Busy Times! Studio News
Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Awards · See Me in Print · Stray Comments

Busy Times! Studio News

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You may have noticed that I haven’t posted much lately.  Unfortunately that doesn’t mean that I have been enjoying a long lazy summer… ( just kidding – I love what I do!)  As is usually the case, there is just so much going on that I simply haven’t had time to blog!

It’s funny, I was talking to Tess Rosch, publisher of Early American Life, last week and she made some comment about me being a “high energy” person.  It’s not the first time someone has said similar things. I have some dear friends who firmly believe that I only manage to get so many things done because I’m on drugs. 🙂 They asked very nicely if I would please share, as they needed to finish quite a few  projects of their own. LOL! I don’t actually think of myself as high energy. Instead I view myself as a very tired, stubborn woman with an extremely long to-do list… So we’ll consider this post as checking one of those items off my list.

Early America Life Craftsman Directory
The August 2017 issue of EAL, which Includes the Directory of Traditional American Craftsmen.

Lots of exciting things are going on!  I’m so thrilled to say that I have been chosen for the Early American Life Directory of Traditional Craftsmen in four different categories this year! Not only will you find me listed in Toys & Dolls, but also in Miniatures, Clothing & Accessories, and Holidays (in the upcoming Christmas issue). This makes 38 times that I have been juried into the Directory!

Early American Life 2017 Craftsman Directory
Three photos of my work are shown on pages 64 and 65 in the August 2017 issue of Early American Life.
Izannah Walker dolls from the Paula Walton collection.
Look for these two dolls from my collection in my September article in Antique Doll Collector magazine.

Magazines have been a big part of my summer so far.  I spent several months combing through 80 years worth of books and articles, doing research for the article on Izannah Walker and her dolls that I wrote for Antique Doll Collector magazine. Look for it in their September, 2017 issue. It is the cover article!

Currently I’m in the midst of working on an article and project for the Christmas issue of Early American Life. Keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck! I need to have it finished by the end of July!!!

OTHER HAPPENINGS

Third Thursdays are starting this month! If you didn’t read about them in my last news letter, stay tuned for more information in the next few days. This should be fun!!!

I also have quite a few really amazing things in the works to celebrate Izannah’s 200th birthday! More news will be also be forth coming about them soon. 🙂

SIGNING OFF FOR NOW

Clifford The Big Red Dog!
I made quite a few bloomer type shorts out of 1930’s prints to go with antique and vintage tops for Cloe’s summer wardrobe ❤
Reading our haul of newly checked out library books…
Strawberry juice, tiny pea and all. It was another successful visit to the gardens!

As I mentioned, this has not been a leisurely summer so far, but I have made time to garden, work in a few non-doll sewing projects, and be a grandma.  Cloe and I have been enjoying our “library days”, when we go to story time at our local library, check out books, then spend the day together “gardening” which means checking on the peas she helped plant and eating berries as fast as she can pick them, playing and reading. ❤

I hope your summer has had some magical moments too!

Susan’s Sweet Little Izzybelle
Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Susan’s Sweet Little Izzybelle

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Susan's Izzybelle
Izzybelle is modeling one of her two dresses. This one is made from a lovely c.1850 double pink printed cotton. It has a deliberately mis-matched “make-do” sleeve, fashioned from a different antique double pink fabric. The sleeves of her chemise peep out from below the tiny puff sleeves. The skirt of the dress has one growth tuck, so that Izzybelle can continue to wear it even if she should have an unexpected “growth spurt”. Pink stockings and red leather shoes complete her ensemble, which is the perfect play wear for an adventuresome young doll!

This tiny Izzybelle is all ready to head off on her lengthy voyage to her new home. ❤ She is terribly excited, and simply can’t wait to meet her new family, especially her big sister Isabeau! Bon Voyage Izzybelle!!!

Bare feet, chemise pantalettes, and petticoat.
Under pinnings ❤
Tiny red leather shoes.
White tucked dress.
Such a sweet proper young miss!
Maybe there is time for a snack?
Short wispy hair
Perhaps a nap…
❤
hmmmmmmmmm….. have I forgotten anything?
pink stockings!
A Sweet Note & A Fond Farewell
Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · thank you

A Sweet Note & A Fond Farewell

paulawalton2 Comments
Emmaline says goodbye
Emmaline took time to say farewell to some of her older relatives before packing her bags for her journey home…

I just want to take a  moment to say that one of the most rewarding parts of being a doll maker is the receiving all the lovely notes from the doll’s new owners. ❤  All of them touch my heart and make the many hours I spend working on each doll worthwhile.  Thank you!

I’d like to share just a bit of Emmaline’s farewell note…

“Hi Paula,

She’s gorgeous!  The whole package works, I love the way all the colours complement each other.  I searched long and hard before I ordered this girl, without really knowing which one, although Anna is a favourite.  As this is likely to be the only one that I own made using original methods I wanted a very traditional Izannah.  You have made just that.”

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Emmaline
Emmaline’s paint is a bit shiny and new now, but over time as her paint oxidizes, it will look more and more like her antique sister’s…
Jane’s Doll Is Ready To Travel To Her New Home
Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Jane’s Doll Is Ready To Travel To Her New Home

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Jane's Doll
Meet my version of Emmaline. This is my first reproduction from my mold of Emmaline.

I’ve just finished this sweet custom made doll especially for Jane.  She is the very first reproduction I’ve made of Emmaline, an amazing Izannah Walker doll that I restored last year.  Emmaline’s owner has very generously allowed me to reproduce her and share her with other Izannahphiles ❤ ❤ ❤ Which has earned her my everlasting thanks!

So without further ado I’d like to introduce you to my version of Emmaline.

This Emmaline has a peach colored vintage glazed cotton “2nd” skin.
Bare feet and ringlet curls…
Emmaline ❤
I am smitten by her aged paint surface ❤
Curls… ❤
Chemise and split pantlettes.
Broderie Anglaise trim on pantalettes and petticoat…
I looked through my stash of antique lace and trims… where I was lucky enough to find a wide ruffle of broiderie anglaise at the hem of an antique 19th century woman’s petticoat. The petticoat was saddly smoke damaged, but dilligent soaking in sodium perborate allowed me to remove much of the smoke stains and use part of the ruffle to make this doll size petticoat!
Emmanline ❤
Handmade leather shoes, silk stockings, and growth tucks in her dress…
I love the way this doll turned out ❤
Packing up to head to her new home.
Emmaline in the kitchen…
Emmaline close-up…
such a sweet smile…
wavy hair and curls
One last cup of tea before leaving…
Emmaline’s dress fabric comes from the back of a 19th century crazy quilt, that was lavishlu embroidered… sadly the silk embroidery floss is melting away and moths and time have irreversably damaged the fabrics that make-up the top of the quilt.
The 19th century petticoat ruffle and a bolt of unused “store stock” which a almost a match!
Jane wanted Emmaline’s dress to be made in the same style as this brown polka-dot dress, with the addition of an extra growth tuck in the skirt ❤

*Click on any photograph to enlarge it and read the captions.

To read about Emmaline, the original antique Izannah Walker doll click here.

Creating a Doll for Jane; An Extraordinary Adventure in Doll Making
Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Uncategorized

Creating a Doll for Jane; An Extraordinary Adventure in Doll Making

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This post is especially for Jane.  Filled with many photographs to help her make the final wardrobe selections for her doll ❤

Jane's Doll
Jane’s doll, a work in progress..
“second skin” body covering fabric choices
“second skin” body covering fabric choices
“second skin” body covering fabric choices
“second skin” body covering fabric choices
“second skin” body covering fabric choices
“second skin” body covering fabric choices

Body covering fabric selections in the desired color range… (click on any photo to enlarge)

Jane's Doll
Shoe leathers.
Velvet ribbon trim?
Velvet ribbon trim? Which color?

Hmmmmmm… Ribbon trim, plain, or tucks?

Claudia’s Doll
Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Claudia’s Doll

paulawalton4 Comments
Claudia's Doll
A very special custom made doll, from my Anna mold, for Claudia<3
Claudia's Doll close-up
Claudia’s little Anna is wearing an all white dress fashioned from an antique c. 1840-1850 hand sewn, tucked petticoat ❤
Tiny toes…
toes!
Blue shoes ❤
dress back

 

Wishing You Easter Joy!
Doll Clothing · Holidays · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Wishing You Easter Joy!

paulawalton4 Comments

Happy Easter from Paula Walton’s A Sweet Remembrance ❤

http://www.izannahwalker.com
http://www.izannahwalker.com
http://www.izannahwalker.com
Some Good News to Share
Antique 19th century children's clothing · Awards · Doll Clothing · See Me in Print · thank you

Some Good News to Share

paulawalton8 Comments

Last week I received some very good news.  Early American Life magazine called to tell me that my work has been juried into four different categories, Toys & Dolls, Clothing, Miniatures, and Holidays, in their 2017 Directory of  Traditional American Crafts!  I feel extremely honored.  These four new entries will mean that I have been included in their Directory 38 times.  Thank you Early American Life!!!

Here is a glimpse of my work in the Clothing catagory ❤

C. Reproduction 1850 – 1860’s child’s dress, based on an example from my collection. The original dress was for a boy, I drafted a pattern from the original for the bodice and sleeves, because I wanted this dress to be for a girl I added a fuller cartridge pleated skirt and used velvet ribbon for the trim rather than wool tape. The dress was sewn both by hand and by machine. The bodice and sleeves are completely lined with cotton muslin, like the original. The back of the bodice fastens with three antique glass buttons. The dress measures 21 inches in length and is the equivalent of a modern toddler size 2.
C. Reproduction 1850 – 1860’s child’s dress, based on an example from my collection. The original dress was for a boy, I drafted a pattern from the original for the bodice and sleeves, because I wanted this dress to be for a girl I added a fuller cartridge pleated skirt and used velvet ribbon for the trim rather than wool tape. The dress was sewn both by hand and by machine. The bodice and sleeves are completely lined with cotton muslin, like the original. The back of the bodice fastens with three antique glass buttons. The dress measures 21 inches in length and is the equivalent of a modern toddler size 2.
C. Reproduction 1850 – 1860’s child’s dress, based on an example from my collection. The original dress was for a boy, I drafted a pattern from the original for the bodice and sleeves, because I wanted this dress to be for a girl I added a fuller cartridge pleated skirt and used velvet ribbon for the trim rather than wool tape. The dress was sewn both by hand and by machine. The bodice and sleeves are completely lined with cotton muslin, like the original. The back of the bodice fastens with three antique glass buttons. The dress measures 21 inches in length and is the equivalent of a modern toddler size 2.
C. Reproduction 1850 – 1860’s child’s dress, based on an example from my collection. The original dress was for a boy, I drafted a pattern from the original for the bodice and sleeves, because I wanted this dress to be for a girl I added a fuller cartridge pleated skirt and used velvet ribbon for the trim rather than wool tape. The dress was sewn both by hand and by machine. The bodice and sleeves are completely lined with cotton muslin, like the original. The back of the bodice fastens with three antique glass buttons. The dress measures 21 inches in length and is the equivalent of a modern toddler size 2. The antique boy’s dress is to the left.
C. Reproduction 1850 – 1860’s child’s dress, based on an example from my collection. The original dress was for a boy, I drafted a pattern from the original for the bodice and sleeves, because I wanted this dress to be for a girl I added a fuller cartridge pleated skirt and used velvet ribbon for the trim rather than wool tape. The dress was sewn both by hand and by machine. The bodice and sleeves are completely lined with cotton muslin, like the original. The back of the bodice fastens with three antique glass buttons. The dress measures 21 inches in length and is the equivalent of a modern toddler size 2.
A. Reproduction 1840 – 1850’s child’s dress based on a dress from my personal collection. 23 inches long, equivalent to a modern size 3 toddler. I did choose to sew the narrow band of contrasting fabric trim with a sewing machine (so that it would stand up to more wear and repeated washings) rather than by hand like the original, but which is consistent with other examples of similar dresses in my collection from the same period. The remainder of the dress is sewn in a combination of hand and machine sewing, with a completely hand sewn cartridge pleated waist. Ties at the neck with 1/8th inch wide cotton tape drawstring, closes at waist with an antique button. It is made from a reproduction cotton print fabric. The matching doll’s dress is 11.5 inches long and fits a doll that is 18 – 19 inches tall.
A. Reproduction 1840 – 1850’s child’s dress based on a dress from my personal collection. 23 inches long, equivalent to a modern size 3 toddler. I did choose to sew the narrow band of contrasting fabric trim with a sewing machine (so that it would stand up to more wear and repeated washings) rather than by hand like the original, but which is consistent with other examples of similar dresses in my collection from the same period. The remainder of the dress is sewn in a combination of hand and machine sewing, with a completely hand sewn cartridge pleated waist. Ties at the neck with 1/8th inch wide cotton tape drawstring, closes at waist with an antique button. It is made from a reproduction cotton print fabric. The matching doll’s dress is 11.5 inches long and fits a doll that is 18 – 19 inches tall.
A. Reproduction 1840 – 1850’s child’s dress based on a dress from my personal collection. 23 inches long, equivalent to a modern size 3 toddler. I did choose to sew the narrow band of contrasting fabric trim with a sewing machine (so that it would stand up to more wear and repeated washings) rather than by hand like the original, but which is consistent with other examples of similar dresses in my collection from the same period. The remainder of the dress is sewn in a combination of hand and machine sewing, with a completely hand sewn cartridge pleated waist. Ties at the neck with 1/8th inch wide cotton tape drawstring, closes at waist with an antique button. It is made from a reproduction cotton print fabric. The matching doll’s dress is 11.5 inches long and fits a doll that is 18 – 19 inches tall.
A. Reproduction 1840 – 1850’s child’s dress based on a dress from my personal collection. 23 inches long, equivalent to a modern size 3 toddler. I did choose to sew the narrow band of contrasting fabric trim with a sewing machine (so that it would stand up to more wear and repeated washings) rather than by hand like the original, but which is consistent with other examples of similar dresses in my collection from the same period. The remainder of the dress is sewn in a combination of hand and machine sewing, with a completely hand sewn cartridge pleated waist. Ties at the neck with 1/8th inch wide cotton tape drawstring, closes at waist with an antique button. It is made from a reproduction cotton print fabric. The matching doll’s dress is 11.5 inches long and fits a doll that is 18 – 19 inches tall.
A. Reproduction 1840 – 1850’s child’s dress based on a dress from my personal collection. 23 inches long, equivalent to a modern size 3 toddler. I did choose to sew the narrow band of contrasting fabric trim with a sewing machine (so that it would stand up to more wear and repeated washings) rather than by hand like the original, but which is consistent with other examples of similar dresses in my collection from the same period. The remainder of the dress is sewn in a combination of hand and machine sewing, with a completely hand sewn cartridge pleated waist. Ties at the neck with 1/8th inch wide cotton tape drawstring, closes at waist with an antique button. It is made from a reproduction cotton print fabric. The matching doll’s dress is 11.5 inches long and fits a doll that is 18 – 19 inches tall.
New Frocks for the Twins
Doll Clothing

New Frocks for the Twins

paulawalton2 Comments

Some of you may remember the twins, sweet Annabelle & Annalee https://izannahwalker.com/2016/10/19/annabelle-annalee-are-homeward-bound/ 

I’ve just finished new dresses for both girls, to help fill their trunk and give them new outfits for Easter and warm summer days. ❤

Silk paid taffeta, with a cartridge pleated skirt and lots of black velvet trim ❤
Sheer white antique cotton dresses with summery red blooms and antique red French cotton tape.
A pair of silk plaid dresses cut on the bias with velvet ribbon trim ❤
izannahwalker.com new dresses for Annabelle and Annalee
A Gentle Bit of Amusement…
Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

A Gentle Bit of Amusement…

paulawalton2 Comments
my Izannah newly made reproduction Izannah Walker doll inserted into an antique photograph
This is a photograph I first shared in February, 2012 ❤ It shows a reproduction Izannah Walker doll that I made, photographed, and then talked one of my sons into inserting in a copyright free antique photo. ❤ ❤ ❤ Every now and then this photo pops up in my Pinterest and facebook feeds. It always makes me smile when that happens… especially when people have added inaccurate captions because they think the doll in the photo is an original ~ not realizing that it is an altered photograph… It’s original caption having been lost when the photo was shared, then shared again… like playing a visual version of “telephone” 🙂

If you’d like to go back and see the post where this photo originally appeared here is the link https://izannahwalker.com/2012/02/11/meet-my-newest-izannah-walker-reproduction-doll/

It’s funny, the altered photo is no longer in it’s original post, having fallen victim to one of my infrequent photo storage deletion sprees… as storage space here on my blog is always an issue 🙂  However I did leave a couple of color photographs of the doll and a short video of her in the original post, which you might  enjoy seeing!

This is the unaltered copyright free Dover image we started with to create the final photo.
This is the unaltered copyright free Dover image we started with to create the final photo.

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