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Swiss doll artist Angela Sutter has been making dolls for over 20 years. Her earliest influences in doll making were European artists, such as Sasha Morgenthaler and Lenci Dolls.

"My biggest inspiration were my three children, but also the expressions of children in third world countries," she explains. In fact, it was her children who instigated her dollmaking and made her take a workshop in marionette design. Unimpressed with the results, and convinced she could do better, she went on to study dollmaking on her own. In 1989 she took the big step — presenting her work to the public. 

That year, she was invited to an exhibition at a gallery in Basel, Switzerland. She was invited back every year after that. From there her passion took off. Since 1990, she has earned numerous gold and silver medals at the annual Eurodoll convention.

She opened her studio in Switzerland in 1998. Angela has also collaborated with the Italian company Migliorati to create vinyl limited edition designs. Although her presence in the United States has been small so far, she has a strong following in the U.K., Italy and throughout central Europe, and continues to gain international attention.

Angela Sutter crafts her dolls in Formo (an air-drying clay) or porcelain and carefully details their cultural characteristics from facial structures to their accessories, such as baskets, pots and jewelry. Wigs are human hair or mohair, and the tricot bodies, allow for maximum posability. She researches costumes and adorns her dolls in brightly colored but well-worn dresses, robes, serapes and kerchiefs. The doll's hair, though carefully styled, is often slightly mussed as a child's might be.

A doll of Angela Sutter begins with an idea that bounces around for some time, inspired by all kinds of objects and images. "When I actually start in the studio, and dive into the different materials, tools and fabrics, I feel completely in my element, and forget the world around me. When I finally can present my completed work and see how much joy I can offer with my dolls, it's a great reward." She has never been interested in the typical doll — with nice silk clothes, bows and so on. What interests her are ethnic children, especially children living in the street. 

"With my dolls, I hope to contribute a little bit to the way one thinks about the hard fate of children.... The children living in the streets often have a certain melancholy in their eyes because they don't have the same ... opportunities that most other European children do, and still they are children: they play, they are satisfied." 

Angela Sutter's dolls evoke the stoic charm and innocent lustre of children who find moments of peace and joy within even the toughest of situations, and explore the cultural heritage that makes every life worth living. I am honored to share her dolls with you.

Meet SUSAN!!!  (And, no, much as I would be very honored, she's not me as a little girl!) "Mr. Bear, would you like one lump or two?" "I'm going to take Mr. Bear for a ride!" Beautifully smocked and embroidered batiste lace-trimmed angel-wing pinafore and pink dress (both by Boneka) will come with Susan and Mr. Bear. The stroller and blanket stay here! Susan is all set for a tea party! Extra dress (made by Boneka) in soft pink rose cotton will come with Susan Oh, what a pretty girl!!! I am such a very good little girl!! What a little charmer! Susan is a thoughtful little girl.... "Mr. Bear is my very best friend. He goes EVERYWHERE with me!" (indeed, he does...he's a light minty-green color and, of course, he comes with Susan!) "May I come live with you?" "I love you, Mr. Bear!" "We're getting our picture taken!" NEW Susan is a one-of-a-kind vinyl/cloth doll by esteemed Swiss doll artist, Angela Sutter. While many prefer an all-vinyl body, there is no question that this style body gives a doll far greater possibilities for posing in a wide variety of positions, with assorted accessories. Susan has bright red hair (mohair) fashioned into braids, with just enough mussed hair to make her look like a real little girl who's been playing most of the day! She is 27" tall, has high quality German glass hazel eyes, and a generous sprinkle of freckles over her nose. She comes dressed in a multi-piece outfit and stands easily without assistance. Her minty green bear will come with her. I am also including a beautiful two-piece outfit by Boneka, a pink dress and white smocked and embroidered pinafore.! Susan's price is $1,800.00, including insured shipping. Generous layaway options are available! SALE PENDING