MUSEROUND: It’s a Dolly Thing.

Dolls. Some people think they’re creepy. Not me. I like-a the dolls very much. Some are creepy (but I’ll try not to include any here today – it’s not quite Hallowe’en yet). Dolls as a concept are objects which represent a figure or person; often, but not always, a baby. I’m not so much with the Tiny Tears really,  so most of the collection today showcases dolls, or themes, shaped like adults (or at least children out of nappies).

Handmade dolls (1&2), and handmade by dolls (3&4).

1. Handmade felt Doll by The Tinderbox on Folksy.

2. Gothic Annie by Northfield Primatives. Ok maybe a small part creepy, but I like her.

3. Dolly Knits brings us this fine flap hat in teal.

4. Tremendous handmade 50s style party frocks from Dollface Betty’s.

Paper dolls (1&2), and Russian (Matryoshka) dolls (3&4).

1. New Paper Dolls from top Etsy seller Black Apple.

2. Lin, hand painted by La Señorita Pil.

3. Beaky’s Babushka Pincushion. Slightly creepy? Somewhat voodoo doll?

4. A dinky little lambswool Russian doll Egg Cosy, knitted by Sara Carr.

And while we’re on the Russian doll, see a set of nesting KISS dolls here. Yes KISS, as in God Gave Rock and Roll to You. If anyone wants to know what to get me for Christmas…but please do conference, I don’t know what I’d do with two sets.

Modern dollistas (1&2) and doll tutorials (3&4).

1. Hillary Lang of Wee Wonderfuls. The Wee Wonderfuls doll Flickr set and the store where you can buy ‘make-along’ patterns for Olive & Archie (pictured above).

2. Tattooed Lady doll by the glorious Mimi Kirchner. {soundtrack}

3. Felt doll tutorial by Black Apple – on Martha Stewart Crafts.

4. Yarnigans’ free Blank Slate Doll Pattern.

Oh my goodness, The Enchanted Doll by Marina Bychkova. I’ve never seen dolls like it. Breathtaking!

Wooden clothespin doll wedding toppers, tutorials and kits (1-4).

1. Made to order personalised wedding toppers by my hero, the glorious Sarah Neuburger over at the Small Object.

2. Clothespin doll tutorial at the Going Sew Crazy blog.

3. Fancy it a bit more ready made? Try this lovely looking peg doll kit from Pretty Ditty.

4. Cotton bobbin doll tutorial at Goody Goody.

And more: Cloth Kits; wooden family dolls at Gemmie Lou; Japanese doll kits – MeMeCraftwork; Amigurumi doll kit by Amy Gaines.

I couldn’t let the opportunity for some Blythe ogling pass. This doll is a dream to dress up and photograph, . And I mean dress up! There are thousands of online shops dedicated to selling Blythe outfits, handmade leather shoes, eyewear, accessories and furniture. Here’s the Etsy search results for Blythe Doll. Dreadfully expensive, I covet these dolls badly. And we have two home-grown Etsy shops dedicated to Blythe goody goodness, based right here in Sheffield (1&2).

1. Blythe Anchor Hat by Love and Monsters.

2. Millie Made‘s customisable Blythe Sundress.

3. Aussie owned DaWanda shop, The Paper Doll specialises in Blythe photo prints.

4. The Blythe Irregular Choice shoes I tried so desperately to get a pair of.

Doll brooches (1-4).

1. Cherry Pips Katie Kewpie Doll brooch.

2. Spooky Doll Face brooch Made by Milla. OK, this one’s spooky.

3. Barbie, dressed in a gold and teal ensemble and emblazoned on a kilt pin by Venus Flytrap Jewels.

4. Whskr‘s Art Doll brooch available at New Zealand handmade outlet, Felt.

OK OK, dismembered doll parts are spooky (1-4).

1. Lorain Blanken‘s Doll Jewellery Holder tutorial.

2. Polka Dot Riot brings you…Barbie arms earrings.

3. Blinking Eye Ring tutorial brought to you by the Street Anatomy Blog. Blinkin’ brilliant.

4. Fingers Brooch by EfiGee.

Just before sign off, do you remember these? Cabbage Patch Kids Dolls. Now, remember these?! Garbage Pail Kids. They are both creepy and grotesque…and enjoying something of a revival it seems. And I admit it, I couldn’t do a non-creepy doll post.

Until next Wednesday – Inspire or Expire.