With a handle on making custom patterns from my designs, I can't help but take the next leap and start thinking about designing my own custom dolls!

So this isn't a new idea. Some months into my doll knowledge quest, I started buying fixer uppers because I couldn't afford the nicer dolls (especially American Girl). I found I could actually restore and even recreate these cuties better than I had hoped. Once I figured out how to clean up scratches and stains and tighten dangling limbs, I started ripping off bad wigs and then ripping out wonky eyes. I gave them new faces, new identities, new clothes--even new genders! Was there no end to my madness?!

Maybe not. It seems I can never do anything halfway. In all my doll customizations and doll clothes made during the last year, I've realized what I've really wanted to do all along is create my own doll collection. Crazy ambitious I know, but I've been thinking about it a long time. Then I watched a video in 18" doll reborning, and I was hooked! I think I'm ready to take the first step.

Eventually, I'd like to draw and sculpt my own doll design; a history as a portrait artist has given me a good background for face design as has my lifelong interests in facial geometry (plus a degree in art doesn't hurt). And learning everything I could about dolls during the last year has rounded out my knowledge a bit more. Even so, my drawing skills are currently a bit rusty, so for now I'm going to start slow, play around with some pre-made doll kits, and see how things go during the initial baby steps.

I already have some awesome ideas for doll themes and I've also been scribbling up some pattern drafts for themed clothing. (Thank you Liberty Jane Pattern Academy!) I'm so excited to be able to finally get a start on this venture; I'm feeling I like I can really do it!

I'll be posting updates on my progress.