Hello dolly: The tiny tots made of clay that sell for £3,000

These little arrivals are so lifelike and appealing that they have captured hearts around the world.

The babies, from just over an inch to 4in high, are the work of artist Camille Allen, who sculpts them from polymer clay using dentist's tools and toothpicks.

The clay babies are cured to a hard porcelain-like finish in an oven and final details are then carefully added: fine mohair is glued in place, strand by strand, and paints are applied to make them come alive.

Once completed, the dolls usually go on to private collections as one-offs, but some babies go on to be made into a limited editions or production dolls.

The 28-year-old lives in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada. She learned the art of doll-making from her husband's grandmother six years ago, sculpting large lifesize dolls.

A year later, she formed some leftover clay into a miniature baby and hasn't looked back.

She has received press coverage in countries as diverse as Sweden, India and Spain.

Originals of her creations can sell for more than £3,000 on the internet.

taken from : China Daily