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A doll is a model of a human (often a baby), usually made of cloth or plastic. Sometimes, intended as keepsakes it could be made in wood, porcelain, bisque, celluloid or wax. Dolls are intended as toys for children, usually girls, to play with.

Popularity
With the invention of Barbie, dressing dolls came alive again and is still well popular with young ladies.

Location
There are many clubs around often linked to folk clubs, displaying at country fairs and local shows.

Age
Doll making and dressing is an art form and is carried out by many age groups.

Ability
You need to be able to sew and cut, follow patterns and obviously create patterns, often copying or modifying current trends, as well as emulating bygone fashion's.

Description
To make dolls and costumes today the students decorate the costumes using techniques old and modern, from ribbon application, smocking, drawn thread work, to quilting with a twin needle, drop feed free machine embroidery or computer aided embroidery. In this way they are also able to extend their creative skills of methods and machinery. Many of these techniques are hand me down from mother to daughter and beginners can find a wealth of information in books now freely available.

Dedication
This art form is a dedication in its own right, as it not only displays your talents but emulates differing fashion trends throughout the ages. Through this you can also develop your own unique styles from your own imagery and display them before making a full size outfit. Patience and learning are the two main attributes needed to supplement your desire and ability. A wonderful art form for those dedicated to the theme of creating and fashion creation.

Potential
There are many fairs and national shows to display your efforts. In the UK there is a major event as there is for fashion design and carries great recognition and awards for your efforts if you want to go that high.

Closely Related Activities
Seamstress activities, sewing, design, quilting and all possible combinations of needle work are involved with this art form.

Further Reading
There are many magazines, web sites and interactive clubs available for this activity. For further information please browse the HIPS directory.

Cost
Cost is a factor which cannot be defined as it depends on your creation, where you have to get material, be it local or as in the case of porcelain heads which you may have to import in cases, could cost a few pounds. All in all though the cost is minimal and will not break the budget of most households.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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