Diane Taylor — The Art of Miniature Porcelain Dolls.
Updated: Sep 27
“Over the course of 26 years of making porcelain dolls, I have come to really like using The Ultra Chic Porcelain doll slip” — says Diane Taylor.
Today, I would like to introduce you to a wonderful artist, a talented doll maker, and a truly remarkable person — Diane Taylor, and to her beautiful La Boheme Doll Studio.
Let’s begin!
Diane and I first became acquainted from a distance, when I became the new owner of Ultra Chic Porcelain slip. I have always been curious to discover which artists choose my porcelain slip for their work and, even more importantly, what they create with it.
And that is how I first discovered the miniature world of Diane Taylor.
I was absolutely enchanted.
I have always loved miniatures, especially when they are entirely handmade. There is something very special about the patience, precision, and incredible amount of work that goes into creating something so small. Every tiny detail matters, and every little piece carries the touch of the artist who made it.
So, let me first show you what Diane creates using my Porcelain slip.
China Silk — for her little animal creations
Diane uses not only my Ultra Chic Porcelain slip, but also my China Silk colors.
“I do love the China silk colors too and have used these on cats and rabbits and other non doll related pieces and the same goes with these colors. Wonderful silky consistency and they fire out perfect with no black dots or uneven color.”
With Ultra Chic Porcelain slip, Diane creates exquisite miniature porcelain dolls in 1:12 scale, each little doll has her own personality and story.
“The art of Porcelain doll making is a labor intensive art form. Using Molds, all dolls are painstakingly made from pouring the slip to the final stitch on the clothing. While a lot of people use commercial molds, the argument continues whether or not they are One of a Kind creations. I like to think that my porcelain dolls are. True, anyone can pour the same doll, but through the painting, wigging and costume, they become the artwork of the individual doll artist. My dolls are all costumed in my own creations and since I do not sell my patterns, you will never find another doll dressed quite the same way. Also, I never repeat a costume so in a sense the doll you are purchasing from me is a true One of a Kind Porcelain Creation. Whether you purchase a 5.5 inch doll, or an 18″ doll, each one gets the same attention to detail”. — Diane explains.
And indeed, there are no insignificant details in miniature art. From pouring the porcelain slip to painting, wigging, sewing, and adding the very last stitch to a costume, every step brings the little figure closer to becoming a unique work of art.
Diane continues:
“Over the course of 26 years of making porcelain dolls, I have come to really like using The Ultra Chic Porcelain doll slip. I found it to be consistent time after time. The color that works for me is the Parisian Bisque which gives my dolls a very realistic skin tone.
I have also used the other colors as well for Ethnic skin tones and found them all to be very easy to work with.”
As a maker of porcelain slip, I am especially happy to hear that Diane appreciates the smaller quantities available for purchase. For an artist working in miniature, a little slip can go a very long way, and having smaller jars available can be wonderfully convenient.
“I myself prefer to purchase the pints and am so happy that this is made available. I make miniature dolls and slip goes a long way so for me the convenience of the small jars is perfect especially since I don’t have lots of extra space. The sales are great and make buying the slip so very affordable. Marina is wonderful to work with and is helpful and always there to answer questions right away. I can honestly say that you will enjoy working with this slip. I know I do”.
These beautiful miniature dolls were created from Ultra Chic porcelain:
A Little Journey into Diane Taylor’s World of Miniatures
And now, let’s step into the wonderful miniature world created by Diane Taylor.
I will not attempt to describe her entire creative process here. It is much better to visit the La Boheme Doll Studio website and see Diane’s work for yourself. The website showcases fascinating creations, each one made with remarkable patience and attention to detail.
I would simply like to share a few photographs of these unique little works of art — realistic Dollhouse Miniatures in 1:12 scale.
Here you will also find photographs of Diane’s 1:12 Scale French Table Top Miniature Mannequins.
And her Standing Fairy Mannequins.
Diane has many fascinating directions in her creative work. One of them is especially touching and, to me, truly unique: preserving the memory of a beloved companion animal in clay.
“Have a pet that you would like immortalized in clay? Your pet will be dressed in a costume depicting their personality and comes with a signed letter of authentication which includes story based on personality trait of animal with information provided by you”.
There is something very special about this kind of work. A tiny sculpture can become much more than a miniature likeness. It can hold a memory, a personality, and a little piece of a beloved story.
Diane writes:
"All of my dolls are intended for collection purposes. My dollhouse size dolls are dolls of distinction, not typically the average of what is out there and you will never receive a doll that is costumed in shoddy workmanship. I take my time...
...Meantime for myself I live each day as it comes, I delight in my family and friends, I provide a loving home to my animals and in all my endeavors I continually desire to bring glory to Jesus Christ in how I live, work and play".
Diane Taylor
La Boheme Doll Studio
I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to Diane for her beautiful and fascinating work.
Diane, I wish you continued inspiration, many new creative projects, and, of course, I hope that my Ultra Chic Porcelain slip will be part of many of them. :)
I am truly happy and honored to have you as one of my customers!
Thank you for your art, your dedication, and for allowing us to take a little journey into your wonderful world of miniature porcelain dolls.
Thank you for joining me today! Warmly, Marina-AllforDoll-MAFD
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