Finishing the Figure is the fourth in a series of books by Susanna.  Each book highlights a different aspect of dolls/figures and their design.   Each book is an accolade to dollmakers and enthusiasts.  Each book is a must have for inspiration, as a reference and for visual joy.

Color is an important aspect of dollmaking.  Whether you want to know about color psychology, skin tones or color theory (clearing up the confusion), you will find it explained in easy to understand words.  Warm and cool colors, colors that reflect personality, contrast, balance and scale are detailed.  Local and historical color are discussed, as well as mixing and matching for doll apparel and accessories.

A most interesting discussion on pages 21 and 22 takes you through the steps of foraging for material and what comes first in designing dolls using Susanna's books.

Pattern drafting works through both flat and draped pattern making.   Flat drafting explains how to make patterns much like those cut out and stitched for ourselves.  Draped drafting explains how to shape and form the patterns directly onto the dolls. There are several pages with illustrations for implementing both type patterns.

There are several pages with illustrations and instructions for clothing, headdress, shoes, stockings and other ensemble items.  Twenty-four color pages follow with dolls dressed using either the flat or draped method.  Each doll is unique and includes elaborate costuming.  Some of the figures, such as The Last Samaritan by Lisa L. Lichtenfels and Empress Alexandria of Russia by George Stuart are so realistic, it is difficult to believe they are not real people.

Costume Elements proposes ideas for authenticity of clothing.   Specialty instructions are included for items underneath clothing such as padding, sleeve pads, bustles, cage extenders, panniers, corsets, petticoats, pockets and kirtles.  All the little details of hats and shoes are broken down into several steps along with illustrations and photos of finished items.  Stuffing and textures are also highlighted.

Embellishment encompasses a larger portion of the book, working through folk costume and abstract, and then on to custom fabrics and trims, painting, stencils and stamps, printer transfer, embossing, dyeing and many other processes.    Pleats, scallops and various shapes for florals are described.  Pin and finger weaving plus felting are included along with illustrations.  Beading is a method described and includes not only basic beading on fabric techniques but some interesting woven areas with loose free-form worked into shaping on the figure.    There is a great little doll, Fred, by Barbara McClean that is just a hoot, tail and all.

Specialized Costumes include wings and the various shapes and materials that can be used to make unbelievable winged artworks.  Glasses, watches, stickpins, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, crowns, animals and their poses are all included in this chapter.

The chapter on displays encompasses all the background and surrounding items and how to make them.  I often call these items the doll/figure's habitat.  From chairs, to books, cages, benches, couches, beds, there are photos, illustrations and instructions for your own adaptation for your doll.  Photography, packing and shipping of your finished creation are explained on the last pages.   Every chapter and section includes step by step illustrations and photos of finished examples.

It is my hope that Susanna will continue to author more books as additions to the four outstanding books now in print.  Finishing the Figure is an outstanding book, a delight to the eyes, full of ideas and instructions, an excellent reference and a book to enjoy over and over again.