Polymer clay artist: Cyndi Safstrom

Cyndi Safstrom, of Be A Doll, uses polymer clay to create one of a kind dolls. Here’s how it happened:

I create look alike dolls of everyday people from my studio in Vernon Hills, IL. I use polymer clay to sculpt faces for my clients from photos, then integrate the custom head into an 11″ vinyl body. Dressed in the clothing of their choice, clients will receive a “mini me” of themselves or of a loved one.

When I created an action figure of a fellow You Tuber for his birthday in 2007, I didn’t expect it to turn into a new career. I had lost my corporate job earlier in the year; Zipster08 put up a You Tube video showing off his doll, and the orders started coming in.

For the fist year, You Tubers kept me busy making action figures. Surprisingly, most of my business came from men wanting action figures of themselves. In early 2008 I created a website and opened my talents to the rest of the world.

I have now shipped personal dolls/action figures all over the world, mainly as gifts for wives, husbands, parents, siblings, and friends. I love doing something creative for a living and helping people express their love for each other.