I began making porcelain dolls in 1997 through the instruction of doll maker Elvera Corkery. My plan was to make just one. Before the first doll was completed I had already decided which doll I wanted to do next and that was the beginning of the snowball. For several years I made dolls for myself and as gifts for loved ones. One for a loved one, one for me, one for a loved one, two for me and on and on. In 2002 Elvera told me that she had decided to move to Arizona and was closing the doll shop. I couldn’t imagine not having a place to go and make my dolls much less loosing the dear friend she had become. I bought enough greenware to keep me going for a while at home and invited a friend to join me at my dining room table making dolls. Fortunately, we were able to find someone to do our firing for us. In October 2004 I made the decision to retire from my accounting job with no idea what I would do with my time. In April 2005 Elvera called and told me that she had decided to give me her business. All I had to do was fly to Arizona and pack the molds and ship them back to Alaska. When I told my husband (Jim), his reply was “I’ll build you a shop” and that was where it all started. I retired July 2006 and six weeks later flew to Arizona to pack everything up. We decided that since Jim was still working full time we would hire someone to build the shop and Frieson Construction began work the day after my return. The doors of the shop opened on December 1, 2006 and thus began my life in dolly heaven. I have attended and entered dolls in International Doll Competitions in Missouri, Texas and England. I make dolls to sell as well as doing special order dolls and doll repair. I also give beginning doll making. In addition to my dolls I give beginning sewing lessons and make special order wedding dresses and formals.
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