Making Your Doll

All of our dolls are handmade in our workshop; one at a time.  Most are my own designs achieved without the use of patterns.  We have very high standards and take great pride in the making of every doll we create.

No matter how many times I make a doll, each has their own personality!   As I stitch them I can only think of the smiles you will have when you take her out of that box. Those thought of those smiles challenge and motivate me to make you a doll that you will treasure for many years to come.

Each doll takes many hours to create. Some take a day or two depending on their size and accessories.  My dolls are hand stuffed using a “feeding technique” that gives the body a firm, smooth effect

They are made from muslin, painted, stained, sanded and aged very slowly. This is a process that does take some time but aging the fabric slowly gives us that old primitive look. In the summer time I love to put them outside in the sun....most even like the sun!

Their clothes are made from primitive fabric that I carefully choose for each doll. The edges are left tattered and most are aged.

We use the finest of yarns or wools for their hair. It is hand sewn or needle felted to the head.  It generally takes approximately one-and-half to one hour to put hair on a doll.  Each individual piece is hand selected and sewn to the head.  Most of my doll’s faces are stitched.  Many have needle sculpted noses, mouths and eyebrows.....another process that can take some time but again, gives your doll that old, primitive look.

Your doll will come to you with a grubby name tag and a silver heart charm that reads "Made with Love".

As you visit each of our dolls, please keep in mind the process they went through before they could present themselves to you!

Our dolls are meant to bring you smiles and warmth! When you find that doll that tugs at your heart....let us know and we will enjoy making one for you!

Gerald & Deborah Branson

The Ragged Fence