The Izannah Walker inspired doll

What might she be, you ask? Back in 1850's New England, little girls who wanted a beautiful doll had to choose between a wooden doll, or dolls made with ceramic or papier mache heads and cloth bodies. All of these dolls have the issue of breakability (especially if you have brothers!). Young Izannah Walker sought to overcome this fragility problem by using a hardening process on layers of pasted cloth, in a mold, to create a head with firmness but flexibility. She was successful and went on to engage in her dollmaking business for many years. It is estimated that she and her family, partners in her business, may have made over three thousand dolls. Certainly, they are to be seen in countless photographs of little girls and their dolls taken in the years she was in business.

There are still a good number of these original dolls to be found, in varying states of preservation. With the rise in interest in folk and primitive art, Izannah's dolls have become sought after collector's items. Why am I interested in them? It is an indirect pathway. For a while I have been trying to make a Waldorf inspired doll with a movable head joint. One person who has made a success of this joint is the Tasmanian dollmaker Susie McMahon. I was studying her blog for clues and tips on how to make movable heads when I was sidetracked by her interest in Izannah Walker inspired dolls. There are several American dollmakers who have very informative websites about the dolls and how to make them yourself. I have been inspired!  So, here is a photo of the new beginning.