Thanksgiving Wishes

November 26, 2015November 26, 2015 paulawalton2 Comments

Warmest wishes for a bountiful Thanksgiving filled with joy and love, from our home to yours. ❤

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

A Letter From Dimity

November 12, 2015November 12, 2015 paulawalton4 Comments

When last we saw our heroines they were bidding each other a tearful farewell and promising to correspond... — When last we saw our heroines they were bidding each other a tearful farewell and promising to correspond…

"Look Izzybelle, Dimity has written to us!" "Be a good girl and I'll read you her letter." — “Look Izzybelle, Dimity has written to us!” “Be a good girl and I’ll read you her letter.”

Stray Comments

Hooray! More Painting Space!!! My New Painting Studio Has Arrived

November 4, 2015November 5, 2015 paulawalton4 Comments

Delivery day back in September, 2010 for my first studio building.

Five years ago I finally got my own stand alone studio. It took me two more years to get the interior finished. I was ecstatic when it was completed! It has been a daily joy and has made working so much easier and more pleasurable 🙂 My studio is just 12′ x 20′, not a huge space, but a cozy little cottage tucked in between four giant maple trees that grew up at the corners of the chicken coop, which originally occupied the space in our farm yard.

My current studio nestled in between the trees.

The interior of my first studio. Admittedly it is not usually this tidy, as there are piles of antique quilts and drifts of frothy white petticoats on most of the surfaces... all waiting to have their best bits , cleaned, restored, salvaged and turned into tiny clothing for the dolls. — The interior of my first studio. Admittedly it is not usually this tidy, as there are piles of antique quilts and drifts of frothy white petticoats on most of the surfaces… all waiting to have their best bits cleaned, restored, salvaged and turned into tiny clothing for the dolls.

My long range plan has always been to have a second studio for painting and sculpting, which would allow me to use my snug little cottage strictly for sewing and textiles. That dream is finally coming true! My second studio was recently delivered and I am looking forward, to the not too distant future, when it too will be finished and I will be able to move into it ❤ There is still a lot of work to do before that can happen, but I am one giant step closer to finally having ample space to paint, not only dolls, but lager projects like canvases, floor cloths and carousel horses!

Waiting up the street to pull into our field.

Snaking the truck in between the quince trees.

Headed across the field... — Headed across the field…

Backing the new studio into place... — Backing the new studio into place…

The roof is going up. — The roof is going up!

The new painting studio and the new garage are up! Now imagine a garden with brick paths, flowers in raised beds, a white picket fence and espaliered apple trees along the back wall of the garage.

This is going to be a wonderful place to create :) — This is going to be a wonderful place to create 🙂

If you’d like to see a bit more about my original studio click on these previous posts:

https://izannahwalker.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/today-is-studio-delivery-day-or-yeah-im-finally-geting-more-work-space/

https://izannahwalker.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/a-look-back-at-part-1-of-my-2012-izannah-walker-doll-making-retreat/

https://izannahwalker.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/the-way-it-was-my-2012-izannah-retreat-part-2/

Looking back through these posts gave me the chance to relive my 2012 Izannah retreat and remember all the fun I had with a great group of wonderful ladies, who I am happy to say started as students but have become very good friends ❤

The gangs all here for Part 2! We lost Peggy , but we gained Mary :) Mary, Susie, Vicki, me, and Charlotte. — The gang’s all here for Part 2! We lost Peggy , but we gained Mary 🙂
Mary, Susie, Vicki, me, and Charlotte.

The end of day three meant saying good-bye to Peggy and one of her lovely Izannah's that she brought along to class. We all hated to see her go!!! — The end of day three meant saying good-bye to Peggy and one of her lovely Izannahs that she brought along to class. We all hated to see her go!!!

One last hug at the end of day three! Vicki, Peggy, Susie and Charlotte the world's most wonderful quartet of doll makers!!! — One last hug at the end of day three! Vicki, Peggy, Susie and Charlotte the world’s most wonderful quartet of doll makers!!!

Susie and two of my dolls, the one on the left came back to visit during the retreat and to welcome her new sister, on the right, to the family.

*** More changes are happening…

In addition to my painting studio and the garage, we have also acquired a screen porch/game room.

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations

Trick or Treat

October 31, 2015October 31, 2015 paulawaltonLeave a comment

"Sadie wants to go trick or treating too!" — “Sadie wants to go trick or treating too!”

"I'm going to be a cat, just like Sadie!" — “I’m going to be a cat, just like Sadie!”

"Emeline we are so happy you are going trick or treating with us!" — “Emeline we are so happy you are going trick or treating with us!”

"Poor Sadie! She's sad because she doesn't have a costume too !" — “Poor Sadie! She’s sad because she doesn’t have a costume too !”

"We'll share our treats with her!" "Hurry and get dressed" — “We’ll share our treats with her!” “Hurry and get dressed”

The dolls and I hope you all have an enchanting All Hallows Eve ❤

Custom Made Dolls · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Choosing The Wardrobe for Sharon’s Doll

October 7, 2015October 10, 2015 paulawaltonLeave a comment

I thought you might like a glimpse at the details that go into my custom made dolls…

Now that Billie’s doll is dressed and ready to go, it is time for Sharon’s doll to decide what pieces she wants in her wardrobe. She is very excited about choosing her clothing! After all what girl doesn’t love to shop ❤

When we last left off, Sharon's doll was gaily joining in all of the party games! — When we last left off, Sharon’s doll was gaily joining in all of the party games!

A few details of her trousseau have already been decided:

Shoes:

Underwear: Like Anna #3

Dress #1: A long sleeve dress in this style in fabric #14

sunbonnet: This style in the black background print fabric.

Apron: Like the one Isane is wearing in this photo… possibly in the red, black and white fabric…

And now it is time to pick out a few more things!

Winter Cape or Coat: What about the winter white wool with the embroidered scallops above???

Cape Ideas:

Coat Ideas:

A Frilly White Party Dress:

In this style???

and maybe one of these fabrics???

Made from all white fabric perhaps with tucks and lace???

I hope that you have all enjoyed dress shopping along with Sharon’s doll. Please come back to visit so that you can see her modelling all of her new frocks and accessories.

Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Billie’s Doll

October 7, 2015October 7, 2015 paulawalton2 Comments

When we last saw our heroine she was thanking her hostesses for the lovely party and telling them how much she would miss them when she journeyed off to her new home... — When we last saw our heroine she was thanking her hostesses for the lovely party and telling them how much she would miss them when she journeyed off to her new home…

Now the time has come for Billie’s Doll to pack her bags and begin her travels westward to the heart-land. I will miss her! The lovely thing about dolls that are on lay-away is that they get to stay here and keep me company 🙂 This sweet young lady has been my faithful companion for more than a year. Overseeing my studio and offering snippets of helpful advice while I work. ❤

You may click on any of the smaller photographs to enlarge them.

The best place to start is the beginning... Her she is in her — The best place to start is the beginning… Her she is in her “altogether”.

Little hidden bits of blue... Blue crocheted trim on the bottom of her chemise, a blue rimmed glass button at it's neckline and a thin outline of blue at the tops of he boots echo the blue of her dress. — Little hidden bits of blue… Blue crocheted trim on the bottom of her chemise, a blue rimmed glass button at it’s neckline and a thin outline of blue at the tops of her boots echo the blue of her dress.

Showing off her new dress, made from antique blue cotton with a "Persian pickle" print (aka as paisley). The dress has a growth tuck in the skirt, gathered split flutter sleeves, and closes with an antique drawstring at the neckline and an antique blue and white glass button at the waist. — Showing off her new dress, made from antique blue cotton with a “Persian pickle” print (aka paisley). The dress has a growth tuck in the skirt, gathered split flutter sleeves, and closes with an antique drawstring at the neckline and an antique blue and white glass button at the waist.

Learning about her new family... "So this is what Hitty looks like!" — Learning about her new family… “So this is what Hitty looks like!”

No Hittys live at my house, but fortunately I happened to have a post card from my visit to see the real Hitty that is part of the Stockbridge, MA library collection.

Today was such a nice day that she decided to take one more walk in the woods, to gather a few autumn leaves for her scapebook... — Today was such a nice day that she decided to take one more walk in the woods, to gather a few autumn leaves for her scapebook…

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations · Doll for Sale · Izannah Walker Doll Making Kit · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · Ordering a Reproduction Izannah Walker Doll

Happy 198th Birthday Izannah Walker – Part 9 – In Which We Come to the End of Our Story & Say Farewell

September 27, 2015September 27, 2015 paulawalton2 Comments

“Thank you for coming to our party!” “We’re so glad you could be here.”

“I’m going to miss you!” “Promise me you”ll write.” “I will!”

“Good-bye!” “It’s been such fun!” “We’ve enjoyed having you stay here with us!” “Write to tell us you got home safely!” “Thank you for everything!” “This was the best party ever!”

“I’m sad to see them leave, but it feels so good to put my feet up!”

“I’m just going to stay right here on the floor!”

WHAT THEY ARE DOING NOW

Anna is busy packing. She will be leaving here bright and early on Tuesday morning for her new home.

Billie's doll is ready for her dress fittings and will be leaving here very soon. Look for her upcoming farewell post. — Billie’s doll is ready for her dress fittings and will be leaving here very soon. Look for her upcoming farewell post.

Sharon and I are still talking over the details of this young lady's wardrobe. She'll be happy to model it for you before she goes home. <3 — Sharon and I are still talking over the details of this young lady’s wardrobe. She’ll be happy to model it for you before she goes home. ❤

Lily #1 has picked out her dress and jewelry and is patiently waiting for me to make them so that she can go home with her older sister. They plan to quilt together during the winter.

Hannah #1 has found a new home! She will be helping me look through my fabric stash for just the right material for her dress. Once she is finished she will be going home just in time for Christmas. <3 — Hannah #1 has found a new home! She will be helping me look through my fabric stash for just the right material for her dress. Once she is finished she will be going home just in time for Christmas. ❤

Hannah #2 Is still available for sale and at this point you may still choose her clothing fabrics and styles. <3 $1250.00 fully dressed with free shipping in the U,S, — Hannah #2 Is still available for sale and at this point you may still choose her clothing fabrics and styles. $1250.00 fully dressed, with free shipping within the U. S. ❤

Lily 2 is also still available for sale. If you love early, worn and primitive then Lily may be just the reproduction Izannah you have been longing for... $1250.00 fully dressed, you may still pick out her clothing if you purchase her now. — Lily 2 is also still available for sale. If you love early, worn and primitive then Lily may be just the reproduction Izannah you have been longing for… $1250.00 fully dressed, you may still pick out her clothing if you purchase her now.

2 Izannah Kits finished and ready to mail – 1 painted & 1 unpainted. A full instruction book + patterns comes with each head. The unpainted head/kit is $200 and the painted head/kit is $375.

Zanna & Izzybelle are still having their tag sale through midnight tonight. ((/27/15) — Zanna & Izzybelle are having their tag sale through midnight tonight. (9/27/15) shop here

and Izzybelle is still to tired to move!

Thank you for coming to celebrate with us!

Love ❤

Paula, Zanna, Isabeau, Isane, Izzybelle, Ismay, Hannah, & their Providence Cousins

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations

Happy 198th Birthday Izannah Walker – Part 8 – Wake Up Sleepy Heads!

September 27, 2015September 27, 2015 paulawalton4 Comments

“Hannah, why are you up so early?”
“We need to go out to the garden and pick huckleberries for breakfast.”

“Oh no Hannah!” “You woke up the kittens too!”

“I think Sadie wants huckleberry pancakes too!”

and so the dolls got up and walked out to the garden…

where they picked huckleberries…

carried them back to the kitchen…

made pancakes, and enjoyed the beginning of a wonderful day!

Jack eventually came out from under the bed… captured a few stray huckleberries and gaily chased them around the kitchen floor!

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Happy 198th Birthday Izannah Walker – Part 7 – In Which The Party Continues & Games Are Played

September 26, 2015September 26, 2015 paulawalton2 Comments

“Tag!” “You’re it!”

“Too much running… I’m losing my shoe…”

“Let’s play hide and seek”

“Isane you’re it!”

“Alright… One… Two…”

“Anna, give me your hand and I will help you up.”

“Isabeau, can you give me a boost from behind?”

“When we duck down, will you shut the drawer?”

“Izzybelle, we can still see you through the glass.” “Find another hiding place.”

“How about now, can you see me now?” “Yes, we can see you!” “No more glass doors!” “Find a new spot!”

“I don’t think Izzybelle really understands how to play this game. Do you?”

“and what on earth are those cupboards for anyway???” “Haven’t you heard? They are going to hang on the walls and be high rise efficiency apartments for the Queen Annes…” “I don’t think I’d like apartment living…”

“I think we have found the BEST hiding places!”

“I think so too!” “I’m all set, how about you?”

" Yes, I'm all set too." — ” Yes, I’m all set too.”

"Come on Lily, I'll find us the perfect places to hide!" — “Come on Lily, I’ll find us the perfect places to hide!”

"You hide behind the bears..." — “You hide behind the bears…”

"...and I'll duck down beneath the other dolls." "Just pretend I'm not here."... giggle... — “…and I’ll duck down beneath the other dolls.” “Just pretend I’m not here.”… giggle…

"Hurry Isabeau, we need to hide!" — “Hurry Isabeau, we need to hide!”

"Just don't forget to let me out if Isane doesn't find me..." — “Just don’t forget to let me out if Isane doesn’t find me…”

"How about now, can you see me now?" "Is THIS a good place?" — “How about now, can you see me now?” “Is THIS a good place?”

"How ever did she get up there???" — “How ever did she get up there???”

"... 98 ... 99 ... 100!" "Ready or not, here I come!" — “… 98 … 99 … 100!” “Ready or not, here I come!”

Antique Izannah Walker Dolls · Celebrations

Happy 198th Birthday Izannah Walker – Part 6 – Piecing Quilt Tops

September 26, 2015September 26, 2015 paulawaltonLeave a comment

Zanna, Isabeau, Isane, Ismay and Hannah have been diligently piecing quilt tops, as birthday presents to send along with the young Hannahs and Lilys. Little Izzybelle has been their devoted helper.

Sunny, late summer afternoons are the perfect time for the dolls to sit under the hydrangea tree and sew.

“I’m so glad that we managed to get all of our chores finished in time to work on our quilts!” “Oh yes. This is a perfect day to be outside!”

“Izzybelle, would you please hand me a spool of thread?” “I just ran out!”

” I like all of these palampore center medallions!”

“Let’s see how the quilts look on the bed.”

“Zanna, what do you think? Do you like it?”

“This one looks good too!” “I’m glad we made two of these!”

“This one is nice!” “I was worried that we wouldn’t get them all finished in time!” “Let’s cut out backings to send along with the tops.” “Good idea!” “Can’t you just see Hannah and Lily quilting their quilts this winter.” “Maybe their new families will be quilters too!” “I hope so.”

One quilt top and coordinating backing will be included with any of the two new Hannahs and two new Lilys that are purchased this weekend ❤ The dolls and I want them to be warm and cozy in their new homes! One Hannah and one Lily have been spoken for, you may see the others here. Hannah #2 & Lily #2