How to make a doll?

Question

I want to learn to make a doll like the one in kerli's music video "Walking on Air"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd4jvdgm7-c&feature=related

I absolutely love the look, but i've never made a doll before and i wanted to know if anyone could give me some pointers??? Maybe give me some references that could help me??? Please and Thank You!!!

Answer 1

Google Porcelain doll classes in your area. You will need help from a Teacher. Since porcelain dolls need to be fired in a Kiln and the molds are very expensive. A class would be you best way to make the doll. Good Luck ;)))

Answer 2

That probably is a "porcelain" doll, but many people make dolls that look the same (or other ways too) with various kinds of clay.  Sometimes just the head and hands/arms and feet/legs are made with the clay and the body is stuffed fabric, and sometimes the whole body is made with the clay.

Some kinds of clay you could use (especially for larger dolls like this) would be polymer clays and epoxy clays, etc., since they create very smooth surfaces, but even a high-quality air-dry clay like Creative Paperclay could be used.

There are many books on making dolls from various materials in the library, at bookstores, etc., and loads of free info and doll groups online.

Check out some of these:

http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+ma...

http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=dol...

DOLLS and Art Dolls:

Dollmakers email list at http://www.dollmaking.org. There are about 750 members, with about 20 posts a day average. It's a great place to pick up information on dollmaking and related arts. . . . "including everyone from beginners to some of the most famous dollmakers working today. Topics of conversation include marketing, supplies, costuming, and everything related to dolls. We discuss every type of doll, from toys to art dolls, in mediums including vinyl, cloth, polymer clay, porcelain, and even vegetables.."

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Artist_Dol...

(for makers and collectors of fine quality Artist Dolls. The purpose is to bring doll artists and doll makers together with discriminating collectors who are searching for the beautiful, the unique, the best dolls available today. Porcelain, resin, polymer clays, cloth and all other media are welcome. You are welcome to buy, sell, trade, search for or promote your latest creations or dollmaking materials, such as SFGW and doll molds. Exchange of dollmaking information is also welcome)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/claydollar...

(polymer and air-dried clay doll artists. doll swaps, shows, tips on dollmaking and doll sculpting classes)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AGDolls (American Girl dolls, history, old crafts, antiques, fine sewing, period costumes, unique doll accessories and modern finds to start interesting discussions with other doll collectors. The emphasis here is on making doll clothing, accessories, and crafts for your 18" dolls. )

[e-mail]

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And if you're interested in polymer clay for making dolls and other figures, check out these pages in particular at my site for lessons, examples, etc.:

http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/sculpt...

http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/sculpt...

http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/heads_...

HTH,

Diane B.