This time of year is always the busiest for custom dolls. I always try to squeeze in a batch of ready-made dolls, too. Here's what I've been up to.

I also tried my hand at some painted wooden spoon girls.

And I submitted work and was excepted in an art show with this piece.

I want to wish all of my readers, fans, customers, and friends a peaceful winter season!

I recently got the most fun order from a fellow who wanted to order some Jane Austen Art Dolls for his wife for their wedding anniversary. Their favorite Jane Austen book/movie is Persuasion, the 1995 version with Amanda Root as Anne Elliot and Ciaran Hinds as Captain Fredrick Wentworth. This is my favorite version, too! It is always really fun to work with people who have the same level of enthusiasm that I do for a particular subject.

I've made Jane Austen lady character dolls before, but not a Regency era gentleman, so I was a little nervous. But I had done an Edgar Allan Poe doll before, and I knew that would be a good starting point.

When I told my sister about the order (she is a huge Jane Austen fan as well), she insisted that I make Captain Wentworth's cool hat. I knew I had to attempt it, but I wasn't quite sure how to pull it off. But after a great success with the jacket, I had the confidence I needed to try my hand at millinery once more. I was pleased with the results.

Here are some in-progress shots of the process.

I used a vintage hankie for Anne's shawl. Also some of the trim I used for Wentworth's coat was antique trim that I bought at an estate sale.

Thanks for taking a look! What favorite book or movie character would you love to receive in doll form as a special gift?