Kimberly Camp is a renowned artist known for creating breathtakingly unique dolls. With over 50 years of experience, Kimberly has perfected the art of doll making, and has received numerous awards for her work. Her dolls are highly sought after by collectors across the country and enthusiasts alike. Kimberly takes great pride in her attention to detail and workmanship, and is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of doll making.
This doll making class is designed to teach you how to create your very own handmade dolls. Kimberly will introduce the art form -- presenting historical reference and methods for construction. She will then guide you through the process of selecting materials, designing your doll, and bringing it to life with intricate details and finishing touches. Whether you're a novice or have some prior experience, this class is perfect for anyone interested in learning this timeless craft.
Syllabus
Day 1: Introduction to Doll-making
10:00am - This session will include a power point presentation about doll making, including some traditional forms, methods for construction, the doll market and some guidelines for construction for the ensuring days. Throughout the workshop I will share tips about the doll market, making a living at being a doll artist, some of the do’s and don’ts and of course answer questions. I’ll also talk about sourcing materials for making dolls. I will encourage students to think about what their final project may look like and encourage them to bring things with them to embellish their final projects.
11:30am - We will look at some examples of dolls (I will bring a few with me) and talk about the process of construction and adornment including information about the wide world of beads, with participants gathering the sculpture materials to begin with heads, and optional hands and feet.
12:00 – 5pm - We will complete a head/face and optional hands and feet using paper clay or polymer clay. While clays are being cured/dried, students will make an armature for the body, which will be wrapped with batting
Day Two: Bodies and Adornment
10:00am – 5:00pm - We will start the day with painting the sculptured parts, and while they are drying, we will talk about methods of dressing a doll, including ways to wrap and drape fabric, or hand-sew clothing. Students will be given basic pattern illustrations for pants, shirt, etc., and encouraged to create their own.
11am - 5pm - Students will attach the body to the sculpted pieces, wrap and stuff then work on clothing
Day Three: Completion and Artist Presentations of Their Work
10:00am - Students will work on embellishments, including hair, and other finishing touches.
3:30pm - Students will discuss what they’ve made and why, and share ideas about what they’ve learned
Attendees are encouraged to bring beads, feathers, buttons, leather, cloth, etc. for adornment. – anything they find or have to include on their dolls.