Dark Friends Series
James C. Haddon IV
Because of my well-known and obsessive love of Halloween, it should come as no surprise that one of my standard time wasters on the internet is to search out sites for the best yard haunts and haunted attractions.
It was on one of these mad journeys down the proverbial rabbit hole that I found dollmaker James Haddon on the Haunters Hangout Facebook group. I had to know more, so after contacting James, he was kind enough to answer a few questions that I thought you might be curious about, too.
The Interview
Q: Your work is amazing! Who buys these dolls, and where has your work been displayed?
JH: I have been commissioned by large commercial haunts, such as The Haunted Overload in Lee, NH, and I have also created for small home haunts as well as for many private collectors throughout the world. Everywhere from New Zealand to Japan. I once created a life-sized severed head for a magic shop in Osaka, Japan as well.
Q: Where do you find the dolls that you transform?
JH: I find porcelain dolls everywhere––from thrift stores, online, to estate sales.
Q: Could you briefly explain what your process is like for making these dolls?
JH: When creating a doll I usually re-create their bodies, which are usually cotton stuffed torsos. Next, I add porcelain legs, arms, and a head that will work with the body style. From there I airbrush a base coat and pencil in the details on the face before painting. I will sometimes add latex appendages as well. I also style and color the hair, which is something that I am still working at improving.
Q: What about the clothing? Their costumes look so authentic.
JH: Most of the clothing is handmade. Sometimes I customize old doll clothing by weathering it with an acrylic and water mix. I also use a serrated blade to slightly tear the edges of the clothing. Then I will airbrush with a watered-down white over the clothing for a finishing touch.
Q: How long have you been making these creepy dolls? How did you get into this?
JH: I have been making dolls for haunted attractions and private collectors for about five years now. I lost my home, which had a finished basement that I could sculpt, mold and cast in. I, unfortunately, had to downsize and move into an apartment. I am not able to create large props here, so I started experimenting with porcelain doll parts.
Q: I’m assuming you’re a horror fan. What movies and/or books are your favorite?
JH: Yes, I am a bit of a horror geek. My all-time favorite is An American Werewolf in London. But my love for horror films spans from Nosferatu to The Devils Rejects. I have always been a fan of Stephen King’s novels. As a kid/teen I read a lot of King and Koontz.
Q: Your work could definitely be used in movies, too. Have you ever done props for horror movies?
JH: I have never created for any films. But ultimately that is my goal and my lifelong dream.
Q: What is October like around your home? I would imagine Halloween is a special time.
JH: It is Halloween year-round at my place. When we are not dealing with an unfortunate pandemic, I usually work and create for a charity haunt a few days in October leading up to Halloween.
Q: They are incredibly fortunate to be able to display your work. Where can the rest of us see your dolls?
JH: As soon as I can finish up a website and afford a new laptop, I will be able to showcase my products in a more professional manner. For now, I use Facebook (www.facebook.com/james.haddon2) or you can follow me on Instagram @creepy_nomad
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