Dianna Effner has been making dolls and designing for the collector market for over 30 years. In the late 70s she began designing for a company in Illinois called Dollain. Since then she has designed for many companies and has produced many of her own porcelain studio dolls for collectors. In addition, she and her husband, Randall, started a family business is 1992 selling molds of her designs and other supplies to porcelain doll makers. The company is still in operation. Dianna continues to design for the hobby market. She also teaches her eye painting techniques to porcelain doll makers. Realistic eye painting has become her special trademark.

Dianna and Randall enjoy country living in a timber frame house they built in the 80's. She has a large studio in a nearby town where she works and teaches. The Effners have 3 grown children and 10 grandchildren at this writing with another one expected soon. Dianna's grandchildren have been the inspiration for many of her doll designs.