Hello! We are back again on this lovely Saturday morning to welcome you to my painting and sculpting studio, where I will be giving you a guided tour of the Izannah Walker doll house that I created.
You may have noticed that in the videos from this week I am talking to you just as I would if you happened to drop by my studio for a visit. Think of them as a bit of a one sided chat 🙂 None of them is scripted, so I occasionally correct myself, or accidentally mention something twice, as I did in this video… I do that in person too! 🙂 lol
The dolls and I hope you enjoy exploring their home from top to bottom and that you have a lovely weekend ❤
My Izannah Walker Birthday Week Celebration continues tomorrow through Tuesday, October 1st with something new to see here each day ❤
“Hannah, you and Ismay made a wonderful cake! It’s beautiful!” “Just in time, I hear all of our friends arriving.” “Eliza Jane, you and Ismay can go on up to the parlor. I’ll take off my apron and bring the cake up.”“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Izannah…”“Make a wish!”
You may enlarge the photos and see the entire image by clicking on individual photographs in the montage.
The recipe for this year’s cake came from American Cake by Anne Byrn.Ismay, Zola and Hannah made an Appalachian Apple Stack Cake, with moist buttermilk layers and spiced apple filling. The story, which I am very fond of, goes like this; each family invited to a wedding would bring one layer of cake, all of the layers were stacked together to form the wedding cake. I’ve also heard this cake called a prairie wedding cake and have seen reference to each family bringing a different flavored cake layer. ❤
At 7:00 p.m. I have a few new dolls who would like to make your acquaintance. I hope you will be able to come back to meet them and then return one final time today at 10:00 p.m. Eastern time for our bedtime post. 🙂
Zanna and Isabeau have asked Cloe to help them get ready for today’s party. They may have gotten a bit more “help” than they anticipated…
“I think the rug would look nice outside the kitchen.”
“Is the rug nice and flat?”
“What should we do first to get ready for the party?”
“I could help set the table.”
“Here is Izzybelle’s little cup.”
“How many spoons will we need?”
“Hmmm, the parlor looks clean and ready for company…”
“The table is almost ready.”
“We’ll need to heat the iorn so that we can press our party dresses.”
“Here Isabeau, let me help you get more comfy in your chair.”
“Salt, we’ll need salt for dinner.”
Click on any photo to see it enlarged and to read the caption.
Don’t worry! In spite of the sound effects, no dishes were harmed in the making of this video. As Isabeau always says, “there is a reason that babies only get to use the everyday china”! 🙂
Thank you for coming!!! I hope you have enjoyed this glimpse into some of our party preparations. Here is the schedule for today’s celebration events, I will have additional posts at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm, and 10:00 pm Eastern time. My 7:00 pm post will feature several dolls for sale, because what would an Izannah Walker Birthday Celebration be without at least a few new reproduction dolls for sale? 🙂 The dolls will only be posted here on my blog. If one or more of them tugs at your heart strings and you’d like to purchase her, you may email me at paula@asweetremembrance.com. If more than one person is interested in buying the same doll, the email with the earliest time will get preference. ❤
Don’t forget! Only 3 more days until it’s Izannah Walker’s 199th birthday. My dolls and I will be hosting an all day online celebration 🙂 Please come join us! We’ll be sooooooo sad if you can’t come 😦
At 10:00 a.m on Sunday September 25th stop whatever you are doing, run to your pc and come right over to http://www.izannahwalker.com for the beginning of our birthday fun!!! ❤
Lovely large c. 1840’s papier-mache doll that I brought home from New Hampshire. She has a child’s pocket tied around her waist and came with a late 18th century child’s chair with it’s original splint seat.
Last week I got to do something that I’ve been wanting to do for over 20 years! We drove up to New Hampshire for Antiques Week and a visit to Strawbery Banke museum. I’m sure you aren’t surprised that I came back a few things for the dolls, including two new friends. 🙂
Lovely library steps from NH! Now I’ll be able to reach the bedroom and attic of the doll’s house in style!
Home from NH with antique library stairs ❤
A tiny tin candle holder and silk flags from NH, along with an ironstone plate, tin spoons, a cast iron iron, and a tiny old basket from our stop in Sturbridge, MA.
A girl can never have too many spoons in her kitchen! And who could do without an ironstone plate and a gathering basket for trips out to the gardens?
Silk flags to bedeck the doll’s house for Flag Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day! Plus an iron to keep all the linens well pressed and a tin candle holder to keep the dark at bay.
Two antique braided rugs found in Sturbridge will help keep the dolls feet warm when they are running around their house this winter.
Antique petticoats, pantalettes, and stockings for the dolls.
Assorted antique thread, lace, trim, ribbons and fabric from our stop in Sturbridge at one of my favorite antique shops.
BIGGEST spools of thread in the world 🙂 OK, probably not, but still huge. The smaller spool is normal size.
Just a bit of whimsy for my new studio. A piece of zinc ridge pole from one of the NH antique shows. Just imagine having the entire crest of your rook bedecked in these hearts ❤
Another view of the antique zinc ridge pole.
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Close-up of the 1840’s papier-mache doll I bought in NH.
She has the most wonderfully detailed hairstyle.
A beautiful profile and iconic 1840’s styling.
I love this black stockinette doll, often referred to as a “Beecher-type” doll because people think it has a resemblance to the dolls made by Julia Beecher.
This doll is in amazing condition.
All of my dolls are over joyed that they have new family members! ❤
So many great things to see! Our trip to Brimfield on Wednesday was wonderful.
On Wednesday my husband and I made our annual trek to Brimfield, MA. Three times a year Brimfield is filled to capacity with dealers selling antiques, vintage items and collectibles of all kinds. We usually only go in May, although we have occasionally gone in July, when the weather is blisteringly hot. We’ve never managed to go up in September, since fall is a busy time for us…
Brimfield is usually one of my major buying trips for antique fabrics and trims. This year I found slightly less fabric, but bought more antique silk velvet ribbon than I’ve come across in a long time.
Another item I came away with in abundance was petticoats. Women’s petticoats, baby petticoats and doll petticoats!!!
I even found a doll size mohair coat ❤
The dolls were quite excited when I carried in several new pieces of furniture for their house. I was lucky enough to find a tiny 1850’s jelly cupboard, a stretcher base table with a wonderful Christmas inscription on the underneath side, and an amazing little rope bed.
“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 going to miss everyone.”“Me too!”“I’m sad to see them leave, but it feels so good to put my feet up!”“At least Lily isn’t leaving yet.” ❤“I may stay in bed ALL day tomorrow…”
“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.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. ❤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.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 having their tag sale through midnight tonight. (9/27/15) shop hereand Izzybelle is still to tired to move!
Welcome to our birthday tea party in honor of Izannah Walker, an extraordinary doll maker, who was the first woman to receive a United States Patent for her doll making method!
The dolls and their guests have gathered in the front parlor, while I brew a pot of tea. This afternoon we will be serving a combination of Earl Grey, lavender and ground vanilla beans. I drink mine with a bit of sugar, Isabeau and Zanna prefer lavender honey in theirs and little Izzybelle likes her cup partially filled with warm milk and a heaping spoonful of sugar, then topped up with tea!
A large scoop of Earl Grey tea, lavender flowers and a pinch of ground vanilla beans… total bliss!“Welcome!” “We are so glad you could come!”“Have you met our dear friend Lily? She just moved from Toledo to Michigan and now she has come to pay us a visit.” ” Sharon’s doll is also visiting us. We are so happy she could stay for the party!”“Does everyone have a seat?” “I’m going to go get the tea. I’ll be right back!”“This is Sadie, one of our new kittens.” “Izzybelle, be careful! Don’t let Sadie knock you off of the piano stool!” “Don’t worry Isane, I’m holding on tight!”“Here comes Jack. He follows Sadie everywhere!”Jack very much wants to play with Billie’s doll, who is another one of our party guests.“Would you care for a Honey Tea Cake?”“No Jack, not you!” “Tea cakes aren’t good for kittens.”“Isane don’t let them get the cakes!”“That’s right Jack, go see Anna, she’ll pet you.” “Petting is much better than cake!”” Sadie, I’ll pet you too.”“Now that the kittens have settled down, would anyone like a cup of tea?”“Oh no! Lily did Jack knock your cup out of your hand?”“Don’t worry. Nothing broke and I have a clean cup right here for you.”Too much excitement! The kittens are all worn out and have gone off to take a nap…“I would really like that cup of tea now!” “And I’d like a bit of quiet, civilized conversation!” “Well I LIKE having the kittens come to tea! It makes everything so much more interesting!” “Hush Izzybelle…”“I know what we should do. Have you seen Joy Harrington’s article in Antique Doll Collector magazine? It’s all about the house she had made for her Izannah Walker dolls.” “You can tell Billie all about it when you go home to Kansas.” “I think next year we should ask for a house of our very own as a birthday present!”“Cake? “I don’t know anything about cake.” “Or falling teacups…” “You must be thinking about some other kitten.” “Yawnnnnnnnnn”
See? I told you that the girls loved Joy’s article about her doll house! If you would like to read the article too, it is in the August 2015 issue of Antique Doll Collector magazine on pages 43-48. Not only does it include wonderful pictures and descriptions of the doll house, but it also shows Joy’s fantastic collection of antique Izannah Walker dolls. It is such a treat!
The dolls, kittens and I have so enjoyed having you visit us this afternoon! We hope you will come back tomorrow and Sunday for new posts at 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. each day, as we party on!
And now, I don’t know about you, but I plan to brew another pot of tea, put my feet up and watch the dolls giggle and play on into the evening…
* Sharon’s and Billie’s dolls are custom orders, who will soon be traveling to their new homes. In the photos they are wearing borrowed finery. They will each be receiving their final dress fittings soon and will both have posts of their very own to show off their new wardrobes before they leave here.
** Lily is an antique Izannah Walker doll that is staying with me while she undergoes a bit of judicious restoration. She will also be featured in a series of upcoming posts that will chronicle her restoration adventures.
A small Izannah love token. I just have one of these, as it was a sample I made as a project idea for my Izannah Walker doll class members. $32 plus free shipping to any U.S. address. ❤
It was quite late last night, when I was writing up the first of this year’s birthday posts, so it totally slipped my mind that I was supposed to put these two items on the “what’s for sale this weekend” post. 🙂 Better late than never!
This is how I have the tiny hand displayed in my studio. The little white drawers are filled with buttons.A different version of love token, framed in a miniature 4 inch square grain painted shadow box. $44, plus free U.S. shipping. OOAKSOLD Other items newly posted for sale include this aged and beloved reproduction doll made from my Anna mold. She is such a wonderful doll! It doesn’t show up well in her photos, but her body is so fantastic. Her arms and legs hang just right! As if they had lived through countless years of play time and naps. She is $1250 and if you buy her this weekend she comes with a tiny miniature antique tintype photograph. Scroll down the page to see many more images of this Anna.NOW SOLD Hannah #1 is one of the dolls I am currently working on and is for sale. At this point you may choose all of her clothing options and her 2nd skin color. $1250 with free U.S. shipping. As a birthday special this weekend only she will include a reproduction quilt top and backing…Hannah #2 Is also for sale with all of the same features as Hannah #1. You may see more photos of the Hannahs in my 1st birthday party post from midnight last night 🙂Lily 2 is the third doll that I’m working on that is still available for sale. If you love early, worn and primitive then Lily may be just the reproduction Izannah you have been longing for… Scroll down for additional photographs and information.Zanna wants me to remind you that she and Izzybelle are still manning the tag sale and that all of the doll furniture will be 10% off through midnight on Sunday!And last, but not least… two Izannah Kits are finished and ready to ship. One with a painted head for $375 and another with a unfinished head for you to paint for $200.
If you have been dreaming about a special reproduction Izannah Walker doll, I would be very happy to help bring your dreams to life. I am currently booking custom order dolls for July 2016 and beyond. You may call or email with questions about custom orders and to discuss all the details. 860-355-5709 during east coast business hours, or paula@asweetremembrance.com anytime.
The dolls have taken over my kitchen to bake honey cakes for this afternoon’s birthday tea party. It’s time to get out the cookbook!
This is one of our favorite cookbooks. America Eats by William Woys Weaver. It is no longer in print, but if you search you may still be able to find a copy here or there…“Isabeau will you find the page with the honey cake while I get out the honey pitcher?”“Here it is, Honey Tea Cake.”
“Hannah, Isane and I will get out the ingredients, and you can measure them into the bowl.”“Alright, I can do that Isabeau” “Can you please hand me the flour?”“Zanna, do you think I should add some lavender to part of the batter?”“I think that is a wonderful idea Hannah!” “It will taste so good with the wild flower honey!”“Does this look like enough lavender?” “Or should I add just a smidgeon more?”“I love lavender! Let’s add more!!!”“Ismay, is the oven hot enough?” “I think the tea cakes are ready to bake.”“Yes it’s just the right temperature.”“These smell devine” “The first batch is ready to come out of the oven right now.”“Izzybelle, let the cake cool a bit so you don’t burn your mouth, and then you can be our official taster.”“Is it good?” “Oh yes! Everyone is going to love them. Maybe we should make more!”“Let’s hurry and get the last of these out of the oven. We still need to get the chairs set up in the parlor and change clothes before the guest start arriving…”
Please come back to join us at 4:00 p.m. Eastern time for tea. ❤
Izannah Walker Journal 