This is a delightful and lively presentation of the story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" told through dolls that the two authors teach us to make. The photos in Storytelling with Dolls are a treat to see, showing the dolls off in all their originality.
The chapter titled "Dollmaker's Stitches, General Tools and Instructions" really piqued my interest - these are essentials to the craft of any dollmaker.
Included under "General Tools" are 100% woven cotton; a 'Turn-It-All' tool designed by Specialty Distributors; Stuffing Fork; #7 Long Darner; 3 inch Doll Makers' Needle; Poly-fil; Button, Carpet and Craft Thread; Prym Dritz "Fray-Check"; .03 Permawriters; Fabric Mate pens; white fabric paint or Crayola Crayons; Sewing Machine - now isn't that great detail for the projects. The authors really let you know just what you'll need to make comparable dolls to theirs.
The soft body dolls are just beautiful, and directions to make them are carefully explained. And, of particular interest, to me, is the technique of using what looks like the potholder loom I used as a child. Except this "Pinboard" loom has 18 pegs along each of the four sides. (Instructions for making included.)
Yarn is run warp and woof in just the areas to make dolls and then threaded through using various techniques, which are explained, to make the most original collections of small doll dolls I have seen. Hey, this is something school age kids can learn!
All the patterns for dolls and characters in the story are included to photo copy from the book.
Highly recommend for your home and school library!
Details: 80 page paperback; Krause Publications; ISBN: 0873495721.
To buy follow this link to Amazon.com
Storytelling with Dolls
All Reviews in the Cyber Doll House
Save to Del.icio.us
