About me

I always wish that my "about me" page could be filled with daring stories and grand adventures that would have the reader sitting on the edge of their seat! Alas! When reality hits me, I am gratefully not leading that kind of life....my life is filled with a loving husband, 4 lively children and one not so obedient beagle! Excitement for me is getting to work on a doll for a whole day! I love making "stuff", especially dolls!

I was recently accepted as an artist member of ODACA (Original Doll Council of America). I couldn't be more pleased and honored! I am also a member of TAODA (Texas Association of Original Doll Artists).

I am an illustrator by profession. I have worked for years illustrating greeting cards and children's books. My career began at Hallmark Cards....and continues to this day as a crazy freelancer! About 9 years ago I fell in love with the art of dollmaking and it has been bliss ever since! I make dolls in paper clay, fabric and more recently polymer clay. Occasionally, when the mood strikes I will make bears...I think it is a fall thing...too hot in the summer to be knee deep in bear fur!

For me, the joy of doll making is in the process. Figurative work allows me to combine my love of the human figure, color, texture and the ability to illustrate a moment. My first doll making attempts were purely cloth, but as I continue to work and grow I have found that the process of sculpting, whether it be needle sculpting or working with clay, has become an integral part of my work.

My work tends to be illustrative. I want my work to engage the viewer and draw them into a world where beauty and childhood fantasy are commonplace and accessible. I usually begin with several drawings and palette of colors in mind. I tend to work in analogous color schemes as it allows me to use fabrics that are complicated and textural without appearing too busy on such a small scale.