Hello to you. This summer I've been transitioning from my Real Leaf Business I had for 25 years to my Handmade Doll Making business. My Mom taught me to sew at the age of 6. Early in my life I found this gift. I was interested in sewing and it emerged and blossomed. I made my first dress at 6 years old and wore it two consecutive years for picture day at school. I have sewn all of my years since then. 

I made my first doll in 1990. My Mom helped me originally with the design, then I developed the dolls over the years. When I started, I was very ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but I had just enough energy to sew a little. Sewing these dolls gave me a purpose and brought me joy as I convalesced. I call them "Shirttail Cousins". One definition of a shirttail cousin is when people are related by marriage. When I married, but had no children of my own, but my nieces and nephews on my side and my husband's side became shirttail cousins. This name was perfect for me to call my line of handmade dolls. I made about 36 dolls between 1990 and 1994. I sold most of them and a few were donated. I made two more in 2020 and sold them. I love creating a "One of a Kind Creative Art Doll". Most of all I love the smiles they put on people's faces when they purchase one as a gift or for themselves.