My Story Part 4

Designing; Preference and Practice

It seems that in their playing with dolls, children figure themselves as a teenager. That’s probably why Barbies (though bigger than a teenager) are so popular. Not so with my daughter as the image below shows. 

Left: Her drawing says; “I hate Barbies”. Right: Lois as the bad stepmother of Snow-white

To show children that their own age can be as desirable as a more adult version of themselves, I do a big effort in dressing up and styling my dolls attractively. Varying color combinations and improving knitting techniques and models, are an other focus point. When using cotton fabric I have a strong preference for small prints and combining them. 

children drawings can also be very inspiring.

As are old pieces of fabric.

About the maker

Aldegonde Ceelen is an Amsterdam based doll maker and designer of miniature clothes. Her dolls are one of a kind and free-standing - like statuettes. They are made entirely of natural materials. (Aldegonde graduated in book illustration at the art academy of Maastricht and has an MSc degree in art history from the University of Amsterdam.)