I have been creating porcelain dolls for over 19 years. What started out as a love for miniature dolls soon turned  into a fulltime passion.  When I started making dolls there wasn't a lot of  information available.  Larger dolls were very popular,  but when it came to making miniatures, I was on my own.  Through many trials, errors, and tears, I slowly  came up with many techniques  that have proven to be perfect for miniature dolls.
	I was pregnant with my son  (now 18 years old), when  I decided to do  my first show. I wasn't sure  what to expect,  but my first show was a huge success. Suddenly I was a new mother, and a very busy  doll artist!           I sculpted my first original  doll about 16 years ago, and she looked very much like an alien.  I still keep her in  my display case as a humble  reminder of my beginnings.  It is a reminder to myself that  there were times when I thought  I would just give up,  and never sculpt.
16 years ago I applied for  my Artisan Status  with the International Guild of Miniature Artisans. (I.G.M.A.)  I was delighted when  I was awarded this honor.	Gina presenting Elizabeth Taylor with a miniature figure of    Ms. Taylor at an AIDS benefit  at the Museum of Miniatures,  while curator Carole Kaye looks on.
The following year I was  pleased to sculpt,  & release my first miniature doll molds for the commercial market. These molds, as well as  my newer releases  have quickly become known  as some of the best quality  molds on the market.           I have to thank my wonderful mold maker Ralph Ramirez   for all of his hard work and  dedication in the production  of all of my molds! Thanks Ralph!           I credit my talent to God.  It is a lovely gift that I am  truly grateful for. I find sculpting  the figures to be the most  enjoyable aspect of creating  my dolls, and can get  lost in the sculpting process  for hours on end.	Elizabeth Taylor Miniature Figure  presented to Ms. Taylor  at an AIDS benefit Dressed in her yellow wedding gown  designed by Valentino for her  marriage to Larry Fortensky
My Mom & Dad	I also wanted to thank my  mother & father for all of  their love and support throughout  my life.  My mom is one of  my closest friends!   We are a very close family.   My father was instrumental in encouraging me to make         my own molds.            Sadly, we lost him to  Lung Cancer on Dec. 5, 2002.   He was a dear  sweet man and my mentor.
You see, I come from a family of  plastering contractors. I have three  brothers who all became  plasterers, but being the only girl, this proved to be one occupation  I would not pursue.  But, being around plaster,  was helpful. I make my own test molds of my sculptures,  but leave the commercial  mold making to the pros.           I am still working on my  book, which will help aspiring  new doll artists to take  the plunge, and create beautiful  dolls on their own, by sharing  many of those tips,  hints, and tricks.  In the  meantime, you can visit my Tutorials page to learn some great techniques!
It is very rewarding to see so many talented doll artists now  using my molds to create their beautiful dolls.  It always amazes me to see how unique each doll  turns out, and how much creativity, and style each artist  puts in their work.  I have met so many wonderful people  through my business. Miniaturists have huge hearts!  It has been fun working with so many of the great  collectors and artists in our hobby. Gina Bellous 8006 Chase Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90045 (310) 645-8288 © Gina C. Bellous 2000 - 2008

 
Video Professor