Artists

> Zwergnase

Inspiration. Design. Pride.
By Pam North

Find out what inspires each distinctive face and expressive pose of Zwergnase dolls.

> Sophisticated Stylings

Randall Craig's RTW line offers fashion "for the more refined taste."
By Jill Jackson
If oodles of “bling,” “shabby chic,” or 6-inch killer heels are your ideas of what the well-dressed 1/6-scale fashion doll should wear, you may have missed (or dismissed) the recent revival of cultural classics by savvy young designer Randall Craig.

> “X” Marks the Spot

The eXciting, eXacting work from Xenis
By Pam North
Read about how three talented and enterprising women—Marlene Xenis (the last name is pronounced “ex-eenis”) and her two daughters, Tania Xenis and Jesse Geeraert—run skill and band saws, drill presses, belt sanders, and dremels to create the wooden dolls from the Xenis Collection.

> Porcelain Perfection from Sylvia Weser

Lauded as one of the world's best doll artists, Sylvia Weser is widely hailed for her porcelain masterpieces.
By Penny Herbst
A visit to a flea market one rainy morning changed Sylvia Weser's life forever when chanced upon two disheveled antique dolls lying carelessly in the wet grass.

> Alice in Wrightland

R. John Wright presents the newest Alice in his series, based on Sir John Tenniel's 19th-century illustrations for Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland books.
By Marianne Clay, drawings by Sir John Tenniel
For almost three decades, husband and wife R. John and Susan Wright have devoted themselves to creating all-felt dolls in the tradition of toy companies a century ago. Interestingly, John and Susan have most often found their inspiration in children's classic stories.

> Doll Designer to the Stars

Gregg Ortiz talks about his inspirations, designs, and what he calls the indescribable ‘it factor.’
By A. Glenn Mandeville
Artist Gregg Ortiz began his career as a window dresser in New York and is now one of the hottest names in the business. Read about his one-of-kind-pieces, his notable clientele, and what he strives for with each and every design.

 

> Adventures in Wonderland

Ruth Treffeisen’s cast of ‘Wonderland’ figures capture the detail and character of a literary classic.
By Jill Jackson
It began several years ago with a little porcelain doll named Alice. An on-going project, doll artist Ruth Treffeisen’s collection now includes many other characters from the literary classics "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass," and it doesn't end here. 

> The Atlantis Collection

Annette Himstedt's 2006 Kinder
By Kathryn Peck
German doll artist Annette Himstedt provides an even closer look at her latest collection, inspired by the tale of the lost city of Atlantis.

> Once Upon a Time

The Story Behind "The Doll Maker"
By Jill Jackson
Entrepreneurial success in the doll world is a fantasy-turned-reality for artist Linda Rick.

> Art and Inspiration

Tea Time with Berdine Creedy
By Jill Jackson, Photos by Charlene Fertel
A young woman’s tale of courage and inspiration, and at the heart of it all is an 8-inch doll.

> The Anne Geddes Collectible Doll Line

By Jill Jackson
Read more about the perfect partnering of Anne Geddes, Laura Tuzio-Ross, and MasterPiece Dolls, and the introduction of The Woodland Sprite.

> Sometimes Silly, Sometimes Shy

Cheri Hiers’ Whimsical Fairies
By Kathryn Peck
Cheri Hiers’ fairies have a character and personage that stems from her own. Read more about how the artist behind Lauren Alexander Faeries got started.

> Elle Piccolo’s Little People

By Martha Puff, Photos by Michael Puff

Doll artist Elle Piccolo, an International Guild of Miniature Artisans fellow in figures, sculpts imaginative “little people” and portrait dolls. What sets an Elle doll apart is its lifelike expression and demeanor. Find out more about Elle Piccolo's little creations.

> Vision Quest

Together, artists Jodi and Richard Creager have embarked on a journey of creativity and meaning through their work.
By Deb Weissler, Photos by Jodi & Richard Creager

Native Americans have long embarked on vision quests, journeys in search of personal growth and spiritual guidance. Traditionally, seekers find a special place in which to seek meaning and direction. For art doll makers Jodi and Richard Creager, that special place is within the walls of their traditional Plains Indian tepee where they gather each morning to plan the day’s work, discuss ideas, and draw inspiration from their surroundings. From ethnic dolls to elves, learn what makes Jodi and Richard's art dolls so unique.

> Quest for Perfection

The artist in Maggie Iacono always wanted more …
By Jill Jackson

The seeds of Maggie Iacono’s love of cloth were first planted when she was just a child and was taught to sew by her mother. Today there are more than 400 steps in the making of each of the artist's dolls. Each is a work of art in every sense of the word. Read more about Maggie's journey into doll making.

> Doll-Art

By Ruth Ndouop-Kalajian
About 30 doll artists from Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Austria came together on June 13-14, 2009, at the Orangerie in Darmstadt, Germany, to meet each other and many collectors.

> Santas With Attitude

Small Talk: All Things Small
By Martha Puff
Alas! How dreary would be the world if there was no Santa Claus!
From "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus"
Editorial by F. P. Church (1897)

> Project Dollway at Home

Doll designers compete in the ultimate challenge.
By Jill Jackson
Given the popularity of television’s "Project Runway," it was only a matter of time before the enterprising designers of doll fashions would demand their own similar competition.