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For this week’s video, we’re resurfacing an old favorite. Enjoy!
(Music by Espers)
Canadian artist and writer Sarah Faber started making art dolls while she was living in the woods of Maine. Tired of constantly being in her own head as she worked endlessly on her first novel, Sarah began experimenting with her hands. The Gothic beauties that emerged — card sharks, bourbon drinkers, albinos and vampires — tell tales of dire lives of Victorian England, but not without a certain playful wink.
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171 comments
Sign in to add your ownFancifulForm says:
I have been a big fan of blackeyedsuzie.etsy.com for a while now. I sculpt myself and I just find the emotions she is capable of capturing in the dolls faces astonishing. They are beautiful works of art!
3 years ago
jessjamesjake says:
gorgeous collection!! thanks for sharing.
3 years ago
missbatch says:
Incredible! I love hearing about the process in letting the essence of the creation dictate it's form. Beautiful work, and stunning video!
3 years ago
CwButcher says:
love the collection great work new fan!
3 years ago
isewcute says:
WOnderful video! I especially loved watching it after seeing the feature on Black Eyed Suzie in feb/mar/apr 2009 Artdoll Quarterly Magazine. Such Talent!!! :o)
3 years ago
ArchetypalTheatre says:
What a great portrait! I love seeing the influences behind the making of these evocative ladies. Their eyes really speak!
3 years ago
BabbidgePatch says:
Enchanting Collection!
3 years ago
oldworldprimitives says:
I am a fan of blackeyedsuzie's shop, so it was really fun to "meet" her in this video and learn more about her work. Fun feature!
3 years ago
PeppermintDaydreams says:
yowza! truly amazing work. hooray Canada! hee hee hee.
3 years ago
timesandchimes says:
Oh I just love Suzie's dolls! So unique and beautiful in the most eerie way!
3 years ago
waysideviolet says:
oh my! ♥♥
3 years ago
fricdementol says:
Sarah you are beautiful! :) I specially love the 'sad' expressions, they are plenty of emotion and expressive feeling! Magnificent artwork!
3 years ago
vintagedchic says:
oo I love blackeyedsuzie's work! I built a whole treasury around her "Elspeth" that made front page in large part to her talent!
3 years ago
CoRneY says:
very nice
3 years ago
Recy says:
I love blackeyedsuzie! I hope to own one of her beautiful creations someday. Speaking of doll-making... Inchelina is also very talented: Inchelina.etsy.com
3 years ago
LittleCritters00 says:
Work is amazing. I wish I could afford to by one. On may I love them all.
3 years ago
LittleCritters00 says:
So pretty. I love the red hair dolls
3 years ago
LittleCritters00 says:
I love the other picks too, oh man this is such article
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
Sarah was so wonderful and lovely and interesting to work with. Please read all the stories she writes for the descriptions. The little bios add a dark edge to these sweet, precious dolls. Fantastic!
3 years ago
mermaidsdowry says:
Very beautiful dolls!! I have had you as a favorite for months - I want to buy one some day :)
3 years ago
blackeyedsuzie says:
Thanks so much for watching, everyone, and for all the kind comments! And thank you, Tara, you video-star!
3 years ago
picklehead says:
amazingly beautiful dolls! I love how each doll has it's own melancholy story. :D
3 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
yes, Sarah's sculptures are so unique and full of character - and the bio's superb! (I love stories, I do them too - it's all part of the creation process)
3 years ago
laurebelle says:
Love your collection! I love all things unique and close to the heart - it is evident these are both!!!! Blessings!
3 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
forgot to say - wonderful video!!! thank you
3 years ago
artdollsbynat says:
You are definitely one of my favorite artist of any medium. Your dolls are really intriguing. Love hearing your inspirations.
3 years ago
NanLawson says:
wow so beautiful - im usually not a doll fan but you may have converted me!
3 years ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Oooh, I love her dolls, they're so dark and well-made.
3 years ago
deirdradoan says:
Oh thank you so much for adding Miss Marie A in her roses...she looks so lovely with the other girls!!! I will come back and spend more time..oxo
3 years ago
worksofwhimsy says:
The faces are so expressive--just enchanting.
3 years ago
SpiritMama says:
Awesome video, way to go Sarah!
3 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Wonderful!
3 years ago
topsyturvydesign says:
I am soooo thrilled to see a portrait on Sarah & her a-mazing work! Congrats Ms. Sarah!
3 years ago
tinatarnoff says:
Goodnes! What amazing work!
3 years ago
loopyboopy says:
Very very cool. Been a cyber friend of Sarah's for awhile and how special to get to actually see her!! Sarahs dolls are absolutely stunning, inspiring and just hard to take your eyes off of!!
3 years ago
loopyboopy says:
oh and thanks for including my Laura with this article, quite an honor!!!
3 years ago
twolefthands says:
Wonderful video, love your dolls!
3 years ago
ladyartisan says:
Awesome video, Sarah! It was delightful to see your studio space, watch you work, and hear a bit of your story.
3 years ago
bartonoriginals says:
Love Sarah's dolls and what a treat to view this video and get to know her abit! Unique enchanting dolls by a unique and charming artist!
3 years ago
BululuStudio says:
Wonderful story
3 years ago
capturedimagination says:
The eyes are so captivating! Thanks for sharing a part of your story.
3 years ago
dancesippydance says:
great video. when i come across sarah's creations on etsy they always stop me dead in my click,click,clickity tracks, they are so stunning and engaging.
3 years ago
kristensteinfineart says:
I enjoyed this so much. I love your dolls. Being 6ft tall and elongated, these are perfect for me. :)
3 years ago
VedaArts says:
very interesting dolls!
3 years ago
FirstLove says:
Love her and all her creative talent!!!!!!!! Too amazing, really :) I'm so glad to see lovely Sarah featured!!
3 years ago
Intres says:
Your works are really fantastic. Thanks for the video.
3 years ago
itselemental says:
A wonderful artist-portrait, and hauntingly beautiful art dolls!
3 years ago
odiliafu says:
Love the beautiful picks!!
3 years ago
signsofmylife says:
oh, what a wonderfully executed video - enjoyed the viewing - the creating - the whole 9 yards! love edward gorey too - tim burton's work as well - need to look up meat cake...your dolls are mysteriously wonderful creations - such charm & what a story they can tell! keep up the wonderful work that you do & maybe one day i'll get to own one of your creations...soon! all the best to you!
3 years ago
staceyrebecca says:
Oh my gosh! Tara this is beautiful! Oh I want to be her best friend! Or at least go out to lunch once or twice.
3 years ago
1ofmykind says:
Absolutely sublime...num! Etsy please give us more more more. There is nothing more inspiring than sharing the studio and process of an artists work. Well done ALL!
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
btw TeenAngster curated these fantastic related items. She's got the magic touch!
3 years ago
unconventionalida says:
The video is absolutely terrific!
3 years ago
EpicBones says:
gorgeous!!! my aunt makes dolls, i'll definitely have to show her that video. great work!
3 years ago
olivehuedesigns says:
blackeyedsuzie is one of my very most favoritest sellers! One day I hope to have her make a doll all for my very own.
3 years ago
yalipaz says:
That was so great to see how she makes her wonderful dolls. Thank you so much!
3 years ago
christinececelia says:
I love these~!!!!
3 years ago
zwzzy says:
creeeeepy dolls, I love it!
3 years ago
GreighdayVintage says:
These dolls are amazing, I adore them!
3 years ago
deirdradoan says:
The video is wonderful...It is great to see how you work...and know more about you...I am so happy to know you and be included on this page of dolls!!! Thank you again!!!
3 years ago
LeLapinTriste says:
Sarah is one of my most favorite etsy sellers! It was amazing to see inside her studio and hear her talk about her work. Sincerely lovely stuff!
3 years ago
MakeMeOver says:
These are just SOOOOOO creative, I love them! They all seem to have such unique characters - I always wonder how you come up with them. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
3 years ago
sweetruin says:
Very talented artist. I love the little stories that she write for each doll. Beautiful!
3 years ago
pumpkinhaus says:
Sarah! I loved seeing you in your video! Your work is lovely darling.... and so are you!
3 years ago
silocurb says:
thankyou for this inspiring interview. thankyou wolf and angster and beautiful blackeyedbeauty. truly.
3 years ago
AmelieAPoulain says:
This was/is magical. Thank you so much...
3 years ago
blackeyedsuzie says:
Thanks so much, everyone! Your comments are so lovely to read!
3 years ago
neawear says:
Oh you're gonna bring an Etsy crowd to Montreal now!! hehe ;) YAY! Your work is fabulous, inspiring and intriguing! Keep it up :)
3 years ago
Inchelina says:
Sarah is a wonderful artist! I loved the video and seeing the process.. It makes it even more special as I own one of her wonderful dolls...
3 years ago
Isabelcards says:
I was just noticing these dolls earlier this week...they really caught my attention.
3 years ago
LaireMarie says:
Wow, what talent!
3 years ago
Fishstikks says:
Wonderful segment on a great artist! Thoroughly enjoyed that! You have some wonderful creations and I like that they tell you who they are.
3 years ago
NejellaPhotoArt says:
These dolls speak to you. You are amazing.
3 years ago
artdollsonly says:
what a great post!
3 years ago
artTherapy says:
i never realized how many different creative processes went into doll making. thanks for the education. your work is lovely and your passion for it shines brightly.
3 years ago
shewhomustbeloved says:
I can totally imagine these dolls being in their own animated tv show!
3 years ago
Signs says:
nice :D
3 years ago
Suzeeez says:
Wonderful video and amazing artwork. Your imagination and creativity are an inspiration. I love how you give personality to each and every one of your dolls. You can see it by simply looking into thier eyes. Keep doing what you are doing...your work is awesome! Sue
3 years ago
Iammie says:
nice stuffs
3 years ago
1AEON says:
neat!!
3 years ago
PipocaHandmade says:
what awesome creations from blackeyed suzie! i loved hearing her approach to her craft. these would look fantastic in a 'brothers quay' film! yaay canada!
3 years ago
TheLaLaLaShop says:
Wow... AMAZING!! :)
3 years ago
edessedesigns says:
I'm blown away. For some reason, this video spoke to me like no other one has--for so many reasons, I can't even begin to describe. Just amazing! Thank you so much for this. I really needed it.
3 years ago
MGMart says:
I loved watching your video Sarah! What a lovely artworks, they look a bit sad and tired, but even this, they are still so sweet. You look at every each of them and they really do tell you a story!!! Thank you for sharing your story with us and thank you for Etsy to bought us artist together in this lovely handmade site!!! I send my love from Hungary. ~Marianna
3 years ago
LANCERIKA says:
What an inspiration!fantastic*~*
3 years ago
lwsilver says:
I love these dolls, what an inspiring story. Lisa x
3 years ago
myzoetrope says:
I love these videos. It's so fun to glimpse into the "making of" process of her dolls!
3 years ago
coffeemonkey says:
WOW!
3 years ago
feralchildren says:
What wonderful work! Hmmm... I was going to do persephone with a pomegranate too... not sure I can now :P
3 years ago
zJayne says:
So much talent! A pleasure to learn more about this artist and shop!
3 years ago
tanyap says:
This was sooo cool. I love seeing how other people create and work...what a cool block to live on!
3 years ago
plantelady says:
Sarah--You are a gifted writer, I can tell by your answers to their questions. Don't ever give up on that dream. I also love your dolls, they are quite different but that is what makes them special.
3 years ago
sunflowervalley says:
oh my gosh youre dolls are so magical and beautifull full of imagination , i love them . you are such a talented person.and my new inspiration thanks
3 years ago
SusannaMarie says:
These are just lovely. Keep us the wonderful work! It's inspiring really. Thanks, Susanna
3 years ago
ohsusannasjewelry says:
amazing work
3 years ago
dizzymarmalade says:
Love this!
3 years ago
DuBuhDuDesigns says:
Congrats to you Sarah on this fantastic video and for being recognized for the amazing artist you are!!! ~Christine :) p.s. how is it you have such a clean studio..hmm? :)
3 years ago
ambitionsdesign says:
Sarah! I just got your newsletter and cannot believe I missed this! I have been living in a cave I swear! Congrat's!! Dani~
3 years ago
matchiematchie says:
What an inspiration. It is truly amazing the work that you put into the dolls.
3 years ago
TheFeltElf says:
I loved this video, your openess and your beautiful home. Inspiring work, aaaaaaah now I want to make dolls
3 years ago
Walkingquail says:
What a super film about a very interesting artform. Sarah, you are fully as interesting as your creations. Thank you for sharing your story.
3 years ago
chubbycheeksweaters says:
Breath-taking work. True artistry.
3 years ago
dDryad says:
adorable!! great..
3 years ago
maggiemaescolours says:
I am amazed at the process that goes into making these dolls. You are a true artist. Thank you for sharing.
3 years ago
figure22 says:
LOVE your work!
3 years ago
mizdarlin says:
I now am dying to make strange little hats for these fabulous creations-maybe I'll have to take up dolls to have an excuse! blackeyedsuzie, you are truly fabulous-congratulations!♥
3 years ago
chialudesign says:
I like the characters that you put in your dalls. Very good creayivity.
3 years ago
steampunkjunq says:
These are wonderful. I love them! :)
3 years ago
TieBeau says:
I used to live on St Urbain in Montreal. I can imagine seeing some of these women walking in the streets and climbing up an down the iron staircases. None of them look like they have ever tasted a yummy Montreal baggle however.
3 years ago
DappleGrey says:
these are so beautiful, i have to have one i just cant choose, really beautiful.
3 years ago
dollproject says:
Great video! I loved the insightful glimpse into your design origins and process :]. Thank you for sharing!
3 years ago
DawnAliceDesigns says:
Love seeing you create your dolls! Wonderful video.
2 years ago
LondonParticulars says:
Amazing! Thank you for making a video, your dolls are incredible, I love your Poe!
2 years ago
ODDandWHIMSY says:
Wow! thanks for sharing. I'm a big fan of of Sarah's work.
2 years ago
weepeeple says:
Love the video! Thanks for sharing.
2 years ago
humblebea says:
Sarah, I have always adored your dolls~ they have so much personality! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!
2 years ago
violettecandy says:
Lovely dolls. Very artistic and cool.
2 years ago
artfoodlodging says:
It's always nice to hear the story behind the art and the artist...and i totally understand the dolls telling you their story!
2 years ago
winding says:
Beautiful! I'm a big fan of your wonderful dolls. Thanks so much for this stunning video.
2 years ago
PatraPlace says:
Really artistic and unique!! The dolls have emotional inside.
1 year ago
Caracarmina says:
<3 your work ..... :D
321 days ago
thenakedbird says:
soooo beautiful and fantastical. I'm so inspired by the victorian era too, I think that's where I'd travel back to and live like beatrix potter in the country. ah congratulations on this feature!
117 days ago
LauraGourmel says:
beautiful dolls!
117 days ago
Refindlings says:
Wonderful collection and those art dolls are amazing!
117 days ago
volkerwandering says:
So unique! Great job!
117 days ago
sherrytruitt says:
Enchanting, thanks. It was one of those videos where you say, "oh, it's over" So well done.
117 days ago
myvintagecrush says:
Wow.. beautiful :)
117 days ago
humblebea says:
I love your dolls (-:
117 days ago
jbeaudet says:
Your art dolls are amazing!
117 days ago
cactusscraps says:
Very cool and I have to say I also like her taste in lunchboxes :)
117 days ago
needlenerd says:
amazing. thanks for sharing!
117 days ago
hankietankie says:
Love your unique style & point of view, amazingly talented! xo
117 days ago
PattiTrostle says:
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
117 days ago
CabinCastle says:
Stunning work!
117 days ago
itselemental says:
One of my favorite portraits... and I loooove Montreal!!!
117 days ago
HeatherLucille says:
These lovely doll ladies look like they just stepped out of some of my favorite novels. I bet Edgar Allen Poe would have been a mega fan of your evocative dolls! So beautiful and emotive - I really enjoy seeing the confines of life and wardrobe in Victorian times on their faces.
117 days ago
FeltNatural says:
I think your work is fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the feature.
117 days ago
raspberryhead says:
I have loved this womans work since i first stumbled on etsy. hooray.. that she has wondered back so that i can drink in these freaky little treasures,,,,,
117 days ago
WildOrKidz says:
These are so amazing! Thanks for being here and sharing your work.
117 days ago
Iammie says:
Very unique!
117 days ago
KMalinka says:
Great story!
117 days ago
elleestpetite says:
These dolls are amazing. I love how they have a claymation look to them.
117 days ago
thedaydreamer says:
Quirky dolls! Interesting feature.
117 days ago
LoriMarie says:
Your So Talented!!... Loved the video! Thanks for sharing!
117 days ago
sianykitty says:
amazing work! I imagine things while looking at her creation.. great artist!
117 days ago
AlisaDesign says:
Wow!
117 days ago
raniprimmer says:
Love this work!
116 days ago
PolClary says:
Amazing. I love the idea of the darker elements, the way every doll has a story which is just a bit quirky. And the craftsmanship is gorgeous.
116 days ago
gufobardo says:
wow dolls! I love this post!
116 days ago
GufoLab says:
dollmaking is my paradise thank you so much!
116 days ago
PrincesaAnastasia says:
terrible, like in scary Victorian stories or like horrors which scary everyone. It is like a source for serial murders!!!!!!!!
116 days ago
PoetryofObjects says:
So, so beautiful...art dolls, puppetry and marionettes...i just love their stories. Thank you so much for the lovely, lovely video...your voice also goes well with the dolls stories.
116 days ago
holli says:
Great interview and great doll maker, love your dolls!
116 days ago
peshka says:
Wow! So pretty!
116 days ago
sweetsarahcardsandtr says:
wonderfully weird! love it!
116 days ago
beliz82 says:
Great video and work Congrats !!
116 days ago
LoveButtons says:
Such a talented artist. I love the figures' doleful expressions and lively back stories :)
116 days ago
jmayoriginals says:
awesome! (but why are some of the comments from 2 years ago?)
116 days ago
jmayoriginals says:
oh nevermind, just saw that you're resurfacing an old favorite. :)
116 days ago
NicoleNicoletta2 says:
very nice work!
116 days ago
LiddoKiddo says:
Im in love with those dolls!!! Congrats!!
116 days ago
girliepains says:
Woah!
115 days ago
Ebrown2503 says:
You are such an amazing force. I'm so glad Etsy has focused all of us on your talent. Keep creating.-eleanore
114 days ago
cougarvintage says:
What a talent, and a beautiful history! They are so exotic... love to have it!
114 days ago
pinkboxstudio says:
We love her!!
114 days ago
PyxusPassionProject says:
So glad you decided to resurface this one!! Wonderful.
114 days ago
sinthea9 says:
Lovely video...
114 days ago
Dedalos says:
I really love this video, showing how much love and care is involved in dollmaking. It's like giving life to a new misterious yet familiar creature, that you can discover little by little as soon as the project takes its shape. I really love theese dolls and I really appreciate the simple and natural attitude of this talented artist. Thankyou for showing us this positive example!
113 days ago
annettemaze says:
Really nice! Loved seeing the process and the dolls are amazing.
110 days ago
Caracarmina says:
Love to put a face on the name! and the dolls are gorgeous!!!!!!! nice video Sarah! loved it! :D
108 days ago
Enterprise Americana from EnterpriseAmericana says:
Fantastic.
88 days ago