Finishing the Figure: Doll Costuming, Embellishments, Accessories [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Susanna Oroyan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2001

Brilliant doll artist Susanna Oroyan taught us to create figures with depth and imagination; now she focuses on designing their presentation--costume, accessories, furnishings, and embellishments. • Covers everything from pattern drafting and basics of costuming to settings, photography, and beyond • Over 300 beautiful color photos of dolls from the world's top doll artists • Learn how to use elements of design to enhance your figure's presentation and reflect your own style • Detailed instructions and illustrations, plus Susanna's insightful tips accompany each phase of the process • Susanna shares her knowledge, then gives you the courage to experiment, expand, and create new techniques of your own!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These are guides for costumers of collector's dolls rather than children's toys. Sewing teacher and author Hinds gives instructions and patterns for 16 ethnic costumes designed for standard, commercial 18" dolls. Many of the authentic costumes involve traditional fabrics and needlework. Oroyan's costumes are for original character dolls with a period or theatrical theme, similar to those in her previous book, Designing the Doll (LJ 6/15/99). She gives general instructions for specific items of clothing, such as petticoats or hats. Dressed dolls are pictured as examples rather than projects. Both books will appeal to collectors as well as crafters and are recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Susanna Oroyan is the author of 3 other books on dollmaking, and she has made over 500 dolls since 1972. She is a motivating force in dollmakers' organizations throughout the United States and has appeared on HGTV's "The Carol Duvall Show." Susanna Oroyan lives in Eugene, Oregon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing (February 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571201211
• ISBN-13: 978-1571201218
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #386,250 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Must Have for the Dollmaker's Library!, July 10, 2001

By 

Mona Gracen (New York State, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Finishing the Figure: Doll Costuming, Embellishments, Accessories (Paperback)

This is the fourth book I own of Susanna Oroyan's and each one is an absolute must for the libraries of serious dollmakers. This book goes into depth about accessorizing dolls and has great illustrations for making shoes, for fitting costumes to dolls, for creating doll-sized animals, etc. It's fantastic and very easy to follow. The best part of Susanna Oroyan's books are the photographs of dolls by a wide variety of artists. It's like going to a museum. Someday I hope that my dolls are pictured in one of her books. That's a definite goal to work towards! And with her books in my library, I feel I have a great teacher to help get me there!

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Susan Oroyan has done it again!, February 28, 2002

By 

Shalizeh "shalizeh2" (California United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Finishing the Figure: Doll Costuming, Embellishments, Accessories (Paperback)

Susan Oroyan has done an excellent work. I bought both of her books "Designing the Doll" and "Finishing the Figure" If you own one of the books, you have to own the other one, they go together. The books have a great deal of information and details on doll making. The book is good for beginners or professional doll makers.You will love it.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book, June 13, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Finishing the Figure: Doll Costuming, Embellishments, Accessories (Paperback)

Heavily illustrated with excellent diagrams and color photos, this book is not only for anyone learning the art of art-doll making but will also appeal to anyone who enjoys seeing what the creative, human imagination can devise. Just a joy to read from cover to cover and the beautiful photos will provide inspiration for many different types of artist.
Susanna Oroyan gives us the best contemporary information available from the art doll world while also providing the historical bones of costume design.