I begin gathering wood during the winter and get acquainted with the soon-to-be-carved characters. I scour flea markets and antique shops for antique and vintage leathers and fabrics and the beginning thread of each doll's story commences.  The heads are carved, then painted in oil paint and attached to sawdust-stuffed muslin bodies, which come to life as they pass through each stage: Underpants Day, Tail Day, Bag Day, Hat Day, and Shoe Day. Finally they are outfitted with a full complement of garb are ready to take to the road!

After spending nine months in my studio, I am ready to show everyone what I have been doing. I love watching people come into my booth, enjoy telling the stories about the dolls and fitting their stories to the people who collect them, who often have a bit of a story of their own.  In between shows, I enjoy baking bread of all kinds, I wind down the garden activity and wind up for the holidays. The quest for "old stuff" to use in my creations never really ends and I take the time to travel a little further than usual.