Today I have been rendering a bit of loving assistance to this damaged, but still beautiful papier-mache doll. I’ve been asked by her owner to stabilize her condition, more than restore her. I have glued the very large crack in her head and started repairing the holes in the back of her head. Her antique underclothing is currently soaking in a solution of Orvis and distilled water. The idea here is to conserve the doll with a very light touch. I’m doing just enough to keep her together and stop her from deteriorating further, while allowing the story of her life and enchanting time worn appearance to shine.
This doll has a very nice hand sewn body, with magnificent fingers and hands!
Come back to visit next week to see how she looks when I’m finished working on her…
Izannah Walker Journal 
Paula, I’m so glad you’re helping this wonderful doll out. I look forward to seeing her when you are finished and she is dressed.
I love her, what a story she has to tell. She has great character can’t wait to see what you do.
Thank you. ! think she will look much better, not like she did when new, but a great improvement on her current condition. The other good thing is that all the little fractured pieces of her face will be held in place so they won’t fall apart and be lost. One of her eyes is cracked all the way around and the papier-mache is completely loose. The only clothes that she has with her are her underwear, socks and shoes. I’m sure her owner will find her a lovely dress. ❤
PAULA, WILL YOU REPAIR HER SHOES, THEY ARE SO SWEET.
PAULA, I JUST LOOKED AGAIN AT HER SHOES. IF A PIECE OF GLOVE LEATHER WAS PUT UNDER THE FRONT OF THE SHOE THE TOP PIECE COULD BE STITCH BACK IN PLACE. JUST AN IDEA, WITHOUT TAKING AWAY ANYTHING FROM THE SHOE.
Mary I could repair them, but I haven’t been asked to do that 🙂
Dear Paula, This wonderful doll is in very loving and capable hands, can’t wait to see her when you are finished!!!
Thank you Marilyn! She is looking better already 🙂
A fantastic doll! So happy for her to be in your capable hands.
Thank you! I spent all yesterday evening patching and repairing the rips and tears in her chemise, so she is coming along. I read that you are in the midst of working on a papier-mache doll too. http://www.dollsformyredcape.blogspot.com/2015/03/varnish-on-papier-mache-dolls-belongs.html What a nice head and a very interesting post. She is going to be a wonderful doll!
Paula
Hi Paula,
This is indeed a very sweet doll, and a very lucky one at that, to be able to receive the loving assistance she needs, from you! I can’t wait to see the next batch of pictures of her. Also, I can’t wait to see the dress that you make for your Queen Anne doll as well. It is always so fun to see the pictures that you post. Hope all is well with you and your family, and I’m sure you are enjoying spending time with your little granddaughter. With Spring just around the corner, I’m sure you will enjoy taking her outside to your beautiful yard and garden! Susie
Hi Susie!
We are all well, thank you for asking. I hope the same is true for all of you too! I’m almost finished working on this doll, just in time to take her along to my doll club meeting on Saturday and reunite her with her owner. She is looking much more put together, but the change is not startling 🙂 Just a few quite little repairs to keep her bits and pieces all in place.She has such lovely paint, even with all of the damage. ❤
My poor Queen Anne is still sitting naked on my mantle waiting for me to sew for her. I have to admit that I don't actually get around to working on my own dolls very often 🙂 The snow has begun melting, but apparently we will be getting more tomorrow, so spring is being fickle and is reluctant to come out to the garden and play. Eventually it will arrive and Cloe will get to enjoy going outside. Poor baby, she has had very few outings so far because of the weather. I hope that it is much warmer in MI 🙂
Paula