Cloth Doll Artistry is an exciting new book, just released, by Barbara Willis. The best word I can use to describe the book is delicious! The wonderful color photos that fill this book are worth the price of the book all by themselves. This book is inspiration in paper form.

One of the things I really like about this book is that it only assumes a basic knowledge of sewing, but not doll making skills. Anyone could use this book to make lovely dolls.

The first part of the book is a discussion of tools and techniques. Even experienced doll makers will find something new in this section, but novice doll makers would do well to read this section carefully for a great introduction to doll making tips and techniques. There is a lesson in basic color theory included, as well as fabric choices and different examples of color schemes for a complete project.

The three dolls that are presented, with full size patterns to copy, range in complexity from a two dimensional, cloth "paper" doll; to a three dimensional cloth doll with a needle sculpted face. All instructions are easy to follow and many include drawings for clarity. At the end of each chapter is a section where renowned doll artists have contributed their version of the doll in the chapter. These artists used the pattern as a starting point to their own creativity; their dolls are breathtaking and so very inspiring.

I highly recommend Ms. Willis' book! I must admit I have never been much of a fan of paper dolls, but the two dimensional dolls in this book have definitely changed my mind.

Details
Cloth Doll Artistry by Barbara Willis
published by Quarry Books, 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1-59253-513-2 $24.99 US


Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls
Ebook with patterns and instructions to make 5 cloth dolls as well as chapters on general doll making techniques.The book includes 21 inch Lalena Doll, 21 inch David Doll, Bear Dolls, 9 inch Destiny Doll and 15 inch Annie Doll, all together in one handy book. 53 pages.Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls.