My name is Sara and I live in a cottage in a tiny village in Norfolk. I’m originally from East London and still feels it a bit alien here, although, sadly, I don’t think I could manage the bustle of the city anymore. I started making dolls over twenty years ago, although I have always loved making things. My earliest making memory is sitting with my Mum in our caravan learning to knit, while the rain hammered down on the roof. My Mum loved to knit but hated sewing, so it is odd that I like it so much.

 I use antique and vintage cloth where I can. Like many textile artists, I enjoy the imperfections of old cloth and the added depth it gives a piece.  My love of the beauty of imperfection seems to be getting stronger as I get older – which is handy.

My Dad was a market trader in the East End, and I like to display my work in old market crates and trays. Wooden trays that once held piles of lettuce and cucumbers are now lined with enchanted little characters. I’d like to think my Dad would’ve approved.

I colour the cloth I use with natural dyes. The dolls are often weighted – and they have a backbone. They are usually stuffed with wool and are sewn with silk and metallic threads.

The story of Wilhelmina and her beautiful house, Wildwood, came to me many years ago and sits behind everything I make.