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.

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.

… and now it is time for Izzybelle to head off to bed. Tomorrow will be another busy day!

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Shows

Izzybelle & I Are Packed and Ready to Head to the UFDC Convention!

July 14, 2014 paulawalton12 Comments

Izzybelle is strapped into her carrier so that she can see all the sights in San Antinio and at the UFDC Convention! — Izzybelle is strapped into her carrier so that she can see all the sights in San Antonio and at the UFDC Convention!

Izzybelle is very excited to be going on her first vacation! I’ve promised her that if she is a good girl she can go sightseeing and visit with all of the other dolls that are going to be in San Antonio this week. If you would like to read about what Izzybelle and I are doing at the convention, check back here during the week or stop by facebook or Pinterest to see Izzybelle’s posts.

A huge thank you to everyone for your patience while I’ve been getting ready for the convention. I know that I owe several of you photos of fabric swatches! While I’m in Texas you may still email me or you can call 860-355-5709 if you need to reach me and my family will to relay your message to me.

If you will be attending the convention please stop by my table at the Artist’s Showcase in the UFDC Salesroom on Saturday the 19th from 12:00 -7:00 to say hi!

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Shows · Where to Shop

The Countdown to the UFDC Convention Continues – 7 More Days of Doll Making Left!

July 8, 2014 paulawalton10 Comments

Patiently waiting for arms and legs... — Patiently waiting for arms and legs…

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Shows

Getting Ready for the UFDC Convention – Work in Progress

July 6, 2014 paulawalton4 Comments

Just one short week until I’ll be packing all the dolls to take to the convention! Still lots and lots to do!!!

Here is a first look at the dolls I've been working on. — Here is a first look at the dolls I’ve been working on.

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

A Special New Doll for Mary

May 29, 2014May 30, 2014 paulawalton13 Comments

Last spring Mary and her antique Izannah Walker doll, Anna, came to visit. We had a wonderful day with Anna and spent several hours planning a special reproduction of Anna to add to Mary’s impressive doll collection. Mary has been amazingly patient, as I obsessed over all the fine details necessary to accurately reproduce a younger “sister” for Anna. I have to admit that it was a slightly daunting task, as the two dolls will be living in the same household and needed to be exactly the same size, so that they can share clothes. I wound up making numerous legs and feet before I was confident that I had correctly gotten Anna’s tiny bare feet just right!

Mary found the antique lace to trim this pinafore. If you look closely you can see the pattern of tiny blue stars in the lace.

Mary also bought the antique blue trim that is around the neckline and sleeves of this dress.

I cartridge pleated the skirt of this dress. Mary requested thumbs that are folded close to the palms of the hands.

May 30th – a few more photographs to share…

This photo shows removable sleeves worn with the brown print dress.

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Ordering a Reproduction Izannah Walker Doll

A Fond Farewell…

April 15, 2014 paulawalton4 Comments

Today the dolls and I have had to bid farewell to Cindy’s doll. The girls were all sad to see her go, especially her older sister Isabeau…

" Did you remember to pack everything? Have you got your red dress... and both of your shoes?" — ” Did you remember to pack everything? Have you got your red dress… and both of your shoes?”

"Is this box comfy enough? It's going to be a long trip!" — “Is this box comfy enough? It’s going to be a long trip!”

"What do you suppose it's like in Minnesota?" "I've heard that it gets very cold there, so promise me you will wrap up well & keep warm." — “What do you suppose it’s like in Minnesota?” “I’ve heard that it gets very cold there, so promise me you will wrap up well & keep warm.”

"I'm going to miss you!" "Me too!" "Promise you'll write?" "Everyday, I promise!" — “I’m going to miss you!” “Me too!” “Promise you’ll write?” “Everyday, I promise!”

Even though Isabeau found it hard to say good-bye she knows in her heart that her younger sister is going to a good home where she will be loved, especially after I let her read the letter that I just received.

“Dear Paula,

The best surprises are those that unfold gradually. The process of making “Cindy’s Doll” has been all I imagined and hoped for when I first called you last November. Once I’d set things in motion I watched with much satisfaction as Cindy studied her choices, showed them to (our daughters) and me, and after due consideration, settled on one or another.

When “Cindy’s Doll” is actually here in hand she will become part of a loving family. I will be sure to let you know when Cindy has chosen her name. We’ve had several discussions of names, but need to hold her and know her to find out which name is really hers.

To you I extend my compliments on your skill and creativity. To take an almost forgotten art and bring it back to life as you have, mainly by just “figuring it out” with hand and eye and inner motivation is a gift, and I thank you for sharing it with us.

We are so excited to meet our doll, to have her join our family, to give her a name, and to cherish her.” …

What more could a loving big sister or a doll maker ask for… ❤ ❤ ❤

Doll Clothing · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Cindy’s Doll – Part 2

April 8, 2014April 8, 2014 paulawalton3 Comments

I’m happy to say that Cindy’s doll is finished! I had a couple of little issues to over come yesterday, like finding out that I did not have enough black silk ribbon to lace both of her shoes – then having the black dye I was warming up explode all over the inside of my microwave!!!, & unexpected rain yesterday afternoon and this morning which made it impossible to take more photos. Such is the life of a doll maker 🙂

little details…

Doll Accessories · Doll Clothing · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Ordering a Reproduction Izannah Walker Doll

Cindy’s Doll – Part One

April 5, 2014April 5, 2014 paulawalton6 Comments

For the past few months I’ve been working on an excessively romantic project. From time to time I receive very sweet calls from husbands who want to do something special for their wives. Before Christmas I was contacted by a very thoughtful gentleman in the midwest who wanted to give his wife a custom made doll. He wanted her to be able choose exactly how she wanted the doll to look, so with a little plotting and planning we decided that he should present her with a gift certificate for Christmas that would allow her to plan a special reproduction Izannah Walker doll. Our original scheme called for the doll to be ready in February in time for his wife’s birthday, but during the planning stages after the New Year, Cindy the recipient of our joint endeavor, told me that there was no hurry. So she and I took our time sorting out all of the details for her doll and coming up with a very complete design plan. I loved that fact that this doll has been a family affair, with Cindy’s daughters helping her choose the fabrics and styles for her doll’s dresses.

This doll is an excellent example of what my dolls look like when you request that they look "new". — This doll is an excellent example of what my dolls look like when you request that they look “new”.

This project is now coming to a close, as I finish the last touches on Cindy’s Christmas doll. Tomorrow I will be sewing yards of black velvet ribbons onto her second dress and fashioning her leather shoes. Cindy asked that I make her doll look almost new, with just a few hints of age, as the doll will have years ahead of her to age gracefully on her own.

I think that Cindy an her daughters choose a wonderful dress style for this doll. The split lace trimmed sleeves look very striking made from this red striped fabric. — I think that Cindy an her daughters choose a wonderful dress style for this doll. The split, lace trimmed sleeves look very striking made from this red striped fabric.

It was such a nice afternoon that I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of Cindy’s doll to remember her by, since she will soon be leaving here on her journey to her new forever home…