Hidden Beauty of Handmade Dolls of the Russian Kind

Dolls symbolize the beautiful artworks which are designed in a unique way to provide an appealing aspect. There are several types of dolls available in the market nowadays that are very attractive and fascinating. Dolls are manufactured in two ways namely handmade dolls and machine made dolls. Most of the machine-made dolls have the same design with slight modifications, but the handmade ones are unique. Moreover, traditional method is followed in the manufacturing handmade dolls which provides additional vigor to the handmade dolls. Machine made ones are expensive and would not last longer. The beauty of them mainly relies on the style of painting because the art of coloring brings out the hidden beauty of the dolls. Painting in the machine made ones would fade within a short span of time. If the painting fades, then the beauty of it would not be revealed. So, handmade dolls would be a better choice because it worth's more than the money you invest in buying it.

A few important benefits of handmade dolls are listed below:


Unique
Long lasting
Less expensive
Collectible

Nowadays, we can find different types of handmade dolls in the markets, which are unique, stylish and attractive. They portray the culture of a community. Nesting dolls are one of the popular handmade dolls, in which traditional methods are used for its production. Usually one block of wood is used for the construction of these and the type of wood varies according to different artists and manufacturing requirements. However, there are some common types of wood such as balsa, birch or aspen are used. During the production of nesting dolls, at first the smallest doll is crafted and then the others are created according to the shape of the smallest doll. Most often, the smallest doll is represented as a baby, while the outermost doll is represented as a woman. The beautiful artworks are done by experienced artists. After painting, protective coating is provided to retain the color of the paintings for a longer period.

Russian nesting dolls which are also known as Matryoshka dolls are traditionally manufactured in sets. A set consists of five dolls, but now several dozens are manufactured as well. There is an increasing demand for them in today's market because of its unique design and style. These are not just a decorative product, but can also be used as a gift. Due to the never ending demand for these dolls, most artist design dolls that depict famous personalities. Russian dolls most often use common themes such as peasant girls in traditional dress, animal collections and flowers. In the recent times, artists have duly incorporated newer ideas into the designs of these immaculate-looking handmade dolls which say a million messages in its creative portrayal. So, get ready to explore the hidden beauty of the handmade dolls.

Russian nesting dolls portray the Russian culture in a beautiful way. The author is an expert and has written several articles on handmade dolls and nesting dolls in the past.

Different Types of Russian Nesting Dolls to Collect

If you have decided that would like to start collecting Russian Nesting Dolls, keep in mind there are several different types, and several different price ranges that are available. Have fun while you are looking at all of the selections that are available and remember this collection is for you. You decide on what looks unique to you and then have fun with all the ways you can display your new collection of collectible Russian Dolls.

Collectible Russian Folk Art & Russian Tales Nesting Dolls

These types of dolls are the more traditional dolls. These are what everyone thinks of when they think of Russian nesting dolls. These are hand painted in Russia, and are very colorful and have very elaborate detail. Some have white paint and gold foil embellishments creating a stunning contrast against the dark-stained background of the wood burned doll. Some have a Russian Tale associated with them, and carry the name perhaps of the "Littlest Matryoshka Doll", "Semenov Doll", or may simply be called an "Art Doll".

Collectible Animal Lovers Russian Dolls

These animal dolls make perfect gifts for all of the animal lovers. Not only can you find their favorite animal they collect, but you can give it in the form of a nesting doll. These dolls are usually fairly affordable, and vary in size and number. Some of these dolls can come in very small sizes so would not be suitable for small children. These small dolls are not toys, but rather a gift to give or display. You can find horse, dolphin, panda, and a new version of the Golden Retriever nesting doll.

Educational and Occupational Dolls

These are always fun to collect or give as gifts. If you know of someone who is a teacher, Doctor, Nurse, Veterinarian, or any other occupation, you might just be in luck finding a doll for them. Some of the educational dolls consist of nesting cars, Space Shuttle, Civil War Generals, Russian presidents, and even the latest American presidents.

Religious Dolls

Some of the most famous cities and cathedrals in Russia have been transformed into the most beautiful scenes on these types of Nesting Dolls. You can find many different types of Monastery Dolls, Saints, Apostles, and Angels on these elaborate works of art. Noah's Ark makes a perfect backdrop on a nesting doll that can re-tell the story when each doll is opened to reveal even more animals from the ark. There are also Nativity Scenes, Mangers scenes, and a set of the Holy Family

Christmas and Holiday Dolls

These dolls are some of the best sellers. You just can't resist all of the different types of Santa's, International Christmas, Father Frost, Christmas Carol, Snowmen, Nutcracker, Nativity Scene, and Christmas Eve Nesting Dolls. You can now even find the "Charlie Brown Christmas" Nesting Doll. There is sure to be something here for everyone on your list. Another holiday you can find when looking for Nesting dolls, is Halloween. You can find Halloween Cats, and even the "Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" Set of Nesting Dolls.

If you are just beginning your collection or have been collecting for years, the artists in Russia continue the tradition of hand painting these works of art so that you can always find something that is unique and beautiful that will fit perfectly into your collection.

Sherry Cox is an experienced doll collector with expert knowledge on many doll artists and several different lines of collectible dolls. As an avid collector herself, she writes a monthly syndicated column answering many of your questions on doll collecting, determining the value of your dolls, new doll releases, new doll artists, and many other topics that collectors have.

To View An Extensive Collection of Collectible Dolls visit: MyCornerCafeStudio.com.

To keep current with new and exciting things happening in her store, visit the blog at: Blog.MyCornerCafeStudio.com.

Making Russian Dolls

Many people often ask me how Russian matryoshka dolls are made. With their fascinating artwork and construction the dolls have intrigued many of my customers. So, I thought it was time to share how the matryoshka are produced. And, you may be surprised at just how much work goes into each set!

The first preparations actually start years before the dolls are to be made. The tree from which the dolls are produced (usually lime, birch, aspen or larch) needs to be straight, without any knots and cut down in early autumn or winter, so it holds as little sap as possible. The trunk is then stored to allow it to dry which usually takes 2-3 years. During this drying the Russian dolls are carved to ensure that, once dry, the top and bottom half of each doll fit together perfectly.

When the drying process has been completed the Russian dolls are ready to be grained and primed. After this, all the fun creative things can happen! The artist will first draw with pencil the eyes, face and clothing on each doll. When the drawing has been completed the artist will check their work to ensure it meets their quality standards. If not, the doll is then redrawn until the artist is satisfied. After the drawings are finished the artist will then use acrylic paint to complete the doll and give it its individual character. Occasionally, a pattern is burned into the doll before it is painted.

An artist at work painting her dolls A lacquer is then applied to each Russian doll to protect it from discolouration. This ensures that the doll will age well and the quality will not deteriorate over time. The lacquer also protects the dolls from dust and gives them a fine sheen.

When buying a Russian doll the quality of its craftsmanship should be examined. Each doll should fit into one another easily and each half of the doll should require a little force to separate them. If the dolls do this then they have been well made.

There are thousands of different Russian dolls available around the world. Each with its own unique artist, character and feel.

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Why Russian Nesting Dolls Make Such Popular Gifts All Year Round

Russian nesting dolls are also known as Matryoshka dolls or Babushka Dolls. The name Matryoshka is a diminutive form of a popular Russian female name "Matryona" and "Babushka" is the Russian for grandmother. These dolls are brightly hand painted wooden dolls made in such a way that they can be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another.

The first set of Matryoshka dolls was produced in Russia in 1890, in a colorful Russian market town called Serviev Posad about 50 miles from Moscow, inspired by a set of souvenir dolls from Japan. In 1900, the dolls were presented at the World Exhibition in Paris earning a bronze medal and within no time their popularity spread, and craftsmen all over Russia began creating these dolls. Soon many other places in Russia started making nesting dolls of various styles. There are usually between five to thirty or more figures in a set, but there can be many more. A set of 72 nesting dolls, the largest being one meter high was created to celebrate the birthday of Lenin in 1970.

The traditional theme is peasant girls in traditional dress, but they can be found on almost any theme these days - you are just as likely to find nesting dolls devoted to Russian political leaders as you are to find them on animals, sports, fairy tales, cartoon and film themes or even the Beatles. Basically if you can think of a design you are most likely to find it with some on-line stores having over 1000 different styles in stock.

Nesting dolls are so popular that artists outside Russia have now started to produce their own versions. Popular Israeli artist, Yair Emanuel, produces one with exquisite Jerusalem panoramas, and another that is decorated with wedding and floral scenes inspired by the paintings of Mark Chagall.

Nesting dolls make such a good gift since there are so many different themes that you are bound to find one to suit the interests of the person receiving it. Traditionally nesting dolls were given as gifts to wish prosperity and happiness to loved ones. They make marvelous housewarming gifts, children's birthday gifts, Christmas, Mother's Day and New Baby Gifts and are also great as Collectibles. Both beautiful and entertaining a set of Nesting Dolls will become a talking point in any home or office, and will be a treasured gift for years to come.

Janice Kaye is the operator of http://www.holyroses.co, an online shop that specializes in Christian gifts and souvenirs made in the Holy Land. holyroses.com welcomes both retail and wholesale customers.