Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Nancy DiPonte has nearly a lifetime's experience in creating figures, one which has evolved into highly detailed and richly costumed one of a kind figures. Taught to sew at the age of 12 by her mother and grandmother, Nancy began her creative work by sewing clothes for her dolls, progressing to soft-sculpted cloth dolls and felt figures.

Nancy has been sculpting since 1995 when she was inspired by a one-of-a-kind Father Christmas doll in a gift shop in Sturbridge, MA. She bought some clay and sculpting books and began a new adventure. Nancy attended her first professional seminar at Johnston's Original Art Dolls in 2000. She refined her art through a variety of further seminars and sculpting classes at the Rhode Island School of Design and continues to hone her skills through continuing education.

Nancy enjoys all aspects of dollmaking, from researching period costumes and history, sculpting and assembling each doll, and designing and sewing her own costumes. A retired neonatal intensive care nurse, Nancy works in her home studio, custom designed and built by her husband, Rich, and can't foresee a time when the thrill of creating new dolls will lose its hold on her. "I really enjoy the challenge of making my ideas come to life and being able to share that excitement with others."