Since becoming a dollmaker, I have taught techniques and projects in workshops and classes across the United States and abroad. I regularly offer Master Classes at the annual NIADA conference. Check for information at ww.niada.org
By special arrangement, I am occasionally available to teach for doll clubs or groups. Inquiries are welcome at artist@shelleythornton.com
My current teaching activity is preparing online dollmaking courses for the NIADA Academy, which was launched in 2021 at www.academy.niada.org. I served as Director of the Academy during the months of its creation. Please visit and see what courses my colleagues and I are now offering.
I have created a very thorough course on my own techniques for creating my soft-sculpted heads. It includes patterns, an instruction booklet, and 7 hours of video instructions. You can purchase it on the Academy here: www.academy.niada.org/courses/clothheads-Thornton
I am also offering a lecture course called “The Evolution of a Personal Style” for anyone wishing to elevate their dollmaking to an artform that expresses their own individual voice and preferences. It includes a four-part video lecture with printable transcript and an extensive worksheet to help identify elements that can make your work uniquely yours. You can purchase it on the Academy here: www.academy.niada.org/courses/evolution-of-style