The face is the most important feature of a doll -- it is also the most challenging. So it is surprising that there is so little instruction available on creating doll faces. This book fills that void. Author Patti Medaris Culea began her career in art as a portrait painter and she puts that experience to work when creating her doll faces. In this book, she shows readers a simple technique for easily creating faces using her step-by-step approach. She gives her tips for how to divide the face into quadrants, graft features together, and much more. Every aspect of doll making is covered -- from the basics to detailed techniques for making the various faces to instructions for putting a pattern together. Readers will learn how to use watercolor pencils, acrylics, and fabric paints to color a face, how to create a face using collage techniques as well as stamping and beading, and tips for working with stretchy fabrics to create indented eyes, separate eyelids, and sculpted lips.

In this unique and beautiful book, beloved doll-designer Barbara Willis guides readers through various approaches to doll design and basic and advanced construction techniques. Through the creation of three complete step-by-step projects, readers will develop color boards, learn to use vintage images, create both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cloth dolls, learn sophisticated costuming techniques, and gain knowledge of elaborate soft sculpting. A gallery shares the inspirational work of several well-known doll artists who have created their own versions of each project. Complete patterns and templates are included.

Three leading dolls artists share doll-making techniques, as well as step-by-step instructions to creating beautiful dolls of your own. Patti Culea, elinor peace bailey, and Barbara Willis are three of the leading doll artists and teachers in the country. They are also friends. Each of these artists has her own distinct approach to the design and development of a cloth figure. In this book, each artist’s process will come alive through their choice of fabrics, sketches, simple patterns, and skill-building variations. The book is oriented toward beginning doll makers but offers unique variations and embellishments to please even more experienced doll designers. Two introductory chapters cover basic materials and techniques. Each artist’s chapter includes step-by-step illustrations, instructions, and patterns to make a complete doll, plus variations that create completely new figures. Readers are treated to full color photography and a look inside of each artist’s workspace. A gallery of additional creations by each artist, along with commentary on each work completes the collection. This is a must-have book for any aspiring or experienced doll making.

Hand-sewing soft dolls has never been easier with these adorable patterns from the Gingermelon Dolls designer. The eagerly anticipated first book by popular toy designer Shelly Down, My Felt Doll shows sewers of all abilities how to make adorable soft dolls—and more than forty accompanying accessories—using the most basic of materials and skills. With just felt sheets and a handful of simple notions, you will learn how to sew the simple yet delightful doll pattern and then discover eleven imaginative variations on the design—from a mermaid to a witch, from a princess to a superhero, and from a ballerina to a bride—guaranteed to delight little girls everywhere. With no hems to sew and all the stitching done by hand, My Felt Doll makes a great entry point to sewing dolls for beginners and even children. Full-size templates make life easy—trace straight from the page with no need to enlarge. “Totally lovely . . . The instructions are clear and Shelly’s hand-drawn illustrations for each step are a perfect accompaniment . . . This is one of those instances in which buying a book is really worthwhile.” —While She Naps “Great for absolute beginners with no sewing experience . . . Also, a great addition to an experienced plushie maker . . . as the details and color palette will surely inspire you in your next customization.” —Noisybeak “The cutest book . . . Since the dolls are entirely handsewn out of wool felt, they take a little extra time, but the end results were so cute!” —Clover & Violet

This book brings together a range of Brenda's dolls complete with patterns and numerous step-by-step line drawings. Every process is shown in detail from cutting patterns to painting faces. Her experience in adult education ensures that even absolute beginners will be able to create their own special 'Brenda Brightmore' dolls.

Create dolls with personality from head to toe with tips from the self-taught artist, weaver, woodworker, and author of Needle Felting. A step-by-step visual guide to making a lighthearted and charming collectible for the doll-lovers you know! Bring these endearing characters to life with patterns you can personalize for a chef, gardener, knitter, mother, scrapbooker, shopper, or lover of all things handmade. Learn face-painting techniques that make each doll unique. Create four types of cloth dolls—three sculpted and one rag doll. Beginner-friendly project instructions include templates for the body and clothing, as well as suggestions for hair and accessories. Mix and match patterns and poses to create an unlimited number of dolls with your own flair. Inspirational gallery included.