Zo ~ Toy Maker & Doll Clothier
Connoisseur of all things whimsical and magical ❤️
About Zolala! & Me
Zolala! was founded in 2006, and what first started as a hobby is now my full-time home business.
My name is Zo, and I'm a self-taught, multidisciplinary artist. I chase and catch all Strays myself, draft my own patterns, know how to wield a drill and a jigsaw, often hand-dye fabrics to get *just* the right delicate color palette, and try to be creative and original in my designs and sculptures.
I take great pride in the quality of my work and attention to detail, and continually strive to improve my skills. It helps that my little models are ever so patient 😊
I'm hopelessly, endlessly fascinated with all things small that unlock my imagination: dolls, animals, miniatures, dioramas.. I feel very fortunate to be able to combine them all in my work.
My inspiration comes mostly from old-fashioned paraphernalia: vintage photos and postcards, illustrations in antique books, traditional folklore, carnivals and circuses, costume dramas and historical shows.
I'm especially fond of children’s fashions and toys from 1900-1940. Shapes and styles from the Edwardian Era, but also anything 'Bohemian' and theatrical. I like doing research on peddlers, tinkers, nomads - and dream up flamboyant, colorful ensembles and millinery that my own little traveling vendors would sell along the road side.
It is a wonderful privilege to be able to share my passion with like-minded people, from whom I continue to learn and be inspired by - and to inspire and delight others in return by adding a little joy to the world, one creation at a time.
The Zolala! Studio
I'm a bit of a hermit, living in my eclectic ivory tower in the oldest city of Holland, situated on an island between three rivers. I share my little world high up there with three ginger tabby cats, a clutter of kitsch, books, and toys, and a flurry of imaginary friends that get me through life.
The Zolala! studio is my oasis, my treasure trove of inspiration, filled with an intoxicating display of beloved trinkets and artifacts, fabrics and wool, paints and brushes, and my ever growing collection of vintage tins, wooden boxes, and glass mason jars that hold a myriad of tools, sewing notions, and craft supplies.
I hope to always stay as passionate about what I do as I am now.
Zolala! has been, and is, an incredible ride. Never did I imagine that sewing tiny doll clothes and making little critters would become my (very fulfilling) job, allowing me to do what I love every day and connecting me with some really amazing and talented people all over the world. I'm most thankful for all the opportunities it has created so far, and I'm very excited about what is still to come.
I wish I could thank each of you personally for your continuous love and support over these past amazing two decades, and for every order, like, comment, email, message, and share. Zolala! never could have come this far without you all - and please know that it means the world to me ❤️
The Zolala! studio
Home of the "Little Bohemians" & "Vagabond Strays"
Work in progress
Zolala! Social Media & More
If you would enjoy to learn more about my activities 'behind the scene', please check out the Zolala! Instagram and/or Facebook page.
Those are the places where I post about current work in progress, new Strays to adopt, or exclusive sneak peeks on upcoming projects. I also like to celebrate special occasions, or simply spread the love, with exciting giveaways.
You are most welcome to stop by for a visit, and a 'like' or a comment is always much appreciated!
Further reading: browse the musings and meanderings about my work, with all of the joy and struggle that comes with it, on the Zolala! Blog. Or have a look at a list of events where Zolala! will be present as a vendor.
“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were.
But without it we go nowhere.”