E-mail: Alaskrafts@knix.net
http://www.knix.net/ALASKRAFTS
company name: Alaskrafts® Fur Shack
location: Delta Junction, Alaska
Date of birth: 1-15-58
family: I am married to Steve Fields and we have 3 grown and on their own children. We have one grandson and we are expecting another grandchild in January 1999. We have 2 cats and 1 dog. We have lived in Alaska for 17 years.
Media used: Porcelain
Type/style of doll made: I use my own interpretations of the original artist's dolls by making my own bodies and outfits and trying to be authentic in the designs. I usually make and sell the Eskimo, Indian and Trapper style dolls dressed in real fur and leather. I realize that some people have a problem with the fur, so I also make them in faux fur too. I am also expanding on other types of dolls as I find the time. I would eventually like to become a supplier of doll making supplies here in Alaska, since we don't seem to have much here. I also crochet huge doll dresses and decorate them with lots of ribbons, beads, and flowers, etc. to make Bed dolls and Southern Belle dolls using the Porcelain dolls.
How long: I started making dolls 9 years ago, using vinyl dolls, then I discovered Porcelain and have been making and selling Porcelain dolls now for the past 8 years.
Professional credits: I don't have much in awards except some 1st and 2nd ribbons won at the Fairbanks fair. We haven't had doll shows in Alaska. I can't justify the traveling expense right now to travel to the other places that do have the doll shows. I know it would be well worth it when I can.
Comments on dollmaking: Making dolls is one of the fun parts of my life. It happens to be on the 3rd spot of my top ten list of favorites. When I get overloaded with other aspects of my business (I also make mittens, hats and moccasins, etc. with fur and leather) and can't get to my dolls, I feel edgy and frustrated. I am at my most happiest in my business when I am up to my neck in Porcelain and surrounded by sewing machines. My husband supports my endeavors 100 percent, he can be my best and worst critic. He also does most of the selling part. He is also #1 on my top 10 list of favorites. So the point, that I am trying to make is that I loooove making, collecting, selling, and talking about dolls.
A. B.
A. This is a picture of my newest doll, she represents a toddler Eskimo girl. She is 24" tall. She is dressed in a Parka made of Rabbit fur and Reindeer Fur around the hood, and Mukluks(boots) made of Rabbit fur. She has Leather and Fur mittens.
B. This is one of the Indians that I make. He is 24" tall. His Arrowheads are made of carved Moose antler. His Bow of the willow trees here in Alaska. His outfit is made of Goatskin decorated with moose antler buttons. His roach is made of real horsehair. With Summer Ptarmigan bird feathers in his hair.
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