Examples shown on this page are of non-original DAM trolls (OOAK’s) that have been altered.  There is a divided view among collectors about altering some of these collectable trolls especially some of the older vintage ones. Still I can’t help but admire some of the unusual versions that have surfaced from these inspired collectors. Sometimes the alteration is just slight like new eyes or hair added that were not  factory installed or original to the troll when it was sold. Does this de-value the troll when alterations are made? This question is still debated among collectors. The troll is no longer original (this is TRUE), and perhaps its appearance has been drastically changed or altered from the original version produced by the factory.

     “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder . . . “   each collector must decide for their self at some point if they want to have only “original” specimens in their collection or if they are open to having pieces that have been altered. It therefore becomes a personal choice that only YOU can answer . . .

      There will always be collectors and artists out there, who will cater to your desires  and dreams of making a custom One-Of-A-Kind troll that is more personal and dear to your heart and soul that another collector doesn’t have. Some folks (myself included) like having something unique & special that no one else has . . . Hence—-  the OOAK’s  . . .

 

But let us go even further to those not afraid to REALLY step outside the box into territory most would not go. The real ARTISTS who are capable of envisioning the trolls body as a canvas. Artists like Judi Paul (Trolls by J Luxembears) and Suzy Kalin (Trollfairy) have gone even further to create their own unique brand of painted trolls. Judi has over 18 years of talents in making realistic soft sculpted animals, this allows her to see the troll’s body as a 3D canvas . . . she boldly goes where none have dared to venture before.  Judi uses her extensive art background to re-sculpt and recreate the troll on a whole new fantasy level.  Showcased at the top of this page are her fun loving “DOG inspired troll” which was based on the photo of the border collie shown besides it. After seeing her work I knew it was TIME to add an OOAK-Artist Troll page to my website .  .   .  her work and attention to detail are absolutely astounding . . . .  I can almost imagine her painted trolls have SPECIAL magical “shape-shifting” abilities & she has captured them right BEFORE their full transformation . . . so beware, that critter you see in the wild or a pet- may just be a magical  "shape-shifter" TROLL in disguise. So be NICE to ALL critters great & small and the TROLL might reward you for your kindness .   .   .

I have never seen anything like Judi’s work. She is a TRUE artist. Her airbrushing and attention to small details is flawless. On this “Dragon Troll” she even sculpted added pieces like the tail, teeth and forehead ridges that transform this into a unique piece any collector would be proud to own and display. Her painted eyes are another trademark that distinguishes her work.

OOAK— One Of A Kind—- Trolls. Some VERY talented collectors have taken the liberty of becoming very innovative and creating custom OOAK trolls over the years. After coming across some of these unique pieces I just had to give them their own page  .   .   .

OOAK– Troll makeovers by reknown artists– Judi Paul —-creator of “Luxembears”  and Suzy Kalin creator of “Trollfairy”

This page was last updated on 31 Aug 2024

     Some folks go even further . . . . I have to admire these Trolls  . . . the “punker” troll with his unique Mohawk hair style, imitation leather outfit, camo pants and  body piercings definitely speak of a culture that is used to expressing itself. Or  even the “centaur” troll made with the lower body of a vintage DAM horse troll whose body suffered from a dog who thought it was a chew toy, you can still see chew marks (or scars) on parts of the lower horse body.  This was combined with upper half of a vintage 2.5 inch DAM troll  .  .  .  Another troll collector Martin Calderwood enjoys “visual” stories check out his tortoise troll a true reptrollia . . .  Or the bee-utiful DAM bumble-bee . . . .

 

  

 

 

This custom OOAK large DAM Tailed troll from 1965 was given a do-over by Papajoz. Gorgeous ocean blue eyes and pale pink wool hair was the obvious inspiration for the 2019 acrylic painting by Reverend Jen.

 

[photos obtained from internet]

This felt troll was created by Judi using specialized needles to sculpt and mesh down the raw wool. About 20 hours of love and labor went into bringing this little feller into life. He has wire in his body so he can be bent, even his head turns . . . All I can say is WOW! I am impressed by her work

Suzy Kalin (Trollfairy) has a reputation among troll collectors for her “Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)” aka– Skeletrolls inspired paintings on various trolls. You can find Suzy on many of the troll collector groups of FaceBook (or you can contact her via email– suzykalin@yahoo.com). She has also experimented with famous artist inspired pieces (i.e.- Van Gogh), movie characters (Grinch & Pennywise) as well as animal type trolls and skeleponies. Suzy has been doing face & body paintings (Pixie Painting) for over 20 years. Due to the pandemic she turned her attention to trying painting on trolls. It started out as a hobby, but her trolly-unique creations have grown in demand as troll collectors branch into more “unique” trolls. Gotta love her creativeness! Check out her KISS troll too . . .

As a CAT mom . . . I was totally taken with Suzy’s colorful kitten trolls!  I asked her if she would do a seal point Siamese cat for me, I absolutely adore him don’t you?

OOAK– Artist Trolls