I create Art Dolls to share space with - unique, quirky and usually overdressed.
How I came to make art dolls
After many years of designing (I use the term loosely) and creating costumes for theatrical productions, making art from broken jewellery as well as needle/wet felting various creations, I ended up with a large workshop full of fabric, trim, lace, wool, ribbons and a lot of broken jewellery. Theatre had been in my life for decades, and I adored my creative life and my house packed with costumes, props, books and the contents of my magical workshop.
Then COVID happened. Strangely, it took me no time at all to jump on the ‘I’m changing my life’ COVID bus and head off in a new direction. In a few years, I went from a medium-sized house and a large workshop to a tiny off-grid house in a field and a much smaller ‘workshop’ (otherwise known as ‘the end bit of my desk’)
So, these days I have smaller amounts of all the arty stuff I had before and making dolls seemed appropriate somehow. A natural progression to a tinier, simpler life. Plus, I’ve always felt that there’s something magical about dolls and puppets. Puppets, in particular, can be a bit creepy, too. Delicious. Maybe a future project right there...
Just how unique, quirky and overdressed are they?
Some of my dolls just don’t know when to stop getting dressed. It’s not just the blingy adornments - it’s the accessories, the beads, the layers of clothing and lace. I’m pretty sure that, in that respect, they are each as unique as you or I. Quirky is a favourite word of mine - meaning a little unusual and maybe endearing with it. Maybe quirky means something different to you, but if someone called me ‘quirky’, I'd be quite happy about it.
Why 'Offbeat'
I'm attached to the name and I couldn't think of a better one. 'Offbeat' was the name given to the theatre company I founded with an ex-partner many years ago, and to our costume hire company. It was the name of my website when I wrote plays (they really were 'offbeat' plays). I've probably used it in other contexts too - so, you see, I consider it a given.
Why don’t my dolls have names?
Three main reasons why I don’t give my dolls names:
1. They aren’t ‘for’ me. If you buy a doll that speaks to you, you should have the responsibility and honour of discovering their name.
2. It’s too hard. I used to spend hours obsessing about the names of characters in my plays. Also, if I do discover their names, they might want to stay here.
3. You might decide on a different gender for them. Who am I to decide?
What materials are used?
Lots of the fabric I’ve had for ages from making people-sized costumes - I kept small amounts of all the beautiful fabrics. Some of it is recycled from clothes (glitzy ones), and the jewellery is either broken or unwanted. A lot of fabric is bought new, specifically to create a good base layer to complement the overdressing that follows. Stuffing is polyester and complies with all the safety things it should comply with, and is made from recycled bottles. I also use pens, paint, fine glitter, beads, glue, wool, and many, many pieces of trim and lace.
Packaging
I use recycled and recyclable boxes and packaging paper whenever possible. Nothing too fancy - all things you can safely put in your compost bin or recycling bin (unless I'm re-using bubble wrap I've received from elsewhere).
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