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Hi everyone, my name is Elena and I'm posting on behalf of my sister Helena, who is an artist. She has been creating dolls for the past 16 years or so. All of her dolls are handmade and one-of-a-kind. She does everything herself, from the hair itself to creating a hairstyle, shoes, and even dresses. Helena also makes the sculpture itself, so every face she carves out is unique.

More info: Instagram | oplakanskastudio.com

#1

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always wished my hair was like that. The waves, the color, the length...just lovely.

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My first dolls that I made were not elves or girls—in fact, they were male dolls that were good for taking portraits. I took inspiration from images of barons, kings, princes, and even gangsters.

It takes about a month to create one doll. First I draw a sketch on paper, then I select the fabrics. After that, I sculpt the structure of the face, arms, and legs. Each time I sculpt a new unique face. I do not use any molds and I love working with Super Scalpey and La Doll.

#2

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, I especially love this one! The drawing in the background, the little silver pot, the bear...and her incredible clothing! Just the look of the entire scene is brilliant.

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I always have a lot of ideas. The inspiration comes from beautiful films, illustrations by other artists, art photographs and exhibitions, music, and travel. Sometimes a piece of vintage fabric can also suggest a theme for a new doll collection.

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In order not to burn out when it comes to creating dolls, I like take a short break or vacation for myself. I can change my occupation for a short time—for example, I go and draw. The change of scenery helps. After the rest, I love to create my dolls again.

#5

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the colors of their clothes. Pink and green don't always work well but here they go together perfectly. Oh, and their little "friends" are adorable, too.

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All of my dolls are gentle, fragile, mysterious fairies and just girls in love. They are not sad at all, they are romantic dreamers. It is important for me that each doll has a unique character and emotions. It is emotions that make the doll alive. And each doll has its own story.

When it comes to the creative stage of my work, I love all the stages. But the most magical and mysterious moment is when I draw eyes for the doll. At this moment, she looks at the world and becomes alive.

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On my Instagram account @oplakanska, I show videos of the working process when it comes to my dolls, share mine and Elina’s art studio, and just our creative life and work. We use Instagram to share our many years of experience and knowledge, and we write a lot of useful information for those who might be interested in making dolls themselves.

#8

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This little one seems more healthy and hopeful than most others here. A welcome break from the perceived hardship of the rest.

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I also plan to create a second book about dolls together with Elina. We are currently working on it. It will be called ‘Style of the dolls, searching for your own character design.’

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16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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Cheri Aline Sydney
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can almost feel the emotion that the doll is expressing for her furry friend...

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#13

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, I am enjoying looking at these but their little faces are really starting to get to me. I just want to take them all away and keep them safe and make their lives better. (Note: I am not criticizing the artist; these are some of the most incredible dolls I have ever seen and I love them, but their expressions really do something to your heart.)

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#17

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love the little boots! I can't imagine the painstaking work that went into them...or any of the elements of these sweet dolls.

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#18

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are brilliant! Well, all the dolls are, but I especially love these. They are so unique. I love the little striped stockings and the hats.

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16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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ScarlettofHydraIsland
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“Master has given Dobby a sock! Dobby is freeee!” (Seriously though, these are absolutely amazing)

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16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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#24

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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Carmen Sandiego
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww her hair and eye colour kinda resembles mine! But really, she looks awesome!

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#25

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a hobby horse like that one when I was young. It wasn't a white unicorn, but I loved it all the same.

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#27

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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BastWren
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a dress and sweater very similar to this when I was a child! My mother made the dress and my aunt knitted the sweater. Same style and the colors were very similar. I wish they were still here for me to show them this.

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16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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Hey Ho neighbours
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do the creepy dolls have their own little creepy ass dolls?? It's too many layers of creepy!

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#30

16 Years Helena Oplakanska Create Art Dolls

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Hey Ho neighbours
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks like she left a ball / party but got attacked on the way home and had to escape by running through the woods and rolling down into a muddy ditch

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Note: this post originally had 70 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.