As part of this year’s festivities I thought it might be nice to show you a detailed look at one of my antique Izannah Walker dolls. I hope you enjoy it ❤
Tilly Lamb and I made this video while the birthday cake was in the oven. Here is the recipe so that you can bake a Rose Geranium Pound Cake to serve at your own birthday tea. ~
Rose Geranium Pound Cake
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups butter
1 pkg. (8oz.) cream cheese
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
3 cups flour
pinch of salt
3 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. rose water
organic rose geranium leaves
Directions:
Butter and flour, or spray a 10 inch tube pan with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange washed and dried rose geranium leaves, top side down, in the bottom of the pan. Cream butter & cream cheese. Add sugar and cream well. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Stir in flour and salt. Add vanilla.
Carefully spoon batter into a 10 inch tube or bundt pan. Start with a cold oven and bake at 300 degrees for 2 hours.
Stir powdered sugar, vanilla and a bit of milk together, to make a glaze, and pour overwarm cake.
Will the rain stay away long enough for the party? … After the cake was baked the ever hopeful Hannah and Charlcie ventured out to set the table for their birthday tea party…
“Oh goodness!” “Here comes the rain!” ” Hannah you take the teapot and I’ll bring the cake!” “I hope we get back to the house before the scones are soaked…”
Fortunately Eliza Jane had thought ahead to just such an eventuality! She had the parlor clean and a fire burning in the stove to help ward off the chill rainy weather.
“I think this looks just as nice as a garden party.” “It’s so cozy in the parlor and it will be nice to sit together and have a tea party right here.”“Now all we have to do is to gather the rest of the family and our guests together for the party”“The cake smells delicious Charlcie!” “Thank you, it’s one of my favorite receipts.”“Izzybelle whatever are you wearing?” “I found it in the attic. It’s going to be my Halloween costume.” “Well it’s not Halloween today. Today is our birthday tea party in honor of Izannah. It’s a very important day!” “All the more reason to dress up” reasoned Izzybelle “and I’m NOT changing clothes!”“Miss Lamb, are you ready for the party yet?” “No, not quiet yet…”“We are so happy that one of our dearest friends could be here for the party!”“make a wish…”Every year the dolls get a present in honor of Izannah’s birthday. This year they received a little wooden doll to add to their toy box ❤“Happy 201st Birthday Izannah!” ❤
With love from…
Zanna
Isabeau
Isane
Izzybelle
Ismay
Hannah
Eliza Jane, named after one of my paternal Great-grandmothers ❤
Tilly J. Lamb, who goes by her middle name of Josephine ❤
Charlcie Savannah Suzybelle named after one of my maternal great-grandmothers, Charlcie Savannah Suzybelle Walker ❤
The dolls have been very busy out in the gardens for the past few months. They are hoping that the rain will hold off long enough for them to enjoy one last garden party with all the remaining summer flowers & produce from the gardens….
Isabeau has been out in the doll’s potting shed… The seeds she started have grown into sturdy little plants that will soon be ready to go out into the garden… hollyhocks & thyme ❤“Isabeau here is the lavender you asked for.” “Thank you Isane. It smells wonderful!”
The dolls share their potting shed with the bees, who are happy to provide the little painted cloth girls all the honey they need to sweeten their tea, in return for the all the flowers that the dolls have planted around their skep.
“Do you think we should add more lavender to the honey?”
“you can never have too much lavender…”
Gardening is hard work for little dolls…
One of Izzybelle’s chores is to pick the tomatoes.
Isane is all ready for a hard afternoon’s work.
“be careful Izzybelle!”
“Are you sure this will work?” “Yes. All we have to do is push at the same time…” “When I count to three you two push and I’ll pull.”
“Ohhh, our zinnias are starting to bloom!”
zinnias…
“The ones in our flower bed aren’t quite ready to bloom yet…”
The doll’s flower bed is actually a bed. It is an antique cradle with a zinc liner made for plants. ❤
One of Izzybelle’s chores is to pick the tomatoes.
Isane is all ready for a hard afternoon’s work.
“Are you sure this will work?” “Yes. All we have to do is push at the same time…” “When I count to three you two push and I’ll pull.”
“be careful Izzybelle!”
“Ohhh, our zinnias are starting to bloom!”
zinnias…
“The ones in our flower bed aren’t quite ready to bloom yet…”
The doll’s flower bed is actually a bed. It is an antique cradle with a zinc liner made for plants. ❤
Oops….
oh dear…
Would you like to take a garden tour while we wait for the party to start at 4:30 pm Eastern Time?
“Josephine come look! Do you think it is going to keep raining?” cried Izzybelle. “What will we do if it doesn’t stop before the party?”
“Wake up sleepy heads!” “Breakfast is ready!” “Isane baked cinnamon rolls and muffins…”“Izzybelle stop looking out the window and come eat before the rolls get cold.”
I’m so pleased that you’ve come by to join us today as my dolls and I celebrate doll maker Izannah Walker’s 201st birthday ❤ It is quite an occasion here in my studios and in the doll’s house. We consider Izannah’s birthday to be an annual holiday, on par with the 4th of July, Labor Day, Halloween and Thanksgiving! The dolls all look forward to it with great anticipation.
I started this blog in January of 2009, every September 25th since then the dolls and I have shared our annual birthday party here with you ❤ We sincerely hope you will enjoy this year’s festivities! You are most welcome to come back throughout the day as we peek in on the doll’s party preparations. Watch them laugh and play at their party in honor of the remarkable woman who has given countless children, and doll lovers, great happiness with her remarkable dolls ❤ ❤ ❤
The answers to such burning questions as ~ “will the rain stop in time for the garden party” ~ “will Izzybelle find her misplaced shoe and actually come to the party wearing it?” ~ and most importantly “what kind of cake will there be???” will all be revealed throughout the day today. For those of you wondering what new reproduction dolls I’ll be unveiling for sale, the answer to that will also be forthcoming 🙂
The schedule for today’s posts is:
Good Morning! Our party day greeting @ 8:30 am Eastern Time.
Getting the Gardens Ready for the Party ❤ A glimpse of how the dolls have been preparing for their garden birthday party and an informal garden tour @ 12:30 pm Eastern Time.
Party Time! Welcome to Our Garden Party! A look at last minute party preparations, meet all of the party guests and a sumptuous garden tea and delicious birthday cake @ 4:30 pm Eastern Time.
New Dolls Available for Sale ❤ An unveiling of my latest works, sold on a first come basis. Posted for sale @ 8:30 pm Eastern Time.
“It’s stopped raining for now… maybe we’ll still be able to go out to the garden for the party!”
You are invited to the doll’s Garden Party in celebration of Izannah Walker’s 201st Birthday! September 25th, 2018 @ izannahwalker.comThe fun will start at 8:30 am Eastern Time & continue throughout the day With multiple blog posts to keep you updated on preparations and party celebrations. I will be unveiling new reproduction Izannah Walker dolls for sale. Dolls and accessories will be posted for sale at 8:30 pm Eastern time, which will give you the entire day to watch the dolls at play and become acquainted with them.
It has been a very eventful day here, as the dolls and I have celebrated Izannah Walker’s 200th birthday. We’ve enjoyed each other’s company, tried a few new things (not all of which have worked perfectly 🙂 ), met new friends, and eaten ice cream!!!
A dozen demure little Izannah Walker dolls, gathered in their parlor to mark the 200th anniversary of their creator birth.Lily, Ismay, Isabeau and little IzzybelleWe were thrilled to have such wonderful friends come spend the day with us ❤The dolls had a lovely afternoon chatting, reminiscing, and playing games.The smallest girls were in charge of scooping out the ice cream and making sure everyone got their fair share ❤Make a wish! ❤Now that the ice cream has been eaten it is time for presents!The dolls received a wonderful decoupaged band box to keep their treasures in…… the lovely china doll was a gift from their dearest friend Peggy ❤
… and what was my present on this wonderful day? Why the very best present of all! I got to spend the day with you and a dozen little dolls that bring me a deep sense of contentment, quite joy, and continuing wonder! Even better is the fact that tomorrow, and the next day, and the next… I get to get up and spend the day studying, restoring, conserving, and reproducing these tiny pieces of history. I am very thankful for all of the interesting people I have met thus far during my Izannah journey and the wonderful friends I have made. Being a doll maker is a continuing adventure… and I can’t think of a better gift than that! ❤
Remember this? I invited you all to email me a short birthday message along with a photograph of your Izannah Walker doll – antique originals, reproduction dolls that I have made for you, or a doll that you have made yourself in tribute to Izannah’s dolls!
I hope you will enjoy looking through these heartfelt birthday greetings as much as I have!
Everyone who sent in a birthday message had their name put into a hat. The dolls and I shook up all the names and drew out one first place winner, who will receive a special package full of birthday goodies, and two runners up, who will be sent party favors! … and the winners are –
1st Prize – Linnie N.!
Party Favors – Tricia S. and Liz Holmes!
I added a Special Makers Award, so both Charlotte and Susie are getting prizes just because their birthday greetings took so much time and effort on their part! ❤
You may click on any photograph to enlarge it and read the birthday greetings ❤
Young girl with Izannah Walker doll. ca 1863Young girl with Izannah Walker doll by Paula Walton, ca 2017
“TIMELESS”
“Happy Birthday, Izannah Walker,” and
“Thank You, Paula Walton!”
From Mary & Pauline “Here is Miss Pauline wishing a great big birthday wish to her maker!”
Here is Miss Pauline wishing a great big birthday wish to her maker. Mary (you’ll want to click to enlarge these, Miss Pauline is a lovely original Izannah Walker doll ❤ )
Happy Birthday Izannah!
Many years separate us but you are such an inspiration to so many. Happy Birthday Izannah. Judith Jaques
Many years separate us but you are such an inspiration to so many. Happy Birthday Izannah. Judith Jaques
HAPPY 200TH BIRTHDAY IZANNAH WALKER!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!! LIZ HOLMES
Happy Birthday Izannah Walker 200 yrs.! Linnie N.
Happy Birthday Izannah Walker 200 yrs. Linnie N.
Izannah Walker dolls are the embodiment of home comfort and tranquility, they remember the warmth of children’s hands. Such dolls were made for the game and remember the faces of little girls from distant times. Besides dolls, I really love cats. This is my passion too. A cat is a symbol of a home. And I wanted to make a doll in the shape of a cat and with the character of Izannah Walker dolls. So my cat-doll is so important to me. It’s this doll I dedicate to Izannah Frankford Walker. I also want to say a big thank you from all my heart for your classes, for your support and help. Svetlana
This doll I dedicate to Izannah Frankford Walker. Svetlana
Happy 200th birthday Izannah Walker! What joy your dolls have brought to all of us! Billie A.
Happy 200th birthday Izannah Walker! What joy your dolls have brought to all of us! Billie A.
Happy 200th birthday Izannah Walker! What joy your dolls have brought to all of us!
Billie A.
Dear Izannah, I have your birthday cake on the table and an empty seat waiting for you to arrive at your party! Happy 200th Birthday! Judy M.
Ada , on the left , and Pearl send Birthday Greetings to Izannah, both of my wonderful dolls made by Paula Walton! Marilyn Brown
A Birthday Tale:
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Charlotte’s Birthday Tale:
1.) Liberty has some news to share with Savannah and Annabel.
2.) Savannah seats herself on the settee while Annabel jumps up and down with excitement
3.) Liberty announces that a close relative has lost her parents in a tragic situation and must come live with them as she no longer has a home. She tells Annabel that she’s younger than her and that Annabel will have the responsibility of making their new sister at home because now Annabel will be like Savannah and herself – a big sister.
4.) Annabel ponders this over and over in her mind. No longer the little sister? I’ll be a big sister?
5.) Annabel protests this new information and asks why do things have to change? Aren’t they happy together as 3 sisters? Why a 4th.?
6.) Savannah tries to explain this to her woolly headed little sister, but gives up and sighs!
7.) Annabel runs over to her favourite chair and sobs her little heart out. Why can’t she stay the youngest? Who could Savannah and Liberty love that much. Now she’d
have share her room and clothes… She was having none of it…
8.) In walks a guest…
9.) She curtsies and says she is the relative that had sent a message ahead to announce her arrival and hopes she hasn’t interrupted their afternoon tea.
10.) Savannah and Annabel get up and curtsy.
11.) Annabel’s curiosity gets the better of her and she shyly introduces herself to the newest member of the household.
12.) Annabel couldn’t believe that this finely dressed, sweet little girl was going to live with them. She was instantly smitten with a motherly affection and wished to make newcomer feel at home. How could she have doubted Liberty’s wisdom.
13.) “What is your name”, Annabel inquired.
14.) The shy little girl whispered, “Patience”
15.) We are so glad you’re here and welcome to our home” said Annabel
16.) Annabel immediately asked Patience to sit down and join them for tea.
17.) Patience appeared to all the most modest and well bred little lady. (Annabel couldn’t wait till she and Patience would be alone, to ask Patience if she could try on her clothes.)
18.) As soon as they sat at the tea table, they noticed Patience was tired from her long journey as she soon let down her guard and slumped sleepily in her seat.
19.) To aid Patience and to help make her feel at home, Annabel immediately imitated her posture.
20.) Liberty walked into the room with a lit Birthday cake. “Make a wish, Patience. It’s your birthday and we are so happy to have you become a part of our family”.
21.) Patience looked at everyone and then stared at the cake. What to wish for? “A family to love me”, she thought to herself. ” Will I be able to stay?”
22.) After they sang – as if everyone was reading her mind, Liberty turned to Patience and said, “Welcome home, Patience. You are part of us now. We will always be four sisters now.”
23.) Patience felt like she was dreaming. Really, a forever home!
24.) She held her head up high and whispered, I’m home.
25.) Annabel looked fondly at Patience and thought about all the fun and mischief they would get into… it is going to be Great being a big sister!
26.) The End.
Happy 200th. Birthday Izannah Walker!
This is Lila Rose who is named after the real Lila pictured below. Lila was my cloth doll mentor and I purchased this IW from Lila. She came with the hand made collar and pin, extra gifts from my sweet friend. Lila Rose and I live in Mexico and she is a good traveler. We send our greetings for a fantastic birthday remembrance of Izannah.
This is Lila Rose who is named after the real Lila pictured below. Lila was my cloth doll mentor and I purchased this IW from Lila. She came with the hand made collar and pin, extra gifts from my sweet friend.
Lila Rose and I live in Mexico and she is a good traveler.
We send our greetings for a fantastic birthday remembrance of Izannah.
This is the sweet girl you made just about a year ago. As you can see, her name is Edith Ann (for my second great-grandmother who would have been of an age to have an Izannah doll). I’m so happy she’s come to live at my house in Southeastern Connecticut! The Izannah dolls have been a source of great fascination for me and I’m grateful for your efforts to continue the story! Happy Birthday, Izannah Walker!
Hi Paula, I am sending you a picture of my IW doll you made special for me. I cross stitched her name & year. I can not tell you how much I love this doll you made for me. Thank you for doing this Birthday bash. Looking forward to viewing all the pictures.
Hi Paula,
I am sending you a picture of my IW doll you made special for me. I cross stitched her name & year. I can not tell you how much I love this doll you made for me.
Thank you for doing this Birthday bash. Looking forward to viewing all the pictures.
Annabelle May is sending greetings to you Paula, and all Izannah’s wherever they may be! She is dreaming of all the girls that have been made since the birth of Izannah Walker in 1817. She is in a very contemplative mode today, she would like to give all Izannah’s and their mammon’s a big hug to celebrate the 200th anniversary of their creators birth.
Annabelle May is sending greetings to you Paula, and all Izannah’s wherever they may be!
She is dreaming of all the girls that have been made since the birth of Izannah Walker in 1817. She is in a very contemplative mode today, she would like to give all Izannah’s and their mammon’s a big hug to celebrate the 200th anniversary of their creators birth.
Dear Paula, Thank you very much for my beautiful new blue clothes. They are easy to get into, so I can dress myself, and are very comfortable, but the best thing of all is the pocket — I’ve never had a pocket before. It is ever so clever for keeping one’s prized possessions close at hand.A spring bouquet of tiny native orchids from my garden for Izannah to enjoy with her celebrations. No doubt all the little Izannahs are anticipating a wonderful day. I look forward to enjoying it with them. Susan
Dear Izannah: Happy Happy Birthday. May it be a day filled with joy, laughter and rays of sunshine. I am having trouble chosing a dress to wear . Please save a crumb of your cake for me. Oh yes, my sister Elizabeth (she is much older than me) wishes to send greetings also. With much love, Mayla
Dear Izannah: Happy Happy Birthday. May it be a day filled with joy, laughter and rays of sunshine. I am having trouble choosing a dress to wear . Please save a crumb of your cake for me. Oh yes, my sister Elizabeth (she is much older than me) wishes to send greetings also.
With much love, Mayla
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday!
Dear Izannah, Congratulations on the 200th anniversary! We send you hugs and love from Russia!
Dear Izannah, Congratulations on the 200th anniversary! We send you hugs and love from Russia!
200 year greetings,
from a far distant land,
to a talented lady
who made dolls by hand.
Thank you Izannah
for your iconic toy,
recreating it’s likeness,
has brought nothing but joy.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
My sincere thanks to all of you who participated in my birthday greetings project!!! I had so much fun putting this together and I hope everyone reading this has enjoyed it to!
Come back to visit here on www.izannahwalker.com today at 10:00, 2:00 – when my latest reproduction dolls will be posted, 4:00 & 6:00 Eastern Time for the rest of today’s festivities. ❤
Rose Geranium Pound Cake 
Butter and flour, or spray a 10 inch tube pan with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange washed and dried rose geranium leaves, top side down, in the bottom of the pan. Cream butter & cream cheese. Add sugar and cream well. Add eggs one at a time and beat well. Stir in flour and salt. Add vanilla.
Carefully spoon batter into a 10 inch tube or bundt pan. Start with a cold oven and bake at 300 degrees for 2 hours.
Izannah Walker Journal 