Dollmaker Q&A: A Unique Perspective

Dracula, The Bride of Frankenstein, and The Mummy make up this trio of classic monsters. They are full-body sculpts

The autumn pumpkin fairy is sculpted from polymer clay and painted with acrylics.

Gina Griffith Sculpts Heart-Melting Characters

DOLLS: What type of dolls do you make?

Gina Griffith: I primarily create fantasy dolls, with a special focus on anthropomorphic characters such as food characters, trolls, and fairies. I enjoy sculpting full-body dolls with sculpted clothes, though I’m also exploring fabrics and various types of hair for my creations. Additionally, I craft my own eyes or incorporate glass beads into my designs.

DOLLS: How did you get your start in dollmaking?

Griffith: I first started years ago when I was in my early twenties. A family member collected art dolls and was a fan of art doll magazines. Up to that point, my only exposure to dolls was antique babies. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing — these elegant, fantastical sculpted dolls! They were so lifelike. I wanted to try creating my own. The internet and social media didn’t exist at that point, so all I gathered was information from these magazines. Lots of trial and error. I stopped for a long while and began again about 10 years ago. I needed an outlet after struggling with anxiety and depression. It was therapeutic and opened a whole new world for me.

DOLLS: Is your dollmaking influenced by anything in particular?

A full-body pumpkin sculpt is positioned behind a basket of baby candy corn.

Griffith: I’m a fan of classic illustrations. I love the characters Beatrix Potter created. Plump, rosy-cheeked animals. I like to bring unlikely characters to life, such as a croissant princess with a doughnut knight and a loving troll with his baby.

Polymer clay and faux fur were used to make this ginger troll.

This friendly winter troll is sculpted from polymer clay and has faux fur.

DOLLS: What do you like most about dollmaking?

Griffith: I love the fact that anything is possible. There are no true limitations. There are so many options for materials and subject matter. And the community of artists and collectors is full of lovely, supportive people as well.

DOLLS: Who are the intended buyers of your dolls?

Griffith: I want my art to be available to everyone. I try to create different sizes and subjects, understanding that art collectors vary by their budget and space. I hope that my buyers will simply enjoy the journey with me as I grow and evolve.

DOLLS: Where can your dolls be purchased?

Griffith: Right now, my pieces are available through my Etsy shop, Gina’s Wee Beasties. I always share current projects through my social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and everyone is welcome to reach out to me with any interest in current dolls or requests.

DOLLS: If someone wants to learn more about your dolls, what should they do?

Griffith: Anyone interested can contact me through social media or message me directly through my Etsy shop.