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One of the most enjoyable aspects of doll-making for me is the "special
request" or commissioned dolls that people ask me to create of their friends and/or family. I have created these "real people" dolls from photographs, old and new; from drawings; from paintings; or just from personal acquaintance. Although people don't realize it, and probably would deny it, they all have distinctive, characteristics. My training as an artist has taught me to notice small details and I incorporate these into my "true-to-life" dolls. It warms my heart to see (or to be told about) the delightful reactions people, both old and young, have to their "twins."

Many people ask me to make dolls from pictures of their children wearing special occasion outfits. It may have been the first day of school, or a wedding, or a special birthday. The first thing I notice when the child sees his /her doll is that they immediately recognize themselves and are delighted. It's as though they are saying "I see myself and I
see that others have seen me, too!" Often the child will start dancing with the doll or simply hug it to them. I love these spontaneous reactions, and I share in their delight, knowing that the child must be feeling valued and validated from something that I have created especially for them; and, hopefully, their feelings of self worth and self-esteem will last a lifetime.

Kelsey was as pleased to become reacquainted with the family farm cat which she had to leave behind when the family moved to town.

I have also made dolls of peoples' parents, who have passed away. These
dolls, in a very special way, seem to enhance their memories of their
loved ones and they "live on" in a real and tangible way. Grandma and
Grandpa still get hugs even though they are no longer with us!!

When my children came home from school, they saw the dolls of their grandfather and grandmother. Big smiles came on their faces. Melissa and Devon picked the dolls up and hugged them. After studying them very deservingly for awhile, nothing would do but their grandparents had to get a complete tour of the house especially to show them where they slept. Every room in the house was visited! I had a tremendous warm feeling watching the children "engage" with Mom and Dad in this way. They were great. Thanks so much, Dianne.

Many times I have been asked to create a doll to resemble a best friend or a family member. These are often caricatures, emphasizing one or several of their friend's (sister's, brother's, husband's) personal foibles. I always attempt to capture some of their "essential
quirkiness." It may be a specific style of dress, or untamed, naturally curly hair, or a full beard, or a career choice. Like children, adults who receive these "look alike" dolls, react with, "That's me, exactly!". They, too, have been known to carry them around with them,
not wanting to part with their "twin." I am delighted that my dolls bring out these child-like qualities in adults.

Here are a couple of caricature dolls that I recently made. The first one is called "Leopard Lady" because this woman liked to dress up in outlandish outfits. The second one is called "List Lady" because her friend was always making lists.

I have also made many historical dolls from people in Canadian history. These were displayed at a special show several years ago. I have made many, many ethnic dolls (Scottish with authentic tartans, Hutterite, Dutch, Aboriginal, Afro-American, and Chinese) and career dolls (ballerinas, doctors, beauticians, etc.). Many of these have been
presented as "going away" and as "retirement" presents.

I can truthfully say that the commissioned dolls are one of my favourite things about doll making. It stimulates my creativity as each doll is different and I must strive to duplicate a human characteristic(s) with the fabric medium of a doll. Sometimes this can be very challenging. But I am rewarded again and again by the delightful responses I receive.

"I cannot tell you how much we love the Kassi Doll! She took her out of the curio cabinet and showed her to our new neighbors today and she was so proud of it! I saw her gently dancing with her!" - Amy in Maryland

"Hi Jane, Just wanted to say that we had a good Christmas season. Having the girls with us this season made us feel very blessed.The girls were so excited when they saw the dolls. The dolls are now in Jordan and being adored each day. They will always have fond memories of these special friends. Thanks so much for keeping this craft alive." - Mary in Texas

If you would like a doll made, here's how I would generally do it. You send me a photo (regular mail) or jpeg by email and I would make the doll. Once the doll is made, I email you back a jpeg of the finished product, you send me a cheque and I send you the doll. If you do not like the finished product, no purchase is necessary as I can usually sell the doll in some other venue. I would provide the price quote after I see the picture and depending on size. Simple as that.