 |
| 'Liora' |
Lesley, creator of the gorgeous LESLEY JANE DOLLS* has been kind enough to do a little interview with me, one that I am thrilled to share with you.
I am sure that many of you are aware of her fabulous work as her dolls are coveted by thousands all over the world, and they can create some intense bidding on eBay :)
Nearly everyone I know would love to own one of these special dolls, including me of course :) Lesley has become a very goo friend over the past few months, and it was her that inspired and encouraged me to start making the dolls that had been sitting in my head for so long. She was always ready with some wonderful advice, and is just an all round lovely lady :-)
 |
| 'Desdemona' |
How long have you been making your beautiful dolls?
I think that I pulled my sewing machine down from the loft in 2010, so it has been about 3 years now. My first attempts were some very basic pin dolls (brooches), and I gradually took it from there.
When did you first realise that you could start a business using your talent?
I never really thought that I could, but I did think that it might be worth a try! One day, I made a wire wrapped doll from Ray Slater's 'Textiles for Cloth Doll Artists', and I took it into a class that I was attending at the time to show some of my friends. One of the ladies in my class saw it and asked if she could buy it. The next week, two more ladies in the class asked if I could make them a doll each, so I made two stump dolls (from the same book). They showed their friends, and soon the orders started coming in. After a while, I wondered if other people in the world might be interested in my dolls, so I decided to list one on Etsy, and the rest is history.
 |
| 'Godiva Suarez' |
I'm not really a doll person myself, believe it or not, so I never get too attached to my creations. That said, I did have a favourite and her name was Godiva Suarez. She was a miniature doll that I made one day when I got up and decided just to make a doll using all my own favourite materials and colours. I adored the way that she came out, and I have her picture on my business cards. I sold her on eBay and she now lives with a lovely collector, so I know she is being well looked after.
 |
| 'Lorilla' |
What is the best part of your job?
Pyjamas all day!! No, I'm only joking (although that is a great perk :D) I think the best part is that I get paid to do something that I love, and I have fun at my work. I am sure that's what lots of people aspire to be able to do with their working lives, and not a day goes past when I'm not thankful that I'm in such a fortunate position.
What do you like to do when you are not doll making?
I cuddle my dog and take her for walks, and cuddle her some more. I do spend a lot of time doing other crafty things apart from dolls, and learning how to do new crafty things. I love watching the Comedy Channel, and am seriously addicted to Pinterest. Aaaah, Pinterest and a cup of tea - that's bliss!
 |
| 'GeeGee Honeyfeather' |
Who is your inspiration? (artist, friend, relative, film star, etc)
That's a tough question because there are people from lots of different fields, for whom I have a high regard, but I prefer to admire from distance, rather than be like them. Being original and unique is important to me... I think that our art and creations are extensions of ourselves, and I try to remain true to that rather than be influenced by someone else.
Do you have any new ventures in the pipeline?
 |
| newest design.... 'Polly Chiselton' |
Yes I do!! I have had a great run with my cloth dolls, but there's so much more that I would like to try...first and foremost to keep myself motivated, as it can get a bit monotonous doing the same thing for a long time, and also to try and move with the market and keep my customers interested. I can't say what my new ideas are yet, because, if they don't work out then I will look very silly!
If you could have one wish fulfilled, what would it be?
Lifelong peace of mind would be nice. I'm such a worry-wart, it would be nice to have a chilled out mind for the rest of my life I think...
 |
| 'Adia' |
I would like to give the profit I earn from the sale of one of my dolls to a charity of your choice, who would you like it to be and why?
I would choose absolutely any charity that helps dogs. My dog Ruby is a rescue dog, and she is the best thing that ever happened to me. She changed my life in a way that I will never be able to explain - I really can't put into words how much she means to me! She wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the local shelter that rescued her and gave her a home until we found her. They saved her life, and she saved mine. Any charity that cares for abandoned dogs deserves all the support that they can get.
 |
| 'Sunflower Fairy' |
What is the most important piece of advice that you would give to other crafters and artist that want to set up their own businesses?
Make sure that you are doing something that you are passionate about. I think its the single, most important thing I have learned. It keeps you motivated and interested and having fun. I'm reading a book at the moment by a lady called Lilla Rogers, and she explains that 'people buy your joy'....if you are creating something that you are joyful about, then people will buy it! I love that idea and I try to keep it at the forefront of my mind whatever I am making.
 |
| 'Callista Sunspear' |
If you would like to find out more about her wonderful work you can pop over to her Facebook page - www.facebook.com/lesleyjanedolls
You will not be disappoitned, I promise you, her work is ridiculously gorgeous, as you can see :)
Speak to you all later my Groovy Jubilant Dollies xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 |
| 'Luna' |
 |
| 'Jojo' |
*All images and designs are owned by Lesley Cameron, and are published here with her full permission. Copying, editing and/or using these images in ANY way, without Lesley's full permission will be a breach of copyright laws.
 |
| 'Dulcie' |
No comments:
Post a Comment