In recent years, collecting dolls has become one of the most popular and interesting hobbies for children and adults. They collect antique and porcelain, plastic and vinyl, rag and woolen dolls. The most expensive and often inaccessible for a poor collector are unique designer dolls. However, do not be discouraged: there are many interesting, accessible language and beautifully illustrated books that will help you master the art of making an exclusive doll on your own.
Textile doll literature
Perhaps the easiest way for a beginner puppeteer is to turn to the art of a textile doll. So, in recent years, Tilda dolls, invented by the Norwegian designer Tone Finnanger, have gained wide popularity. She is also the author of a whole series of books devoted to the manufacture of such dolls. Among them - “Tilda. Heroes of Fairy Tales”,“Spring Collection”,“Summer Collection”,“New Year's Collection”. Detailed step-by-step instructions for making tilda dolls are also contained in the book by Russian author Alena Ryabtseva "Do-it-yourself Tilda".
True, one cannot fail to notice that the Norwegian tildes are still quite the same type and faceless. Much more interesting models, the manufacturing principle of which is in many ways similar to tildes, are proposed in the books of the Chelyabinsk craftswoman Elena Voinatovskaya "Author's textile doll" and "Author's interior doll". They contain detailed recommendations for cutting and sewing dolls, styling faces and hairstyles, making clothes, and even scenting dolls. In addition, Elena Voinatovskaya's models allow you to create several different products based on the same pattern, making your doll truly unique.
For fans of the fantasy genre, the books by the Englishwoman Jen Horrocks "Dolls with their own hands" and "Fairy dolls", which present images of fairies, mermaids and witches, as well as tips on making a doll wardrobe, may be of interest. Of course, dolls created on the basis of other people's patterns and models cannot be fully considered author's. However, working on them will allow you to master the technology of making a textile doll, will give an impetus to the emergence of your own ideas and, ultimately, will allow you to become a master in creating unique author's products.
Materials for making plastic dolls
Plastic is a very attractive material for many, although it is more difficult to work with. Making an author's doll from plastic requires mastering the skill of a sculptor. It should also be remembered that there are self-hardening and baked plastics. The first ones are convenient in that they do not need baking or firing, however, they require a certain level of skill and precision in work, as they quickly harden, not allowing to change and improve the product. The latter are softer and more plastic, allow you to easily and repeatedly change the selected shape and modify the details. At the same time, during the baking process, it is necessary to strictly observe a certain temperature, otherwise the product may simply explode.
For those wishing to master the difficult skill of making a plastic doll, we can recommend such books as "The Story of a Doll" by Nadezhda Gensitskaya, "Dolls from Plastic" by Lydia Mudragel, "Fairies, Dwarfs, Trolls. Fairy-tale characters made of polymer clay "Maureen Carlson.
The art of making an author's doll is not easy, but very exciting. For those who manage to master it, this hobby will bring real joy, and will also allow you to create a unique collection and decorate your home.
