Magical Lives~Doll Maker Bethanne Darr
Interview by Natalie Zaman and Katharine Clark

While leafing through the pages of Pan Gaia Magazine, Kat came across an ad for an interesting website--Wyrd Sisters. After visiting the website and being impressed with the crafts she saw, Kat contacted Beth about creating a doll.

The beautiful face of the "Graveyard Goddess"

The arrival of Graveyard Goddess and then Samhain Queen-who bore a marked resemblance to Kat's grandmother (and elder), told us that we had found someone with a truly special gift. Sometimes magical lives are lived quietly; there are folks out there--maybe a neighbor, maybe a friend--that are doing extraordinary things. Keep your eyes open, you never know who or what you'll discover!

Kat and I managed to catch Bethanne between projects to talk about her work (please be aware that the use of Beth's initials are in no way an indicator of the nature of her personality or the quality of her work!).

Broomstix: Describe your process (ie: someone wants a doll, or you get inspired--what happens next...)

BAD: More often than not, someone contacts me about creating a doll. I've done surprisingly few dolls that haven't been commissioned pieces. Honestly, I haven't really done that many dolls at all! I definitely consider myself a beginning doll maker.

If I'm working with someone to create a piece, I like to learn what ideas she has, including what features or characteristics she wants to give the doll. I try to incorporate those when I can.  I believe the client and I create the doll together--along with the Muse, of course!

"Samhain Queen"

Broomstix: When you're making a doll for someone, you seem to intuitively be able to connect with them to produce something both moving an unique.  How do you make this connection?  Is it something that just happened, or something you've been practicing for a while?

BAD: Honestly, this hasn't been something I've consciously cultivated, but it does seem to happen from time to time.  I suppose it's been most successful when I've been able to get out of my own way and to trust my instincts rather than second guessing myself or rationalizing myself out of things.  I simply aim to quiet my mind and spirit, then see what arises.  I truly believe the Goddess as Muse, granter of inspiration guides this process--although She can sure be fickle!

Broomstix: What kinds of materials do you use?

BAD: My primary sculpting material is called Paperclay.  It's a great air-dry clay made from volcanic ash, wood pulp and other non-toxic materials.  It's lots of fun to play with! 

To dress the dolls, I like to use pretty much whatever strikes my fancy!  The remnant bins at the fabric stores are great to dig through, and so are closets at home; clothes that have been outgrown or are too shabby for people to wear anymore yield up great doll costumes!  Ribbon is always lovely--lots and lots of it!  Yarn, too.  Leaves, sticks, moss--it's all fun to try.  Lately, I've really taken to tearing and shredding up fabric and ribbon when I create the costume.  I like the wild, messy look it gives, and it helps distract from the fact that I can't really sew at all!

"Apprentice" (and she came with accessories!)

Broomstix: Did you ever have any formal training?

BAD: No.  I've learned about doll making from books, Nature, and lots and LOTS of trial and error!

Broomstix: When did you make your first doll and what was it?

BAD: I made my first doll maybe five or six years ago. She's called "Earth Dreamer" and I still have her. She's what I would call a "Spirit Doll"-- much less realistic than some of my recent pieces, more primitive. She hangs in my studio and tries to remind me to let my creativity flow, to be free and open to inspiration. Sometimes I listen. ;-)

"Earth Dreamer"

Broomstix: Any advice for young crafters who are trying to hone or develop this ability?

BAD: Do you mean the intuitive part?  Or the creative/crafting part?  They're not that different, really.  Be open.  Pray if you feel inclined.  It has been interesting for me when I make a ritual out of art-making, calling on the elements to lend their creative powers to my work and asking the Mother to bless it.  It's one way to sacralize our lives, I think, to make all we do a prayer, an offering, a celebration, a spell.

Also, be KIND to yourself!  Be patient.  Mistakes happen--do they ever!--but it's all right.  Keep working.  Keep trying.  Be open to the discoveries and lessons that only mistakes can teach you.

Broomstix: Are there any other types of creative work/crafting that you do?

BAD: Oh, plenty!  In the past, I've made a variety of sacred tools, from obsidian athames and scrying mirrors, to wands, scepters, runes, jewelry, faery crowns and more.  I've just returned to crafting ceremonial rattles, having fallen in love with gourds again.  I think some gourd dolls are in the works, too!

"Re-United"

Broomstix: How would you describe your path (spiritual) and how did you get there?

BAD: I suppose these days I might describe myself as an increasingly eclectic, witch-priestess with a decidedly Dianic bent. I've recently discovered the term "Goddessian" and I like that very much, so I suppose I can add it to the string of hyphenated terms. :-) Recently, my practice has become more and more Goddess-centered, more spontaneous and intuitive, and less tradition-bound. I do come from a more traditional background, however, having received my Gardnerian 3rd Degree in 2001. I am fascinated by religion and enjoy learning about the many different wisdom traditions throughout human experience.

Broomstix: What would you say has been the most magical experience in your life (so far!)?

BAD: Oh dear!  Is it too cliche to say the birth of my son?  Falling in love with my husband over and over again?  Watching the Mourning Cloak butterfly emerge from its cocoon the other day?  I'm a just a simple country witch, really.  :-)

"Crone Song"

Broomstix: What is your favorite Sabbat and why, and what do you do to celebrate?

BAD: Ooo, another toughie!  Yule, probably, because it's such a lovely family time.  We have a party with family, friends, and food.  Even though our kids are big now, we still like to run through the house and turn off all the lights, return to the Circle, light the Cauldron, and then run through the house again, turning on all the lights and welcoming back the Sun.

I also love the Spring Equinox very much, because Spring is my most favorite season.  I love the promise of new green things!

While Wyrd Sisters is now defunct, Bethanne is still crafting magical dolls, tools and more. Contact her at bethannedarr@gmail.com.