Today I would like you all to meet Phyllis.
The day I saw my first fabric needle-sculpted dolls, I walked out in a dreamy haze, delighted, thrilled and in raptures over what I had just seen.
And, as all crafters can tell you, I had to make one IMMEDIATELY!
Alas, I could not find a single book to help me in our local bookstores or libraries. So I turned to the Internet. And discovered Phyllis Robinson’s wonderful group ClothDollMaking.
Apart from all the information one needs to make the most the most exquisite cloth dolls, I also met several gifted, innovative doll makers who shared their experiences and advice with all of us in the group.
I learnt that the Internet is a marvelous resource for Artists and Crafters from all over the world, across all barriers.
An interview with our first Guest Artist, Phyllis Robinson:
Name: Phyllis M. Robinson
Nickname: Princess P (don't ask!) Actually, my best friend
gave me this name because I like to stay up late (working) and
sleep late in the mornings. She thinks I live the life of a princess.
We laugh because I am the type who really could feel a pea
under 10 mattresses.
Location/Business: My little home office. I am fortunate
to have a sewing room and a separate office. There are no kids
living at home any more.
Website: http://www.designsbyphyllis.homestead.com/
Patterns Type/Style Available: I try to create realistic looking
ladies with French or Victorian clothing. It wasn't a plan to
do this, it just evolved this way. I don't think I have fairies or
character dolls in me.
Books Published: 1984 a small booklet about making
porcelain dolls. It wasn't anything really to call a book.
Please tell a little about yourself.
I am just a normal middle aged woman who loves to make
dolls! It is an urge that can not be denied. Several times
I have quit making dolls only to return to them. Sometimes
I wish the urge to create wasn't so strong.
How long have you loved dolls and have been making dolls?
I wasn't really interested in dolls as a child. I started making
porcelain dolls in 1977, that started my doll making career.
What started you making dolls?
At about 30 years old, I saw a porcelain doll that stole my heart
and I just had to have her. It was an inexpensive Bye-Lo baby
and I decided I wanted to learn how to make my own porcelain
dolls.
What is your favorite doll?
After going through many mediums, I now like realistic cloth dolls.
I like them in many different types such as ladies, fairies, mermaids
and historical dolls.
What is your favorite type/style of doll to design/make?
Fashion, historical or other ladies.
What is your favorite media to work with? Why?
Cloth is my favorite type followed by clay. Cloth is a flat one
dimensional medium and it is a real challenge to turn it into
three dimensional body parts. I used to get a thrill out of turning
a gallon of porcelain slip and a plaster mold into a beautiful
little person. Now, that thrill is from turning flat cloth into a
beautiful lady. I also love to sculpt in water based clays for the
same reason. I start with a blob of clay and end up with a
little person.
Do you have a background in art?
No, not at all. I was a hairdresser and used to love to
decorate homes, so there was always an interest in artsy
things.
Do you teach classes/workshops or do Trunk Shows? Where?
I teach online classes because I can teach them in my jammies!
I used to teach porcelain dollmaking twice a week for two years
and got burn out. My husband also does not like for me to be gone
from home, so I never considered teaching in person classes or
shows. Now that he is retiring, I may consider it.
Who is your favorite doll designer? Wow, there are too many to
narrow it to one, so will list them all! Antonette Cely, Patti Culea,
Robert McKinley, Shelley Thornton, Sue Sizemore and I could
go on and on!
Do you have a favorite doll pattern?
No, not really. I usually don't make the patterns of others.
I buy them for bed time reading to learn techniques, but don't
usually make the patterns up.
What artists/people/places inspire you or where do you get your
inspiration?
Sometimes I will design a doll that I know there is lot of interest
in for my groups doll challenges, but normally I design what I
find interesting. I never have a lack of inspiration, it is just the
opposite, too many ideas in my head! I feel all of my talent and
ideas come from the Lord, so I just go where he leads me.
Where is your favorite place to work/design/draw/make dolls?
Sitting in bed watching TV late at night. That is the drawing
part, not the sewing! Haven't figured out how to do that in bed!
What was the first doll you ever sold?
A porcelain Googlie doll.
Do you name your dolls? If yes, how do you come up with
your dolls' names? Yes, they sort of tell me their names.
Do you have a favorite doll-making tool and/or product?
My sewing machines. I have a Sears top of the line that was
made by Janome and it is like heaven to sew on it. I also
have a Brother 8500. I think a good sewing machine is the
one thing that makes a difference in the out come of our dolls.
What is your most favorite part of the doll to make?
The torso, I love to try to create curvy lady bodies out of
flat pieces of cloth.
What is your least favorite part of the doll to make?
The heads, I don't know why. I just love to make the bodies
and design clothing. As a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer.
What's your secret for overcoming a creative block?
I have never had a creative block. I have just the opposite problem.
I have far too many ideas in my head! I sketch (poorly) ideas as
they pop into my head. I would have to live about 100 years to
actually make all them all.
What is your best doll-making tip?
STRETCH yourself! Do not keep trying to make easy dolls,
move on to dolls that you think are too hard for your present
level. Only by moving on do I learn new techniques in design
and keep my level of interest up.
What advice would you give a beginning doll maker? As I
said, constantly keep moving on ward and up ward.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yes, I have an online cloth dollmaking group where we work
on projects together. It is open to anyone who is interested.
This is the URL:
Way to go, Phyllis. Good interview. I can attest to Phyllis's wonderful patterns.