About

Who is Kellie Jo Close? How did JoJo Dolls begin? What is a handmade art doll? I’ll tell you everything, but in a bit when it is not 2 am. For now, here’s this:

JoJo Dolls are inspired by artist Judith Scott who wrapped anything and everything with yarn, fabric strips, string, and cord. To me, her art symbolizes mysteries wrapped in the womb. Be sure to check out Judith Scott’s life story. I’m grateful for her inspiration.

And really, Judith Scott is where JoJo Dolls started. I took a 3-D art class and the professor introduced her along with several other artists. I didn’t really know what to make for the assignment, but we had to use wire. So, I twisted some wire and Gwynnie took shape.

I loved bringing Gwendolyn, affectionately Gwynnie, into the world. She’s filled with gemstones, herbs, written intentions, strong magnets, a shredded dollar bill, and several broken pieces of jewelry that I knew I’d never fix to wear myself. Here is Gwendolyn, the voodoo doll that works good love and money magic for me:

Doll armature with round magnets and written intentions.
Crazy twisted wire skeleton wrapped around bloodstone and amazonite.
A piece of paper with an intention written in pencil. It says May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need the most.
Intention: May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need most.
Piece of heavy paper with an intention written in pencil.
Intention: We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
A small container of organic basil leaves.
Use basil for abundance in both finances and in love.
Doll armature with strong round magnets and hand-written intentions in her hands.
I added magnets to attract – the round things. And placed my intentions in her hands.
Shredded dollar bill to weave into doll.
A shredded dollar bill is woven into her body and clothing.
Shows doll after being wrapped with good-sized cotton rope. I'm starting in with the yarn to create her skin which smooths out lumps and bumps in the construction. Around the doll are several things I intend to include in her making.
Gwynnie is bulked up and I’m starting on her skin.
The doll during the wrapping process with shredded money woven in, too.
The doll-wrapping process shows the strips of a $1 bill wrapped into the doll.
Doll with green dress, black slip, green lacy pantaloons and black boots.
Gwendolyn’s green lacy pantaloons and black boots compliment her black slip and day dress.
A yarn-wrapped doll on a background of a draped sherpa-type blanket. She has an orange headscarf, gray braided hair, jewelry, and a dress of green and gold.
Done. I’m in love.
Close-up of the doll's head and torso. Shows her scarf, braided gray hair, details of green dress, and jewelry.
If you can’t see her smile then I don’t know what to tell you.
Kellie Jo Close with Gwynnie, the first doll she made.
Gwynnie and me, 9 months after I created her.