My name is Erica Daley, and I am a doll maker and artist. I have been creating and making things since early childhood and have a vivid imagination and the spirit of a dreamer.
I have worn many hats as an artist, experimenting and playing with a variety of materials and mediums for the sheer pleasure of creativity and bringing thoughts and ideas into the physical world. Among others, I have been a professional calligrapher, a painter, a textile artist, and have dabbled in making many crafts, including; simple wood working, Ukrainian eggs, stuffed animals, and of course dolls. My fore’ into doll and soft animal making started over 40 years ago as a teenager, and that urge is still present today. Dolls, and other small creatures, are such a joy to make because they carry so much life in them, which is why I have landed here so often through time.
Pickpocket Emporium is my place to share my upcycled dolls and characters. I draw inspiration from history and the natural world and endeavor to combine them in my work. l love literature and art and find much inspiration there as well. I feel like a pickpocket of sorts, borrowing ideas and inspiration from the past, thus the name. The name also reflects my use of materials that are thrifted, gifted, and found. I very much enjoy transforming old clothing and fabrics into charming ‘new’ things…like dolls and their clothing. Shopping at thrift stores is like treasure hunting…and many treasures and materials can be found shopping right at home. The idea is to create with the environment in mind, knowing that there is already so much in the world that is wasted or thrown away. I want to show you ways to breathe new life and joy into ‘old’ things, making them ‘new’ and beautiful! I will be sharing my patterns and designs, ‘found’ treasures, and finished pieces here and at my Instagram page: Pickpocket_Emporium.
Above all, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to my followers and customers… you make me feel special and ‘seen’, which is the greatest gift you can receive as an artist.