HANDCRAFTED CREATIONS CONTEST CATEGORY

This category celebrates handmade artistry created through sewing, stitching, knitting, crocheting, and plush or soft toy construction. Entries may include fabric dolls, stuffed animals, crocheted or knitted baby items, and sewn handcrafted pieces designed for doll, baby, or reborn-themed presentation.

All items must be fully handmade or significantly altered by the artist, showcasing skill in fiber arts, textile work, and soft sculpture techniques. This category highlights creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail in transforming fabric and fiber into finished handmade creations.

Hand or machine sewing is permitted.

Entries must be neatly presented and remain within the assigned display space provided at the show.

WHAT CAN BE ENTERED

Sewn handmade dolls or soft sculpture dolls (hand or machine sewn)
Stuffed animals or plush toys (fabric-based, doll/baby themed)
Crocheted baby items, dolls, or soft toys
Knitted baby items, dolls, or soft toys
Quilted or textile-based baby or doll items
Mixed fiber art pieces combining sewing, crochet, or knitting techniques
Original handmade creations intended for doll, baby, or reborn-themed display
Entries may be original designs or adapted patterns, provided the item is fully handmade by the artist
Purchased embellishments such as buttons, lace, trims, beads, and decorative accents are allowed
Entries must be appropriate for general viewing

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED

Store-bought plush, dolls, or baby items entered as-is
Mass-produced or factory-made items with no significant artist alteration
Kits assembled with minimal creative input or limited craftsmanship
Licensed characters or copyrighted commercial designs
Digitally printed or machine-produced items with no handmade construction
Items not related to doll, baby, or reborn-themed artistic presentation

HOW ENTRIES SHOULD BE PRESENTED

Contestants must provide their own display materials
Entries must fit fully within the assigned display space
Items must be stable, secure, and neatly arranged for viewing
Multi-item entries must be displayed as one cohesive presentation
The focus should be on creativity, craftsmanship, and clear visual presentation

HOW ENTRIES ARE JUDGED

Judging is based on creativity, craftsmanship, and overall presentation.

Judges will evaluate:

Creativity and imagination
Quality of construction, stitching, and finishing
Design uniqueness and artistic interpretation
Precision and attention to detail
Skillful use of fabric, yarn, and fiber materials
Overall visual appeal and artistic impact
Cohesive presentation within the assigned display space

Awards

1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place

Display Space Information

Due to the wide variety of items that may be entered in the Handcrafted Creations category, including crocheted items, knitted pieces, sewn creations, doll clothing, plush toys, and other handcrafted works, display sizes may vary significantly.

Contest entries will initially be assigned at a maximum of four (4) entries per 6' × 36" table, providing each artist with approximately 18" W × 36" D of display space.

The Kansas Doll Show reserves the right to adjust table placements and redistribute entries as needed to maximize available display space. If smaller entries allow for additional room, entries may be moved to ensure efficient use of tables while maintaining a fair and attractive display for judging and public viewing.

All entries, displays, stands, and accessories must remain within the space assigned by Kansas Doll Show staff.

Handcrafted Creations Contest Category

$45.00

Please provide your full name exactly as you would like it listed on the Contest Registration Form.

0/500

Please provide your nursery or business name exactly as it should appear on the registration form.

0/500

Quantity

Only 5 left in stock

Be sure to reserve your spot early before all contest slots are filled! Contestants must attend the Kansas Doll Show on both Saturday and Sunday. Winners will be announced during the Awards Banquet on Saturday. You DO NOT have to attend the Awards Banquet to receive your trophy if you win, but you must be at the show on Sunday to pick up your trophy.
All contest entries must remain completely anonymous. Entries will be identified by contestant number only. No names, studio names, or identifying information may be displayed.

Please have your entry fully covered before entering the contest staging area. Entries must be kept out of public view at all times before judging.

Dolls submitted for judging may not be photographed, shared, or published on social media or any public platform BEFORE submission.

Once your entry is displayed for judging, you are not allowed to touch your contest entry until judging is complete.

Contestants are not permitted to identify or imply which entry is theirs at any time while voting or judging is taking place.

You may be disqualified if you fail to follow the rules as mentioned.
All contest entries will be judged by a panel of qualified judges. Entries are identified by contestant number only to ensure fair and unbiased judging.

Judges will evaluate entries based on the criteria outlined for each specific contest category.

Judges will not know the identity of the artist associated with any entry. No doll names, artist names, studio names, or identifying information are permitted on or near the entry.

Contestants:

May not touch or adjust their contest entry once it is displayed for judging.

May not identify, discuss, or imply ownership of any entry while judging or voting is taking place.

May not photograph or publish their contest entry prior to submission and judging.

Judging comments and score sheets will not be discussed with contestants.

All judging decisions are final.

KDS does not participate in the judging.
Setting Up at the Show

Remember: All contest entries must remain anonymous at all times.
Have your entry fully covered or placed in a box when entering the contest staging area. Entries must NOT be visible to the public before judging.

You will pose and display your contest entry on Saturday morning in the contest staging area, near the showroom floor. Once your entry is placed, you may not return to or touch it until judging has been completed.

Contest Setup Time

Setup begins at 7:30 AM CST.

All entries must be fully set up by 8:30 AM CST.

Late entries may be disqualified.

Each contestant will have a form with their name and contestant number at their assigned area. Please locate your assigned area and complete the form. Leave the completed form with the KDS staff working in the contest area.

Be sure to place your contestant number sticker on your entry. This step is very important to ensure proper identification during judging.

Contest Entry Pickup

Entries must be picked up on Saturday only.

Pickup time is 1:00–1:30 PM CST.

Please do not be late; unclaimed entries may be subject to forfeiture

When picking up your contest entry, you must:

Sign a release form

Present a valid photo ID

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK FOR SHOW UPDATES

Handcrafted Creations Contest Category

Spaces are minimal

Remain Anonymous

Judging

Refund Policy

Setting Up at the Show

Liability / Responsibility Clause

Disqualification Authority

Early Removal / Emergency Policy