Arts of Delight

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

Not posting on my blog, obviously! I got back into Waldorf doll making and motored on to make three. I am still trying to work out how to make a doll that stands by itself. Needlefelting the legs firmly helps, but the right hip joint is the answer, which is elusive! I have spent MANY hours felting one leg to try to get it right. I will keep trying. I find I enjoy making tiny garments. Sweaters knit up in no time, compared to adult ones. That's refreshing.