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Sally’s Doll

I've just finished this custom order doll for Sally.
I’ve just finished this custom order doll for Sally.
This 18 inch tall, all cloth doll, is the third reproduction that I've made of my antique Izannah Walker doll "Ismay".
This 18 inch tall, all cloth doll, is the third reproduction that I’ve made of my antique Izannah Walker doll “Ismay”.

Sally's doll. www.izannahwalker.com

A fortunate find was this antique linen with a crochet edge, which makes the perfect finish to the top of her arm coverings.
A fortunate find was this antique linen with a crochet edge, which makes the perfect finish at the top of her arm coverings.
Her split pantalettes are the first layer of clothing that goes on over her antique natural colored linen "second skin".
Her split pantalettes are the first layer of clothing that goes on over her antique natural colored linen “second skin”.
Next comes her chemise.
Next comes her chemise.
A scalloped hem petticoat is the last layer of her undergarments and echos the theme of her scallop lace trimmed chemise and pantalettes and her scallop topped boots.
A scalloped hem petticoat is the last layer of her undergarments and echos the theme of her scallop lace trimmed chemise and pantalettes and her scallop topped boots.
Her pantalettes peep from underneath her dress skirt.
Her pantalettes peep from underneath her dress skirt.
Sally chose a wonderful antique ,25 inch wide, Civil War era paisley print cotton for her dress.  The fabric is in remarkable good condition for a 150+ year old textile.  This small blue "Persian pickle" (my favorite term for paisley) is a particular favorite of mine, with just enough tiny  minor imperfections to show it's age, but overall sturdiness.  Notice the dress fastens with an antique cotton tape drawstring at the neck and an antique blue rimmed milk glass button at the waist.
Sally chose a wonderful antique ,25 inch wide, Civil War era paisley print cotton for her dress. The fabric is in remarkably good condition for a 150+ year old textile. This small blue “Persian pickle” (my favorite term for paisley) is a particular favorite of mine, with just enough tiny minor imperfections to show it’s age, but overall sturdiness. Notice the dress fastens with an antique cotton tape drawstring at the neck and an antique blue rimmed milk glass button at the waist.

Sally's doll www.izannahwalker.com

I don't think I've mentioned it before, but when you see posts like this one on my website they are usually ones that I post so that the doll's new owner can look over all the final details and let me know if there is anything they would like changed on their doll.  Once any alterations are made and I get the OK, then I send out the final invoice for the balance of the payment and ship the doll.  Occasionally I've already emailed a few photos to the doll's new "Mom" and do one of these larger photo posts to tide her over until the doll can arrive. :)
I don’t think I’ve mentioned it before, but when you see posts like this one on my website they are usually ones that I post so that the doll’s new owner can look over all the final details and let me know if there is anything they would like changed on their doll. Once any alterations are made and I get the OK, then I send out the final invoice for the balance of the payment and ship the doll. Occasionally I’ve already emailed a few photos to the doll’s new “Mom” and do one of these larger photo posts to tide her over until the doll can arrive. 🙂

Sally's doll www.izannahwalker.com

My newly made reproduction doll is shown here with two small antique friends.  My goal is to make beautiful, accurate reproduction Izannah Walker dolls that will look right at home with your antique dolls and furnishings and blend perfectly into your collections.
My newly made reproduction doll is shown here with two small antique friends. My goal is to make beautiful, accurate reproduction Izannah Walker dolls that will look right at home with your antique dolls and furnishings and blend perfectly into your collections.
<3

Sally's doll www.izannahwalker.com

Sally's doll www.izannahwalker.com

The original Ismay, on the right, is a very early example of one of Izannah Walker's dolls.  My reproduction custom ordered Ismay on the left is a faithful recreation of the original, with custom details specified by her new owner.
The original Ismay, on the right, is a very early example of one of Izannah Walker’s dolls. My reproduction custom ordered Ismay, on the left, is a faithful recreation of the original, with custom details specified by her new owner.
Ismay and her new namesake...
Ismay and her new namesake…
Ismay takes a few moments to introduce her new little sister to the rest of her family, and a special friend.
Ismay takes a few moments to introduce her new little sister to the rest of her family, and a special friend.
Four old & 1 new :)
Four old & one new 🙂
One last group photo...
One last group photo…
Sally's doll stops to visit with another one of my reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, this one may from a mold of my friend Mary's doll Anna.
Sally’s doll stops to visit with another one of my reproduction Izannah Walker dolls, this one made from a mold of my friend Mary’s doll, Anna.  The funky shadows on the side of her face are from the candle stick 🙂
Uncategorized

Looking For a Summer Project?

www.izannahwalker.comLately,if I have a poured and dried composition head sitting around in my studio, when I’m ready to begin painting one of my pressed cloth heads I will paint them in tandem.  It always feels like the painting goes much faster when I’m painting more than one head at a time.  🙂  I’m not at all sure that is actually true, but it is convenient and I do get to cut down on the number of brushes I have to wash!

This head is one of my tandem painting projects.  If you are looking for a fun and rewarding summer project this pre-painted head is available.  The head comes with my Izannah Walker Doll Making Kit, which has patterns and instructions that you can use to finish the doll. The price of the kit with the painted head is $375.00.  If you want to do your own painting you may order a kit with an unpainted head for $200.00. Custom painted heads may also be ordered if you would like a different hair style. If you have already purchased one of my kits or my full Izannah Walker Doll Making Class, you may also order this as an extra head to use with your patterns and instructions.  I haven’t posted this head on my website yet, so if you are interested in purchasing it, email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com or call me at 860-355-5709 during east coast business hours.  Would you like to know more about my Izannah Kit, click here to see a video about the kit in a previous post.

www.izannahwalker.com  Izannah KIT

www.izannahwalker.com  Izannah KIT

www.izannahwalker.com  Izannah KIT

www.izannahwalker.com  Izannah KIT

www.izannahwalker.com  Izannah KIT

www.izannahwalker.com  Izannah KIT

Holidays

Happy July 4th!!!

PlayingHorsey www.izannahwalker.com

Doll for Sale · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll · See Me in Print

Thank You Early American Life! ~ Isane Has Returned From Her Photo Shoot at Winterthur and is Now Sold Thank You So Much for Looking

.

An Izannah to love! www.izannahwalker.com

32 times in the EAL Directory of Top American Craftsmen :) www.izannahwalker.com

Once again I am honored to announce that I was chosen for inclusion in Early American Life’s Directory of Traditional American Craftsman.  The August 2015 issue of EAL, which includes the directory, has just been mailed to subscribers and should also be out on newsstands soon. This is the 32nd time I’ve been in the directory, many years in more than one category, and each and every time has been just as thrilling as the first!  It gives me such a warm feeling to know that the highly knowledgeable jurors, made up of museum professionals and other experts, have closely examined my work and named me as one of the top craftsmen working in my field(s).

Young Miss Isane traveled to Delaware earlier this spring to take part in the EAL directory photo shoot at Winterthur Museum. She had a wonderful time posing and exploring Winterthur.  Now that she has returned safe and sound, she is looking for a new home to call her own.

6/22/15 UPDATE SHE IS NOW SOLD Isane is 18 inches tall and is one of my all cloth, reproduction Izannah Walker dolls.  She has two painted ringlets in front of each ear and a row of five more along the nape of her neck.  Isane has bare feet, with stockings sized down from antique socks, and two pairs of hand made leather shoes – one to match each of her dresses.  She is wearing a chemise, pantalettes trimmed with pintucked ruffles, a cotton petticoat and an embroidered woolen petticoat.  Her floral printed white dress is modeled after the dress worn by the Izannah Walker doll owned by the Worthington, Ohio Historical Society.  I am excessively fond of that doll and she was my inspiration for this Isane.

Her second dress is made from prussian blue and olive brown print fabric, with short ruffled sleeves and a growth tuck in the skirt.  All of her clothing is made from antique fabric, laces and buttons. A signed copy of the magazine will accompany her to her new home.  Isane may be adopted for $1675.00.  Insured shipping to any United States address is free of charge.  If you live outside of the U.S., exact USPS international mail shipping charges will apply.  As always lay-away is an option.    ❤

This doll has been sold – thank you so  much for coming to look at her.  If you have any questions about Isane, or would like to purchase her please email me anytime at paula@asweetremembrance.com or call me at 860-355-5709 during east coast business hours.

“See? Here I am in the August 2015 issue of Early American Life!”

Isane available for sale 6/21/15 www.izannahwalker.com

“Oh no! It’s starting to rain! Hurry and take the photo.”
This is Isane before she left for her  spring break.  She went to Delaware to visit Winterthur Museum and take part in the Early  American Life 2015 Directory photo shoot.
This is Isane before she left for her spring break. She went to Delaware to visit Winterthur Museum and take part in the Early American Life 2015 Directory photo shoot.
'I love it when you come to play with me.  I hope there will be someone to play with at my new house!
‘I love it when you come to play with me. I hope there will be someone to play with at my new house!”
“I love you Isane.”
Playing is such hard work.  It is time for babies and dolls to take a nap!
Playing is such hard work. It is time for babies and dolls to take a nap!

You may see more photos of Isane by clicking on this link.

Wishing you all a happy Father's Day!
Wishing you all a happy Father’s Day!
Antique Izannah Walker Dolls

Whiling Away a Rainy Summer Afternoon, or A Day Spent With Jane Austen & Strawberries…

Entertaining a sweet guest...
Entertaining a sweet guest…

For the past week my dolls and I have been entertaining a most delightful house guest.  She is a little doll that belongs to my dear friend Susie, and she has come to stay with us in the hopes that a New England summer will give her a clear complexion, bring roses to her cheeks, and a sparkle to her eyes.

The girls are just sure they are long lost cousins, or perhaps siblings separated at birth..  See the close family resemblance!
The girls are just sure they are long lost cousins, or perhaps siblings separated at birth.. See the close family resemblance!
The girls have become such fast friends that Isabeau feels like she has a new little sister.  Our visitor is right in between Isabeau and Izzybelle so she is the dearest confidant of both of them.  They have spent countless hours giggling secrets into each others ears.  <3
The girls have become such fast friends that Isabeau feels like she has a new little sister. Our visitor is right in between Isabeau and Izzybelle in size, so she is the dearest confidant of them both. They have spent countless hours giggling secrets into each others ears. ❤
Raing, rain, go away!  Come again another day!
Rain, rain, go away! Come again another day! “Whatever should we do today?” “We must think of something fun to entertain our guest!” “I know, let’s take turns reading aloud!” “I know the perfect book. Let’s read Emma! I always think of Emma during June when the strawberries are ripe. “

After the girls came up with a plan for the afternoon, they quickly scurried to find their India Rubber Shoes, so that they could run out to the garden in between rain showers and pick strawberries.

strawberries and Jane Austen www.izannahwalker.com

Rubber Shoes www.izannahwalker.com

India Rubber Shoes, like these made by the Boston Rubber Shoe Company used to protect small feet during damp weather.  To read more about the fascinating story of India Rubber in early New England visit this site http://www.jmisc.net/jm980331.htm
India Rubber Shoes, like these made by the Boston Rubber Shoe Company used to protect small feet during damp weather. To read more about the fascinating story of India Rubber in early New England visit this site http://www.jmisc.net/jm980331.htm
Once the girls returned from the garden with their berries, they quickly settled down in their favorite chairs.  Izzybelle was very proud of all of the strawberries that she gathered!
Once the girls returned from the garden with their berries, they quickly settled down in their favorite chairs. Izzybelle was very proud of all of the strawberries that she gathered!
“Ismay you should take the first turn. You have such a lovely reading voice!”
“Emma, chapter one, page one…”
At the end of the day our small visitor gave a sigh of pleasure.
At the end of the day our small visitor gave a sigh of pleasure. “There is only one thing that keeps this from being the perfect day… I wish all of my sisters and family at home could be here with me. I know that they would have loved reading and feasting on strawberries just as much as I did. Oh how I miss them all!” “Then I know just what you should do” said Ismay. “You need to write them a letter and tell them all about our day!”

This post is especially for Susie and the doll family that lives with her.  The girls and I hope that the rest of you enjoyed it too

Intrigued about the connection between Jane Austen’s Emma and strawberry season?  Then you may want to peruse this blog post http://austenonly.com/2010/01/27/austen-only-emma-season-mr-knightleys-strawberries/ .  It is equally as fascinating as the post about India Rubber Shoes  🙂     http://www.jmisc.net/jm980331.htm

Restoration and Conservation

Lovely Large Papier-Mache Doll Repaired & Ready to Return Home

Were you wondering what ever happened to the beautiful papier-mache doll that I was restoring several months ago?  She has finally gone home. ❤  I had planned to return her to her owner at our March doll club meeting.  Unfortunately the weather interfered with our meeting, which was cancelled due to snow 😦   I couldn’t attend the April meeting because I was out of town, so this doll got to stay with me until May.  She was a perfect house guest!

Here are a few photographs of her after I did some minimal restoration.  Just enough to let her beauty shine through, without erasing her age and grace.restored large papier-mache doll www.izannahwalker.comrestored large papier-mache doll www.izannahwalker.comrestored large papier-mache doll www.izannahwalker.comrestored large papier-mache doll www.izannahwalker.com

Thank you for stopping by to visit!

*Read more about this doll here https://izannahwalker.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/a-wonderful-large-papier-mache-doll-in-need-of-a-little-loving-assistance/

Celebrations

Mother’s Day

Happy Mother's Day www.izannahwalker.comI hope you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day!

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I’ll Be Back at Work on Monday

I’ve been in Nebraska for the past two and a half weeks.  My siblings and I, along with our various spouses and offspring, were having an estate sale to sell all of my dad’s things that he didn’t move into his new apartment and cleaning up his house so that he can sell it.  I’m currently about half way back home.  I’ll start catching up on emails and phone calls and be back to work on Monday.  Thank you all for your patience ❤

Izannah Reproduction Doll Class · Izannah Walker Doll Making Kit · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

A Few Tips for Those of You Using My Izannah Kit to Make a Doll

Photo of an uncleaned, unpainted  composition head mounted on a stuffed body with custom fitted shoulders.
Photo of an uncleaned, unpainted composition head mounted on a stuffed body with custom fitted shoulders.

In November I started selling an Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll Making Kit, in addition to my existing Izannah Walker Doll Making Class and my fully finished reproduction Izannahs with authentic pressed cloth heads.  My kit makes it possible for those of you who do not want to sculpt and make your own molds to try your hand at making a reproduction Izannah Walker doll. ❤

Is it just the same & every bit as good as an all cloth reproduction Izannah?  No it’s not, but it is easier to make and it does cost less. 🙂 So that makes it a great alternative for some of you!  My kit isn’t for beginners.  It’s a simpler method of making a reproduction Izannah Walker doll, with an appearance that is faithful to that of the original dolls, but is still a challenging and rewarding project!

If you have already purchased a kit, here is a video with a few additional helpful tips.  If you have been thinking about buying a kit the video will give you a good look at what is included, and what your options are.  If you just enjoy seeing some of my reproduction Izzys then you will also want to take a peek.  And for those of you who’d like to see what my office looks like, the video has you covered too! 🙂

If you have any questions about my kits, classes or dolls please feel free to contact me at 860-355-5709 during east coast business hours or email me anytime at paula@asweetremembrance.com.

Celebrations · Izannah Walker Reproduction Doll

Wishing You a Happy Easter!

Easter Greetings www.izannahwalker.com

Wishing you all a very happy Easter weekend!

Melissa's doll spent an afternoon frolicking with the rabbits before she departed for her new home.
Melissa’s doll spent an afternoon frolicking with the rabbits before she departed for her new home.

 

What sweet treats are hiding under the chicks nest?
What sweet treats are hiding under the chick’s nest?

 

"Bunny do you think the eggs will hatch in time for Easter?"
“Bunny do you think the eggs will hatch in time for Easter?”

 

"Look! I think one is starting to crack!"
“Look! I think one is starting to crack!”

 

I received this very special Easter photo from all of my dolls that are now part of a wonderful family.  A huge thank you to Susie for convincing the girl's to behave long enough to have their picture taken and for allowing me to share it with you! <3
I received this very special Easter photo from all of my dolls that are now part of a wonderful family. It’s the best Easter greeting that I’ve ever gotten!  It is such fun to see them all together.  A huge thank you to Susie for convincing the girls to behave long enough to have their picture taken and for allowing me to share it with you! ❤  When this photo was taken the girls were all patiently waiting to welcome their newest sister home and into the family. 🙂

 

Ready for Easter!
Ready for Easter!

 

This doll is traveling on spring break.  She has gone to Delaware to visit Winterthur Museum and take part in the Early  American Life 2015 Directory photo shoot.
This doll is traveling on spring break. She has gone to Delaware to visit Winterthur Museum and take part in the Early American Life 2015 Directory photo shoot.

 

Easter Greetings www.izannahwalker.com

 

Easter Greetings www.izannahwalker.com

 

Easter Greetings www.izannahwalker.com

 

Wardrobe change!  All well dressed young ladies need at least two frocks with matching shoes.
Wardrobe change! All well dressed young ladies need at least two frocks with matching shoes.

 

Easter Greetings www.izannahwalker.com

 

Need a bit more Easter eye candy?  Click here to see  a previous Easter post.

post script…

Were you wondering if Miss Zanna arrived safe and sound at her new home in time to celebrate Easter with her sisters?  Take a peek…. all of her sisters and a dear old family friend have made her feel particularly welcome and well loved ❤

 

Welcome home Zanna!!!
Welcome home Zanna!!!