By Pat Moulton

Lifetime Achievement Award-winning doll artist Pat Moulton has designed a new resin ball-jointed doll (BJD) which will be offered exclusively through DOLLS magazine. Lilly is an 8-inch BJD depicting an Asian child using a custom-mixed resin color. “Our colors are always mixed specifically for my editions, based on what I have envisioned,” Moulton said. “This is all mixed by hand by my mold-maker and resin-caster husband, Garel Moulton.”

Pat Moulton also took the time to write an introduction to Lilly and discuss her design, inspirations, and other projects for DOLLS readers:

In the artist’s words

Lilly’s adorable outfit was designed by Bonnie Larson of Wee Designs. I spent days looking for the right fabric, until I settled on the peach fabric with flowers. I felt it was so perfect, and it matched the vision I had for her. As an artist, I start with a mental picture and collect materials and such to bring that image to the doll you see now.

Her wig is a short black synthetic mohair with bangs. Again this is pulling in the details of what I had in mind for this sweet little girl. As they say, eyes are the windows to the soul — so choosing eyes for my dolls is very important, as they help collectors connect with the doll. Lilly’s are beautiful high-quality glass eyes in a chestnut brown color. Her eyelashes are made from human hair. I always try to keep the details consistent with the big picture, and although human-hair eyelashes may not seem important, it all comes together in the end. I paint all my face-ups and enjoy this part of the process — it’s the cherry on top!

I thought, what is more fitting for an adorable little Asian girl than her very own panda bear? So I set out to sculpt one, and Garel reproduced the bears. Each doll has her own resin panda bear to keep her company.

Lilly can take her panda everywhere she goes in style with her very own tote bag that I designed and handmade. In addition to her tote, she also comes with another bag that matches her dress — all girls need options! This sweet little one can also travel, as I made a matching zipper pouch that will hold Lilly and Panda on the go.

Inspiration is a funny thing. It can come on suddenly or be brought on by an image I see. Sometimes I don’t have a defining moment of when a specific idea came to mind, but once it takes hold, I am off to the races. Of course I always have clay on hand, because there is not a moment to spare when my creative juices start flowing!

Over the years, naming my dolls has been a family affair. Sometimes I have a name that comes to me right away, and other times a family member will offer their suggestions. At one time I did refer to a baby name book when I was feeling at a loss. Lilly just seemed fitting.

I’ve also started two other BJDs that are currently in the works: a 16-inch Asian adult doll and a 16-inch African adult doll. And I have an 8-inch baby in silicone that is a work in progress. It’s fun to jump between projects — never a dull day in my studio! When a new idea comes to mind, I can’t start too soon — I love watching my mental picture be formed in the palms of my hands.

All of my dolls are handmade by me and my husband, Garel Moulton, in our home studio in the USA. I want to thank all of my collectors for the support they have given me and my art for more than 40 years. I would not be where I am today without them. I feel they have been on this journey with me.

See more of Pat Moulton’s creations at patmoultonsbabycollection.com

How to order Lilly

Lilly is an 8-inch resin BJD by Pat Moulton, produced in a limited edition of 30 dolls. Lilly comes with face-up, two tote bags, resin panda, and zipper travel pouch all designed by the artist, and an outfit by Bonnie Larson of Wee Designs.

This doll is for sale now at https://store.dollsmagazine.com/lilly-pat-moulton-exclusive.html