Sunday, April 3, 2011

Departure from the Fashion Dolls - Some of my Porcelain Dolls

So yesterday I mentioned my former life as a porcelain dollmaker.  I decided to do a quick post about it since I did get an inquiry about that life.  I started making porcelain dolls in 1996, I think.  It's a long story, but the short version is, I married a man with 5 full-time children (who I adored); we were supposed to have a child of our own; he changed his mind; I started making life-size porcelain babies as self-therapy.  It worked out just fine. I don't think I would have found porcelain dolls without that ordeal happening.   In 2003 I started my Porcelain doll business.  I used to teach others how to make dolls.  I also sold my own creations.  For a time, I used to do dolls in the likeness of real children.  The doll I repaired yesterday was a doll I made years ago, in the likeness of a then 2-yr old red headed little boy, named Dalton. 

Here is a small sampling of the dolls I made.  A couple of them are in my personal collection, but the majority were sold over the years.  I made all of the outfits on the small dolls, and the christening gown.  I am actually certified in Antique Reproductions, so a few of them are included.  It's so funny, I couldn't stand the look of the antique dolls until I started making them.  Now I just love them.  At the very end is a nice video featuring some of these dolls. 






















I did a video of these same dolls, a long time ago.


P.S. In case you are wondering, I divorced my husband in 2000.  He and I are really good friends now.  And no, I still don't have any kids of my own! But I am very happy and in the end that's what's important.

14 comments:

  1. I remain in awe of your talent, Vanessa.

    I can tell that you used many Dianna Effner molds in your porcelain doll-making life. I have a couple of porcelain dolls that use her molds and one vinyl doll by Effner.

    I have seen the image of the little boy in the plaid vest. I am not sure if you shared it with me (perhaps many moons ago); or if the person who purchased it from you shared it with me. In the past I wrote profiles on doll collectors and doll artists for Black Doll-E-Zine. It's possible that someone I profiled shared the image of the vested boy.

    I enjoyed reading about this aspect of your past life. Thanks for sharing.

    dbg

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  2. Debbie - Thanks. I love Effner molds. I have a few of the small ones that I never got around to making. I have considered doing just small dolls again. When I was repairing the Dalton doll, I was briefly hit with the bug to start making dolls again. My "Doll To Do" List is soooo long. I am already spending umpteen hours 7 days a week to do the things I am currently doing. Plus, I have a big new project on the horizon.

    I think I shared the vested guy with you years ago. I sort of remember that now that you mentioned it. He is one of the few that is in my personal collection. Thanks for looking.

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  3. Okay... I knew I had seen his picture before. I never forget an interesting doll's face!

    New project... sounds exciting!

    dbg

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  4. Hi Vanessa! I love the first little girl - she looks so cute. I like that she has side-glancing eyes and curly hair. I also like the little boy in the plaid vest; what a charming open mouth smile!

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  5. Hi Vanessa,

    Thanks for sharing your porcelain dolls. The depth and breadth of your talent is awe inspiring. My favorite is the young lady in white with the ear bobs and necklace.

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  6. Wow! Is there anything you can't do? LOL... They are absolutely beautiful and so life like. I love the little boy, I had to do a double take for a minute. I would love to be that talented. :)

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  7. PR - Thanks for looking and commenting! I wish I had a bigger picture to post of that bride doll. I made her a really pretty dress. All of those pictures are on a disk, somewhere. This computer only had a few of my doll pictures.

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  8. Tracy - I should have posted names for them. LOL! Everyone is picking out their favorites. We all have special talents. It is just up to us to figure out what they are and then explore them to the fullest. Therein lies the difficulty.

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  9. Love the dolls and I'm no lover or collector of porcelain dolls. They are great dolls. I love the 1st lil girl. Beautiful works of art

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  10. Vanessa, I agree with Tracy - the breadth of your talents is impressive.

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  11. Dollz4Moi - Thanks so much. They helped me through some trying times. Those little faces always put a smile on my face.

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  12. Kristl - Thanks dear. I just have this insane desire to learn everything that I can. My brain is always on to the next idea, before the rest of me. LOL!

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  13. Way too cool Vanessa! Thanks for sharing your story!

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  14. TM - Thanks so much for looking!

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