Peg Doll, 'Bella'

This peg doll, made by 6 year old Fenna Stevens, is named Bella and she carries her dog Chesta in her bag. The doll reflects the life of many New Zealand children, particularly those living in cities. In Fenna's stories, Bella and Chesta go on an outing to the hairdressers and a cafe. Bella paints, walks her dog and they play in a garden.

Fenna's family comes from Liverpool. The dog's name Chesta is directly influenced by the family's connection to that region of England.

The doll was entered in a peg doll competition organised by 'Small Acorns' a homeware and design store. It is part of a group chosen to reflect the interests of New Zealand children in 2011. Together the peg dolls show the influence of a range of contemporary media and events including popular film and television characters, fashion, art, culture, media events, children's stories and imagined characters.