About Anouk

My name is Anouk. I am the designer and maker of MonPilou dolls. I live and work in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

With my first child on the way, in 1994, I started making dolls. I found my own creativity in making these woolen children. My first dolls were not perfect, but I knew from the start that I could do this every day and it has not changed, since then. 

I have worked in workshops for several years, but now I choose simplicity and quiet in working at home, again.
I am together with Dave since I was 17 years old. We have four grown up son`s, with lovely partners. Since November '25, I am "oma" of our first grandchild.

And I have a little cat named "Pilou", she is always near me. My little Pilou died on May 15 '26. I miss her dearly.

Pilou is the French name for a soft flannel. And the first flannel cuddle doll for a baby is often called a Pilou, as well. That's how my business got it's name.

What I like to do most, after doll making and sewing, is being in nature, swimming in the sea, listening to audio books and music of all times, and I love to dance on it :-). We own a caravan in the coastal area of North-Holland. There, I love to make dolls and take their pictures, in natural surroundings.

After all those years, I sometimes wonder why I still love making dolls so much. I think I try to capture what's so beautiful about children, over and over again.

Although I do follow the world news, I am always looking for beauty and a more tender, natural world. I try to incorporate that into my work and pass it on.