The world of handmade and custom dolls is one near and dear to my heart. As a dollmaker, I know how much care, attention to detail, and love go into every stuffed body and sculpted face. Dolls captivate, stoke the imagination, and keep our secrets. And we pay them back by treasuring them.
Going beyond the world of American Girl dolls, these handmade friends remain unaffected in a world of fast fixes and commoditization. Whether the medium is painted cloth, sculpted clay, or old-world carved wood, bringing one-of-a-kind dolls to life requires a serious commitment of time and dedication. These dolls can easily become cherished family heirlooms, bridging memories and generations.
I’m so excited to share some amazing custom dolls from the modern handmade world in this article. But first, let’s take a step back and talk about dolls.
Why Dolls?
From companion to talisman to object of nostalgia, dolls have been — and remain today – prized collectibles, instruments of magic, and both mute witnesses and mirrors of society. And yet one of the questions I get asked most often – with regards to being a dollmaker – underscores all of that.
Why dolls?
Even fellow artists and gallery curators — who will sometimes take themselves very seriously — will ask me this question. Dolls?
This question always surprises me because I’ve never had a problem recognizing the intrinsic beauty, value, and rich history of mankind’s relationship with dolls.
Throughout the world, dolls have traditionally been used in magic and religious rituals on almost every continent. The earliest documented dolls go back to ancient civilizations, found in the 21st century BC Egyptian tombs and in the 100AD stories of Greece and Rome.
Traditional dolls in indigenous cultures were imbued with magical and ritual value, used as spiritual intermediaries, fertility charms, good (and bad) luck totems, and as representatives of deities themselves.
Modern doll manufacturing has its roots in 15th-century Germany, as artists created masterpieces for royalty and the upper classes made of wood and bisque. With the industrial revolution, dolls became increasingly mass-produced and available across the spectrum of society.
From politics to pop culture, dolls remain a recognizable fixture in modern life. Forecasting to the future, dolls could become an ever-increasing presence as artificial intelligence and robotics have the opportunity to truly bring dolls to life.
So for me, the question has always been: why not dolls?
The Value of Dolls
Dolls have always been a passion project for me. Creating a presence from the inside out, piece by piece, makes it easy to throw off life’s anxieties and trade them instead for teddy bear joints and polyester fiberfill. I had made well over a hundred dolls by the time I began to lose count.
I have fashioned many different species of animals and enjoyed fabricating many fantastical creatures — including unicorns, dragons, and a phoenix. I’ve created dolls as heirloom gifts for newborn babies, as romantic keepsakes celebrating relationships, and many also as remembrance pieces for pets who’ve been lost.
Dolls have jobs. Dolls have helped to mend hearts that were grieving. Some have gone on to become lightning rods of joy for their owners, reminding them forever of precious memory. Others are simply quiet, sincere company for those who seek it.
Now that you’re with me in celebrating the world of dolls let’s explore some of the most amazing handmade dolls on the market today, from Etsy and other handmade marketplaces.
Introducing Your Next Best Friends
1. Greter Owl Art Doll by HorkaDolls
This breathtaking doll utilizes the artist’s unique techniques to transform linen canvas into a rich textile that forms the dreamy foundation for this mystical creature. The captivating face, eyes, and delicate feet are sculpted of fireclay and kiln-fired ceramics.
I am in love with the austere presence of this mystical creature, who measures an impressive 25 inches tall (including wingspan).
2. Fennec Fox Art Doll by KatrinWonderland
This serene beauty would add grace and easy elegance to any space she inhabits. I admire the long lines and natural grace this sweet doll was imbued with. Her tonality and fabrics create a quietly joyful color palette. Her head and paws are made sculpted from clay, while her body is linen based. Her styling is sublime; the artist has such a lovely touch.
3. Halloween Bunny Art Doll by RaggdollCarnival
I am well versed with the next artist on the list, as I am her devoted fan and client! One of her fabulous dolls, a bunny, sits next to me on my desktop, keeping me in wonderful company daily. The artist behind Raggdoll Carnival is a born storyteller, and her dolls are physical characters from her ongoing narrative. In fact, she tells me she’s working on a story entitled, “The Old Crow Murder Society” which will literally star her dolls.
Speaking of crows, they are her most popular dolls (as I write, she is currently sold out – but always making more) and something she is known for – she has sold over 100 since 2018.
I’m always fascinated by what goes into each artist’s work. She tells me, “My process is that I will have a marathon sewing session over one or two days and sew up several dolls of several different styles. This last session, I stitched up four Halloween bunnies, three Halloween cows, and 10 crows. This gives lots to work on without having to run to the sewing machine every day. Adding the details and all the hand sewing is the longest part of the process.”
Her bunnies are a favorite of mine, including this Halloween bunny. Ragdoll Carnival dolls are loaded with character and personal touches; just look at the ghost-fabric ears and the spiderweb detail! The artist’s fabric choices and curated accessories are unique and delightful, and it’s clearly apparent how much attention to detail goes into every one-of-a-kind creation.
4. On The Swing by Elenasdolls
This sweet-faced doll on a delightful swing is a total darling. The artist has successfully created a doll that generates a strong presence by simply being. Her mohair wig is styled to match her easy personality, and her playful placement on a swing really bring her to life. Her clothing choices bring another dimension to this doll, right down to her mismatched socks.
I find her delicate hands and graceful features to be absolutely lovely. This doll is just waiting to be someone’s new best friend.
5. “Bezzy Bear”, a OOAK Bear by DonnaDollArt
I love the timeless beauty of this modern bear art doll. Fashioned over the foundation of a repurposed classic doll body, the head and face are sculpted of resin and Apoxy Sculpt and painted with oils. His body is complete with luxurious faux fur. His custom clown suit and tapestry hat are embellished with vintage buttons.
He stands at almost 2 feet and is sure to make a joyful statement wherever he will live.
6. Katie in Red from ACenturyofDolls
Katie is a beautiful traditional porcelain doll by Canadian artist Heather Maciak. The artist’s expertise is apparent in her delicate features, graceful limbs, and natural styling. She is fully poseable and comes with her own wooden stand.
Her wig and costume have been designed to add to her sweet presence.
7. Cat Doll with Bicycle in Vintage Style by DILEFE
I’m crazy about anthropomorphic animals, and this kitty doll with bicycle is no exception.
Created by dry felting wool and in a romantic vintage style (right down to her wool shoes topped with bows), this sweet kitty has a darling expression topped with a pink nose. She comes with a bicycle of her own, bedecked with handmade roses and ribbons.
8. Handmade Art Doll by MiloyoArt
Fashioned with one of the most beautiful doll faces I’ve seen, this charming doll has an ethereal presence. She has been hand sculpted with polymer clay and then lovingly painted with acrylics. Her gentle bearing is enhanced by her boho stylings and natural-looking hair. This doll would complement any home or collection.
9. Art Doll by ABDollBoutique
Sitting pretty at a generous size, this precious doll is truly uncommon. I appreciate how this dollmaker creates her dolls in a style unique to her; all of her creations resemble one another.
This doll’s features are particularly impish, made moreso with her tousled head of goat hair. Her head, arms, and legs have been gracefully sculpted from polymer clay without molds. She has been lovingly handpainted with acrylics and pastel and outfitted with custom clothing, including her little leather shoes.
10. Melanhorn by mMURMURES
I greatly admire art of a spookier nature. This majestic forest spirit doll really speaks to me. Not only is it meant to protect its bearer from nightmares, but it is crafted with such obvious care and refinement – just look at those graceful fingers! All of the dolls this dollmaker creates are imbued with a magical attribute and a dark aesthetic that is credible, true, and awesome.
11. Artdoll by WunderkindartKunst
This fantastic little boy doll seems pulled right out of time. Fashioned from paperclay and textiles, he looks very pleased with himself right down to his winsome smile. His expression is darling, as is his retro outfit and hairstyle.
His proportions are interesting; his undersized hands and feet lend to an air of innocence and guile.
12. Vanilla Royal Dragon Fantasy Doll by Shedevrarium
This artist’s doll makes me lose my cool and babytalk at my computer monitor. Do doll faces get much cuter? This Vanilla Royal Dragon doll is said to bring good luck, and I would tend to believe it; just looking at this happy fella brings me joy. Fabricated with polymer clay and faux fur, this doll feels like it crossed from a fantasy universe to improve ours with its very presence.
13. Handmade White Faun Stag by HideandHairArt
This handsome doll emanates a mystical strength. Built upon a ball-and-socket skeleton and steel wire, his powerful body is fully poseable and interactive. The gentle sculpting of his clay parts – his head, hands, and feet – provide an interesting balance to his robust stance.
Coming with his own branch staff adorned with lichen, gold paints and shimmering glass pieces, this White Faun doll would make a wonderful ward for any lucky keeper.
14. Textile Hare Art Doll by Mosmea
There is something about this little hare doll that pulls at my heartstrings. It’s pose is so natural and vulnerable – and its detailings are so painterly yet tactile – that it seems as though it will get up and hop away.
This is a beautiful soft sculpture textile doll, so has no hard parts. Soft and gentle, this doll would make a wonderful keepsake for a new baby nursery or natural decor.
15. Nailah Fine Art Doll by YesterdayDoll
Naila is an otherworldly doll by artist Julie Hirota. Elegant and stately, she is enchanting in her folk-art-inspired cloak. I am enthralled with her enigmatic expression and regal bearing. She would be a powerful conversation piece wherever she lives.
Putting It All Together
Globally, dolls remain a beloved element in all factors of society. They cross socio-economic boundaries, age spectrums, and styles. Whether for magic, art, or company, dolls are there for us: to hold our secrets, protect our hearts, and share our moments.
Whatever reason you choose to keep or just admire dolls, hopefully, this article has provided some history and modern inspiration on dolls and their intrinsic value. I encourage you to find some new favorites in styles that speak to you: anthropomorphic animals? Fantasy creature? Retro babydoll? Your next best friend is out there and waiting for you.
