Some stories Doll-making workshop testimonials Healing Circle Doll testimonials Celebration Doll testimonials

Here are some real life stories about how doll-making has been heartwarming and healing: After learning that a friend who lives several states away was diagnosed with breast cancer, Pam felt helpless and worried. Robin had an unsettling miscommunication with her sister, and felt terrible about the silence between them. A 13 year old boy was unhappy about being "stuck" in the hospital with too much time on his hands, and a preteen girl felt listless and bored while her take-charge family and the caring medical staff attended to her physical wellbeing during a hospital stay. Sue wanted to honor a dear friend with a very special gift at a time of great transition in her life. A group of women watched helplessly as a dear friend suffered through depression after enduring many losses in her life.      Here's what happened: Pam brought her friends together to inspire a Healing Circle Doll. The friend with breast cancer was overwhelmed--she had no idea how much she was loved and how deeply she had impacted so many people. Robin made a doll for her sister in a workshop, and when she presented it they cried and hugged and realized how their love for each other transcended any disappointment. The teenage hospital patients created dolls as gifts for people that they loved, and felt the healing and transforming power of "giving back" to the people who had been giving so much to them. Sue commissioned Original Presents to create a breathtaking doll that represented her friend's essential being, and gave her the once-in-a-lifetime experience of being seen for her true and natural beauty. The large circle of women who wanted to help their heartsick friend had a Healing Circle Doll created for her. One month later, the dear friend died unexpectedly, and her friends felt grateful that they had expressed their love for her in such a special way. Return to top of page

From doll-making workshop participants: "I had a wonderful experience making my doll. And the person to whom I gave the doll was moved to tears that I thought of her in the particular way that was expressed by the doll. It was a heart-warming experience for us both." "I found the workshop inspiring in ways I did not expect. I have absolutely no craft or artistic ability, and I was able to express myself in a beautiful way - I found a part of myself I didn't know was there. Also, the experience of thinking of someone I care about in creating the doll was especially moving. I want to thank you personally for a wonderful experience." "Your class was fantastic! The creative and spiritual 'awakening time' worked very well, and you were extremely supportive of all who attended, each with their different personalities." "The dolls are absolutely fabulous! What a special thing you've started." "That was a fantastic afternoon...The dolls create themselves, and it becomes an almost spiritual experience...takes you to that higher level of yourself...It was SO much fun!...Those creations are beautiful!" "My friend and I met for lunch, and I first had her read the book. I wrote all about my day making the doll - the good feelings, the meditation, etc. Then she opened the doll...She felt so special that I chose to make her a doll and she LOVED her doll! Thank you for such a great day!" "The entire experience was so wonderful from start to finish. I loved the way you made it safe for us to be uncertain about stuff. Some people didn't know WHO to make the dolls for at first, some people are not confident with their artistic abilities, yet you showed tremendous sensitivity towards each of us - truly one of your special gifts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" "What I enjoyed most in the class was just watching these little body forms be created into such 'spirits.' You make the class so much fun and are so patient. And I can't believe how much 'stuff' you have. To watch all these items turn into something full of meaning is amazing." "Thank you. The retreat was truly a fulfilling, heartfelt experience for us all. You have a wonderful gift - a creative spirit and loving heart, and we thank you for sharing that with us. We hope you can join us for many more creative adventures!" "My doll was a great success. My friend and I resolved some differences because of it. What a healing experience." "The workshop was relaxing, spiritual in a fun way, and a reminder of how often we overlook what binds people together." "Thank you for leading us in such a wonderful way. At the end of our day, we shared our thoughts and feelings about the retreat. Each participant was grateful for the safety, fun and sacredness you brought to the whole experience." "What I enjoyed the most was having the time and materials to be creative. I was glad there were other people participating, but I found my favorite time was when I felt I was the only one there, totally engrossed in what I was doing. Suddenly I looked up and found that the day had passed - it was great." Return to top of page

Testimonials from Healing Circle doll participants: "It is a moment I will never forget [receiving the doll], and I am eager to share it with everyone. It brings tears to people's eyes and voice when I show them and tell them about it." "'What a memorable event, and how moving was your presentation to [the Healing Circle Doll recipient] of the beautiful doll and book. You are truly blessed with such a gift of creativity. And the Spirit clearly lives in and moves through you. Thank you." "That people would take the time to do this and to think this through to support me and care for me was humbling. I know their schedules--I know the demands on them and none of them has a spare second." "I had no idea that I had made such a difference in their lives and their hearts. I knew that people cared, but not to the extent that they were willing to share." "You are truly blessed with such a gift of creativity. And the Spirit clearly lives in and moves through you. Thank you." "The doll continues every day to remind me of the love and support from these people, and when I am rattling around the house alone she reminds me that I am never alone--never." "Thank you for the chance to express my love and gratitude for this wonderful person and gift in my life." "The doll is absolutely wonderful...You really outdid yourself! I talked to [the Healing Circle doll recipient] and she was thrilled and described the doll with so much love and admiration for what you had created." I had a visceral reaction--like the doll was holding me and lifting me up and the people who gave their time and a piece of their heart to share with you was working through the doll." "I really appreciate your 'process' and depth of love and spirit and trust in the things beyond you." "Tears rolled freely down my face as [dear friend] read the book to me and I had to reread it many times to fully GET what everyone had said." "Her family's favorite part of the doll thing was the book. She said they read it all the time." "It stopped the fear dead in its tracks." "My head and heart are filled with what the doll has meant to me." "She continues to keep me reminded of the love that keeps me going even on chemo days!!!!" "I will never be able to thank you enough for all the love you put into that incredible doll/book! It all brought tears to my eyes... It was all done with so much love and thought. What a great gift you have. Many thanks." Return to top of page

Testimonials from Celebration doll givers and receivers: "This is the best gift I have received in my entire life." "There is absolutely no price that you could put on that doll ~ she is worth a million dollars. It just touched my heart. We just could not look at the doll enough!" "The doll you made for [my friend] was incredibly beautiful. It is hard to express all the feelings we had reading your verse and examining the tiny details so lovingly added." "Words cannot express how much I love my 'spirit' doll. This gift was truly inspired, and I will treasure it forever. Your words in my little book are equally precious to me. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for this personal treasure!" "I could never have dreamed the doll would turn out like this. She is a spectacular visual delight!! You must have so much beauty inside that heart of yours to be pouring out dolls like this!" "I want you to know how special your doll was received. When [our friend] pulled the doll out of the bag, she immediately hugged her. Then I began to read your incredible story. Everyone cried - it couldn't have been more special. I can't thank you enough." "I am proud to be a recipient of some of your early work ~ you clearly have a gift for this." "You did an awesome job. My wife loves it!" "I've been walking around in a daze since I got my doll. I'm not used to being on the receiving end of love this intensely." "I still can't quite take it all in, but I read the book a little bit every day. It is the single most affirming thing I have ever experienced." "The dolls [for a croning ceremony] were a fantastic hit! Every one of them just hit the mark perfectly! I can't thank you enough!" "Your creation just fits me to a 'T.' Besides my engagement ring, this is the best thing I've ever received from my husband, and I will treasure it always." "I am the fortunate recipient of the doll given to me by my wonderful and longtime friend for my 50th birthday. It was the most unique gift I received, and most touching. Everything about it represents parts of my life, and the thought my friend put into this special gift will be cherished. The little poem brought tears to my eyes." "I am overwhelmed with emotion when I think about my doll. When I saw her, my heart enlarged and the tears ran freely. I can think of no one who has ever looked into my soul with such perception." "I am loving my doll, and so are my family and friends. You have such a special gift." "'Wow' is all I can say about the doll. Every time I look at her, I am in awe. You have such a gift." "I am so blessed by your deep insight - truly a gift from God." "The doll is quite extraordinary. The beautiful book you created to accompany the doll was an unexpected treasure!" "These wonderful dolls are a unique and thoughtful reminder that you are loved." "I wonder if you realize how much these dolls change things. I look at it, and I look at the world differently." Return to top of page

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