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All Dolled Up: A Q&A with Kellie
Diguangco
Walk through the doll aisle in any toy store and you'll be
able to find a doll that looks like you, if you happen to have blond hair and
blue eyes. Art teacher and seamstress Kellie Diguangco is working on changing
that with her Rice Babies. Kellie took some time to answer our questions
about her and her dolls.
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 Tell us a
little about yourself.
I am a creative addict. I love art and anything that gets your creative mind
stimulated. I have an addiction to illustrations, especially kids' books. I
have two small children of my own, and I teach at an art school for children.
I love my job. I have been really blessed to have a totally awesome husband
who is creative and very supportive of my creative endeavors.
Do you have a background in textiles?
My background is in Fine Arts. I took a broad range of classes which did
include textile, but I focused on photography. I had put illustrative work in
the back of my mind, but started and couldn't stop. Sewing helps me bring
those things to life, another form. Like I said, I am a creative addict;
there are not many art forms I haven't dabble in.
Where did the idea for your dolls come from?
 My idea for my dolls came
from shopping for dolls for my nieces. I drove me crazy looking for dolls
that would resemble them, on an off chance you can find a Mulan doll, but
it's rare and doesn't exactly suit all my nieces. I also teach art and when I
do self-portraits with my students and they draw themselves with blond hair
and wide eyes, it bothers me. I say, "your hair isn't yellow, it's a
lovely black with hints of dark reds, and your eyes are a beautiful chocolate
brown". Girls need to see more people who represent them, and a first
doll is a great place to start.
What has been the response to your dolls?
The response I have gotten is awesome. Finding my market has been hard, but
when they are found people realize what gems they are. I think the people who
buy my dolls are making a statement and a conscious choice to have a doll
that can represent their child. Big girls have also bought look-a-like dolls
from me. They never had a doll that looked like them and now they do, sitting
pretty on their bed.
How long does it take for you to make a doll?
I usually ask for two weeks for a custom doll. The faces are all hand
stitched by me, if you send a photo, I have it up as I am stitching.
Your dolls can be customized "to look like
your little one." How does that process work?
My dolls can be requested many ways, some people just say, "I like this
doll you have but can you change..... " and some people send photos. I
ask for color choices and I have even done moles and glasses. Very fun.
 You also
create crowns, stickers, cards and appliqués. Do you prefer making one over
the others?
My favorite items in my shop are my dolls and then my crowns. The crown is
fun because I can get one done in an hour. My doll are fun because they are
custom, they take more time for detail work.
In addition to making all those products, you are
also the mother of two and maintain a blog. How do you find the time to
balance everything?
To balance everything, I have found that family has to come first. If my kids
are happy, my life has balance, and balance gives more time and also a better
mental place for creative flow.
Are there any new products you're working on that
we should look out for?
I am working on some adorable aprons with my dolls hand stitched on them, and
also a boy doll. My son made his first request for a doll, and I am working
to fill that. I can tell you he will be a dapper one, as he wants him to wear
a tie. It's early but I have been working on ideas for crowns themed for the
Chinese New Year.
To see more items and to order, please visit Kellie's store at thericebabies.etsy.com.
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