notes taken at seminars and private lessons with the top doll makers in the world today. There are two main categories of porcelain dolls—modern and antique. Modern dolls are those sculpted by modern artists. Antique dolls are those that were first introduced and sold either more that fifty years ago or, by some definitions, more than one hundred years ago. Actual antique dolls can be purchased for enjoyment and possibly to use as models for the making of reproductions. Excellent reproductions of the antique dolls can be made by modern-day artists. Modern dolls are those sculpted by current-day sculptors. Modern dolls can be painted and dressed in any way the doll artisan prefers. They can have painted eyes, or the holes can be cut out from the porcelain before the bisque firing to allow the insertion of glass eyes. Neither technique is easy. Each has its own challenges, and both look nice when done well. These dolls can be dressed in any way the artist wishes as well. Reproductions of antiques must be done so that the artist reproduces the original patterns and colors as they were initially done on the specific dolls. This means reproducing the eyes with the same number of lashes that the artists painted on the antique dolls, the same slant and the same spacing. Dressing the antique reproductions poses another challenge as the dolls should be dressed in a period costume appropriate for that doll. The fabrics should be natural fibers, often actual vintage or antique fabrics. Significant research is required to determine what styles, fabrics, and colors should be used for specific dolls. This book has a wonderful collection of tips collected from the experts! These are helpful for all doll makers, especially people preparing for competitions. This book contains a wealth of information for lovers and makers of both modern and reproduction antique dolls. The information has been collected over the years from most of the most talented and experienced doll makers in the world. It is shared here with those interested in preserving this art, approaching each aspect of the doll in the best way possible.

About the Author

Celia Desmond has won the Millie award, presented by the Doll Artisan Guild at International Competitions to the top antique reproduction doll. Her dolls have also won Judge’s Choice and best in category ribbons. She has been taking seminars and classes with world-renowned instructor for twenty years. During this time, she has created over fifty dolls, some modern, but mainly reproduction of French and German antiques. Celia also has over thirty years of experience in telecommunications management. She worked in management of telecom engineering for Bell Canada for twenty-five years. She is president of World Class Telecommunications, which provides training in telecommunications management, and has lectured internationally on programs for success in today’s changing environment. Celia holds MSc engineering, BSc mathematics and psychology, Ontario Teaching Certificate, and PMP certification. Celia has taught kindergarten, high school, and at five universities. She is the author of Project Management for Telecommunications Managers (Springer), and Project Management for Telecommunications Projects was published by Wiley in 2010. This is her first publication about the art of making high-end porcelain dolls.