Growing up my mother was always sewing up one project or another. She spent many years working in the evenings, after her day job, and after taking care of us three kids, hand sewing dolls, first for friends and family, and then later trying her hand at making a business of it. Because of this experience I feel very nostalgic when it comes to handmade dolls. I love most handmade things, heirloom quality products, that can be passed through generations: a hand knit sweater, a hand sewn quilt, a hand carved wooden spoon — they are time travellers of sorts, since their aging is not in step with the human passing of time.

When it comes to handmade toys and dolls, these are extra special. Unlike clothing, home goods or tools, which can be very useful, handmade dolls often become objects of love. Children adopt dolls into the family, taking them on family trips, carrying them from place to place, dressing them, feeding them, sleeping with them. Over time they become deeply invested with emotions. There is something very special about being a dollmaker, knowing and wanting to make something that will become an integral part of the child’s life story.

Sophia Smeekens is the owner, designer and one-woman-show behind studio-escargot, and I also happen to think she is a very special woman. In her signature style, she handcrafts whimsical dolls of all sorts that are not only beautiful but ignite the imagination. While Sophia makes beautiful dolls, it is her energy and story, that make her a person who inspires. Sophia has taken her life experience and channelled it to craft an intentional, slow, creative life, and through this shows us one way to find purpose, overcome obstacles, and live a fuller life. Because of this, I think there is a little something extra special in her dolls. I can’t wait to add one to our story.

Please read on to hear from Sophia, herself.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What is your background?

Coming from a normal Dutch family with two brothers and parents who both worked as teachers in primary school I had a simple and carefree youth until my mother was diagnosed with cancer and died 1.5 years later. I was 14, a critical age for a girl to lose her mother. Looking back it felt like an earthquake had taken everything away from me. I was rootless, lost. It took me 20 years to get back to who I really am: a mother and creative, but above all a human being, trying to let go of fear and all rules society has taught us. I feel very connected to nature (even though I am not living in a deserted reservate) and living in simplicity and am slowly peeling off all extra baggage I have, to eventually live with only what I essentially need.

What part of the world do you live in?

I live in the Netherlands in a suburb attached to Amsterdam.

How many children do you have and how would you describe them?

I have two children, age 12 and 3. Mike and Isa. Mike is a sensitive loving soul, Isa is a little rebel, takes over and knows shes gets away with a lot of her behaviour because she is the youngest…

What are your core family values?

Live conscious with an open mind and a warm heart.

How do you spend most of your days?

My days are spent creating (dolls) and making (mostly raw) food. Isa is not going to school yet so we still spend a lot of time together. We love wandering outside, picking flowers, gathering nature’s treasures, picnicking and visiting playgrounds. On rainy days we snuggle up to read or watch a movie.

What is your favourite thing to do as a family?

Really just being together, talking, laughing and cuddling.

What are you passionate about?

Creating

What inspires you?

Nature, simplicity, wholehearted living.

What is studio-escargot? And what does the name mean? 

Studio-escargot is the name of the label I set up 3 years ago. Escargot is french for snail. As I feel related to snails: I move forward slowly 🙂  Also the work I make takes time, I put love and attention into it. I hope my dolls are there to last a lifetime.

Can you tell me a bit about your work as an artist and doll maker? How did you get started making dolls?

I have been creating things all my life and can not imagine my life without.  I studied artisan classic upholstery and interior styling. After my studies I worked as a visual merchandiser for 10 years. When figures and profit started to pass the creative goal I resigned from work and went back to school where I enhanced my styling skills. But the urge to create never stopped.  When pregnant with Isa I started to make things like blankets and pillows as well as a doll… A friend of mine liked it, as did others and I started to make some for friends. A friend of mine told me to try and attend a Christmas fair, there a doll was bought for Reva, Madelon’s daughter (the famous @madebylon) who posted it on Instagram…the rest is history, as they say.

Did your life goals or career aspirations change once you had a child?

Yes, Isa inspires me so much. Her stories and her imagination, her books get me to make new stuff! But she also made me realise that working at home with a child takes good planning, patience and discipline!

What are your dreams for your work as an artist and as a mother?

I am working on some ceramic doll heads and would love to complete them with a body, maybe make some more sculpture like dolls… I would love to make dolls for theatre as well and write that children’s book….if only I had more time! As a mother I hope I will be able to see the profound needs they have and that I will be able to assist them to get healthy, conscious, open minded and loving adults.

You can find Sophia on Instagram @studioescargot or on her website www.studio-escargot.com. Follow her! I promise you will be inspired by the intentional life she leads and your eyes will thank you for all the beauty she shares.

 

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