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.
The wedding is over, I’m still alive and I’m slowly getting back to work! I’ve survived all the hustle, bustle and excitement of the wedding, out of town company, and a multi-day family birthday celebration 🙂 I’m still dealing with having a painting and restoration duo working on the exterior of our house… I feel like I’ve been away from my doll making for years!!! It’s good to be back 🙂
“True Blue” my reproduction Izannah Walker doll pictured in the August 2012 issue of Early American Life magazine. She is shown here with her antique trunk, one of her three extra dresses, her miniature antique tintype photograph, signed copy of the magazine and her Early American Life tag.
I’m extremely honored to have been juried into Early American Life’s 2012 Directory of Traditional American Craftsmen. This is the 25th and 26th time I have been chosen for the Directory. This year in the categories of Toys and Dolls and Clothing or Accessories.
I know not everyone is familiar with Early American Life and their Directory, so here is a copy of the official press release. The magazine editors wrote such an elegant and informative description of the Directory, there is no way I could explain it better.
National Magazine Honors Area Craftsperson
June 2012 – Paula Walton of New Milford, CT won the highest award as a traditional artisan in this year’s Directory of Traditional American Crafts, and her work is showcased in the 2012 August issue of Early American Life magazine. She ranks top in her field, according to a panel of national experts convened by the magazine. The experts – curators from such prestigious institutions as the American Folk Art Museum, Frontier Culture Museum, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Hancock Shaker Village and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, the National Trust, Old Sturbridge Village, Southern Highland Craft Guild, Strawberry Banke Museum, and Winterthur Museum as well as antique dealers, independent scholars, and professional instructors – selected the top craftspeople working with traditional tools and techniques for the magazine’s 27th annual Directory of Traditional American Crafts. Walton’s handcraft showed mastery of the art form, heritage techniques, and workmanship, according to the judges.
The Directory of Traditional American Crafts is a special listing that appears in the August 2012 issue of Early American Life, a national magazine focusing on architecture, decorative arts, period style, and social history from colonial times through the mid-19th century. The Directory has been used for nearly three decades by curators at living history museums, owners of traditional homes, and motion picture producers to find artisans to make period-appropriate furnishings and accessories for displays, collections, and use.
“The judges look for authentic design and workmanship, whether the piece is a faithful reproduction or the artisan’s interpretation of period style,” said Tess Rosch, publisher of Early American Life. “Scholarship, as well as use of period tools and techniques, is particularly valued in this competition.”
One goal of the Directory is to help preserve traditional handcrafts, part of our culture that is rapidly being lost in the digital age. Many of these skills were passed down from master to apprentice for hundreds of years, but now few new people choose to learn and master them. “If our traditional arts are lost, we have forgotten a part of who we are as Americans,” Rosch said.
The August 2012 issue of Early American Life, on newsstands June 19th, lists all artisans selected for the Directory as well as contact information for those wanting to own their work. The Directory layout features lush color photos of many of these artworks photographed at Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro, Pennslvania.
“The Directory is a source for collectors and historic museums eager to own fine handcrafted, period-accurate objects and also a means of supporting those who perpetuate the art forms that are such and important part of our nation’s heritage.” Rocsh said. To learn more about Early American Life, for subscription information, or to purchase a copy, visit www.EarlyAmericanLife.com.
Early American Life is a bimonthly magazine with a circulation of 90,000. The magazine was founded in 1970 and is owned by Firelands Media Group LLC, Shaker Heights, Ohio.
A Mad Scramble
I was thrilled when EAL asked if I could send one of my dolls to Pennsylvania to be photographed. Unfortunately, I did not have any unsold dolls available when they asked. The good news was that I did have several dolls that I was working on at the time, so a wild and intense two weeks of painting and sewing ensued! I finished True Blue, just in time to send her Express Mail to the photo shoot. I love this doll!!! I was sorely tempted to clutch her to my breast and declare her “not for sale”… but I have decided that I could have fun spending extra time with her by creating a trunk full of possessions for her to keep in the antique doll’s trunk I found for her in Brimfield, on my May shopping trip. So True Blue is going to be for sale just as soon as I put the finishing touches on her third and fourth dresses and make her chatelaine. If you are interested in learning more about her before I get her final photos and write up posted on my website, you may email me paula@asweetremembrance.com or call 860-355-5709.
In reading through Early American Life editor Jeanmarie Andrews’ August column, I learned something that I hadn’t known before. Jeanmarie states ” It might seem like we pick our favorites to photograph year after year, but we don’t. Instead we rely on antique dealers and collectors, museum curators and directors who know which colors, designs, dimensions, joinery techniques, and finishes harmonize to produce a masterpiece.” The Early American Life Directory has been in existence for 27 years and gone through many changes to reflect the mission of the various publishing companies who have owned the magazine during that time. I’m not quite sure when they changed the method of selecting items for photography, but I will say that it made me even more humbled and thankful that they chose to photograph one of my dolls.
True Blue and a copy of the August 2012 issue of Early American Life that I am putting in her trunk as a remembrance of her journey to Pennsylvania and the time she spent at Renfrew Museum during the EAL photo shoot.
True Blue and her Possessions
I think that I have given True Blue a good start on her hope chest. She is dressed in a chemise, pantalettes, two petticoats and an indigo print dress. In her trunk she has three more dresses, a tiny antique tintype photograph, a chatelaine to keep all of her sewing essentials close by and a flag to wave at the 4th of July parade. She also owns several necklaces to wear on Sundays and to parties, as well as two aprons to keep her clean while doing everyday chores. All of her clothing and keepsakes fit into her antique trunk. Her adoption fee is going to be $2900.
If you’d like to add more items, such as additional underwear, dresses, bonnets, etc. I would be happy to make them for her. Just inquire at paula@asweetremembrance.com for prices.
May You Live in Interesting Times…
I’ll try to get her dresses finished and get her posted for sale sometime next week, but I can’t promise… I’m working around a wedding. One of my sons is getting married on June 30th, so there are only 15 days left on our wedding count down!!! Not a problem unless you happen to be the mother of the groom who is also the head seamstress for the bridal alterations department, the chief baker of the wedding cake, groom’s cake and an entire tower of tiny heart shaped tarts, and art director in charge of wedding decorations 🙂 I also have to figure out how to get the house cleaned before out of town relatives arrive for the wedding and get my drivers license renewed!!! Never a dull moment at our house… but at least there is no time to get bored 🙂
Several months ago when I was working on Anne Marie’s doll, I developed a method of transferring the paint surface from the shoulders of my original antique Izannah Walker dolls to the cloth shoulders of the reproduction dolls that I make. I was really striving to make Anne Marie’s doll blend in with the other dolls in her collection, since she only owns antique dolls and my doll would be her first reproduction.
I’m very pleased with the results that I managed to achieve. I basically wound up doing the equivalent of theatrical make-up, using artist mediums (making me really happy that I’d taken that theatre make-up class in college) 🙂
In these photos you can see one of my antique Izannah Walker dolls on the left, c.1860, and my newly made reproduction doll, c. 2012, on the right. I love old, original paint surfaces! You can probably tell that, right???
I am currently working on three dolls, all of which have more refined, less distressed surfaces. I would say that they will be finished soon, but with one of my sons getting married in 25 days my work schedule is in serious disarray! Especially since I am working feverishly on Paula C.’s custom order doll too…
If you would like me to send you an email to let you know when I have finished dolls available for sale, just ask. I would be happy to add you to my “new dolls” list if you email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com. You can also email me with any questions you may have about my dolls, or if you’d like to discuss having me make a doll to your custom specifications. I love taking a break to “talk” about dolls!
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.
Recently I have been working on a number of custom order dolls so I haven’t had many new dolls to post for sale. Because I normally work on several dolls at once, during some parts of the construction process, I have two dolls that are partially finished.
I still have one more custom order doll to complete, but if you would like a sneak peek at the two other dolls that are currently coming to life in my studio, just email me 🙂 at paula@asweetremembrance.com .
Charlotte’s doll is almost ready to begin her journey to her new home. She’s just waiting for her pedicure to dry 🙂 It’s raining here , which is glorious for the flowers but not so wonderful for drying varnish! So she currently is resting with her feet up, luxuriating in the cool breeze from a fan.
Izannah Walker Journal 