When did you begin making original one-of-a-kind dolls, and why? My first doll in needle felting came to me in March 09. It was inspired by a statue I saw in a restaurant of a couple leaning against a palm tree. I named my voluptuous couple , Mack and Gertie after a real people I once knew in my childhood. It was such fun to make, I was hooked. I have an ill husband who is rather demanding . Needle felting gave me a way to de stress and focus on the moment. It has been a life saver in more ways that one

What type/style of dolls do you make? I have made just about all types of dolls to date. I am sticking with needle felting for now, but I am flexible as to the type of dolls I want to create. I seemed pulled to try and capture a likeness of by-gone days in famous people for a while and then will switch to fantasy type figures. I am feeling myself drawn lately to angels. I also love to do pictures, animals and wherever my inspiration takes me.

What media(s) do you use? Cloth, Polymer Clay, Paperclay, Mixed Media and Paper Mache

What do you consider to be "special" about your dolls? Mainly, that I put my heart and love into them as I know all artists do. I love to put something personal into my dolls like maybe a swatch of fabric or a piece of jewelry I have worn or that friend and family member has owned and have given me. I can look at my dolls and say I remember the exact moment I created you, and you remind me of a moment in time. Like when I created Elvis, It reminded me of when we owned a music store and his music echoed through our store daily.

What are your goals as a doll maker? I strive to become better at getting a likeness of my character dolls so they are recognizable to people. My goal is to create out-of-the box fantasy characters that will wow my senses. I also want to do Michael Jackson but can't make up my mind which look he should have as a white youngster , a black dynamo or as a whiter update version.

Tell a little about yourself: I have always been artistic as far back as I can remember. I started out drawing figures of beautiful women doing and being what I envisioned for myself one day.. I became a window dresser in the 50s . I followed that with starting my own florist shop in the 70s. Now as a grandmother of 4 and a great-grandmother of 3, I haven't slowed down much. I teach crafts in senior's residents and spirituality courses at my library weekly. I love my newest art form needle felting. Of course, now I must find a way to sell them, as I am getting crowded out of my space.