Inside the Studio
A Day in the Life of Mira Petkova's Workshop
Light, repetition, and carefully timed pauses shape a working day in Mira Petkova's Sofia studio.
ArtDoll archive
Stories
Studio visits, artist conversations, collecting guides, and essays on material culture.
Care & Display
Five Mistakes That Damage Collectible Plush Dolls (And How to Fix Them)
Avoid the five most common errors that collectors make with plush toys—direct sunlight, plastic bags, overstuffing, overhandling, and pest …
Process
Building a Wire Armature for Articulated Art Dolls
A stable wire armature is the backbone of any posable art doll. Learn how to select wire gauges, create flexible joints, and build volume with core …
Care & Display
Reviving Damaged Plush Dolls: Repair, Cleaning, and Customization Ethics
A balanced approach to restoration that respects both the original object and the desire to give it new life.
Process
Building Miniatures from Scratch: A Beginner's Guide to Dollhouse Props
A practical guide to making your own dollhouse accessories from everyday materials, with clear steps for scale, tools, clay, fabric, painting, and …
Collector's Guide
When to Restore and When to Leave Alone: Ethics of Customizing Vintage Plush Dolls
A knowledgeable guide to the spectrum from gentle restoration to significant alteration, helping you decide what’s right for your doll and your …
Care & Display
Designing Doll Costumes to Accommodate Prosthetics and Medical Devices
A practical guide for collectors and makers on adapting doll costumes to accommodate medical devices and prosthetics while maintaining the garment's …
Process
Scaling Patterns for Unusual Doll Proportions: A Practical Guide
A step-by-step guide to measuring, modifying, and testing commercial patterns for dolls with non-standard body shapes.
Editorial
To Customize or Conserve? The Ethics of Altering Collectible Dolls
A thoughtful exploration of the spectrum from reversible modifications to irreversible changes, helping collectors balance personal expression with …
Collector's Guide
Fitting Doll Clothing Patterns for Extreme Proportions: A Practical Guide
Standard doll patterns often gap or pull on dolls with unusual body ratios. Here’s how to measure, modify, test, and finalize a pattern that truly …