Mother Plays with Dolls: And Finds an Important Key to Unlocking Creativity

by Elinor Peace Bailey

Book Overview

One of the most inventive figures in today's fiber arts, Bailey has developed a way for virtually anyone to break through to his or her innermost self. By using a basic doll pattern and playing with... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0939009390
• ISBN13: 9780939009398
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: EPM Publications
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.5" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Doll or art, threapy or craft.

This book had great meaning for me. I started making dolls as a child and was always happier making and creating them than playing with them. Often at flea markets I rescue folk dolls because they seem to speak to me as an object of the creativity of another and a link to that person or that time. I have hidden the part of myself that needs to create and appreciate the creation of others. Now as Elinor says, I have permission to play. If you also need permission then you need to read this book.

Not your typical "doll" book...

elinor's philosphy on life, family and doll making comes through making this an entertaining and uplifting book on creativity and life in general. I re-read it periodically when I feel the need for reassurance that it's okay to indulge in my version of play...The dolls made by the guest artists are very interesting - especially as some have changed their style dramatically since this book was published.Thank you elinor, keep up the good work!

A must-own for the NOT-cute dollmaker

Not everyone will enjoy this book. If "cute" is the highest praise you can imagine for your art, then maybe you should look elsewhere. However, if you like challenges, art that makes you think (about yourself and life), and fabulous, fascinating artistic expressions, this book is a must-own. Rich, insightful text, and full-color examples of cloth dolls by a variety of well-known fabric artists. Best of all, a copy of the pattern that all of the dollmakers used for their work. If I had only three books on my bookshelf, this would be one of them. I don't re-read it weekly or anything, but there are times when I need this inspiration, desperately! At least ask your public library for it. It's that good.

More than just a craft book

elinor's book wasn't meant to be a pattern book, rather a book that gives you the permission to submit to the creativity that may dwell in us but that most of us suppress while we live the tedium. Her creative writing and search for self is incredibly inspirational using the method of playing with dolls as therapy for alot of women, in particular, who may feel that they contribute little. I really enjoyed the profound thoughts and poems by a remarkable individual who obviously relishes in the unique qualities we all have as women.

a good book for the intermediate doll maker

Elinor Peace Bailey is a wild and wonderful doll maker. Her book "Mother Plays with Dolls" I think is intended to bring out the creative doll maker in all of us. I have found some of the patterns Ms. Bailey does to be a bit tedious. However, once you get into the swing of things and realize that you really can't make a mistake you will have fun, and come to know that playing with dolls is such an important part of life! Enjoy the wonderful illustrations, and get busy doll making.