We know we are just dolls that are artwork, but we have more in life than that. We were created by 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; other daughters, sons, same-sex couples, cancer survivors and wounded warrior dolls. Each is a different size and shape. We are made out of felt fabric, the artist’s grandmother’s buttons, yarn and stuffing. And because each of us is unique, handmade by the artist, we have an inidividual 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, the artist made more and more dolls for the family and collection. Now there are over 800 of us! We know we are very different from each other, but we want us all to be kind and understanding, be strong and never give up, just because we are different.
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 also have a collection of hearts that range from tiny, one-inch, to four-inches high. These hearts can be carried close to you to bring you joy and happiness, and they can even be strung on ribbons for necklaces. They are secret friends, perfect to put in pockets to travel with you though life.
We are excited to be sold to people who will take good care of us wherever we go. 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.
I’ve made lots of art throughout my life other than dolls. I make pottery and sculpture art projects. I’ve appeared as an extra on several TV shows and a movie: The Black List, Orange is the New Black, Bluebloods, and Ted 2. I also sing as a performer. I’ve been singing for 14 years and it has been amazing to bring joy to others to help them.
Each of the dolls is different and part of a large family. They have individual personalities and appearances. Sam makes each one entirely by hand of felt, fiberfill, yarn and Sam’s grandmother’s buttons from her button box. They are charming, compelling, surprising and often slightly scary-looking daughters and sons that range in size from two inches to 36 inches. Sam also has hearts that range from one-inch to four inches.
I sell my dolls every year at the Maker Faires in May in San Mateo, California and in September, in New York City. The Maker Faire is a wonderful event and a special and incredible experience. I have been awarded eight Editor’s Choice blue ribbons for creativity! At the Faire, I help others make their own dolls. I make the doll bodies –- in all the unique sizes and shapes. Then people select their own faces from the button box and choose the hairstyle and color. They complete their own dolls, with my help. It’s a wonderful experience for the kids, their parents and friends. Please come visit me at the Faires to make your own dolls!