<DIV><p>More and more young women are catching doll fever&mdash;and that can only mean one thing: doll making is going hip. Gone are the primitive country dolls Grandma used to make. Today's leading artists are developing cutting-edge techniques for creating a new generation of funky contemporary dolls.<BR> <BR> Written by internationally known doll maker Patti Medaris Culea, this unique book enables readers to take inspiration from top contemporary designers&mdash;right from home. The premise is as original as it is fun: renowned designers use 1 of the 3 simple patterns provided in the book to make a doll. Readers are able to look over the shoulder of the author, and of each designer, as she fashions her own unique creation. Crisp text, detailed illustrations, and color photos take readers step by step through the creative process. The end result&mdash;a wide array of amazingly different dolls made from 3 simple patterns&mdash;inspires doll makers to try out new techniques to fashion their own one-of-a-kind creations.<BR> <BR> Including the work and insights of contemporary talents such as Julie McCullough, Barbara Chapman, Barbara Evans, Annie Hesse, Jane Coughlan, Lynne Butcher, Barbara Willis, and others, this fun teaching guide brings the hottest new techniques to life in a creative and inspirational way.</p></DIV>