Washington’s Jessica Acosta pushes the idea of the polymer clay doll by combining figurative forms with unusual elements such as landscapes and building architecture. "Simple emotions and the small pleasures taken from life, such as sitting in the sun, or the feel of sand on bare feet are the inspiration for my dolls," she says.

I ran across Jessica as I was poring over the list of Art and Soul classes this October in Portland. Their roster of artists and classes is very tempting. Jessica teaches "Layered Dolls" and "Time Busted."

Her site contains a veritable who’s who of polymer clay doll links.