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.
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 …
Process
Scaling Plushie Patterns: How to Maintain Proportions When Going Big or Small
A practical guide to enlarging or reducing plushie patterns while preserving shape, with special attention to fabric behaviour and seam allowance …
Collector's Guide
Scaling Human Patterns for Doll Clothing: A Practical Guide
A methodical approach to reducing garment patterns for doll bodies, with emphasis on proportion differences and iterative testing.
Editorial
The Value of Imperfection in Art Doll Making
Why chasing flawless finishes may be robbing you of creative joy—and how embracing imperfection can enrich your practice.
Process
How to Repurpose Vintage Textiles for Art Doll Garments
A practical guide to giving vintage fabrics new life in doll garments while respecting their history and condition.