I’d like to say “thank you” to both Prims and Early American Life. My spun cotton figures of Thumbelina and Horrible Mother Toad are pictured on page 106 of the Autumn issue of Prims magazine, on sale September 1st. Not only am I honored to have my work pictured but I’m thrilled to pieces that Martha Bishop, one of my Izannah Walker doll making students, has her Jack and Jill featured in the same article.
My Izannahs have a “new” red dress to share. The 19th century print fabric of the dress is still vibrant and beautiful, and is the main thing that drew me to the dress upon first sight. This dress has had some ill treatment in it’s life time, before finally ending up on eBay and making it’s way here to me. I can tell that it was originally made to fit a doll exactly the same size as my antique 18-19 inch tall Izannah Walker dolls. At some point, someone decided that they wanted to put it on a larger doll – and they were in a hurry to do so – because rather than altering the dress properly they just hacked away at it with a pair of scissors! The bottom of the sleeves were snipped, with a pair of pinking sheers, up through the ruffle, wrist band and gathering, to allow a larger hand and arm to fit through the sleeve. Then the original neckline and upper part of the dress was cut away to the bretelle ruffle, to accommodate a doll with a larger neck circumference.
Recently purchased on eBay, this dress from the last quarter of the 19th century, is a perfect fit for my original antique Izannah Walker doll.
Even though this dress is far from perfect the girls and I love it. The color is a wonderful Turkey red that I am very partial too and the trim is ingeniously embroidered cotton tape, which is a very thrifty way to add a charming accent to the dress.
I can happily say that when you are a doll collector and doll maker, buying a new dress for one of your dolls is every bit as exciting now as it was during childhood. I am equally as thrilled with this dress as my 11 year old niece was, with her carefully chosen purchases, during a recent trip to The American Girl’s Place in New York. The love of dolls runs in our family!
My niece, Keira, at The American Girl’s place on 5th Avenue.
I’m adding this dress to my pile of dresses from which I will (hopefully) be drafting and selling patterns. The pile is getting rather sizable, so don’t hold your breath 🙂 The good news is that it’s much faster for me to make a pattern that is only for my own use, so if you love this dress I can certainly make you one when you order a custom made doll or just an extra dress for one of my Izannahs that you already own.
This year’s retreat is now a sure thing, it is definitely going ahead as planned! If you were hesitant to sign up before the classes met their minimum enrollment requirements, wait no longer 🙂 There are only a couple of spaces left!!!
I’m really very happy and excited!!! I can’t wait to welcome all of the retreat participants to my home and studio. I love teaching, so this is going to be a treat for me 🙂 I’m also looking forward to talking with everyone about Izannah, dolls, doll-making and mid-19th century clothing non-stop for six days! What a perfect way to observe the 195th birthday of one of America’s most beloved doll makers.
DATE S & TIMES
Session 1 – Friday September 28, 2012 from 10:00-4:00, Saturday September 29, 2012 from 10:00-4:00, and Sunday September 30, 2012 from 1:00-4:00.
Session 2 – Monday October 1, 2012 from 10:00-4:00, Tuesday October 2, 2012 from 10:00-4:00, and Wednesday October 3, 2012 from 10:00-4:00.
A three-day condensed version of my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Class starts on Friday morning, September 28th. Students will need to order my doll class and sculpt their doll head, plus gather their materials ahead of time. Once you get to class we will be making two types of molds, forming pressed cloth heads, and constructing the doll’s body. This is a wonderful class for anyone interested in antique cloth dolls, for those who would like to learn to incorporate pressed cloth heads into their own doll designs, and for doll makers who are interested in learning how to make and use molds. Tuition is $300 for 15 hours of classroom time, which includes plaster, plus $250 for the doll class. (Current Class by Mail Students will not need to order the doll class, just pay the tuition.)
For those of you who are interested in learning how to paint and finish your reproduction Izannah Walker doll, I will have an additional three-day class on Monday October 1st – Wednesday October 3rd. In this class you may finish the doll you started in the first part of the retreat or you may paint, construct and dress a reproduction Izannah Walker doll using pre-molded and pre-sewn body parts that I will make for you prior to the class.
I will cover complete painting instructions for using traditional oil paints on your doll and we will also discuss the pros and cons of water-soluble oils. After your doll is painted you will learn how to assemble the doll and the “second skin”.
After completing your doll, the focus of the class will switch to the fine details of making reproduction mid 1800’s doll clothing suitable for Izannah Walker dolls. We’ll start with my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Clothes Pattern for an 18- 1/2 Inch Doll and move on from there to explore some of the intricate and exquisite techniques that make 19th century dress making so beautiful. You’ll have the chance to see and examine numerous garments from my collection of antique doll and children’s clothing. Attendees will need to purchase one of my doll clothing patterns and do some prep work prior to 9/28, so that we can make the most of our class time. Tuition is $375 for 18 hours of instruction, which includes painting supplies, plus $29 for the pattern (the pattern comes with the doll making class instructions, so if you are taking both classes, you do not need to buy the pattern for the second session). If you want me to make all of the parts for your doll prior to class, add $450 to the cost of your tuition.
Doll # 1Doll # 2
Choose from head style # 1 or # 2.
SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR
It was pointed out to me that at Gail Wilson’s A REAL MOLDED CLOTH IZANNAH (17″) RETREAT attendees were not expected to sculpt their own doll heads and make their own molds 🙂 (Gail provides the heads of an Izannah inspired doll that she has made in metal molds).
The main focus of my classes has always been to teach you how to make dolls as accurately as possible , from start to finish, in the same manner that Izannah Walker made her dolls*. I consider my class to be a Master Level class, and I want the people who take it to acquire some serious doll making techniques and skills. I’m not trying to hand you a kit (there is nothing wrong with kits – I think there are some marvelous kits on the market – they are just not what I’m offering) to assemble, I want you to learn how to do things for yourself and the reasons why certain processes are done the way they are.
However I do realize that there are some people, that desperately want to try their hand at making a reproduction Izannah, who lack the confidence or experience necessary to make the doll without significant assistance. So for everyone who does not feel that they are a Master Level Doll Maker, for those wanting to make a doll made from a mold taken from an actual antique Izannah Walker doll, or for people who want to relax and enjoy the retreat as a bit more of a social occasion, new this year is the option for you to have me make a head and body parts for you prior to class! Selling unpainted, unfinished doll heads, bodies and limbs is not something that I normally do, and certainly not something that I want to do on a regular basis. They are available to retreat attendees only.
*It is not known how Izannah Walker acquired the heads from which the molds for her dolls were made. She may have hired someone else to do the sculpting, used a commercially available dolls of the period, or done her own sculpting.
ADDITIONAL FACTS AND TIDBITS
Classes will be held at my 18th century farm. We will be working out of my studio building and a tent**, so that you can enjoy a bit of autumn splendor, if the weather cooperates.
Students will get a tour of my antique doll collection, which features cloth dolls including Izannah Walker originals, and early papier-mâché milliner’s models (plus more), as well as my c.1790 house.
Classes run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day, with the exception of Sunday, September 30th. On Sunday class will start at 1:00 p.m., so you will have a chance to go to church, sleep in, have a leisurely brunch, or go shopping at The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market, one of the best flea markets in New England.
On Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday I will whip up something simple for lunch, using fresh produce from my gardens, or you may choose to bring a lunch with you. Tea and coffee will be available all day, because I work best with constant infusions of caffeine :).
You will need to bring supplies along with you, as they are not included in the classes. A supply list will be sent out well in advance of September. The exception to this is that I will provide all the plaster you need during Part 1 and all painting supplies for Part 2. If you are flying in and weight is a consideration, you may make arrangements to have silicone mold putty sent here directly. You may also choose to purchase an optional material kit at an additional charge. It includes enough of nine historically-correct reproduction fabrics, six antique buttons, antique lace, cotton or wool tape and cotton stuffing to make one complete, fully-dressed 18-½ inch doll. Fabrics may vary from those pictured.
I have numerous sewing machines that you can use; you are also welcome to bring your own portable machine.
Due to space limitations, class sizes are going to have to be kept fairly small. Sign up early to avoid being disappointed, especially if you want me to pre-make a head and body parts, as I will only have time to make a few of these.
Tuition is non-refundable. What is the reason for this policy? Once you book space in the class, it will potentially keep other people from being able to sign up and also will affect whether or not the class will meet the minimum number of required students. People need to be able to make their travel plans in advance, so if you register and then cancel it creates huge problems.
** I regret that the classes are not handicap accessible, because of the terrain and antique buildings. Please note that the messy, smelly parts of this class will be held in tents:), weather permitting .
HOW TO REGISTER
Simply place your order on my website; or call me at 860-355-5709 or email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com, to sign-up or to ask questions. Payment is due when you register. You may send a check, money order, or Paypal payment. Lay-away of a limited duration is also an option. Lay-aways must be completed before the start of the retreat.
2012 Izannah Walker Dollmaking Retreat September 28th – October 3rd
Let’s try this again! Last year I offered a similar retreat, which didn’t get off the ground due to a lack of confirmed registrations. I had quite a few people call me who wanted to sign up for the class after the August 15th deadline. So I’m giving it one more try because I think that it would be great fun and a wonderful creative experience! If this is something thing you’ve been wanting to do, don’t put it off. If I don’t get enough people together to hold the retreat this year, then I’m not going to go to the trouble to plan another one.
When scheduling this retreat I asked potential students what dates would be best for them. I received a variety of answers that left me with no clear dates. So instead I consulted my calendar and decided that the best possible date would be Izannah Walker’s 195th birthday. Izannah’s birthday falls on a Tuesday this year, so I stretched a bit to begin classes on Friday September 28th. We’ll make time for some memorable birthday celebrations while you are here.
I’m offering two different three-day classes this year. You may sign up for just one, or both. Also new this year is the option for you to have me make a head and body parts for you prior to class!
An Overview of the Retreat
Part 1: Making Izannah Molds, Pressed Cloth Heads and Bodies
A three-day condensed version of my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Class starts on Friday morning, September 28th. Students will need to order my doll class and do some homework ahead of time. Once you get to class we will be making two types of molds, forming pressed cloth heads, and constructing the doll’s body. This is a wonderful class for anyone interested in antique cloth dolls and for those who would like to learn to incorporate pressed cloth heads into their own doll designs. Tuition is $300 for 15 hours of classroom time, plus $250 for the doll class.
Part 2: Painting Your Izannah, Constructing the Doll, and Reproduction Dressmaking
For those of you who are interested in learning how to paint and finish your reproduction Izannah Walker doll, I will have an additional three-day class on Monday October 1st – Wednesday October 3rd. In this class you may finish the doll you started in the first part of the retreat oryou may paint, construct and dress a reproduction Izannah Walker doll using pre-molded and pre-sewn body parts that I will make for you prior to the class.
I will cover complete painting instructions for using traditional oil paints on your doll and we will also discuss the pros and cons of water-soluble oils. After your doll is painted you will learn how to assemble the doll and the “second skin”.
After completing your doll, the focus of the class will switch to the fine details of making reproduction mid 1800’s doll clothing suitable for Izannah Walker dolls. We’ll start with my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Clothes Pattern for an 18- 1/2 Inch Doll and move on from there to explore some of the intricate and exquisite techniques that make 19th century dress making so beautiful. You’ll have the chance to see and examine numerous garments from my collection of antique doll and children’s clothing. Attendees will need to purchase one of my doll clothing patterns and do some prep work prior to 9/28, so that we can make the most of our class time. Tuition is $375 for 18 hours of instruction, which includes painting supplies, plus $29 for the pattern (the pattern comes with the doll making class instructions, so if you are taking both classes, you do not need to buy the pattern for the second session). If you want me to make all of the parts for your doll prior to class, add $450 to the cost of your tuition.
You may take just one class or sign up for both. Both classes are intended for fairly experienced doll makers. To get the most out of them you need to already know how to sculpt, paint and sew. I need to have a minimum of 5 students registered (per class) by August 15th in order to hold the retreat.
If you already have one of my Izannah doll clothes patterns, or are currently a class member in my Class by Mail group, then obviously you would just need to pay the classroom tuition (and body parts fee if you want me to make them for you) when you register for the retreat.
General Information About Both Classes
Classes will be held at my 18th century farm. We will be working out of my studio building and a tent*, so that you can enjoy a bit of autumn splendor, if the weather cooperates.
Students will get a tour of my antique doll collection, which features cloth dolls including Izannah Walker originals, and early papier-mache milliner’s models (plus more), as well as my c.1790 house.
Classes run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day, with the exception of Sunday, September 30th. On Sunday class will start at 1:00 p.m., so you will have a chance to go to church, sleep in, have a leisurely brunch, or go shopping at The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market, one of the best flea markets in New England.
On Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday I will whip up something simple for lunch, using fresh produce from my gardens, or you may choose to bring a lunch with you. Tea and coffee will be available all day, because I work best with constant infusions of caffeine .
You will need to bring supplies along with you, as they are not included in the classes. A supply list will be sent out well in advance of September. The exception to this is that I will provide all the plaster you need during Part 1 and all painting supplies for Part 2. If you are flying in and weight is a consideration, you may make arrangements to have silicone mold putty sent here directly. I have numerous sewing machines that you can use; you are also welcome to bring your own portable machine.
Due to space limitations, class sizes are going to have to be kept fairly small. Sign up early to avoid being disappointed. If I do have to cancel, due to lack of registrations by 8/15, I will refund your tuition. Otherwise tuition is non-refundable. What is the reason for this policy? Once you book space in the class, it will potentially keep other people from being able to sign up and also will effect whether or not the class will meet the minimum number of required students. People need to be able to make their travel plans in advance, so if you register and then cancel it creates huge problems.
If you are purchasing the pattern or the doll class by mail and are sure you will still want them, even if the retreat has to be canceled, I will send them to you as soon as you register. Otherwise, I will mail them to you just as soon as I have five confirmed students.
There are several hotels and inns located in New Milford. The Homestead Inn is the closest to me, and is within walking distance of the town green. Restaurants are plentiful on the green and in the historic downtown area, although it helps if you like Italian food . If you don’t mind a short drive, Kent, CT, just north of New Milford on Route 7, has some nice places to stay. Last year Yankee magazine named Kent as one of it’s Top 25 Foliage Towns.
* I regret that the classes are not handicap accessible, because of the terrain and antique buildings.
Charlotte’s doll has put on her socks and shoes, packed her bags, and is ready to travel. Because she’ll have a lengthy journey, with a stop in customs, I’ve made a short video for Charlotte to watch while she waits.
If you love Izannahs too, grab a cup of tea and enjoy the show! Be sure to watch for the “coming attractions” feature at the end to see the two other dolls that I’m working on, one of them inspired by a doll that recently sold a the Sandwich Auction House on April 21, 2012 & the doll shown at Steamboat Arabia: A Historian’s Blog, and for more information on my 2012 Izannah Walker Doll Making Retreat.
In these final few hours of 2011 I would like to take a moment to thank you all for making this a wonderful year. I am extremely fortunate to be able to spend my days recreating dolls, clothing, and other treasured flights of fancy from the past. I sincerely appreciate all of you who have provided such unstinting encouragement and kind words. Your notes and phone calls have meant more to me than I can say…
I’d like to share a few excerpts from the correspondence that I have received this year which has touched my heart.
From C. “I am so thrilled to have found your website and to be able to realize a dream I have had for many years! I really appreciate all the time and care you take in just making sure someone feels comfortable in the ordering and purchasing process! Thank you so much!!” C. – I have loved discussing fabrics and dress styles with you… we are kindred spirits. Working on your doll will be a joy!
“Hi! Paula! The class workbook arrived about two weeks ago and to say that I was impressed and excited would be to put it mildly… I just can’t believe that I found you and am going to be making my very own Izannah doll. ” D. D. – your enthusiasm, energy and goodwill shine in every note you’ve sent.
“Hello, And thank you sooo much! she is beautiful!!! O my!!! I’m going to go “play dollz” she is the best! and so are you! I need to name her,…hummm….I’ll let ya know, B.” B. – I simply loved planning this doll with you, playing with all the fabric you sent and getting a chance to chat on the phone. I hope you’ve managed to avoid any more root canals!!
“I really appreciate your blog, it’s very elegant and well done, so thank you as one fellow collector to another. B.B.” B.B. You are a delightful and fascinating correspondent! Thank you.
S. even managed to make me blush with 73 characters of eBay feedback… “Stunning doll! Fast delivery! Amazing quality doll from talented artist!”S. – I’m so happy you have this doll and I hope that you enjoy your Christmas present! Your husband couldn’t have been nicer when he called to order your class. I’m very pleased to have you as a new student. Making your own Izannah will be a great adventure.
From P. “Oh Paula, I love your Izannah on Ebay right now. She is fantastic. Everything little thing about her I am in love with. Do you have some of the fabric from her dresses left over? I’d love to buy one just like her after Christmas. She is worth every penny of her buy it now. Everyone should go check her out.” P. – Your warmth and encouragement are something I appreciate so much. Writing back and forth and having you in my class is wonderful. I would be thrilled to make a doll just for you.
Thank you Paula for being so generous… I feel that I have gotten the most for my money in being able to make as close to a real IW as is probably possible with your class… If anybody will take my advice, I will steer them your way because I believe they will be better off with you. Thanks M. M- you have been a delight to teach! Your thirst for knowledge and dedication to perfecting your dolls is awe-inspiring. I’m very proud to have been able to point you in the right direction.
“I can only say that even though I have been sculpting and making dolls, I didn’t have the information about Izannah Walker doll design that your class has offered, as well as your other sewing information, and ongoing online assistance with the challenging areas of sculpting and mold making too. It’s a lesson as well as the real up close information, like patterns, body design and history. Those of us who never saw a real Izannah doll can get a closer look from this class. Much enjoyed! Thank you Paula.” From M. M. – I so appreciate your support and evident enjoyment of my class. You are an amazing doll artist and your work is outstanding. I love “talking” with you. Are you making any headway in tuning in on your grandmother’s hand made buttonhole skills?
To L. (known as M. to her friends), your phone calls are pure delight. I’m so happy to have been able to provide you with one of the dolls that you have always wanted. For a woman in her 9th decade you are one of the youngest people at heart that I know! It makes me happy to know that one of my dolls is sitting in the antique chair that you’ve had waiting for her for all these years.
There are so many more people that I haven’t mentioned, who have also sent lovely notes my way. Thank you, I treasure them all. You have helped to make my life richer and allowed me to live out my dreams.
May the upcoming New Year be the time when all of your dreams come true!
Merry Christmas to all of my Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Making students! As my present to the class this year I have posted instructions for making a classic mid-nineteenth century Izannah Walker dress on the class member site. The instructions include a bit of dressmaking history and how-to photos. I hope you enjoy using the instructions to make a new Christmas dress for your Izzy. After all, a girl needs more than one style of dress in her wardrobe!
If you are one of my students who has not already signed up for the class member only site, I strongly urge you to do so. Here is a sample of the bonus class information you are missing out on if you are not using the class site:
– A Tutorial on How to Reduce & Enlarge Patterns
– Making Molds: Instructions on How to Make Three Additional Types of Molds (different than the molds in the class instructions book)
– Straw and Silk Bonnet Tutorial
– Directions for Making a Classic Izannah Walker mid-1800’s Child’s Dress
– Discussions and additional Directions for “Adding the Grace of Age”, Painting Tips, Clay, Sculpting, Tools, Special Accessories, and more…
and best of all it’s entirely free for all class members.
Email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com if you are a student who needs another invitation to the class site (everyone is automatically invited when they purchase the class). Be sure to include the approximate date that you took/purchased the class so that it will be easier for me to look you up in my records. Also for those who have already signed-up for the Ning site but can’t remember how to get there, I am happy to send you a reminder
If you haven’t taken my class yet, but have been longing to do so, this would be a wonderful time to start. Make it your 2012 New Year’s resolution to learn how to create an Izannah Walker doll using the same techniques that Izannah did. I do have a handful of classes ready that I can mail out immediately, so it is still possible to get a class before Christmas if you order today or tomorrow (forUS shipping address only).
Izannah Walker was born 194 years ago today on September 25, 1817. Happy Birthday Izannah! To commemorate the occasion I’ve created a special Izannah Birthday Doll with an outstanding eleven-piece wardrobe. I’m also having a birthday sale, from today 9/25/11 through next Sunday 10/2/11, all reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, Izannah Walker Doll Making Classes, Izannah Walker Doll Clothes Patterns and Spun Cotton Ornament Classes are 10% off. This sale includes custom order dolls and as always you are welcome to place items on lay-away. If you have any questions, want to place an order, or would just like to chat about Izannah and her dolls and mine, I can be reached at 860-355-5709 or paula@asweetremembrance.com.
Izannah Birthday Doll
SOLD - Birthday doll and her wardrobe.
Even though I was rushing to beat the rain and falling darkness, I had the best time yesterday taking photos of this doll. It was great fun to “play dress up” with her. Her extensive wardrobe includes three dresses, two chemises, two pairs of pantalettes, two petticoats, an apron and a real coral bead necklace. If you’d like to add more pieces to her wardrobe I can make her hand made leather shoes, a cotton sunbonnet and a straw bonnet.
SOLD - This dress has wonderful sleeves, notice the rows of gathers at the top of the sleeve by the shoulder line.SOLD - This view shows the yards of 1/8th inch velvet ribbon encircling the sleeves, skirt and waistband.SOLD - The fabric for this dress is a very old 24 inch wide pumpkin orange on white print with small brown leaves and red berry dots.SOLD - Here she is wearing her brown and red dress, which is made from another fantastic early fabric.SOLD - She comes with a real coral necklace, which matches the Turkey red embroidery on her linen apron.SOLD - This view shows her tiny stitched toes peeping out from beneath her pantalettes. The pantalettes have Turkey red embroidery to match her apron and crocheted lace in a triangle pattern that echos the zig-zag stripes in her dress fabric. Look at the coordinating fabric lining the "false hem" of her dress.SOLD - She's all dressed for a party in this sheer cotton dress embellished with row upon row of lace insertion.SOLD - Two long ringlets curl in front of each of her ears. Thank you for looking!
To read more about, or purchase this doll please visit my website A Sweet Remembrance. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have or provide additional photos, just ask 🙂 860-355-5709 paula@asweetremembrance.com.
Make a Wish
Birthday pound cake decorated with fresh borage flowers.
This year the girls and I baked a pound cake for Izannah’s birthday using a c.1754 receipt that I found in The Williamsburg Art of Cookery. This receipt is old enough to have been a well loved family favorite by the time Izannah was born. Here’s the recipe so that you can bake one too.
Pound Cake
Beat one Cup of Butter to a Cream, slowly beat in one and one third Cups of Sugar. Add one Teaspoonful of Mace and beat in five whole Eggs, adding them one at a time. Sift in two Cups of Flour, turn at once into a greased and floured Pan or Mould and bake slowly for one Hour.*
*I baked my cakes in a 300 degree oven, 30 minutes for the doll size cakes and two hours for the larger version.
I’m in the very early planning stages of working on an Izannah Walker Doll Making Retreat for 2012. Because a number of people contacted me about this years retreat, but were unable to attend due to schedule conflicts, I am asking for your input.
If you are interested in attending a 2-3 day Izannah class next year, please comment on this post and let me know when the best time of year would be for you. If you would prefer to email me, that would be great too – paula@asweetremembrance.com.
Early American Life was kind enough to list my Izannah Walker Doll Making Retreat in their October 2012 issue. If you are here at my blog because you saw the classes shown in EAL, click here to read all about the retreat.
Izannah Walker Journal 