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My Sister Has Been Making Fantasy Dolls For Over 16 Years, Here Are Her Best 30 Works
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
This post may include affiliate links.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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#11
Cheri Aline Sydney 4 years ago
You can almost feel the emotion that the doll is expressing for her furry friend...
#13
BastWren 4 years ago
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.)
#14
#19
ScarlettofHydraIsland 4 years ago (edited)
“Master has given Dobby a sock! Dobby is freeee!” (Seriously though, these are absolutely amazing)
#22
Cheri Aline Sydney 4 years ago
Looks like she just came in from the cold and is hoping for hot cocoa!
#23
#24
Carmen Sandiego 4 years ago
Aww her hair and eye colour kinda resembles mine! But really, she looks awesome!
Denny Cwiek 4 years ago
I love this one, she looks like an unscathed child, not hopeless and sad.
#26
Hey Ho neighbours 4 years ago
I love the tiny differences between them despite them being twins
#29
Hey Ho neighbours 4 years ago
Why do the creepy dolls have their own little creepy ass dolls?? It's too many layers of creepy!
#30
Hey Ho neighbours 4 years ago
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
#44
Melanee Upton 4 years ago
I wonder what they use for the hair, looks so soft..is it real hair?
#48
#56
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#69
Denny Cwiek 4 years ago
These dolls are fantastic, but this one looks like she's been abused. Some of the others look like orphans or victims maybe of child trafficking.
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What do you think ?
BastWren 4 years ago (edited)
I love these so much! The juxtaposition of the gorgeous Victorian clothing and bright colors with the sorrow and despair in their eyes is very poignant. For all their sadness, it is obvious they were created with much love and care. The incredible detailing, the choice of fabric, the way the scenes are set for the photos...everything about them is exquisite. Thank you for posting these, Elina, and please tell your sister that these are some of the most incredible and wonderfully creative dolls I have seen in my more than six decades. Stunningly well done!
Cheri Aline Sydney 4 years ago
BastWren, I'm wirh you... The artistic ability of this artist is in a class by itself! The style, the emotion, the characteristics, the outfits, the settings, the use of colors and textures .. such talent. Right along side of you, BastWren, these are the most incredible and wonderful dolls I've seen in my seven decades.... I would so much love to see them in person!... And, meet the Artist, as well! What a loving sister to acknowledge her sister's artistic contribution !
Load More Replies... lenka 4 years ago (edited)
They are stunning! They all seem so very sad but I am so drawn to them. Amazing detail and fascintating eyes.
Charlie_Emily 4 years ago
These are amazing. Imagine if they were all used in a stop-motion movie or short film
BastWren 4 years ago (edited)
Elena, the link to the studio's website results in a "Server Not Found" error. Just wanted to let you know.
Elina (Post author) 4 years ago
Yes, it doesn't work. Instagram is available to watch:)
Load More Replies... 
AnnaB 4 years ago
These are amazing! Each one has its own separate personality and evokes a particular emotion. And the intricate details are fascinating. What talent!
Susan Bosse 4 years ago
They are beautiful but so sad. I could never even remotely do this but these would depress me.
Beans 4 years ago
Did she cast and mould the faces herself or are they carved from existing BJDs? What about the bodies? Did she cast those or use some already on the market
Brandy Layton 4 years ago
I WANT ALL OF THESE! They are absolutely gorgeous. My aunt would have loved them too.
Mojones 4 years ago
Wow! Now get some animators and create a movie like "Coraline". That's a really great style and has some... "Burtonesque" touch to it.
Sandra Libertad 4 years ago
I'm in love with all of them!! I would love to see the creation process
𝔓𝔲𝔯𝔭𝔩𝔢𝔓𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔞ℜ𝔞𝔢N 4 years ago
This is some really good work. But why do most of them look so sad? #70 looks like (she's) thinking, "What now?!"
BastWren 4 years ago (edited)
I love these so much! The juxtaposition of the gorgeous Victorian clothing and bright colors with the sorrow and despair in their eyes is very poignant. For all their sadness, it is obvious they were created with much love and care. The incredible detailing, the choice of fabric, the way the scenes are set for the photos...everything about them is exquisite. Thank you for posting these, Elina, and please tell your sister that these are some of the most incredible and wonderfully creative dolls I have seen in my more than six decades. Stunningly well done!
Cheri Aline Sydney 4 years ago
BastWren, I'm wirh you... The artistic ability of this artist is in a class by itself! The style, the emotion, the characteristics, the outfits, the settings, the use of colors and textures .. such talent. Right along side of you, BastWren, these are the most incredible and wonderful dolls I've seen in my seven decades.... I would so much love to see them in person!... And, meet the Artist, as well! What a loving sister to acknowledge her sister's artistic contribution !
Load More Replies... lenka 4 years ago (edited)
They are stunning! They all seem so very sad but I am so drawn to them. Amazing detail and fascintating eyes.
Charlie_Emily 4 years ago
These are amazing. Imagine if they were all used in a stop-motion movie or short film
BastWren 4 years ago (edited)
Elena, the link to the studio's website results in a "Server Not Found" error. Just wanted to let you know.
Elina (Post author) 4 years ago
Yes, it doesn't work. Instagram is available to watch:)
Load More Replies... AnnaB 4 years ago
These are amazing! Each one has its own separate personality and evokes a particular emotion. And the intricate details are fascinating. What talent!
Susan Bosse 4 years ago
They are beautiful but so sad. I could never even remotely do this but these would depress me.
Beans 4 years ago
Did she cast and mould the faces herself or are they carved from existing BJDs? What about the bodies? Did she cast those or use some already on the market
Brandy Layton 4 years ago
I WANT ALL OF THESE! They are absolutely gorgeous. My aunt would have loved them too.
Mojones 4 years ago
Wow! Now get some animators and create a movie like "Coraline". That's a really great style and has some... "Burtonesque" touch to it.
Sandra Libertad 4 years ago
I'm in love with all of them!! I would love to see the creation process
𝔓𝔲𝔯𝔭𝔩𝔢𝔓𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔞ℜ𝔞𝔢N 4 years ago
This is some really good work. But why do most of them look so sad? #70 looks like (she's) thinking, "What now?!"
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