The Complete Book of Dollmaking: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide to More Than 50 Traditional and Contemporary Techniques (Watson-Guptill Crafts) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Sylvia Critcher (Author), Alicia Merrett (Author) "THE BASICS SECTION IN THIS CHAPTER ACTS AS AN INTRODUCTION TO THE TOOLS AND MATERIALS USED FOR DOLLMAKING..." (more)
Key Phrases: needle sculpture, ladder stitch, larger dolls, Super Sculpey, Sylvia Critcher (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This comprehensive volume packs an incredible array of dollmaking techniques into 144 pages, ranging from naive peg dolls and starter dolls to posable character dolls and elegant, sculpted figures in elaborate clothes. Following full coverage of the basics (equipment, fabrics, stuffings, patterns, wig-making, components, and accessories) is an excellent presentation of techniques, including determining proportion; producing articulation; creating all sorts of faces, hair, and clothing; and producing dolls that utilize armatures or molds. All the dolls shown are charming and beautifully made, and all use relatively inexpensive and readily obtainable materials. At the end of the book you'll find a helpful cutting guide and a number of scale patterns.

Product Description

From simple cloth to elegant bisque, dolls of every description are embraced in this charming tribute to a cherished craft. After opening with an engaging history of dollmaking, this fine instructional reviews the full range of materials, equipment, and techniques used in making patterns, cutting, sewing, and stuffing dolls. The book shows a selection of traditional and modern dolls from around the world. 300 color illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823007731
• ISBN-13: 978-0823007738
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #333,041 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

57 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very Disappointed, July 4, 2000

By A Customer

I bought this book with high expectations, but was very disappointed. The directions were vague and sometimes impossible to understand for the one doll I attempted. Although this admittedly covers many techniques, and the pictures of the dolls can be inspiring, the technical writing of directions leaves much to be desired. Check it out at the library if you want to look at the pictures. There are much better books out there.

58 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars cranky reader with attitude, April 10, 2002

By	"cynthialeethomson" (Northampton, MA United States) - See all my reviews

I was intensely irked by this book. The descriptions looked good on the page, but the actual directions were vague and lost me at several crucial junctures. Some of the dolls are nice to look at, but others are just coarse. It feels like someone wanted to cash in on some percieved dollmaking thing, and couldn't stop nattering. There are many books on separate topics from this book - cloth dolls are admirably covered by Eloise Piper and Susanna Oroyan, art dolls are all in Susanna Oroyan's several books, play dolls are in Miriam Gourley and Jodie Davis' various books.

Skip this one, and check out some other books that actually cover the topic better.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Book of Dollmaking, February 25, 2006

By	Marie L. Mcdermott (CharlePlace NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

a good sorce of information to get you started on makeing dolls
What I like is she has a few techniques to try. I think this book is very good for some one who knows nothing about makeing dolls whos interested in learning.