Lee Middleton began creating dolls when she had young children of her own. She was self-taught and her designs grew in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Eventually, she had to find a space larger than just her home for her doll work. That's when a factory in Belpre, Ohio opened to accommodate the growing demand. Since their first foray into the doll market, Middleton designs have been known for their craftsmanship and life-like feel. Unfortunately, Lee Middleton died in 1997, though production of her dolls is carried on by other artists. The newer dolls are still popular even though they aren't Lee Middleton originals. Until recently, the dolls were still produced in the Belpre, Ohio factory. After the economic slump following 9/11, production was moved overseas. Despite the move, Middleton dolls--the Breath of Life babies, in particular--are big collector's items. What makes the Breath of Life baby dolls so special? They can actually "breathe" for up to five minutes! They are also known for being especially soft to the touch and weighted properly so they feel like actual babies. The baby dolls are incredibly lifelike, with rooted hair and natural expressions. There is also a line of miniature dolls as well. Many doll collectors buy Middleton dolls for their children or grandchildren hoping that one day they will want to collect them too. The dolls are expensive and are not meant for play, which can be a drawback if you want to give one as a gift to a young child.
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