Australian artist Liz Frost of Wizworx has returned to dollmaking with a new tiny Koala named Dinky Di. The first pre-order in tan or white resin will open on February 21st and will run for a month.
~~~~~
Q: Just before I saw your new doll, I read the news that koalas are now listed as an endangered species.
A: Yes, thankfully, the Koala is now officially listed as endangered in the Australian states where they are most prolific. This is long overdue. Scientists have been warning of the danger of extinction and environmental groups have been campaigning for this to happen for years. There has been a sharp decline in the koala population due to fires, drought, and loss of habitat.
Q: I remember that a few years ago that you sold a doll to raise money for wildlife charities during the terrible 2019-20 wildfires in your country.
A: The doll was a collaboration by myself and 3 other Australian artists including Kaye Wiggs. 17 million hectares were burnt out in those fires and the loss of wildlife is unaccountable. Koalas are one of the most vulnerable in a bushfire and it is estimated that around 60,000 koalas were killed or injured.
Q: So then was the choice of making your new doll a koala baby directly related to your interest in wildlife preservation?
A: Yes, it is my small contribution to highlighting this unique animal and its plight. I will be donating some proceeds of sales to WWF Australia for their Koalas Forever appeal. The lovely and talented Wendy Groskopf made some cute soft doll toy koalas that will be sold for a nominal amount and proceeds will also be donated. There is a limit of 19.
Q: You recently brought Ted Bear back. Can you tell me more about the re-release?
A: Ted was never discontinued. I often have requests for him here and there. I did have Ted reduced in size which was also popular. I thought 7 years of Ted should be celebrated, so I had some different colors made. Ted’s birthday was celebrated on Facebook over a week with photos of his history, fun facts, and games. Also!!! I meant to mention that Carol Luffey and Carolyn Gebert (Admins for my Facebook page) made outfits for all Teds for the birthday sale as a favour. How wonderful is that!
Q: Do the Little Koalas share the Little Ted’s body?
A: Yes.
Q: Are you planning on producing any more pet dolls in the future?
A: I enjoy making animal dolls as I can let my imagination run wild! I already have a bulldog pup friend for Pumpkin, 10.5inches sculpted that just needs finishing off. I have been asked many times for a cat, so maybe that will be next.
Q: Will your koala come in any other resin colors in the future?
A: Yes, the Koala will come in grey later and maybe some other colors. I chose tan and creamy white first as Koalas tend to throw a tan color and white, although rare, do exist in the wild.
Q: I see the little guy/girl is now called Dinky Di! Where did the name come from?
A: “Dinky Di” is an Australian colloquialism meaning genuine or true and by extension authentically Australian. Dinky itself refers to small which is also appropriate.
Q: Do any standard doll clothes fit Dinky Di?
A: I am not too sure about that, but there are seamstresses that make clothes for this size. I have also bought clothes made for Irrealdoll by Gugu Moda which fit Dinky Di size.
Q: Will the doll come with eyes? What is the eye size? Is the face-up included or optional? Will face-ups be painted by you or the factory?
A: Dinky Di takes 10mm eyes. He/she is approximately 5″ tall and will come with eyes and a face-up. Depending on the numbers ordered, I will do the face-ups. If I find the task is too big to do in a timely manner by myself, I will use another artist that paints very similarly. This artist has painted many of my dolls and knows what I expect. Her work is beautifully executed.
Liz Frost~The Artful Doll (Facebook Page)
WWF Australia Koala Information Page
