I had a nice sewing machine that was not being used very much, so working from the picture I made my version of the doll in the photograph. Indeed, it was an original wall doll made oh so many years ago! Then I discovered cloth doll patterns in a big way, and a new neighbor who made dolls as well as kid's costumes. It was back to patterns!

My neighbor and I exchanged patterns, put on doll shows in the Mall, and put our dolls on display at fund-raising functions for various community cultural events. As years went by I found myself wanting to put a personal mark on the dolls I made -- changing the pattern a bit, painting a portion of it, or using natural materials for hair instead of yarn.

The discovery of Doll Magazines opened up a new world and that's where I found a small advertisement announcing Canadian Doll Artists Association 2002 Conference in Niagara Falls. I searched for and found the website and was blown away as they say! After making a few phone calls, arrangements were made and I attended my first CDAA Conference. I felt I had truly found my niche, PLUS more resources than I could have ever imagined to help expand my knowledge and develop as a doll maker.

What type/style of dolls do you make? Having worked in and being associated with broadcasting and newspaper for many years, I'm somewhat of a current affairs junkie. And that's where I find some of my subject matter. Going way back to the Vietnam conflict, I was working mainly in earthen clay, and had been so bothered by the pictures of the agony and suffering that was reported daily, I did a rough clay quick-study of wounded Vietnamese with expressions of anguish and desperation. In the days of the Swine Flu shots, I did a clay bust of an elderly toothless gent wincing in anticipation of the prick of the needle.

The phenomenal success of speed-skater and fellow-Manitoban Cindy Klassen (no relation) in the Olympics inspired me to do a polymer sculpture which I called the 'Doll-ympic Flame'. Sometimes there will be a touch of humor in my work. I enjoy seeing my creations awaken a smile in people.

What media(s) do you use? Cloth, Polymer Clay, Felting

What do you consider to be “special” about your dolls? Probably the subject matter that I choose, sometimes poignant -- will set them apart.

What are your goals as a doll maker? My goals are to learn more -- about techniques, products, short-cuts...about embellishment and to become more meticulous in my work. Then to move from doll-maker to doll-artist.

Tell a little about yourself: I grew up in the small Southern Manitoba community of Altona, located an hour southwest of Winnipeg. I have lived in four of our beautiful Canadian provinces.

I am a proud Mother of two daughters; Kelly and Carla, both university graduates working in their chosen fields...

Kelly - an Athletic Therapist, and Carla - a Graphic Designer. Beyond dolls and fabric, some of my favorite things are: biographies, jazz, dogs, (some) cats, birds, and gardening. I have worked in broadcasting, advertising, library, newspaper and am presently working in the printing industry.