California Woman Comes to ND For Dolls

Whether it be for a vacation or to visit family and friends, people are coming to North Dakota ...  More »

Whether it be for a vacation or to visit family and friends, people are coming to North Dakota for many different reasons. Reporter Ashley McMillan tells us about one woman who has traveled to North Dakota because of her love for a special hobby. Lee Feikert is from California. But an exciting hobby is drawing her to North Dakota. (Lee Feikert/Doll Enthusiast) And then I'm excited. It becomes a passion and I can't stop. Lee is a porcelain doll maker. I've been making dolls for 28 years My favorite part would be I think whatever I'm doing at the moment is my favorite part. But when Lee met Ila Marvel from Bismarck at a doll show in 2000it changed everything. (hugging) Lee and Ila now work together to introduce doll making to others. They hope the hobby continues to grow in popularity. I think people are interested in dolls because once you get into dolls your relize it's our history. Dolls go way back to the beginning of time with a very simple Sculpture of a women figure that they used as a worshipping idol. The past 28 years have brought many changes to Lee's doll making. When I look back at the dolls I made 28 years ago They're not the quality they are now. Not only has she seen changes, Lee has had to make changes. I've also downsized the size doll. I used to make a 16 in. doll. Now most of my dolls are 12 inches and under because the collector is having less and less space to find to put the big dolls. And you can tell by the look on her face, that doll making is something Lee will continue doing for quite some time. They're just happy things to have around. They make you joyful. In Bismarck, Ashley McMillan, KX News. Lee's dolls will be on display and for sale at the Dear Dolly Friends Show and Sale tomorrow at the Doublewook Inn in Bismarck.  « Less