Cherry Berry Crafts *** Pendleton, South Carolina

I’ve been feeling pretty puny the past couple of weeks and I needed something to make me smile. I’m still smiling as I write this…how could I not? Look at the adorable expressions on the faces of these dolls, from Cherry Berry Crafts, and try not to smile!

The creator of these little darlings, Vanessa McGee, was born and raised in Brazil. She always loved arts and crafts but never had the opportunity to spend time developing her interests. After graduating from high school, Vanessa earned a college degree in English-Portuguese Translation and worked for several years as a translator.

In 2006, Vanessa fell in love with a “wonderful American man” and moved to the USA, thus changing her life dramatically. Finding there was little need for a Portuguese translator in South Carolina, Vanessa could finally devote some of her time to learning a craft.

The craft she chose, in 2007, was cold porcelain (air dry clay). She took a class and fell in love with it. In February of this year, Vanessa bought some polymer clay, books and supplies, set up a studio in a small room in her home, and taught herself to make character dolls. The pieces you see in the photos incorporate both cold porcelain (such as the lilac chair and the large duck) and polymer clay (the dolls).

Vanessa’s pieces (all one-of-kind) are inspired by her love of animals and primitive country artwork, expressed in many of her creations. Her charming dolls exude happy personalities and achieve one of Vanessa’s goals; to bring a smile to the faces of those who see them. It worked for me!

In addition to her craft, Vanessa enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures and languages. She often researches other countries on the Internet.

Take a few minutes to browse Vanessa’s Etsy shop to see several more examples of her wonderful talent.

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