It’s all about making stuff..

Hi, I’m the founder of florie and millie. My name is Daniela Turrin. I enjoy making things! That’s it … pure and simple.

I make my dolls at home in the northern suburbs of Sydney. I try to use locally sourced and natural materials as much as possible. And I love visiting vintage stores and op shops to find interesting and odd bits of fabric that no one has any use for anymore.

Creating childrens’ toys is a passion. I start with some sketches and photos and build up an idea of the type of character that I want to create. Then the challenge begins as I try to turn my 2D thoughts into 3D characters - which isn’t always that easy! It takes time for these little personalities to emerge, and some are more stubborn than others!

I play with different fabrics, threads and textures, shifting and changing them about. I embroider, paint, sculpt, tinker and print various little tidbits. There’s plenty of procrastination! My work desk looks like a bomb hit it! And then, presto, there they are!

It’s only as I finish each doll that they will quietly whisper their name in my ear. I ask them if they’d be kind enough to pose for a photo. Usually, the answer is yes. And then they’re ready to meet you! New little friends eager to make your acquaintance.

There’s one thing you can be sure of when buying from florie and millie: I create each and every doll with lots of love and care - so much so that sometimes it’s very hard to say goodbye!