Things I Use and Love
Over the years, I've collected books, tools, supplies, and inspirations that have helped shape the world of Kotten Bellies. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Books That Inspire
- Susan Oroyan has been one of my all-time go-to authors before I ever started Kotten Bellies. Her books give so much information on anatomy, designing, and finishing. These are my three favorites: Designing the Doll, Anatomy of a Doll, and Finishing the Doll
- Valerie Janitch, The Fairytale Doll Book is a book I checked out from the Westerville, OH library and fell in love with, so much so that I have spent over 20 years trying to remember the title and trying to track it down. The book has great fairytale photography and patterns to make your own dolls.
- Lark Books, 500 Handmade Dolls is a small book packed with 500 different types of handmade dolls. This book will inspire every doll artist. I look through it often.
- Rice Freeman-Zachary, Living the Creative Life, was an early 2000s purchase when I began thinking about starting an Etsy shop. I had just found Scott Radke and his amazing marionettes. The book features Scott and 14 other artists, and what inspires them.
- Pamela Peake, The Complete Book of Dollmaking, is a treasure trove of information on dollmaking. It covers fabric choices, face sculpting, and adding armatures to your dolls. There is so much information in this little book, from tools to making clothes.
Everyday Tools
- Gingher Scissors, this pair of scissors has been used for over 25 years!
- Hemostat, great for turning out small fingers & stuffing small spaces.
- Heat Erase Pens + Refills, I could not do what I do without these! Great for tracing pattern pieces.
- Gutermann Thread, my personal favorite thread. Does not snap in my machine.
- Schmetz Fleece Needles work so well with all fleece thicknesses and stretch fabrics.