Author: paulawalton

My name is Paula Walton. I’m a working craftsperson. I’ve been self-employed since 1986, when I started selling the items that I make under the name A Sweet Remembrance. Among other things, I am a doll maker, a dressmaker that specializes in reproduction women’s and children’s clothing, maker of spun cotton ornaments and holiday figures, and a freelance designer. Upon occasion I write magazine articles and am a Craftsperson in Residence. I teach and do demonstrations quite frequently, plus I was previously the director and curator of a small museum in Connecticut.

A Look Through My Fabric Swatch Book

September 4, 2014September 17, 2014 paulawalton2 Comments

September 17th update: Fabric #6 is SOLD OUT.

This is the tiny antique fabric swatch book that I put together for the UFDC convention. I thought everyone might enjoy looking through it. Especially those of you who have ordered custom dolls and are in the process of picking out your dress fabrics 🙂 I have many more one of a kind fabrics that aren’t in the book, so don’t worry if none of these are the perfect fabric for your doll.

So Many Celebrations Ahead!

September 3, 2014September 3, 2014 paulawalton4 Comments

Today all the dolls and I took a short break in our preparations for Izannah Walker’s birthday to pick pumpkins from the garden! They are all very excited and looking forward to the big birthday party AND trick or treating ❤

Four hands are better than two! So many hats to make... — Four hands are better than two! So many hats to make…

"I'm making a special hat just for you!" — “I’m making a special hat just for you!”

Now that you know the dolls are planning a party, we hope you will come back to visit on September 25th and celebrate with us!

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

First Sneak Peek at a Head From My Newest Mold

August 25, 2014 paulawalton6 Comments

I've just taken the two halves of this head out of my newest mold, taken from Ismay, the antique Izannah Wallker doll I bought at the UFDC convention! — I’ve just taken the two halves of this head out of my newest mold, taken from Ismay, the antique Izannah Wallker doll I bought at the UFDC convention! I think it is going to turn out to be an amazing doll!!!

Doll for Sale · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Where to Shop

Isadora – SOLD

August 8, 2014August 11, 2014 paulawalton4 Comments

Isadora is now SOLD. Thank you so much for coming to look at her!

I’ve had some requests for additional photos of Isadora, which made her blush! Once she overcame her shyness, she was happy to pose in front of the cameras for a few more shots. She is sitting on an unfinished antique quilt top that has quite a bit of plum colored fabric in it. I think I probably have enough to make two dresses 🙂

If you would like more information about Isadora you can read her official write up on my website or you may email or call me with questions. Paula@asweetremembrance.com 860-355-5709.

See more photos of Isadora in this post.

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Sharon’s Doll

August 5, 2014August 7, 2014 paulawaltonLeave a comment

This is one of the new dolls that I made for the UFDC convention. I love this doll! She is a reproduction of a wonderful early Izannah Walker doll. The original doll is simply awe inspiring, with many amazing differences from Izannah’s slightly later dolls. Because this is the oldest Izannah Walker doll that I have had the privilege of studying, I have decided to simply refer to her and this mold as Izannah.

Izannah left today for her new home. Sharon purchased her at the San Antonio convention, and ordered custom made shoes for her ; so I got to have the pleasure of her company for a bit longer as I stitched her stockings and yellow leather shoes!

If you look closely you will see that the lines around the eyes of this doll are thinner than those of later dolls and brown rather than black.

Notice the difference in the way these ringlets are painted, including the tiny little waving tendrils at the bottom of the curls.

This doll has a very interesting seam line at the bottom of the hairline. The stockinette at the back of the head is a wider rib than that on the front of the head and back of the neck.

This is a very accurate reproduction of the paint surface found on the original doll.

As you can probably tell, this is a large doll. The original is 22-1/2 inches tall. My reproduction grew a 1/2 inch and measures 23 inches high. She has been bragging to me that it is because she has better posture 🙂

This was a fascinating reproduction to make and I am already eagerly looking forward to making another one!

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Where to Shop

Three Dolls Available – 7/31/14 Update & 8/11/14 Update ALL SOLD

July 29, 2014August 11, 2014 paulawalton3 Comments

I have just listed three new dolls for sale. Two of the dolls are available on my website, Paula Walton’s A Sweet Remembrance. The third doll is listed on eBay because I know that some people, who haven’t purchased from me before, find the buyer protection programs on eBay comforting.

ISADORA #1 SOLD

ISADORA IS NOW SOLD – THANK YOU! Meet Isadora, she is the very first doll made from one of my three new molds. She has a sweetly rounded head and features. Her paint is lightly distressed to give her the aged appearance of the original she was reproduced from. I made Isadora’s dress from a very old wool challis paisley shawl. She has an antique bar pin at the center of her neckline.

If you would like to purchase Isadora you may use the automated check out on my website or you can simply email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com or call me at 860-355-5709. I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have about her, or send you additional photographs.

IZZYBELLE #2 SALE PENDING – Thank you for looking!!!

THIS LITTLE IZZY B. HAS FOUND A WONDERFUL NEW HOME, BUT IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN IZZYBELLE TO CALL YOUR OWN, YOU MAY PLACE A CUSTOM ORDER BY GIVING ME A CALL OR EMAILING ME. ❤

Little Izzybelle is just 14 inches tall and is the second doll I’ve made from this new mold. I’m sure you all recognize her from her resemblance to her sister 🙂 I’m in the midst of finishing her dress, which will hopefully be done tomorrow. In the mean time you can get a good view of her undergarments in these photos. Beneath all the layers of white cotton and lace she has an antique blue glazed cotton second skin.

I’ll be adding more photos of her in her new dress. If you are interested in buying Izzybelle you may purchase her through my website, or call me at 860-355-5709 or email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com. I’d be very happy to answer any questions you may have about her or send you more photos.

As always you may put Isadora and Izzybelle on lay-away with terms to fit your budget, or you may use Paypal, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, a personal check or a money order.

Isabeau #4 SOLD – THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY TO MEET ISABEAU #4

Isabeau #4 WAS LISTED ON EBAY, BUT HAS NOW SOLD. I love her sweet, shy expression and the way her head cocks slightly to one side, as if she is bending nearer to listen to secrets being whispered in her ear. She is wearing a dress made from a rare piece of c.1850 double violet fabric. The dress has one growth tuck in the skirt and a false hem made from antique purple and white polka-dot fabric. If you would like to know more about Isabeau #4 you may email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com.

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Izannah Inspired Artist Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Izzybelle Visits Fredricksberg – The Final Chapter of Izzy B.’s Travel Log

July 26, 2014July 27, 2014 paulawalton8 Comments

The final leg of Izzybelle’s Texas adventure was our visit to Fredricksberg. After we left the UFDC convention we headed for the hills! (the Texas Hill Country) Izzybelle and Ismay were very excited because they knew that they were going to get to visit all of the dolls that belong to Edith O’Neil during this part of our journey.

Our first stop after leaving the convention was Wildseed Farms to look at the gardens and buy wild flower seeds. I've been buy from them for almost 30 years, so it was fun to see where all the seeds have been coming from. — Our first stop after leaving the convention was Wildseed Farms to look at the gardens and buy wild flower seeds. I’ve been buying from them for almost 30 years, so it was fun to see where all the seeds have been coming from.

Chicken fried steak :) — Chicken fried steak 🙂

This is the tiny little Sunday house we stayed in. It's known as the Metzger House. From the late 19th century through the 1920's local farm families had small houses in town so that they could come into town on Saturday to sell their produce, do their marketing, and attend church on Sunday morning. After dinner on Sunday they would head back to their farms. — This is the tiny little Sunday house we stayed in. It’s known as the Metzger House. From the late 19th century through the 1920’s local farm families had small houses in town so that they could come into town on Saturday to sell their produce, do their marketing, and attend church on Sunday morning. After dinner on Sunday they would head back to their farms.

Metzer House kitchen. — Metzer house kitchen.

Me enjoying the porch swing at the Metzger house. — Me, enjoying the porch swing at the Metzger house.

After checking in to our own personal B&B we went to visit my friend Edyth O'Neil and deliver the doll she bought from me on Saturday at the convention. — After checking in to our own personal B&B we went to visit my friend Edyth O’Neil and deliver the doll she bought from me on Saturday at the convention.

Ismay got to visit with Edyth's dolls, which are amazing! — Ismay got to visit with Edyth’s dolls, which are amazing! You can see her sitting in the little chair on the bottom shelf.

It was really nice to be able to see two of the dolls I've made again (the one in the green and red dress sitting on the bench and the one in the apron standing behind the bench). On the left hand side of the picture is a boy doll made by Jan Conwell and the tallest doll in the back is one of Edyth's antique papier-mache dolls. — It was really nice to be able to see two of the dolls I’ve made, that Edyth owns, again (the one in the green and red dress sitting on the bench and the one in the apron standing behind the bench). On the left hand side of the picture is a boy doll made by Jan Conwell and the tallest doll in the back is one of Edyth’s antique papier-mache dolls. The tiny doll that is laying on the bench was also made by Jan Conwell and painted by Edyth.

Edyth has created a magnificent large scale doll's house out of one of her hall closets! I'd do the same thing in a flash if only I had closets :) — Edyth has created a magnificent large scale doll’s house out of one of her hall closets! I’d do the same thing in a flash if only I had closets 🙂

The lower level of Edyth's doll house. — The lower level of Edyth’s doll house.

Edyth showed us the amazing hooked rug that she is currently working on.

This outstanding rug hangs over the mantle in Edyth's living room. — This outstanding rug hangs over the mantle in Edyth’s living room.

Brian relaxes and chats with us while Edyth and I played with all the dolls! — Brian relaxed and chatted with us, while Edyth and I played with all the dolls!

Two papier-mache dolls and a Martha Chase doll that Edyth has repainted. — Two papier-mache dolls and a Martha Chase doll, that Edyth repainted.

Edyth owns an amazing collection of papier-mache and china dolls, all of whom are beautifully dressed and artfully displayed.

Edyth's husband bought her this wonderful portrait because it looks like a Martha Chase doll. — Edyth’s husband bought her this wonderful portrait because it looks like a Martha Chase doll.

Izzybelle and Ismay are fast friends with Edyth's antique Izannah Walker doll. — Izzybelle and Ismay are fast friends with Hannah, Edyth’s antique Izannah Walker doll.

Ismay loved trying out this early doll carriage. She said it was very comfortable and just her size!

After a nice long visit between us... — After a nice long visit between us…

... and the dolls it was time to go. — … and the dolls, it was time to go.

Edyth recommended a fabulous Mexican restaurant.

Another tiny Sunday house, this one made of limestone.

I loved this horse that lives outside of a great restaurant on Fredricksberg's main street. — I love this horse that lives outside of a great restaurant on Fredricksberg’s main street.

German food for our last night, to celebrate Fredricksberg's heritage. — German food for our last night, to celebrate Fredricksberg’s heritage.

We said good-bye to the Metzger house and Fredricksberg as we left for the airport on Tuesday morning at 3 a.m.

If you loved getting a glimpse of Edyth’s doll collection, you can read about her dolls in much more detail on her blog. Edyth’s fantastic book on rug hooking, Rugs for My Red Cape is out of print, but you can still get a pdf copy from her for what I consider to be a very modest amount for such a great book. If you are not a rug hooker, you’ll want this book anyway – just for the gorgeous photographs of the papier-mache dolls and the 18th century Connecticut cape that Edyth and her husband, Jack, moved and rebuilt in Texas! Also be sure to look for the in depth article that Early American Life will be publishing about Edyth’s home sometime during the next year. I’m sure it will be wonderful and I know the photography will be outstanding!

I hope you enjoyed joining Izzybelle and me for our travels through Texas!!! We wish you could have come too ❤

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Shows

Izzybelle’s Travel Journal – Part 3 The 2014 United Federation of Doll Clubs Convention

July 25, 2014July 25, 2014 paulawalton7 Comments

Izzybelle loved the excitement of the convention and getting to meet new friends!

Arriving at the J. W. Marriott hotel where the 2014 UFDC convention was held.

The 2014 United Federation of Doll Clubs convention in San Antonio, TX.

The escalator down to the hotel convention center.

These are some of Izzybelle’s favorite dolls that were on display in the competitive exhibits and special exhibits at the convention.

The UFDC's Miss Unity on display in the special exhibits at the 2014 convention. — The UFDC’s Miss Unity on display in the special exhibits at the 2014 convention.

Shirley Temple in the special Texas exhibit at the 2014 UFDC convention.

Do you recognize him? Santa was part of the special exhibit of German dolls at the 2014 UFDC convention.

Of course Izzybelle adored this wonderful Beecher Baby on display in the competitive exhibit at the 2014 UFDC convention.

Wonderful early wooden dolls at the UFDC 2014 convention competitive exhibit.

Papier-mache dolls at the 2014 UFDC convention competitive exhibit.

This is my table in the Artist's Showcase section of the salesroom at the convention. — This is my table in the Artist’s Showcase section of the salesroom at the convention.

A very, very nice convention attendee brought two of Izzybelle’s cousins, a pair of post patent Izannah Walker dolls, down to meet Izzybelle and the rest of my dolls. It was amazing to get to see them in person!

A pair of boy and girl post patent Izannah Walker dolls.

A close up of the very sweet faces of two later Izannah Walker dolls.

Izzybelle's very favorite part of the convention was meeting Ismay and inviting her to come home with us!!! Here they are in our hotel room patiently waiting for us to finish packing... — Izzybelle’s very favorite part of the convention was meeting Ismay and inviting her to come home with us!!! Here they are in our hotel room patiently waiting for us to finish packing…

Leaving the convention and heading to Fredricksberg!

Izzybelle and I had a fantastic time at the UFDC convention. We did have to say good bye to some of Izzybelle’s sisters, who found new homes, which made Izzy B. sad. However she brightened right up when she found out that Ismay was coming home with us to join our family ❤ ❤ ❤

It’s getting late and Izzybelle is up way past her bedtime, so she will have to tell you all about her adventures in Fredricksberg tomorrow!

You can see a fun video of the Artist’s Showcase at the convention that Turn of the Century Antiques posted on facebook by clicking here.

More photos of the convention can be seen on the UFDC’s facebook page.

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls

Izzybelle Finds a Long Lost Sister

July 20, 2014 paulawalton4 Comments

Miss Izzybelle has found a new big sister!

This is just fast post before we leave the convention. A long lost sister is coming to live with the rest of the girls and Izzybelle is so excited that she can barely contain herself!

Check out this video of the Artist’s Showcase at the UFDC convention yesterday – and yes, my table is on there 🙂

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Shows

Miss Izzybelle’s Travel Journal Continues…

July 19, 2014 paulawalton4 Comments

Izzybelle is not at all sure she enjoyed her trip to Cascade Caverns… there was a scary dinosaur and the cave was dark! Since she isn’t very old, I suppose it’s not all that surprising that she felt that way. I’m older and bigger, so I loved the cavern! Izzybelle preferred the four missions we visited in the afternoon. She said that she felt right at home there.