As a fellow artist, this kind of information is invaluable because usually an artist works alone using tools and materials they know. By introducing new materials and techniques I can push my work even further and be more creative!
Using a face that someone else has lovingly created brings an added dimension to a doll because I'm truly meeting this spirit for the first time. When I'm searching for inspiration for a doll, the hunt is fun, there are many talented artists on Etsy but I have no problem choosing a face that resonates with me. They literally jump off the page and end up in my shopping cart seconds later. It can be a challenge, sometimes, to make a doll with someone else's face but it's stimulating to have a wide selection to get those creative juices flowing.
Right now, I have a good stash of Chris's faces and cabs/shields to choose from (not that I will stop collecting them!) I've already used many of Chris's wonderful faces and cabs for my dolls and her experience and history with the dolls and making faces shines through her work.
She's also very generous with her time and expertise answering questions quickly and thoroughly and she always packs a little extra in with your order. Many times I've used the ribbon or lovely material she uses to package my order with right away when I receive it incorporating it into the doll I'm making. It's always seems to be a bit of synchronicity at work in the universe!
If you don't want to make a spirit doll but love one-of-a-kind jewelry, her cabs and faces can be made into necklaces or talismans.
You can find Chris at her store myirishgypsy on Etsy.com and if you're at all interested in crafting a Spirit Doll yourself her ebook is invaluable, as well as her blog, Spirit Dolls by Chris!