Book Review: Alicia Merrett, THE BOOK OF DOLL MAKING,(London, 2001) Eagle Editions and the Professional Doll Makers Guild

If you are looking for a hobby or full time job with national and international support and professional groups , with lots of exhibitions and gatherings , than look no further and get acquainted with Doll Making.`    

With over 20 books from different authors and in different formats ( kindle digital, etc)  Doll Making can seem a very confusing unstandardized topic, without any clarity as to what is really fashionable and standard and what is not marketable at all.

You might not be the only one looking to start Doll Making, or you might be the only one in your circle of friends and acquaintances looking to give it a try!

If you find yourself surrounded by people who have no knowledge whatsoever, 

 nor the interest in pursuing such activity, don't despair as there are groups and institutions catering for people like you! 

 I recommend  the following groups and institutions,

1. International Dolls Makers Association

2. The Professional Doll Makers Art Guild

3. National Institute of American Dolls Artists  ( Worldwide members so get in touch !)

4. The Crafts Institute

One of my favourite books in the subject is of the authorship of a very famous and internationally renown Textile Artist, Alicia Merrett, who introduces her magnificent one of a kind book with the following invitation :

"DOLL MAKING - A CREATIVE ART (…) In this books I have tried to present doll-making projects to suit everyone- from the beginner to the building artist. There are rag dolls for children and cloth dolls for collectors, but with some thought for safety, many are suitable for both. There is also a section on beginning to design your own dolls. So why not start today , using your imaginative powers to craft your own creations - and feel the magic of doll making?

                                              In page 7 Alicia Merrett, THE BOOK OF DOLL MAKING,(London, 2001) Eagle Editions and the Doll Makers Guild

The book is divided into three parts,

1. Rag Dolls

2. Fantasy Dolls 

3. Special Dolls 

 This book is very accessible and all  the techniques used ,which include sewing, cutting fabric, making a clay head, making Buckram and paper Mache masks , are explained with illustrations.  

There is no  space for mistakes or imperfections as all  the dolls templates are included, what really makes dolls extra easy and enjoyable.

The book is of very good quality as provides the reader with skills to produce traditional and modern dolls of the same standard as the ones featured today in British museums as ,

1. The Museum of London 

2. The Victoria and Albert Museum   

and American Museums , as per listed by the Spruce Crafts Group  online directory.

Might be that this book practical guidance will provide you more than just projects  for your family and friends, might be that this book shows you the path to a new hobby or career. If this is the case, I highly recommend you joining the Professional Doll Makers Guild to ensure you get your supplies cheaper, that you have company and feedback in the production journey, but also marketing and professional representation. 

For more benefits of joining the Guild visit https://www.professionaldollmakers.com/benefits-of-membership/

 

Until next time,

Best wishes,

Ariane Crafts