Keeping a small doll that was made with a spiritual thought in mind in a pocket is a reminder to take some minutes for a brief meditation during the day. The doll is then a little friend to be a comfort while prodding to check in with your higher Self of peace and harmony. I keep a small doll 2 inches tall in my pocket.

A journey to wholeness through "doll-work" is how I see the creative path of making dolls presented in 144 pages by the author, Noreen Crone-Findlay, in Soul Mate Dolls - Dollmaking as a Healing Art.

Illustrated with colorful photos and full size templates to copy onto thin cardboard (my recommendation), a useful practical book to make more than 35 dolls - each an aspect of soul mate.

Interspersed with construction techniques including knitting, embroidery and crocheting, the author freely shares her philosophy on handling many of the emotional issues we all face sometime in life - making this truly a combination of dollmaking, emotional healing, contemplation.

I particularly like that most of the dolls can be hand-held or carried along in a purse or pocket, and can be made in variously textured fabrics and fibers to give a nice comfy feel. Even taking the same pattern and using differenct colors of fabric makes a doll with a totally unique look and character.

And, because each doll maker is creating her own dolls, they are like an extension of feeling and thought - a creation from heart and soul.

Chapter Headings:
1. The Basic Flat Soul Mate Doll
2. The Power of Story
3. Journal Work, Coloring Pages, Dreamwork, and Doodling
4. Emotions and Feelings
5. The Playful Heart
6. The Grandmothers

I recommend this as a good read full of fun projects to sit upon your meditation altar or give as gifts; perhaps dressed for religious holidays.

Details: Krause Publications; 144 page paperback; ISBN: 0873418069.

To buy follow this link to Amazon.com

Soul Mate Dolls by Noreen Crone-Findlay

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