The Spokane Doll Club
We are a local Spokane group of women who focus on creating and making dolls. Founded in 1991 at the urging of artist and doll maker Elinor Peace Bailey, the group meets monthly in member’s homes, challenging each other to create, grow and expand our knowledge in the craft of making cloth dolls and animals. Many in our group also quilt, and we look for ways to incorporate our dolls and art into that platform as well. We occasionally hire professional doll makers and teachers to assist us in learning new techniques, and to help stretch our imaginations in fun and whimsical ways. Membership in our group is open to any interested cloth doll maker, but we may have to limit membership due to meeting in homes.
Bozzo, Elise
I have been creating dolls, bears and miscellaneous crafts for over 45 years and have taught many classes in these fields. I participate in occasional seasonal boutiques and shows, and am currently at Avenue West Gallery in Spokane. It was only after retiring from nursing that I had time to venture into the fields of fiber art and painting, and produced my first original art quilt that won juried recognition. Since then I have primarily been making small art quilts, felted and silk fusion vessels, related fiber items and holiday collectibles. For “playtime” I enjoy experimenting with various mixed media techniques that I incorporate into my projects.
Burger, Sue
Doll designing and creating related fiber items has long been something I really enjoy doing. I originally started out making dolls and selling them at local high school craft shows, and currently still participate at Shadle High School craft fairs. In the past my work has been shown at several shops in the Spokane area, including 5 local Galleries. You can also see my creations at the Custer Spring and Fall shows at the Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds. Recently two of my artistic grandchildren, Taylor, age 11, and Alivia, age 5, are participating with me in my craft booths. They share my love of art and even join me in stuffing dolls. Continuing art into a 4th generation in my family!
Carlson, Gayle
I have enjoyed making dolls for about 25 years, and currently live in Liberty Lake, Washington. My “doll journey” began after a dear friend invited me to attend a local cloth doll club meeting. Playing with fabric and collecting treasures at flea markets and garage sales to embellish dolls has become a lifetime passion of mine. I have been told that my unique sense of humor and love of detailing can be seen in my whimsical creations.
Hudson, Shirley
I am Shirley Hudson of Hudson’s Holidays Designs. Over the past 20 years I have created over 400 sewing patterns for embroidery, quilts, holiday décor and dolls. I love to create using materials that are easy to find, yet might be considered unusual. Most of my time is spent designing patterns, contributing to magazines, helping my daughter grow her own business, playing with fabric design and writing my new embroidery book Lovely Little Hand Embroidery, which is expected to be available March, 2020. My favorite dolls to make are prim, yet painted …. a vintage feel that is still fun and cheerful.
Nichols, Beth
I began sewing as a young girl in seventh grade. My concentration then was having fun making clothing for myself and my younger sisters. After marriage I continued sewing clothing for my own children as well as others, and started making stuffed animals and a few basic dolls. When my children became “too old for home made clothing”, I searched for new directions for my sewing. I ended up taking a class with a local doll maker and member of our now Spokane Cloth Doll Club back in 1989. She was teaching an elinor peace bailey doll … the Mermaid, and I was hooked! I have been sewing dolls ever since, concentrating in the Art Doll area. I have also given talks/presentations of and about my dolls to groups and gatherings over the years. I love to mix colors, fabrics and patterns as well as experiment with ideas and shapes. Whimsy is a favorite area to play in. I continue to create, sew and be inspired by fellow doll makers both here in Spokane, across our country, and from around the world. It is truly great to “play with dolls”.
Vaughn, Joanne
I have been making cloth dolls and quilts since 1994, when I joined our cloth doll group on the South Hill. I have a portrait doll of the first “Miss Spokane” in Japan, and “Chief Joseph” in Ireland, that I created for Spokane Sister Cities projects. In approximately 2005 our doll club did a month long show at the Chase Gallery here in Spokane, that was well received by the public. My favorite dolls to make are portrait dolls which I have made of many people.
Grey, Kathryn
Doll making is my passion! I have been creating cloth dolls for 45 years. When I first started out I was making Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, embroidering their faces in fine detail. As time went on, I began designing and painting original faces using acrylic paints on cloth. For several years I have taught doll making under the penned name “Dolls Extraordinaire”. Probably the most extraordinary thing about my dolls is my faces, choice of fabrics, and attention to detail and embellishments.
