Hello, my name is Lisa Johnson-Richards.  I am often asked how I got started, although I have been creative for as long as I can remember, doll making was not what I set out to do.  I studied Art and Graphic Design at Newcastle College of Art & Design, following which I worked in the Advertising field as an Illustrator for eight years, before leaving in 1996 to have my first child, a son called Christian.  However, it was with the birth of my daughter, Rebecca which led me into the world of miniature doll making.   

Having made a rocking horse for Christian my father, also an Artist, decided to make a dollhouse for his new grand daughter.  It was this creation that I decided to attend my first major miniature show during the Autumn of 1999.  I went with the intention to purchase a cook for the dollhouse, however, I found the dolls I loved were simply not within my budget and I was not happy to settle for the more affordable ones.  On the train home I became friends with other miniaturists who had been to the same miniatures show, one of which sympathised with me and understanding my plight, she gave me a miniature doll in kit form to dress.  
 

Dressing only 3 doll kits I realized I had found my forte, and I knew I would not be truly happy until I was able to make the dolls fully myself and from scratch.  Not being one to do things halfway, I literally jumped-in-with-two-feet and bought a kiln in the summer of 2000, and with absolutely no knowledge what-so-ever, I began pouring, firing, painting and all of the other aspects of doll making.  I am completely self taught, through many tedious trials, errors, tears and pure experimentation.  

Doll making is a challenging role because it involves diverse talents, such as sculpting, painting, costume design, pattern design, sewing, wig making and hair styling.  Requiring such multi-skilled talents is what makes it so appealing to me as I am able to utilize all of my creative skills, its extremely rewarding.  I feel doll making has come instinctively to me, and it provides me with mental and emotional relaxation, its a form of escapism from real life.  I feel good when I am doll making, I love it, and some how it is the answer I have been looking for.
 

After After only 6 months of creating my first doll, I was asked to participate in the showcase at the London Dollhouse Festival.  I was completely stunned and honoured as this is a very prestigious show here in the UK, artists can wait many years to receive an invitation.  My work was extremely well received and I sold all that was displayed.  The following year I was invited back as a fully-fledged exhibitor,
I literally sold out on the very first day and
I have never looked back since!  

My medium is porcelain, which I love because of its translucency.  I take inspiration from historical books and real life.  Our children are a great source of that inspiration, often I will ask one of them sit in a position for an idea for a new doll, and they love to join in with the creative process.  I enjoy dressing dolls from any period and I thoroughly research each costume for every doll using my ever expanding collection of fashion history books, antique fashion plate books, videos and by visiting costume museums. I look at every minute detail from underwear, shoes, costumes and hairstyles of the period required.  I see it all as a challenge, especially that of working out a pattern for a complex and intricate costume design or finding suitable materials and laces.  I prefer to use antique materials, laces, trims and beads which spill over and out of numerous drawers in my studio.  For me, doll making is very satisfying and I get great pleasure from the new owner¹s face, or comments written in a Thank You letter.

Working entirely alone from my studio at home allows me to work full~time on my creations, whist being here as a full~time mother for my children.  I consider myself extremely lucky as I have tremendous support and encouragement from my husband, family and friends. For me, doll making is a dream come true!

Thank You for Visiting