FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My custom made dolls start at $100 for a "Dream Star" cloth doll, about 8 1/2 inches tall. This doll has an individually hand painted face, beading, skirts and custom made charms. Taller 14 inch dolls ("Dream Dolls") with heavy encrusted beading, and costuming are $200. ($50 advanced deposit) 17 inch and taller wire frame armature dolls with polymer clay heads (Bead Head dolls) start at $300 for simple costumes, and $500+ for a heavily beaded doll. These dolls make beautiful fantasy characters, historical figures, or storytelling dolls. Prices for the Bead Head dolls will be negotiated based on a watercolor design sketch ($80 in advance then deducted from deposit). I will require 50% deposit in advance to begin a Bead Head doll. California customers: I will add 8.75% sales tax to the final price. Time: 3 weeks for Dream Star dolls; 4 weeks for Dream Dolls; 7 weeks for Bead Head dolls. It seems long, but they take as long as they take.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Most of the time people see my dolls and want something similar in specific colors. I have made mermaids, dolls to commemorate parents, and dolls evoking art deco. Most recently I designed and made a double ended flip doll for a theatrical dance performance. Generally my clients have only a vague idea of what they would like based on colors or a feeling, and trust me to make something beautiful.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Ask to see samples of the work (I have plenty!) and make sure you like the work. Share your preferences, likes, dislikes, favorite colors. Clarify your expectations from the get go, and ask a lot of questions. Be very clear about your deadlines - but don't do this as an emergency short notice thing - rush jobs are never as good and art is a time-consuming business. You get what you pay for, and beautiful dolls do take time - the prices reflect time, artistry and custom work.