Doll-maker sets up own business after losing job

A Windsor-based doll-maker has started his own business selling theatrical dolls after losing his job in an office two months ago.

Moscow-born Karen Mkrtchyan of Mountbatten Square, has set up In Good Moods and is now trying to make a full-time living out of 'his passion in life'.

The 32-year-old makes European-style character and portrait dolls from clay before making more of each design from silicone moulds.

He said he has made dolls of the Queen, and is working on others of actor Rowan Atkinson, Prince Charles and former PM Winston Churchill.

The father-of-two said: "I have been making dolls for about 10 years and have always been fascinated by them.

"I have always been a crafty person and used to make Venetian masks, but was bored of making them and started doing dolls."

He said he starts by making doll designs from clay, which takes about two weeks before making more of each design from silicone moulds that take two to three days.

Karen said: "When I was working I used to make only five or six dolls a year, but over the last two months I have made 10."

Creative Karen added: "I am getting a lot of good feedback and they should hopefully be popular, and I am thinking of getting them into shop fronts too with themes."

The Russian, who moved to the UK 12 years ago, is also starting a children's entertainment business and been a clown at children's parties.

Visit www.ingoodmoods.com for more details.