young girl wearing a blue dollcake vintage tutu dress with her Upper Dhali personalised handmade mini-me doll wearing the same outfit
Young girl wearing red Lacey Lane dress with her Upper Dhali personalised mini-me handmade doll wearing the same outfit
Upper Dhali personalised handmade doll with sparkling flower crown and pink and white christening dress with an image of the young child that she was custom made for at her christening
Upper Dhali personalised handmade keepsake doll with long brown curls dressed in a green and purple tutu dress
Upper Dhali personalised handmade doll wearing a puple liberty print dress with long dark hair and brown eyes. Image insert is of a young girl wearing the same dress.
Upper Dhali handmade doll personalised mini-me keepsake. Hand embroidered blue eyes, strawberry blonde curls, wearing a black top and white tutu skirt
Dinosaurs Living in my Hair children's book and the handmade doll made for the author to look like the main character
Upper Dhali personalised portrait doll wearing a blue floral dress with curly brown hair with the baby outfit the dress was made from

Uniquely Yours™ Sentimental Portrait Keepsake Doll

The ultimate handmade and personalised keepsake doll — a bespoke heirloom, thoughtfully crafted to honour cherished memories and one which is uniquely yours.

Regular price$749.00
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Bespoke Service · allow 8 weeks
  • Includes personalised gift box
  • Size · Large 38cm tall
  • Made in Australia
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Some memories deserve more than photographs or fading pages; they deserve to be held, cherished, and kept close for a lifetime.

The Uniquely Yours™ Sentimental Portrait Keepsake Doll is a bespoke, handmade heirloom, lovingly handcrafted by award-winning doll artist Lou Peters, to honour the people and moments that shape your life.

Every detail — from the soft curve of a smile to fabrics drawn from treasured memories — is thoughtfully brought to life. Whether incorporating garments of deep sentimental value or recreating meaningful details using carefully sourced materials, each doll becomes a living tribute: a story captured, a bond preserved.

You are welcome to send cherished garments, small tokens, or mementos to be gently woven into the design. If you prefer not to provide materials, the essence of your story can be lovingly recreated using thoughtfully selected fabrics and details.

Because something so personal deserves time, care, and quiet devotion, please allow up to 8 weeks for your doll to be individually handcrafted.

A Uniquely Yours™ Sentimental Portrait Keepsake Doll is more than a keepsake.
It is memory, artistry, and love — stitched into form, and made uniquely yours.

SIZE
38cm tall (15-16 inches)

MATERIALS -
· Body fabric: high-quality cotton
· Stuffing: hypoallergenic, eco-friendly filling

UNIQUE DETAILS -
· Hand-applied eyelashes with a soft, realistic feel
· Gold Upper Dhali® authenticity charm bracelet

CAN I SEND CLOTHING, FABRIC OR SPECIAL MEMENTOS TO BE USED?
Yes — we warmly welcome you to send cherished garments, fabrics, or meaningful tokens to be lovingly incorporated into your doll. These items help create a deeply personal and heartfelt piece.

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE SPECIAL FABRIC TO SEND?
We can source materials that capture the spirit of your vision. Every effort is made to match textures, colours, and sentimental details wherever possible.

HOW DOES THE PERSONALISATION PROCESS WORK?
After placing your order, you’ll receive a consultation email outlining the next steps. You’ll be invited to share photos, memories, preferences, and any materials you wish to include. From there, your doll is lovingly handcrafted through a thoughtful, collaborative process.

WILL I SEE A PREVIEW BEFORE MY DOLL IS FINISHED?
Because each doll is individually handcrafted as a one-of-a-kind keepsake, progress previews are not routinely provided. However, your preferences and shared details guide every stage of the creation process, and we take care to honour your story with sensitivity and respect.

IS THIS SUITABLE AS A MEMORIAL OR SYMPATHY GIFT?
Yes. These dolls are often created to honour loved ones, celebrate life, or hold space for remembrance. Each piece is made with care, compassion, and deep respect for the story it represents.

CAN I REQUEST SYMBOLIC DETAILS INSTEAD OF A LIKENESS?
Absolutely. Some customers prefer symbolic elements, colours, or textures rather than a physical resemblance. Your doll can reflect memory and meaning in whatever way feels right to you.

HOW SHOULD I DISPLAY OR CARE FOR MY DOLL?
We recommend displaying your doll indoors, away from direct sunlight or moisture. Gentle dusting with a soft cloth will help preserve its beauty over time.

Please note: Clothing and embellishments are not removable. Not all details can be reproduced in miniature.

At Upper Dhali®, every keepsake doll is lovingly handmade with care, patience, and artistry. To preserve the beauty and delicate craftsmanship of your heirloom doll, we recommend the following gentle care guidelines.

Handling

Our dolls are designed as keepsakes for display and light handling. They are not intended as toys for everyday play or rough handling. We recommend supervision for young children.

Cleaning

  • Spot-clean only with a soft, damp cloth.

  • Do not submerge your doll in water or place it in a washing machine.

  • Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, or vigorous scrubbing, as this may damage delicate fabrics and embellishments.

Storage

  • Store your doll in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

  • Avoid damp or humid environments to protect fabrics and trims.

  • Store dolls standing or lying flat to maintain the natural flow of their clothing and hair.

A Keepsake to Treasure

Each Upper Dhali® handmade doll is created to become a cherished keepsake — a little piece of wonder, memory, and artistry. With mindful care, your doll will remain beautiful for many years to come.

Thank you for welcoming a piece of Upper Dhali® into your story.

Please ensure all delivery details are correct at checkout. Errors cannot be amended once your order has been processed.

Shipping & Delivery Information

  • Ready to Post orders ship within two (2) business days from the date of purchase.
  • Made to Order orders ship within two (2) business days from customer approval.
  • Tracking details are provided by email via our shipping provider.

SAFE DROP IS NOT AVAILABLE ON ANY DELIVERIES


Domestic Orders (Australia)

All Australian orders are sent via Express Post to minimise time in transit and reduce the risk of damage. All parcels include full insurance, tracking, and signature on delivery.

Express Shipping (Includes Insurance)

  • $15.00 AUD — orders up to $499
  • $30.00 AUD — orders $500 to $799
  • $40.00 AUD — orders $800 to $1,199
  • $45.00 AUD — orders $1,200 and above

Shipping rates automatically adjust at checkout based on total order value to ensure appropriate insurance coverage for your handmade items.

Sturdy mailing boxes and protective packaging are included with all orders.

How long will it take to receive my order?

  • Express Post (Australia): approximately 2–5 business days after dispatch

International Orders

All international orders are sent with tracking, insurance, and signature on delivery. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your delivery country and total order value to ensure appropriate insurance coverage.

Sturdy mailing boxes and protective packaging are included with every order.

International Shipping Zones & Rates

New Zealand

  • Standard (insured): from $40.00 AUD
  • Express (insured): from $50.00 AUD

Asia Pacific (including Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore)

  • Standard (insured): from $50.00 AUD
  • Express (insured): from $60.00 AUD

UK & Europe

  • Standard (insured): from $55.00 AUD
  • Express (insured): from $70.00 AUD

Canada

  • Standard (insured): from $50.00 AUD
  • Express (insured): from $65.00 AUD

United States of America (Special Shipping Conditions)

Due to mandatory USA import tariffs, higher insurance requirements, and increased handling costs for handmade collectible items, shipping to the United States is charged separately.

  • Standard International (insured): from $80.00 AUD
  • Higher-value orders incur increased shipping costs due to tariff and insurance thresholds

USA shipping rates include allowance for mandatory tariffs applicable to handmade dolls (approximately 10%) and enhanced insurance coverage.

How long will it take to receive my order?

  • Standard International: approximately 6–27 business days after dispatch
  • Express International: approximately 3–7 business days after dispatch

Delivery timeframes are estimates only and may vary due to customs processing, peak postal periods, or local carrier delays.

Upper Dhali® ships all international orders with the full order value declared in AUD on customs documentation. Please do not request falsification of customs paperwork.

Customers are responsible for all customs fees, duties, VAT, and import taxes imposed by their destination country.

Orders refused due to unpaid customs charges will be held financially liable for all shipping costs to and from the destination country, plus any applicable cancellation fees.

Item lost or missing in transit?

  • Contact our office by email to advise.
  • Upper Dhali® will lodge an investigation with our shipping provider.
  • No refunds or replacements will be issued until confirmation is received regarding parcel status.

Christmas Shipping Dates

Final postage dates for guaranteed Christmas delivery are:

  • Australia – 30 November
  • International – 15 November

Please note that these dates may change depending on postal provider timelines. Customers will be notified should this occur.

Do you have a question before ordering? We’d love to help — please use the enquiry form below.

Ask A Question Form

How it Works

The Personalised Portrait Doll Process

Your story deserves time, care, and quiet devotion — and that’s exactly how we create every keepsake.

  • Share Your Story - After ordering, you’ll share photographs and meaningful details to guide the design. If you choose to include personal fabrics, small accessories, or approved inclusions, these will be carefully posted to the studio with guidance provided.

  • Crafting Begins - Lou will handcraft your doll with care and devotion, honouring both the likeness of the person and the memories they hold.

  • Approval at Every Stage - Your approval guides each stage before work continues, allowing the story behind your doll to be translated thoughtfully and faithfully.

  • A Keepsake Completed - Your heirloom doll will be lovingly packaged and delivered to you, ready to be held close and treasured.
personalised handmade doll with hand embroidered brown eyes and long blonde hair, wearing a pink and white christening dress and a flower and swarovski crystal flower crown
Memories to Hold

The Story Behind Your Doll

Every personalised Portrait Doll begins with a photograph — but it is brought to life through memory.

As you imagine the story behind your doll, you may find yourself pausing, perhaps even holding a picture in your hands, and asking:

  • Who is it you wish to honour, to remember, or to celebrate?

  • What feeling do you hope the doll will carry — a softness, a strength, a familiar warmth?
  • Are there colours they loved, fabrics they wore, small details that made them unmistakably them?

  • What quiet essence would you like gently woven into its making?

Each doll is lovingly crafted to reflect not only the likeness of a person but also their heart —the small, familiar comforts, the details that matter most, the parts of a story that a photograph alone cannot always hold.

It is often the tiniest things — the tilt of a head, a favourite shade, the texture of a well-loved garment — that carry the deepest meaning.

In these remembered details, your story lives on, stitched carefully into a keepsake made uniquely for you.

“I was speechless, Lou exceeded my expectations. Lou, I did think the doll would be beautiful, I trust your artistic talents. Instead you created something exceptional that will be treasured always.”

— Natalie
A collage of personalised keepsake dolls made by Australian doll artist Upper Dhali
A Note From Lou

Why I Make These Dolls

Some stories are too important to leave behind.

I began creating Sentimental Portrait Dolls because I wanted to find a way to hold onto the people and moments that shape us — not just in memory, but in something real. Something you can touch, keep close, and pass down.

These dolls hold a very special place in my work. Not because they are more elaborate or more admired, but because they are made with deep purpose. Every stitch carries meaning. Every detail holds a story.

It isn’t enough for me to make something beautiful. I want to make something that matters.

These dolls are about remembering. They are about connection — between myself and the person who trusts me with their story, between memory and presence, between the past and what we carry forward.

It is quiet work. It asks for patience, care, and reverence for the lives we honour with our hands.

This is why I create. To remember. To connect. To keep something precious alive.
Book Consultation
Lou Peters, Founder of Upper Dhali

Female Founded • Purpose Led

Upper Dhali® was founded by Lou Peters in 2012, emerging from a period of personal grief in which creating became a means of reflection and quiet healing.

Learning the art of doll artistry and creating beautiful dolls soon evolved beyond form and technique into a considered practice of preserving others' stories and treasured memories.

Today, Upper Dhali® represents a new generation of heirloom-quality keepsakes — where craftsmanship, sentiment, and story are brought together to create pieces intended to be treasured for generations.

Made in Brisbane, Australia

Upper Dhali® is a humble home-based studio in beautiful, sun-filled Brisbane, Queensland, where each keepsake is made thoughtfully and individually by hand.

Our dolls are art, created through a slow, deliberate process that prioritises craftsmanship over volume. Creating from a small studio allows heirloom techniques to remain central to the making process, ensuring every piece is finished with care, intention, and an uncompromising standard of quality.

Certified Australian Made – Upper Dhali
Heirloom Quality Guarantee

Heirloom Quality • Guaranteed

Every Upper Dhali keepsake is created to be loved through the generations and is supported by a 5-year manufacturing warranty.

Materials and construction methods are carefully considered at every stage of the making process, ensuring each piece is designed to endure — not only in appearance, but in structure — so it may be treasured now and passed on in the years to come.

Each keepsake is created with great care and attention to detail, and should any concerns arise, Upper Dhali is committed to working closely with you to ensure your piece meets the standard it was created to uphold.

Uniquely Yours Sentimental Keepsake Doll – Frequently Asked Questions

Can this doll be made as a memorial keepsake?

Yes. Many Sentimental Portrait Keepsake Dolls are created in memory of loved ones and are made with great care, respect, and sensitivity to the story you share.

Will my doll look exactly like the person?

Each doll is created in the Upper Dhali style and focuses on capturing likeness, expression, and essence rather than producing a photographic replica. The aim is a recognisable and meaningful keepsake, not an exact copy.

Is this doll intended as a toy?

No. These dolls are created as sentimental keepsakes and are not designed as toys. They are best suited for gentle handling or display.