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.

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.’