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.

In My Studio January 15th, 2013

January 15, 2013February 27, 2013 paulawalton10 Comments

It feels like I’m always rushing from one deadline to another. I’ve spent the past few weeks working on several new dolls for a photo deadline. I finished this doll today, just in time to rush her photographs down to the post office before they closed, getting them post marked on the very last possible day!

Actually this doll is one I had been planning to have finished before Early American Life came to our house in December. For some reason people always have the mistaken idea that I have shelves full of dolls, spun cotton ornaments and all of the other things that I make to sell. They imagine that coming here is like going to a secret hidden shop full of treasures, set inside the perfect 18th century New England farmstead… This is so far from reality ! 🙂 I normally don’t have any dolls here at all, unless there are one or two on lay-away. In real life most of my dolls get packed up and shipped just as soon as I get the last stitches finished. Plus doll making is messy, so my studio rarely looks tidy and there is a trail of thread and fabric snippits leading from the studio, across the yard, to the house, and into the parlor, where I sit in the evenings to do hand sewing. So part of my grand plan, when Early American Life asked if they could come photograph our house at Christmas, was to create three or four new dolls and a whole tree full of ornaments. None of them actually got finished 🙂 . By the time the retreat was over and I kept up with orders, then cleaned and painted throughout the house like a mad woman, there was no time left! So I postponed making this doll until my latest deadline instead.

Now that she is finished, she will be keeping me company in my kitchen. I created her for myself, incorporating all of my favorite Izannah details. I even added a third ringlet in front of each ear, like the ones on the lovely antique Izannah that was just up for sale on eBay last week. I doubt that I will ever be able to afford the $22,000.00 opening bid on the eBay doll, but I decided that I can treat myself to one of my own dolls.

My c. 1860 antique Izannah Walker doll in red on the left and her newly made offspring c. 2013 dressed in dress made of rare "double violet" mid-19th century fabric. — My c. 1860 antique Izannah Walker doll in red, on the left, and her newly made offspring c. 2013 dressed in dress made of rare “double violet” mid-19th century fabric, on the right.

Tomorrow is going to be another busy day in my studio, as I move on to more orders and deadlines, but for tonight I am relaxing and enjoying my new Izannah, with nothing more taxing to do than decide upon the perfect name for my newest friend…

A steadfast new friend to share in my kitchen adventures!

If you should ever be in need of a companion to share in your doll adventures, I would be pleased to make you an Izannah of your very own. Call 860-355-5709 or email paula@asweetremembrance.com to discuss all the details of a custom made reproduction Izannah Walker doll.

* Did you notice the waived braid trim on her chemise and petticoat??? Read more about waved braid here.

Make History in 2013!

January 1, 2013 paulawaltonLeave a comment

It’s here! The first day of a brand new year. With a pristine calendar, ready to be filled with a bounty of creative possibilities. I love this time of year, when I’m rested and recharged from spending time with family and friends over the holidays and it feels like I have a bit more time to dream, plan, and work on new projects.

I’d like to share my surge of creative spirit, so that you can make 2013 the year that you learn to make history! All three of my classes by mail, Reproduction Izannah Walker Doll Making, Reproduction Alabama Babies, and Spun Cotton Ornaments are 13% off during the month of January. The classes may be purchased by visiting my website, Paula Walton’s A Sweet Remembrance.

If you have any questions, prior to ordering, please feel free to ask – paula@asweetremembrance.com – or 860-355-5709 .

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · See Me in Print · Where to Shop

Ordering a Doll in 2013

January 1, 2013January 1, 2013 paulawaltonLeave a comment

For all of you thinking about ordering a custom made Izannah Walker reproduction doll, I am now taking orders for dolls to be completed in the first and second quarters of 2013. I’m currently working on two special order dolls, two custom dresses and a pair of shoes for the recently sold Charlcie. New orders will be added to my schedule after these items are done. I’ve also started several new heads, which will become dolls at some point in the near future.

If you would like to discuss turning the doll of your dreams into a reality, or if you are curious about the new heads that have started on their journey towards becoming real dolls, please contact me, paula@asweetremembrance.com or 860-355-5709.

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA

The first three dolls ordered in 2013 will come with a signed copy of the 2013 Winter issue of Prims magazine, with my feature article The Tale of Three Dolls.

Celebrations · Stray Comments

Wishing You a Very Happy Christmas Eve!

December 24, 2012December 25, 2012 paulawalton6 Comments

Wishing you all the best from our home to yours for Christmas 2012!

This large papier-mache boy was a present from my husband several Christmases ago. He is wearing a "new" dress for Christmas that I just bought for him from Edyth O'Neill. It arrived today and I couldn't wait to try it on him. — This large papier-mache boy was a present from my husband several Christmases ago. He is wearing a “new” dress for Christmas that I just bought for him from Edyth O’Neill. It arrived today and I couldn’t wait to try it on him.

*Edyth O’Neill is the author of my all time favorite rug hooking book “Rugs for My Red Cape“. She also has a lovely blog full of beautiful photos of her home and dolls plus another site where she sells antique dolls and other selected antiques.

Doll for Sale · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Reference Materials · See Me in Print · Where to Shop

The Tale of Three Dolls

December 22, 2012February 27, 2013 paulawalton13 Comments

Charlcie gets her first look at the article about her and her sisters in Prims Winter 2013, while Savannah peeks over her shoulder.

Update, Charlcie has found her new home just in time for Christmas!

My first copy of the new Prims Winter 2013 issue arrived yesterday. Charlcie and Savannah couldn’t wait to open it and read all about themselves! The magazine is scheduled to be in stores on January 1st. Susie Belle has already moved to her new home in Virginia. Savannah is sold and on lay-away, so I get the pleasure of her company for a bit longer. Charlcie is very happy that her sisters have such wonderful new homes and hopes that she will find one of her own very soon!

To read more about Charlcie, or to purchase her for your very own please visit my website Paula Walton’s A Sweet Remembrance. If you would like to buy her and place her on lay-away call me at 860-355-5709 or email paula@asweetremembrance.com. I am always happy to answer any questions you may have about my dolls and provide additional photographs. CHARLCIE IS NOW SOLD. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING. CALL ME OR EMAIL IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR A CUSTOM MADE DOLL.

Doll Clothing · Doll for Sale · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · See Me in Print · Where to Shop

Three New Dolls Available for Christmas – Meet Charlcie, Savannah and Susie Belle

December 11, 2012February 26, 2013 paulawaltonLeave a comment

Charlcie, Savannah, Susie Belle and True Blue after the Early American Life photo shoot at our house on Saturday. — Charlcie (SOLD), Savannah(SOLD), Susie Belle (SOLD) and True Blue after the Early American Life photo shoot at our house on Saturday.

12/12/12 NOTE: SUSIE BELLE IS SOLD. Wish her a safe and speedy journey on Santa’s sleigh, as he delivers her to her new home on Christmas Eve.

12/14/12 NOTE: SAVANNAH IS SOLD.

12/22/22 NOTE: CHARLCIE IS SOLD.

I have three new dolls that are available for sale, just in time for Christmas. All of them are featured in the upcoming Winter 2013 issue of Prims magazine. As many of you know, I don’t usually name my dolls, but I did name these three. You can read their story, along with a bit about how they were made and a some of my doll making tips in the magazine, which goes on sale January 1st.

Each of the dolls is fully dressed in clothing made from antique fabrics and lace. If you’ve been dreaming of a doll with her own antique trunk full of dresses sitting under your tree on Christmas morning, that can be arranged 🙂 I have an antique doll trunk for sale, which can be filled with gift certificates for custom made dresses. Charlcie, Savannah, or Susie Belle accompanied by the antique trunk and dress certificates would make a very memorable and touching Christmas gift. I am including a signed copy of Prims along with each doll. There is also a chance that these dolls will be appearing in Early American Life magazine next year. EAL was here on Saturday to shoot photos of our home for their 2013 Christmas issue. At this point I have no idea which photos they will choose to use in the magazine article 🙂

To purchase Charlcie, Savannah(SOLD), or Susie Belle(SOLD) please visit my website asweetremembrance.com. If you would like to add additional clothing, shoes or antique doll trunks to your order you may call me (860-355-5709) or email me (paula@asweetremembrance.com) I would be happy to talk to you at any time about my dolls, answer any questions you may have, or send you additional photos. As always, lay-away is an option on any purchase.

Charlcie, shown on the right, with my original antique Izannah, on the left, that her molds and pattern were taken from.

Savannah has a red coral bead necklace and a chemise trimmed in red tatting. — Savannah (SOLD) has a red coral bead necklace and a chemise trimmed in red tatting.

Susie Belle has delicate wispy hair and a dress made from an amazing early "cheddar" print cotton fabric. — *SOLD* Susie Belle has delicate wispy hair and a dress made from an amazing early “cheddar” print cotton fabric.

Charlcie, Savannah and Susie Belle are looking forward to adventures in their new homes during 2013. — Charlcie, Savannah (SOLD) and Susie Belle (SOLD) are looking forward to adventures in their new homes during 2013.

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · See Me in Print · Where to Shop

Some of My Work to be Featured in the Winter Issue of Prims Magazine

November 15, 2012December 11, 2012 paulawalton2 Comments

12/11/12 Update. An article about three of my reproduction Izannah Walker dolls will be in the Winter 2013 issue of Prims. The article about my bears will appear in Prims Spring 2013.

Articles about several of my dolls and bears are going to appear in the upcoming Winter issue of Prims magazine, available on January 1st. I haven’t see the magazine yet, but it looks like it’s going to be a great issue with some really interesting work from a terrific group of artists. Stampington Company’s magazines are beautiful, but a bit pricey, so I thought I’d share this tip with you. If you pre-order the Winter 2013 issue of Prims by November 23rd you can save $2 and get free shipping 🙂

Where to Shop

New Orders Will Not Ship Until After December 15th

November 4, 2012November 4, 2012 paulawalton2 Comments

As some of you may have heard, I am busy preparing to have my home photographed in early December for an article by a national magazine. Getting ready for the photo shoot and working on my current batch of orders means that any new orders placed from November 4th on will not be mailed out until after December 15th. If you want to order a Christmas present, please feel free to email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com prior to ordering, I will be happy to let you know if I can get it to you on time.

Thank you very much for all of your support and understanding!

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Reference Materials

Amazing Collection!

October 27, 2012 paulawaltonLeave a comment

My copy of Antique Doll Collector’s November issue came today. If you don’t subscribe, you need to order a copy of this magazine right away! There is an article in it about Kelly Harpster’s collection. She owns 20 antique Izannah Walker dolls!!! She also has some amazing one of a kind home made cloth dolls and a lovely group of early Alabama Babies. Plus her house looks just fabulous. One of the photos shows some of her dolls in an unbelievably spectacular smoke grained cupboard… If you love Izannahs you will want to read this article and see all of the photos.

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Paula’s Doll

October 27, 2012February 26, 2013 paulawalton8 Comments

I’d like to ask everyone to keep Paula and her family in your thoughts. They lost their home to Sandy. Fortunately I hadn’t mailed Paula’s doll yet because of the storm, so she is safe and secure, just waiting to join Paula once she and her family find a new home.

These are photographs of the doll that I have just finished for Paula (no not me – I know it’s confusing, so if it helps you can think of her as Paula Too – I get to be the first Paula because I am older – LOL).

I’m in the midst of putting the final stitches in her shoes, then I need to trim their edges into neat scallops, apply their soles and lace up their ribbon ties… after that she is all done!!!

Making this doll for Paula has been such a joy. During the process I have made a new friend and “pen pal”, had the opportunity to chat about dolls, learn more about Hittys, compare notes on raising three sons and so much more 🙂 On top of everything else, Paula chose to have her doll made from the molds of my first antique Izannah, which I don’t get the chance to make quite as often – so that made creating this doll even more pleasurable 🙂 Getting to make special dolls for wonderful people is why love what I do!

… did you notice that she has blue eyes???