A black-beaded rosary with a silver crucifix, laid out in the shape of a heart

The hands behind them

A solo devotion

I am Marie, a solo artist working from a small studio where each Ethereal Doll is made from start to finish. Nothing here is mass produced. Each doll is one of one.

This practice grew from a deep admiration for Blythe and an abiding love for the whimsical and poetic: wings, swords, lace, rosaries, and beautiful eyes that feel alive with thought. I carve, paint, and costume each doll myself, then she leaves me in a wooden coffin box — simple, beautiful, gothic, and entirely personal. All made with much love and attention to every possible detail.

The Rite

How a doll is made

A doll head opened up, the face plate carved and separated from the scalp

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The first cut

Carve and sand

Every doll begins by removing the factory face. The new one is cut slowly and carefully by hand, then she is sanded repeatedly until every surface is smooth to the touch.

A hand holding a freshly painted doll face with brows and lashes set

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Many thin layers

Paint and seal

Makeup, beauty marks, tattoos and body blush are sealed in many thin layers so the finish is durable and the artwork is fully protected.

Doll parts laid out: body, painted face plate, eye mechanism, rosary pullstring and wig

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She takes shape

Assemble

Her eyes are set, her face is attached, her body is assembled, and the rosary pullstrings are carefully threaded into place. Each piece coming together to reveal her final form.

A dressed doll in lace and long socks seated on a wooden coffin box

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Laid to rest

Dress

Her basic outfit and lace socks are put on, and her hair is styled to complete her look.

A black coffin box tied with a satin ribbon and an Ethereal Dolls card

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Into the world

Pack and send

She is placed inside her wooden coffin box, accompanied by her sword and wings, each piece secured with care. The lid is closed, and she is sent out into the world, ready for her forever home.

Commission a doll

The books are closed for now.

Commissions closed

Commissions are closed for now. The books open again in small batches, so follow along on Instagram to hear the moment they do.

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