Happy Birthday to ME!!!!

I made 60!!!! 21 was a major goal but 60 was never on my radar! Oh well I am happy to be alive. God has blessed me with a wonderful creative life. Thank you God for loving me and for being there for me forever and ever. I got this 60 tiara from Phoebe...bless her heart she sent me such a sweet surprise gift for my birthday. 

Why does a selfie make one look like a dork?! But a good 60 yr old dork...LOL! 

My dollie looks good in the tiara! 

Annie goes to UK

My first international sale on Etsy! Anne one of my little 6 inch wooden dolls was purchased by a lady in the United Kingdom! Annie now lives in the UK and is now a English lass! Go on Annie! Here is Annie with some ofher new friends! I knew this little doll would be a world traveler. She was spunky from creation.

Black History Month Tribute to Dr Maya Angelo

I carved a Hitty size of based on a childhood photo of Dr. Maya Angelo. I made the doll a quilt reflecting on highlights of the life of Dr. Angelo. Using various Hitty prints and a quote from Maya: " I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them "feel".  A lady who surmounted tremendous adversity to be a phenomenal woman indeed. Dr Maya Angelo was an author, poet, actress, artist and teacher who's personal journey still touchs our lives through the pages of her many books, I Know Why the Cages Bird Sings, Still I Rise, Phenomenal Women, Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now ......to name a few.  We can transform our suffering into strength, love and healing as women of all races & cultures. Obviously Maya is a Phenomenal Woman has survived tremendous odds to a inspire others and to tells story's about her life that gives hope and a smile in a world filled with adversity. 

Dollmaking is so deeply personal for me because when I was a child in the  60's the dolls I liked and wanted to own were not made in a ethnic version. I had to "settle" for a doll that didn't look like me or represent my beauty or heritage. Being left out is the driving force behind my learning to sculpt and carve doll faces. As an black dollmaker I wanted to be able to express a voice that for centuries had been silenced. I have learned so much being a minority. It made me stretch! To reach for higher highs and be the best I can be. Today I have doll that reflect "ME". True i had to make them but they are blessing other people lives as well. 

Doll for Immediate Adoption!

This doll was ordered by a customer for his daughter. When she was completed he decided he didnt want to pay for the doll. So that left her homeless...and she needs a loving home.

 Here is her story:

I am a Handmade cloth doll "inspired "by one of my favorite antique Dollmaker's Izannah Walker. I am not a reproduction...I have my own personality and style. My name is up to YOU to decide...it will be more personal that way! I am a big girl...30 inches tall. I was made for someone but at the last minute they said they couldn't take me. So I am now up for adoption...I need a home with someone who will love and appreciate me! 

I am a one of a kind handmade cloth doll. I have a certificate of authenticity, signed and dated by doll artist Alice Swann. All my clothes are removable and made from a variety of new and vintage clothing such as linens, cotton, ribbons & laces. I am made from cloth with a paperclay sculpted head. My body covering is a cotton print of tiny crosses with hearts. I am wearing a white floral linen dress along with a cotton pin tucked chemise trimmed with vintage lace. My bloomers are a floral cotton laura ashley print. I am wearing a necklace with a silver heart and the word "pray".  I am wearing a fabric flower in my hair along with knitted stocks and blue/white gingham shoes that tie with crinkled rayon ribbons. I carry my own extra pocket that is filled with "make your own bubble vials". My bonnet is special too ....it is vintage white cotton trimmed with a gingham ruffle. I am all dressed to go to a Valentine party or just sit and enjoy your sweet smile.

I am sitting here already to be shipped and enjoyed. Shipping is "FREE"!If you live in the USA. Otherwise it will cost you shipping to fly me across the world. I would make a wonderful gift for someone special to you.....including yourself!

Please be advised that I am best suitable for adults as a collectable. 

I am made in a smoke-free environment.
I am available for purchase here:

I

Valentines Day Doll!

I made a cute big girl Izannah Walker inspired doll that I am so proud of. She is 30 tall and wears a pintucked linen dress. Dont you just love the fabric flower in her hair! 

Aren't these shoes so sweet with the red ribbons and striped socks with lace! Love it! 

Works in progress

Thanks for stopping by! 

These are the cloth dolls I am currently working on. 

Four cloth dolls that I currently working on.

 Each one has a one of a kind paperclay head. 

They will be finished before Christmas and for sale in my Etsy shop.

 This one is so cute. I made the skirt from a wool sweater

 and appliqued the velvet tree and bird. It is still a work in progress.

Be sure to scroll down to see what is currently for sale in my Etsy Shop.

I have several wonderful wooden dolls!

Thankful to be a dollmaker!

When I started making dolls it was to fill a void in doll collecting. I wanted to make the type of dolls I didn't have growing up as a child in the 1960's. I loved  antique dolls and there was no way I was going to own one except to make it myself.  My mother always said I had champagne taste on a beer budget! What I find on this journey of dollmaking is that what prompted me to make dolls..... is not what is subtaining me nor flowing thru the dolls I am creating! I find I am connecting with people on a spiritual journey as well.

Recently a lovely lady named Becky purchased these 

two wooden dolls from my Etsy shop: 

 www.esty.com/shop/aliceswanndolls

She lost a precious son in a auto accident the same year I lost my dear mother to dementia. Art heals because it was my refuge those 2 years my mom was sick. We all need a touch of beauty in our lives. I know a doll can't replace a precious loved one but they do put a smile on our face and add joy to our heart! Only a doll collector would know this!  Becky's words really uplifted my spirit! Here's what she wrote:

Oh Alice!!!!!!

Your dolls arrived today...how B~~E~~~A~~U~~~T~~~I~~~F~~~U~~~~L  they both are!  Your carving, your needlework,...everything is EXQUISITE!   I am so very, very pleased and am so very happy to have pieces of your work.  It thrills me to be able to behold them.  Thank you so very much for passing them on to me. I shall take very good care of them.

Thank you again, Alice.  EVERYTHING about this transaction was a blessing to me-especially getting to have personal contact with you.  That means the most....the packaging, bags, certificates...well, it all counts, but getting to "know" you a bit is the best.

Blessings,

Becky

THANK YOU Becky for your kind words and most of all for being WHO you are! 

The world is a kind place if we let our light shine!