HANDMADE IN NEW YORK CITY
No two alike.
Every one belongs.
A family of handmade dolls, each with a personality all its own. Outsider Art by Sam Montgomery, celebrating what it means to be different.
Felt, buttons, yarn—and a little imagination.
01 / DOLL STORY
We’re all part
of a family.
We know we are just dolls that are artwork, but we have more in life than that. We were created by Sam, an artist who wanted to show others who we really are. Each of us is unique, yet we are part of a whole family.
There are many of us: daughters, sons, same-sex couples, cancer survivors and wounded warrior dolls. Each is a different size and shape. We are made of felt fabric, Sam’s grandmother’s buttons, yarn and stuffing. And because each of us is unique, handmade by him, we have an individual number on a heart to show we are one in a series in the collection.
When we started out, there were only 44 of us. As the days went by, Sam made more and more dolls for the family and collection. Now there are thousands of us! We want to celebrate our freedom and let the whole world know that art can express many ways of understanding life. We dolls hope that we get to change people’s lives.
You may think we don’t have much to say because we are just standing on a table very still. But we know we can make a difference for everyone; we want other people to let us into their lives.
We hope we can change the world by making people happy. There’s never a forever-bad moment in life, it just needs to be looked at differently. Believe in us to make your life brighter.
Sam at home in New York City.
Photography: Bruce Byers.
02 / ABOUT THE ARTIST
Made by hand.
Made by Sam.
I’ve made lots of art throughout my life other than dolls. I make pottery, sculpture and art from found objects. I’ve appeared as an extra on several TV shows and a movie: The Black List, Orange Is the New Black, Blue Bloods, and Ted 2. I have also sung as a performer; it has been amazing to bring joy to others.
I was inspired to make the dolls when I was in a music college for kids with learning issues who are gifted in music. My collection suggests what it’s like to be a family of people who are all different. I created them to show the world that we are all the same but also our own selves, and we should be accepted for who we are.
When I’m done making each one, I always imagine that they will come to life and talk to me about what their lives are like. As you stare at their different shapes, and especially their faces, they really do come alive. Although they’re members of a big family, they are always looking for new homes. Please let them make you happy.
03 / SAM’S BOOKS
Different ways
of seeing the world.
Sam’s stories give a voice to people who are different—and open a conversation about our dreams, our purpose, and lives we define for ourselves.
2022 · ILLUSTRATED WITH THE 44 DAUGHTERS
What It’s Like
to Be Different
Sam’s first book shares how difficult it is to live in a world where everyone expects people who are different to conform to a mainstream version of life. It is an honest description of those emotional challenges, with a hopeful message: being different is a gift.
People who are different can change others’ lives if they can be recognized without bias and judgment.
2026 · ILLUSTRATED WITH SAM’S CERAMICS
What It’s Like
to Be Me
Sam’s second book is a collection of short stories illustrated with his handmade ceramic objects. It explores what happens when others think they know who you are, then treat you based on those opinions.
As someone on the autism spectrum, Sam uses his ceramic characters to speak to a different way of thinking and living—and to remind us that everyone has dreams and goals.
Both books are $25 each, plus shipping. Order directly from Sam.
04 / THE MARKETPLACE
Find your
kind of different.
Charming, compelling, surprising—and sometimes a little scary-looking. Each daughter, son, or heart is an original. Sam draws every pattern, stitches and stuffs each piece by hand, then gives it a face and hair.
Little personalities
From pocket-sized companions to larger members of the family.
A doll of your own
Choose a size, body color, and hair color. Sam will make it yours.
A little lift
Hearts from one to four inches. Secret friends to keep in a pocket or wear on a ribbon as you travel through life.
The photographs show examples for inspiration, not an inventory of available pieces. Many pictured dolls already live with collectors.
One of a kind.
Made for you.
Tell Sam the size and colors you have in mind. He can customize an order or send photographs of finished dolls that may be available.
Prices start at $10, plus shipping, and are based primarily on size. Shipping depends on the number and size of the pieces.
Artwork, not toys. These pieces are fragile, especially their button faces. Please take care around small children and pets.
| Teensie | 2–5 inches |
|---|---|
| Tiny | 6–9 inches |
| Small | 10–11 inches |
| Medium | 12–13 inches |
| Larger | 14 inches and up · up to 36 inches |
| Hearts | 1–4 inches · tiny, small, medium |
05 / AT HOME WITH THE ART
A house full
of characters.
“My What It’s Like to Be Me ceramics live in my home in New York City, in the kitchen on shelves and tables. They watch over me and my family, inspiring us with their stories and crazy lives.”
A gathering at the table.
Every shelf has a story.
Good company, everywhere.
Home photographs by Bruce Byers.
06 / MAKER FAIRE
Everyone
is a maker.
At Sam’s make-your-own-doll workshops, makers of all ages turn a handmade doll body into their own piece of Outsider Art. They choose buttons for faces, yarn for hair, and add their own unexpected, delightful touches.
Each workshop becomes an instant community: sharing ideas, sewing together, and experiencing the pride of being an artist.
Sam brings his workshops to the Maker Faire in San Francisco, and to special events, personal appearances, and parties in the New York City area.
07 / SAY HELLO
Let’s make
someone happy.
Questions about a doll, a book, or bringing a workshop to your community? Sam would love to hear from you.