The Healing Doll Way: A Guided Process Creating Art Dolls for Self-discovery, Awareness, and Transformation

by Barb Kobe

In The Healing Doll Way, Barb Kobe shares stories and images from her transformative experience becoming a healing doll artist, as well as those of many of her students and peers. The book also guides you through the process of making healing dolls for yourself. The act of making a doll can take you through a process of imagination, recovery, and growth. You do not need to be an expert at dollmaking-or artmaking, for that matter-to experience the power of this kind of work. This dollmaking process invites and encourages you to explore a range of perceptions and emotions, and in doing so, reach a deeper level of understanding and acceptance of yourself.

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2018

Reviews

[SueK · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often I would use the word “exquisite” for a book some might consider a how-to book. The Healing Doll Way is so much more. The idea of dollmaking first came to me during a difficult transition time in my life. I fumbled about for several years, trying to figure out how to make a significant doll, not a child’s toy. The process outlined by Kobe takes you beyond significant, and into the realm of healing and growth.

Everything about the book is delightful. When it first arrived, the scent of the paper and ink - a book lover’ s dream - was perfect. The feel of the cover and pages kept me running my hands over the book. The photos, the process, the gentle and accepting voice of Barb Kobe, threads its way throughout.

I have been fortunate to take classes with Barb, and I have first-hand experience with the power of this kind of healing work. This book is more than how-to, more than self-help, and very inspiring. Though I marked a finished date of last month, I don’t think I’ll ever really finish exploring this book.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extraordinary. A book that I will come back to over and over. Beautifully photographed, presented and organized. Heartfelt and honest. This book is an entry point to doll making to those who may have never done so but also a very useful resource for those who have made dolls for years.

[Racheal Stuth Reichel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal