I was born in Ohio and I am celebrating my 40th birthday this year. I am the oldest of 7 children and was raised on a farm where 4-H was a very big part of our lives. My mom taught me to sew at a young age. I made many of my own clothes. In my late 20's, my sister and I began doing craft shows with handmade cloth dolls and I created teddy bears. The bears were a variety of sizes and I used mohair or real fur coats from generations handed down.
I have been married to my husband for 13 years and have 3 beautiful children: Kelsey, Travis and Jarod. Kelsey is my toughest critic and offers her advise on my sculpting! Travis and Jarod help me name the dolls and Jarod gets easily attached and doesn't want to let them leave! Most of the time, one of my children are my model so I can get the correct position or shape of fingers and toes and most especially, the ears!
My passion for sculpting began during a weekend in 2001 where a group of my internet friends got together around my kitchen table! I later took a sculpting class with Melissa McCrory. Each baby is created with pride and love for my work. When one of my babies sparks a memory for a collector, I know I have accomplished my dream.
My babies range in size from a "Handful of Love" palm size baby to a life-sized toddler. I start with a ball of foil and the clay, apply changes with each layer and the baby grows it's own features. I do not force the clay to become what I want it to be, but rather what develops with each piece of clay I add. I prefer to sculpt with Prosculpt.
I have recently created dolls that are available in a silicone medium. Jeff Goshon is my mold master and silicone creator for these dolls. I have worked very closely with him to develop a color and firmness in the silicone to make my dolls feel just like a real baby in your arms! I am very excited to offer these babies to the doll collectors!! |
