“It’s taken two and a half weeks for me to recover and get caught up enough to write this post 🙂 ”
I managed to write the previous sentence last Saturday… now here it is almost a week later and I still haven’t found time to get retreat photos posted. So I am going to stop everything else for a few minutes and concentrate on finishing this post!
All ready and waiting for everyone to arrive at my studio!The first morning of the retreat and already hard at work…Day 2 started out with a “road trip” to the home of a local doll dealer and collector who very generously gave us a tour of her private collection, which includes this glorious large Izannah Walker doll!
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!!!
Favorite Moments:
Susie and two of my dolls, the one on the left came back to visit during the retreat and to pick up her new sister, on the right.Another visitor to the retreat was Peggy’s wonderful new Queen Anne wooden, made by Kathy Patterson.A champagne and jelly bean toast to celebrate a successful end to Part 1 and the first half of the retreat 🙂One last hug at the end of day three! Vicki, Peggy, Susie and Charlotte the world’s most wonderful quartet of doll makers!!!
This is just the tiniest glimpse at the fun, laughter, sharing, learning and friendship that we experienced during the first half of the retreat. It was a wonderful experience having all four of these incredible ladies, who were willing to journey to my small corner of New England, come make dolls with me! I simply can not express how much I truly enjoyed getting to know them and sharing our mutual love of Izannah Walker’s dolls. The only two difficult obstacles we faced were actually being disciplined enough to work – since it was all too tempting to just have fun and play dolls – and the rain!
If you are a long time reader of this blog, you will probably recall that for the past few years I have been having an Birthday Sale to celebrate Izannah Walker’s birth on September 25, 1817.
For the past couple of years, I have declared Izannah Walker’s birthday one of my own personal holidays and celebrated by having a sale on all things Izannah. September 25th marks the 195th anniversary of Izannah’s birth in 1817.
Because of my upcoming Izannah Doll Making Retreat, I am starting the sale a little bit sooner and running it a smidge longer too. That way if you have questions you’d like to ask prior to ordering items, there is plenty of time for me to answer before and after the retreat.
Orders for the finished doll, patterns and the class by mail will be probably be shipped out after October 3rd, when the retreat is over. Right now, I am working on three custom made dolls, so any new custom orders will be added to my calendar after these current commissions. I do ask for a 25% deposit when you place a custom order, or you may set up lay-away payments of varying lengths.
You may place orders through my website A Sweet Remembrance and call or email me to order custom made dolls and doll clothing.
This doll has been sold, thank you for stopping by to see her. Here she is! I just finished her this afternoon. While making this doll I became quite enamored with an Izannah Walker that was very briefly for sale on eBay. This same doll first came to my attention when it was up for auction at the Sandwich Auction House in April. It is similar to an Izannah Walker doll pictured in a daguerrotype owned by Elizabeth Isenburg who writes the Steamboat Arabia blog. I loved the scalloped waves around her face accompanied by two long curls over each of her ears. I really wanted to paint that hair!
More of a “Rose Red” than a “Lady in Red” or a “Red Hot Momma” she has a second skin made from vintage red polished/glazed cotton.She has a long chemise made from fine antique linen.
Her second dress is made from antique red and blue paisley fabric.
Rose Red has bare feet. She comes with a chemise, pantalettes, petticoat, red and cream print dress and second dress made from red and blue paisley. $1450.00 If you would like to add her to your doll family, please visit my website where she can be purchased via my secure automatic check out. Email or call me with questions (paula@asweetremembrance.com, 850-355-5709) or to arrange lay away payments. You can add socks and hand made shoes, sheer white cotton undersleeves, a bonnet, a necklace, or additional dresses to her wardrobe. Please inquire for the cost of any of these custom made accessories.
“This creative entrepreneur is in the running for an American Made Audience Choice Award and could win 10k and appear in Martha Stewart Living magazine.” Please stop by and see My American Made Story, then cross your fingers and wish me luck!!! Hugs ♥ Paula
I’d like to say “thank you” to both Prims and Early American Life. My spun cotton figures of Thumbelina and Horrible Mother Toad are pictured on page 106 of the Autumn issue of Prims magazine, on sale September 1st. Not only am I honored to have my work pictured but I’m thrilled to pieces that Martha Bishop, one of my Izannah Walker doll making students, has her Jack and Jill featured in the same article.
I have always loved antique dolls that have acquired a myriad collection of possessions throughout their long lives. I have endeavored to give True Blue a good start on a hope chest of her own, one that can be added to for generations to come. She is true blue through and through with a blue second skin made from antique glazed cotton.
Her undergarments consist of a long lace trimmed chemise, pantalettes, and two petticoats trimmed in blue crocheted lace and tatting. In her antique trunk she has four hand made dresses, a tiny antique tintype photograph, a chatelaine to keep all of her sewing essentials close by, a vintage silk flag to wave at the 4th of July parade and a miniature feather tree to help her celebrate Christmas. She also owns two necklaces to wear on Sundays and to parties, as well as two aprons to keep her clean while doing everyday chores. Rounding out her possessions are a signed copy of August 2012 Early American Life and an Early American Life Craftsman Directory recognition tag. Her adoption fee is $2900.
All of her dresses are made from antique fabrics. The first is a wonderful indigo print cotton, with a banded neckline and sleeves and two growth tucks in the skirt. The second is a lively red and blue paisley print, with short straight sleeves, a deep hem and two growth tucks.
Her third dress is a very early Prussian blue and brown cotton paisley that almost, but one quite as sheer as gauze. It has tucked and gathered sleeves and a banded neckline. The fourth dress is True Blue’s wardrobe is a very sheer woven cotton fabric, that is reminiscent of cheese cloth in its open weave, with woven white and blue “dots”. It has a very full bodice, skirt and sleeves, with bands of cotton tape at the sleeves, neckline and waistband.
All of True’s possessions fit neatly into to her fabric covered trunk. The trunk itself is not perfect. It shows signs of having been lovingly played with over the years. I think that it fits very well with the amount of “aging” that True exhibits. I came across this trunk in Brimfield in May. At the time I bought it, the trunk was lined with a modern “country” print wallpaper. I have swapped out the lining for some much older vintage wallpaper that I just happened to have in my stash.
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.
My Izannahs have a “new” red dress to share. The 19th century print fabric of the dress is still vibrant and beautiful, and is the main thing that drew me to the dress upon first sight. This dress has had some ill treatment in it’s life time, before finally ending up on eBay and making it’s way here to me. I can tell that it was originally made to fit a doll exactly the same size as my antique 18-19 inch tall Izannah Walker dolls. At some point, someone decided that they wanted to put it on a larger doll – and they were in a hurry to do so – because rather than altering the dress properly they just hacked away at it with a pair of scissors! The bottom of the sleeves were snipped, with a pair of pinking sheers, up through the ruffle, wrist band and gathering, to allow a larger hand and arm to fit through the sleeve. Then the original neckline and upper part of the dress was cut away to the bretelle ruffle, to accommodate a doll with a larger neck circumference.
Recently purchased on eBay, this dress from the last quarter of the 19th century, is a perfect fit for my original antique Izannah Walker doll.
Even though this dress is far from perfect the girls and I love it. The color is a wonderful Turkey red that I am very partial too and the trim is ingeniously embroidered cotton tape, which is a very thrifty way to add a charming accent to the dress.
I can happily say that when you are a doll collector and doll maker, buying a new dress for one of your dolls is every bit as exciting now as it was during childhood. I am equally as thrilled with this dress as my 11 year old niece was, with her carefully chosen purchases, during a recent trip to The American Girl’s Place in New York. The love of dolls runs in our family!
My niece, Keira, at The American Girl’s place on 5th Avenue.
I’m adding this dress to my pile of dresses from which I will (hopefully) be drafting and selling patterns. The pile is getting rather sizable, so don’t hold your breath 🙂 The good news is that it’s much faster for me to make a pattern that is only for my own use, so if you love this dress I can certainly make you one when you order a custom made doll or just an extra dress for one of my Izannahs that you already own.
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.
Izannah Walker Journal 