Not all dolls are meant for little girls and their tea parties.
Handcrafted art dolls are an emerging art form that is connecting with sophisticated crafters who lovingly assemble them as a means of self-expression.
Catherine Moore, an artist from Peach Tree, Ga., can take some credit for their rising popularity. In 1999 she invited eight women to join her in creating nine such dolls. From New Mexico to Washington, these artists (via the post office) took turns adding their particular touch to the dolls until each took on its own personality and theme. The result was nine gorgeous dolls with intriguing stories.
The cross-country crafting circle spawned a beautiful book, The Art Doll Chronicles: A Collaborative Journey of Discovery ($22.95, Somerset Studio). It traces the project's timeline and motivation and offers artist profiles.
While The Art Doll Chronicles is an inspiring starting point, you don't need it to create your own doll. The first step is to clear out all conventional thoughts on what a doll should look like. That done, I opted for cornhusks. As a guideline, here is how I did it:

Cornhusk Garden Angel
Supplies:
1 4-inch by 4-inch wood base.
1 bamboo skewer.
Hand drill.
Hot-glue gun and glue.
8-10 unsoftened cornhusks.
2-inch wood doll head.
Black yarn.
Faux leaf trim.
Assorted paints.
Pink effervescent glitter.
Fabric roses.
Vellum paper.
Directions: Base coat the wood block and drill a hole in the center. Add a dab of glue to the bottom of the skewer and set in place. Design the head, attach yarn for hair and glue to skewer top. Paint the cornhusks in desired colors and glue them upright around the skewer to create the body, angel wings and arms. Draw and cut out hand shapes from vellum paper and glue to arms. Embellish with glitter, sequins and faux leaf trim.
Variations: Use fabric, wood, cardboard, paper or recycled and household items for the body arms and legs. Create the face with photos, paints, blocks, rubber stamps, doll heads, fabric or felt. Dress with clothing made from vintage jewelry, beads, buttons, sequins or found art. Create a raglike doll by using fabric as the foundation.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: home decor, inside