The Beginning:

My First Sculpt

"Father Christmas"

(Above Photo by Bob H Photography)

And One Year Later:

As far back as I can remember, I've always enjoyed being creative.  I've especially enjoyed quilting, bearmaking, and my doll creations.  As a child, I always cherished my "babies" and later in life enjoyed collecting dolls so it was no wonder that my dream was to sculpt my own one-of-a-kind dolls.  For many years, I always had a vision of a particular doll in my mind and wanted to "bring it to life."  To do that, I first had to learn where to begin.  Thanks to a very dear friend,  Carol , who had been sculpting one-of-a-kind Santas, I began my  journey as a doll artist.  Thanks, Carol!  I couldn't have begun without you!

On New Year's Eve in 2004, I received my very first sculpting lesson.   Carol opened the world of sculpting to me by teaching me how to create my very first one-of-a-kind Father Christmas.  He wasn't the prettiest doll out there, but I was so proud of him.  This was just the beginning for me.  Since that time, I have sculpted several dolls and have been able to develop a skill that I once thought was impossible.  I've been told that my dolls "come to life in my hands!"

From there, I began using sculpting videos, books, and any tutorial I could get my hands on.  I was fortunate to attend  two sculpting seminars given by master sculptor Jack Johnston.  While attending the first seminar, Jack told me I had a natural talent for the clay and invited me to attend his professional seminar.

I owe a great deal of gratitude to my family for putting up with the countless hours I spend creating, my parents from whom my talents have come from, my dear friend Carol for giving me that first lesson and words of encouragement, and to Jack for giving me the confidence to develop into the doll artist I am today.  I would also like to give a special thanks to my brother for offering his photography services on most of the pictures on my site.  My photos wouldn't be what they are without him.

My hope for the future is that you'll welcome me into the world of sculpting one-of-a-kind collectible art dolls and that you'll be proud to display one of my pieces in your home.  As each of my dolls "come to life," I hope, too, that they'll "brighten your life" as well.

- - Cindy Kelley, Artist