Porcelain Dolls by Dianna Effner. The Complete Collection – Part 2

We continue our series, Porcelain Dolls by Dianna Effner: The Complete Collection. In this second installment, we take a closer look at the Portrait Series.

The Portrait Series includes dolls produced in several sizes—14-inch, 18-inch, and even a few impressive 24-inch versions. In this article, however, we will focus exclusively on the 10-inch Portrait Body dolls.

Although the series was titled the 10-inch Portrait Series, the finished dolls are actually slightly taller. The fully assembled porcelain dolls measure approximately 11 inches in height.

This particular series consists of 23 different dolls, all created using the 10–11-inch full Portrait Body molds.

Here they are:

In the following photographs, I would like to share my own interpretations of these beautiful dolls. Each one was poured, painted, assembled, and finished entirely by me using Dianna Effner's original molds.

We will follow the order of the photographs from left to right, beginning with 1) April.

Even when two dolls are created from the same mold by the same artist, each one emerges with its own distinct personality and its own unique view of the world—in every sense of the phrase.

2) Meet Brooke.

One of the most fascinating things about painting a doll's face is that the very same mold can become either a little boy or a little girl. It's amazing how much expression and personality can be created simply through the artistry of painting.

3) Mold: Carly (Carlie).

4) This is Emily—one of Dianna Effner's most beloved and recognizable molds. Almost everyone in the doll world knows this little girl. Introduced in 1991, this mold was created especially for artists who wanted to create their own Emily. It truly was a wonderful gift from Dianna Effner.

5) Jenny is another of Dianna Effner's early molds, first introduced in 1992. Her full name is Jenny 1 (Everyday).

Following her in the lineup is 6) Jenny II, or Jenny 2 (Bedtime).

7) Jessica

8) Kayla is also one of Dianna Effner's most popular molds. I've painted her many times, and she is always an absolute pleasure to paint.

9) Linzee is like a little ray of sunshine, with a bright, cheerful smile.

The famous 10) Little Lou—I don't think she needs any introduction. 😊

And right after her comes her “sister” 11) Little Lou 2.

The 12) Molly mold is a true work of art, designed by Dianna Effner and painted by me in the photographs presented here.

13) Precious

While all the previous dolls had specific names, the Portrait Series now begins with molds simply titled Portrait No. 1, Portrait No. 2, and continues up to Portrait No. 10. Unfortunately, I do not have the complete set of Portrait molds in my collection, but I do have most of them.

14) Portrait No. 1

15) Portrait No. 2

16) Portrait No. 3

17) Unfortunately, I do not have the Portrait No. 4 mold.

18) In Portrait No. 5, one can clearly notice features reminiscent of Shirley Temple.

The facial painting with the slightly squinting eye was simply my own creative idea.

19) Portrait No. 6

20) Portrait No. 7

21) Unfortunately, I do not have the Portrait No. 8 mold.

22) Portrait No. 9

23) And the last one in this publication, though certainly not the final one… Portrait No. 10.

So, we have now explored the entire Portrait Series in the 10–11 inch range. What an incredible variety of beautiful faces and fascinating molds. It is a tremendous amount of work and a long creative journey, but it becomes something truly wonderful and deeply rewarding when it is done with love and genuine enjoyment.

In the next publication, we will continue our detailed look—again with photographs—at Dianna Effner molds used for 10–11 inch dolls in the porcelain line, including the Little Darling series, the Sweet Petite 12-inch dolls, as well as several other molds within this same size range.

As I conclude this article, I would like to remind you that my project titled “We Are Dolls — A World of Shades” is now approaching its completion.

As many of you know, Ultra Chic Porcelain Slip comes in 28 beautiful shades, ranging from Magnolia White to Cappuccino, all of which are available for purchase in my shop.

For this project, I am creating 28 unique dolls, each standing 11 inches tall and made using different Dianna Effner molds. Every doll is cast in a different porcelain shade, meaning there will be 28 dolls in total—each with a unique skin tone represented by one of the Ultra Chic colors.

Of course, I will also be sharing a separate publication featuring a photograph of each doll.

It was a pleasure to share this with you, and I look forward to staying in touch! Marina-AllforDoll-MAFD