Welcome to the Itinerant Bizarrium, a world in which you will discover a host of eccentric characters. Each is individually crafted by yours truly, a theatrical costume designer who tired of always dressing other people's creations and decided to fashion her own.

A little about myself, then: My name is Penelope & I live in an old farmhouse on the edge of the Mendip Hills in Somerset along with my three sons and a rather plump calico cat by the name of Miss Fifi, who often features in my Instagram pictures. From my workroom window I look onto a field gently sloping up to Hanging Wood, whence buzzards, pheasants, badgers and deer occasionally venture.

After gaining a masters degree in Theatre Design from SMU, Dallas, I have spent many years as a costume designer with theatre companies from London to Los Angeles, Southampton to Singapore, Bristol and Bath to Dallas and Denver. And while I am still designing for the stage, I am falling more and more in love with the process of creating these little folk of the Bizarrium. I hope some of that love shines through and can spread some happiness out in the big wide world.

Each doll is made from cotton, cut to my original pattern, stitched & stuffed as any ragdoll would be. Then follow several coats of paint - gesso, acrylics & an oil glaze - plus details added in pencil & pastel before a final coat of sealant. All this leaves the doll feeling rather as if made of leather rather than cloth: firm yet still slightly flexible. When hair is used, it is invariably crewel or tapestry wool first machine-stitched onto tape before handstitching to the scalp. This is where the only glue in the entire process comes in, being used to hold the hair across the head. Otherwise, all clothing and accessories are stitched in position, having been created from vintage fabric and findings wherever possible. Brownie points for recycling, & old supplies invariably look & feel better too. Hurrah!

For more information,pictures, & dolls please visit us at http://www.itinerantbizarrium.com/content/welcome-itinerant-bizarrium-0