DOLLS: What type of dolls do you make?
Brenda Scott: I sculpt one-of-a-kind miniature polymer clay baby art dolls. The baby dolls I sculpt range in size from approximately 2 inches to 5 inches. Some of the dolls are full sculpts, so they are in a fixed position. Others have a soft body with an attached clay head and limbs, which makes them poseable. I use Genesis heat-set paints to blush and detail the dolls, striving to give them lots of detail for realism. I complete each baby’s head by baking mohair into the clay.
DOLLS: How did you get your start in dollmaking?
Scott: I have loved baby dolls for as long as I can remember, especially small ones. As a child, I would spend my allowance on tiny plastic dolls at a local toy shop. Starting in the 1980s, my mother and I took porcelain dollmaking classes. As much as I enjoyed this art form, I always longed to sculpt my own baby dolls. In 2009, after retiring from a 34-year nursing career, I got the chance to realize my dream when I found an online ad for a class on making 6-inch OOAK dolls. My family gave me a gift certificate for the class and thus the journey began. I joined PDMAG in 2013. Jack Johnston and other guild members encouraged and helped me to improve my sculpting skills. My sister has designed many adorable knitted clothing patterns for my tiny baby dolls, and my mother and I have knit them.
DOLLS: Is your dollmaking influenced by anything in particular?
Scott: My dollmaking is influenced by my love of real babies, especially my three beautiful grandsons. I also enjoy seeing all the wonderful lifelike sculpts of other artists. They always inspire me to improve my own sculpts.
DOLLS: What do you like most about dollmaking?
Scott: I enjoy sitting down with my clay and letting my hands create what my mind envisions. I love watching their expressions and personalities come to life as I complete them with their outfits and accessories. My sculpting is mostly from my imagination, but I do enjoy inspiration from viewing photos of real babies.
DOLLS: Who are the intended buyers of your dolls?
Scott: My dolls are intended for adult collectors of miniature baby dolls, or anyone who just loves tiny baby dolls. I always hope that whoever receives one of my dolls will enjoy and love them as much as I love and enjoy the creative process of making them.
DOLLS: Where can your dolls be purchased?
Scott: I sell my dolls on eBay.
DOLLS: If someone wants to learn more about your dolls, what should they do?
Scott: I can be contacted by email if you want to know more about my dolls or if there is a baby listed on eBay.
Brenda Scott
