Frills and Fancy Artisan

I am a 32 year old studio artist. . I went to Transylvania University for four years studying as a Fine Arts Major. I have been working as a studio artist for about 6 years now in drawing, printwork, painting, sculpting and digital art. I also freelance costume for theater productions. I have two children, Gwen who is 10, and Quinton who is 8. I have a husband of 13 years named Russ. We live in Central Kentucky.

I have been making little cloth dolls since I was a kid. I have always been fascinated with fantasy themed dolls and while I never dreamed I would be making them as an adult with full studio supplies at my disposal, I certainly always secretly wanted to.

The first art doll I made as an adult was something different. A customer who liked my miniature art paintings asked me if I sculpted because she needed a custom doll made. So I gave it a shot. I bought a little porcelain, sculpted an original, made a crude mold and created her a porcelain OOAK doll. I destroyed the mold afterwards, so she really does have a one of a kind. The doll was a sort-of rendition of the customer's teen daughter.

Well, now how did I get started making fairies?

LOL! I'd love to give you some romantic story about it, but the truth is-- a friend of mine pointed me to an ebay auction for a fairy about 18 months ago. I believe it was a FITA fairy, I can't really recall. But I immediately said to myself, "Hey! I can do that! And I would love it too." I have made a dozen or so fairies since then.

All of which I have sold or given as gifts. I love them all though. And I remember each one.

To View more of Hope's work ... click to her website www.miniaturehaven.com