FAQ

Questions and Answers

Here are the questions we get asked most frequently about Storydolls and our workshops.  Hopefully, these will answer your questions as well.  But if not, contact us and let us know.

What happens in a workshop?
The basic workshop is comprised of ten to twelve women, and lasts about three hours.  We like to keep the group small and comfortable.  We start by meeting each other, and then getting the instructions on how to make a Storydoll.  This doesn’t take long, since the dolls are easy to make. The next step is to choose the story you want to tell and pick out the doll you want to work with – we all start with the same simple muslin doll form, but they come in different colors, and you get to pick the one you want. 

Next, you get to go to the Marvelous Materials Bar, where there is a wide array of beautiful fabrics and ribbons, sparkling beads and embellishments for you to work with, where you can use whatever strikes your fancy. 

Now, it’s time to make your doll.  Using the materials you’ve chosen, you transform the simple muslin doll you started with into the unique embodiment of your story – whether that story is about a special event, an important time in your life, or a person that matters to you very much.  How do you know what to do?  Sometimes, what’s needed is clear and immediate; sometimes it’s trial and error.  But as you work, your doll will come to life and bring your story to life as it does.

Once the dolls are finished, we all get a chance to look at what everyone has made and hear the stories that were the inspiration for what the dolls have become.  Then we take some pictures of you and your doll, and the workshop is complete.

Learn more about all the Storydoll classes we offer.

What if I’m not creative?  Can I still make a StoryDoll?
This is, without a doubt, the question we get asked most frequently.

We believe that you are creative, that everyone is.  And time after time in our workshops, we’ve seen that proven to be true.  Everyone who has ever worried about being creative has made a doll that was exactly what they wanted, and has loved the doll they’ve made.

But if you still aren’t sure for yourself, just think about this differently: making a StoryDoll really just playing with dolls -- something that you did instinctively as a child, something you can still do.  In fact, that is one of the reasons that StoryDolls make the people who make them so happy – they get to do something they’ve always loved that has always touched their heart.

And we’ll be there to provide all the help you might need with any technical bits, so that you get to make a doll you’ll love.

What if my doll isn’t artistic?
Good news: no need to worry about whether your StoryDoll is creative or artistic.  The whole purpose of your doll is to help you connect to your heart and to have fun while you make it.  And we find that the less you worry about whether or not what you make is artistic or meets some kind of creative criteria, the more fun you’re able to have.

The thing is, you never know what kind of doll your story will need.  Sometimes what’s needed is remarkably simple, other times, more ornate.  And the amazing thing is that you’ll know exactly what it is that your doll needs to be, and be able to create it.   Again, we’ve seen this happen over and over again in the workshops.  It’s one of the things that we love about giving these classes.

What if I have the story I want to tell, but I can’t figure out how to make the doll that will tell it? Again, no need to worry.  This is what these workshops are all about – showing you how to bring your story to life through your doll. We’ll show you every step you need to take.  But beyond all that, this is really the magic of StoryDolls – that the doll you make knows how to become your story, and it will help you make that happen.

Do I have to talk about the doll I make?
No, you don’t.  Sometimes, you might not be sure immediately what you want to say, or you might just want to keep the experience close to yourself.  That’s fine. No one
will pressure you. You always get to choose whether to talk or not, and what, if anything,  you want to say.  

What if I can’t make a doll?  Or if I don’t like the doll I make?
We'll do everything we can to help you make your doll, and make it a doll you love.  However, if you aren't happy with what you make, we want to make it right.  We
can give you another doll, the materials and the help to make a second one.  
Or, if for any reason, in any way, we can’t make things work out, you always
have the option of a full refund.  

We want you to be happy, and will do everything we can to make sure that you are.

What other kinds of workshops are there?
StoryDolls can be used to gain insight into major questions– like what’s next for you in your career, or how to work through other significant transitions in your life.  Learn more by looking at our class descriptions or at the page on StoryDolls and Life Transitions.

If you have more questions or would like more information, check out our class list or contact us.

What Other Women Say About Making a StoryDoll
Here's how women who've made Storydolls describe their experience:

"Wow!"

"I liked that it was a creative experience and that you don’t have to feel like you are artistic."

"The dollwork allowed me to look forward, and I liked what I saw."

"It was interesting and fun!  And I was surprised by my treasure doll."

"The workshop was really interesting and effective."

“I had a really great time.  I was surprised at how much I thought about it afterwards.  I very rarely do artwork – but my little brain was teeming all the next day with ideas of what I’d do next.”

"I loved the range of creativity and expression."

"I particularly enjoyed seeing the various ways in which everyone expressed themselves."

"It was fun and how I was fascinated that the dolls were all so different and so wonderful in their individual ways."

"I left satisfied and wanting to do more.  Having all the tools at hand made the time go quickly."

"There was enough diversity and yet we had enough time to focus in and really listen to each person talk about their creation."

"It was interesting, revealing, powerful, emotional and really fun."

"I liked going with a good friend because we talked about it and are continuing to talk about it."