Karen Alderson always enjoyed painting and crafts and in 1986 began a new career when she signed up for a doll-making class. The ability to bring her two-dimensional drawings to three- dimensional life inspired her to introduce her first originals for sale by 1989. Her dolls were introduced internationally at the New York Toy Fair and now live in homes around the world. The inspiration for her dolls can be found in magazines, old paintings or photos, or even dreams and her own imagination. Now living in the scenic Blue Dandenong hills outside of Melbourne Australia, Ms. Alderson creates original dolls and bears, often combining both, accessorizing her dolls with a cuddly companion of her own design, and dressed in highly detailed costumes. Ms. Alderson has been honored with the prestigious Dolls Award of Excellence. She looks forward to bringing her ideas to life for the Treasury Collection.