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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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172 comments
FancifulForm said 11 years ago
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!
jessjamesjake said 11 years ago
gorgeous collection!! thanks for sharing.
missbatch said 11 years ago
Incredible! I love hearing about the process in letting the essence of the creation dictate it's form. Beautiful work, and stunning video!
CwButcher said 11 years ago
love the collection great work new fan!
isewcute said 11 years ago
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)
ArchetypalTheatre said 11 years ago
What a great portrait! I love seeing the influences behind the making of these evocative ladies. Their eyes really speak!
BabbidgePatch said 11 years ago
Enchanting Collection!
oldworldprimitives said 11 years ago
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!
PeppermintDaydreams said 11 years ago
yowza! truly amazing work. hooray Canada! hee hee hee.
timesandchimes said 11 years ago
Oh I just love Suzie's dolls! So unique and beautiful in the most eerie way!
waysideviolet said 11 years ago
oh my! ♥♥
fricdementol said 11 years ago
Sarah you are beautiful! :) I specially love the 'sad' expressions, they are plenty of emotion and expressive feeling! Magnificent artwork!
vintagedchic said 11 years ago
oo I love blackeyedsuzie's work! I built a whole treasury around her "Elspeth" that made front page in large part to her talent!
CoRneY said 11 years ago
very nice
Recy said 11 years ago
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
LittleCritters00 said 11 years ago
Work is amazing. I wish I could afford to by one. On may I love them all.
LittleCritters00 said 11 years ago
So pretty. I love the red hair dolls
LittleCritters00 said 11 years ago
I love the other picks too, oh man this is such article
weirdwolf said 11 years ago
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!
mermaidsdowry said 11 years ago
Very beautiful dolls!! I have had you as a favorite for months - I want to buy one some day :)
blackeyedsuzie said 11 years ago
Thanks so much for watching, everyone, and for all the kind comments! And thank you, Tara, you video-star!
picklehead said 11 years ago
amazingly beautiful dolls! I love how each doll has it's own melancholy story. :D
dragonhouseofyuen said 11 years ago
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)
laurebelle said 11 years ago
Love your collection! I love all things unique and close to the heart - it is evident these are both!!!! Blessings!
dragonhouseofyuen said 11 years ago
forgot to say - wonderful video!!! thank you
artdollsbynat said 11 years ago
You are definitely one of my favorite artist of any medium. Your dolls are really intriguing. Love hearing your inspirations.
NanLawson said 11 years ago
wow so beautiful - im usually not a doll fan but you may have converted me!
thestapeliacompany said 11 years ago
Oooh, I love her dolls, they're so dark and well-made.
deirdradoan said 11 years ago
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
worksofwhimsy said 11 years ago
The faces are so expressive--just enchanting.
SpiritMama said 11 years ago
Awesome video, way to go Sarah!
jodieflowers said 11 years ago
Wonderful!
topsyturvydesign said 11 years ago
I am soooo thrilled to see a portrait on Sarah & her a-mazing work! Congrats Ms. Sarah!
tinatarnoff said 11 years ago
Goodnes! What amazing work!
loopyboopy said 11 years ago
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!!
loopyboopy said 11 years ago
oh and thanks for including my Laura with this article, quite an honor!!!
twolefthands said 11 years ago
Wonderful video, love your dolls!
ladyartisan said 11 years ago
Awesome video, Sarah! It was delightful to see your studio space, watch you work, and hear a bit of your story.
bartonoriginals said 11 years ago
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!
BululuStudio said 11 years ago
Wonderful story
capturedimagination said 11 years ago
The eyes are so captivating! Thanks for sharing a part of your story.
dancesippydance said 11 years ago
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.
kristensteinfineart said 11 years ago
I enjoyed this so much. I love your dolls. Being 6ft tall and elongated, these are perfect for me. :)
VedaArts said 11 years ago
very interesting dolls!
FirstLove said 11 years ago
Love her and all her creative talent!!!!!!!! Too amazing, really :) I'm so glad to see lovely Sarah featured!!
Intres said 11 years ago
Your works are really fantastic. Thanks for the video.
itselemental said 11 years ago
A wonderful artist-portrait, and hauntingly beautiful art dolls!
odiliafu said 11 years ago
Love the beautiful picks!!
signsofmylife said 11 years ago
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!
staceyrebecca said 11 years ago
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.
1ofmykind said 11 years ago
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!
weirdwolf said 11 years ago
btw TeenAngster curated these fantastic related items. She's got the magic touch!
unconventionalida said 11 years ago
The video is absolutely terrific!
EpicBones said 11 years ago
gorgeous!!! my aunt makes dolls, i'll definitely have to show her that video. great work!
olivehuedesigns said 11 years ago
blackeyedsuzie is one of my very most favoritest sellers! One day I hope to have her make a doll all for my very own.
yalipaz said 11 years ago
That was so great to see how she makes her wonderful dolls. Thank you so much!
christinececelia said 11 years ago
I love these~!!!!
zwzzy said 11 years ago
creeeeepy dolls, I love it!
GreighdayVintage said 11 years ago
These dolls are amazing, I adore them!
deirdradoan said 11 years ago
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!!!
LeLapinTriste said 11 years ago
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!
MakeMeOver said 11 years ago
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!!!
sweetruin said 11 years ago
Very talented artist. I love the little stories that she write for each doll. Beautiful!
pumpkinhaus said 11 years ago
Sarah! I loved seeing you in your video! Your work is lovely darling.... and so are you!
silocurb said 11 years ago
thankyou for this inspiring interview. thankyou wolf and angster and beautiful blackeyedbeauty. truly.
AmelieAPoulain said 11 years ago
This was/is magical. Thank you so much...
blackeyedsuzie said 11 years ago
Thanks so much, everyone! Your comments are so lovely to read!
neawear said 11 years ago
Oh you're gonna bring an Etsy crowd to Montreal now!! hehe ;) YAY! Your work is fabulous, inspiring and intriguing! Keep it up :)
Inchelina said 11 years ago
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...
Isabelcards said 11 years ago
I was just noticing these dolls earlier this week...they really caught my attention.
LaireMarie said 11 years ago
Wow, what talent!
Fishstikks said 11 years ago
Wonderful segment on a great artist! Thoroughly enjoyed that! You have some wonderful creations and I like that they tell you who they are.
NejellaPhotoArt said 11 years ago
These dolls speak to you. You are amazing.
artdollsonly said 11 years ago
what a great post!
artTherapy said 11 years ago
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.
shewhomustbeloved said 11 years ago
I can totally imagine these dolls being in their own animated tv show!
Signs said 11 years ago
nice :D
Suzeeez said 11 years ago
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
Iammie said 11 years ago
nice stuffs
1AEON said 11 years ago
neat!!
PipocaHandmade said 11 years ago
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!
TheLaLaLaShop said 11 years ago
Wow... AMAZING!! :)
edessedesigns said 11 years ago
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.
MGMart said 11 years ago
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
LANCERIKA said 11 years ago
What an inspiration!fantastic*~*
lwsilver said 11 years ago
I love these dolls, what an inspiring story. Lisa x
myzoetrope said 11 years ago
I love these videos. It's so fun to glimpse into the "making of" process of her dolls!
coffeemonkey said 11 years ago
WOW!
feralchildren said 11 years ago
What wonderful work! Hmmm... I was going to do persephone with a pomegranate too... not sure I can now :P
zJayne said 11 years ago
So much talent! A pleasure to learn more about this artist and shop!
tanyap said 11 years ago
This was sooo cool. I love seeing how other people create and work...what a cool block to live on!
plantelady said 11 years ago
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.
sunflowervalley said 11 years ago
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
SusannaMarie said 11 years ago
These are just lovely. Keep us the wonderful work! It's inspiring really. Thanks, Susanna
ohsusannasjewelry said 11 years ago
amazing work
dizzymarmalade said 11 years ago
Love this!
DuBuhDuDesigns said 11 years ago
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? :)
ambitionsdesign said 11 years ago
Sarah! I just got your newsletter and cannot believe I missed this! I have been living in a cave I swear! Congrat's!! Dani~
matchiematchie said 11 years ago
What an inspiration. It is truly amazing the work that you put into the dolls.
TheFeltElf said 11 years ago
I loved this video, your openess and your beautiful home. Inspiring work, aaaaaaah now I want to make dolls
Walkingquail said 11 years ago
What a super film about a very interesting artform. Sarah, you are fully as interesting as your creations. Thank you for sharing your story.
chubbycheeksweaters said 11 years ago
Breath-taking work. True artistry.
dDryad said 11 years ago
adorable!! great..
maggiemaescolours said 11 years ago
I am amazed at the process that goes into making these dolls. You are a true artist. Thank you for sharing.
figure22 said 11 years ago
LOVE your work!
mizdarlin said 11 years ago
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!♥
chialudesign said 11 years ago
I like the characters that you put in your dalls. Very good creayivity.
steampunkjunq said 11 years ago
These are wonderful. I love them! :)
TieBeau said 11 years ago
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.
DappleGrey said 11 years ago
these are so beautiful, i have to have one i just cant choose, really beautiful.
dollproject said 11 years ago
Great video! I loved the insightful glimpse into your design origins and process :]. Thank you for sharing!
DawnAliceDesigns said 11 years ago
Love seeing you create your dolls! Wonderful video.
LondonParticulars said 11 years ago
Amazing! Thank you for making a video, your dolls are incredible, I love your Poe!
ODDandWHIMSY said 11 years ago
Wow! thanks for sharing. I'm a big fan of of Sarah's work.
weepeeple said 10 years ago
Love the video! Thanks for sharing.
humblebea said 10 years ago
Sarah, I have always adored your dolls~ they have so much personality! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us!
violettecandy said 10 years ago
Lovely dolls. Very artistic and cool.
artfoodlodging said 10 years ago
It's always nice to hear the story behind the art and the artist...and i totally understand the dolls telling you their story!
winding said 10 years ago
Beautiful! I'm a big fan of your wonderful dolls. Thanks so much for this stunning video.
PatraPlace said 10 years ago
Really artistic and unique!! The dolls have emotional inside.
Caracarmina said 9 years ago
<3 your work ..... :D
thenakedbird said 9 years ago
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!
LauraGourmel said 9 years ago
beautiful dolls!
Refindlings said 9 years ago
Wonderful collection and those art dolls are amazing!
volkerwandering said 9 years ago
So unique! Great job!
sherrytruitt said 9 years ago
Enchanting, thanks. It was one of those videos where you say, "oh, it's over" So well done.
myvintagecrush said 9 years ago
Wow.. beautiful :)
humblebea said 9 years ago
I love your dolls (-:
jbeaudet said 9 years ago
Your art dolls are amazing!
cactusscraps said 9 years ago
Very cool and I have to say I also like her taste in lunchboxes :)
needlenerd said 9 years ago
amazing. thanks for sharing!
hankietankie said 9 years ago
Love your unique style & point of view, amazingly talented! xo
PattiTrostle said 9 years ago
Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
CabinCastle said 9 years ago
Stunning work!
itselemental said 9 years ago
One of my favorite portraits... and I loooove Montreal!!!
HeatherLucille said 9 years ago
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.
FeltNatural said 9 years ago
I think your work is fantastic!!! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the feature.
raspberryhead said 9 years ago
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,,,,,
WildOrKidz said 9 years ago
These are so amazing! Thanks for being here and sharing your work.
Iammie said 9 years ago
Very unique!
KMalinka said 9 years ago
Great story!
elleestpetite said 9 years ago
These dolls are amazing. I love how they have a claymation look to them.
thedaydreamer said 9 years ago
Quirky dolls! Interesting feature.
LoriMarie said 9 years ago
Your So Talented!!... Loved the video! Thanks for sharing!
sianykitty said 9 years ago
amazing work! I imagine things while looking at her creation.. great artist!
AlisaDesign said 9 years ago
Wow!
raniprimmer said 9 years ago
Love this work!
PolClary said 9 years ago
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.
gufobardo said 9 years ago
wow dolls! I love this post!
GufoLab said 9 years ago
dollmaking is my paradise thank you so much!
PrincesaAnastasia said 9 years ago
terrible, like in scary Victorian stories or like horrors which scary everyone. It is like a source for serial murders!!!!!!!!
PoetryofObjects said 9 years ago
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.
holli said 9 years ago
Great interview and great doll maker, love your dolls!
peshka said 9 years ago
Wow! So pretty!
sweetsarahcardsandtr said 9 years ago
wonderfully weird! love it!
beliz82 said 9 years ago
Great video and work Congrats !!
LoveButtons said 9 years ago
Such a talented artist. I love the figures' doleful expressions and lively back stories :)
jmayoriginals said 9 years ago
awesome! (but why are some of the comments from 2 years ago?)
jmayoriginals said 9 years ago
oh nevermind, just saw that you're resurfacing an old favorite. :)
NicoleNicoletta2 said 9 years ago
very nice work!
LiddoKiddo said 8 years ago
Im in love with those dolls!!! Congrats!!
girliepains said 8 years ago
Woah!
Ebrown2503 said 8 years ago
You are such an amazing force. I'm so glad Etsy has focused all of us on your talent. Keep creating.-eleanore
cougarvintage said 8 years ago
What a talent, and a beautiful history! They are so exotic... love to have it!
pinkboxstudio said 8 years ago
We love her!!
PyxusPassionProject said 8 years ago
So glad you decided to resurface this one!! Wonderful.
sinthea9 said 8 years ago
Lovely video...
Dedalos said 8 years ago
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!
annettemaze said 8 years ago
Really nice! Loved seeing the process and the dolls are amazing.
Caracarmina said 8 years ago
Love to put a face on the name! and the dolls are gorgeous!!!!!!! nice video Sarah! loved it! :D
Enterprise Americana from EnterpriseAmericana said 8 years ago
Fantastic.
Sandi from Sandidesignsart said 313 days ago
The dolls are simply fabulous!!! Beautiful faces, clothes, love their hands. Your art form is mesmerizing!! Sandi