To the best of my knowledge, this is the only comprehensive tutorial on how to make an authentic Izannah Walker reproduction doll and her clothing. I based this class on Izannah Walker’s original patent and two pre-1873 dolls I own that were made by Izannah Walker.
This is a Master Level class that teaches you to make an exact reproduction of one of Izannah Walker’s iconic early pre-patent 18-½ inch dolls. Prior sewing, sculpting and painting experience is a pre-requisite.
What is included in the class:
75 page Booklet full of step-by-step instructions with 166 detailed photographs
Patterns for doll body and one complete set of clothing (dress, two petticoats, chemise, drawers)
Body Construction Guide with 16 measurements
Detailed instructions for sculpting head featuring Sculpting Guide with 54 separate measurements taken from my antique Izannah Walker dolls
Mold-making instructions
Paint swatches and formulas to match colors from original Izannah Walker dolls
Painting instructions
Fabric swatches
Wool stuffing
Source list for all required materials
Optional instructions for those wanting to take a short-cut approach
Lifetime question and answer support at no additional charge
Additional bonus doll making information and student interaction on my class member-only Ning site
An optional material kit is also available at an additional charge. It includes enough of nine historically-correct 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. You will still need your own sculpting, mold-making and painting supplies.
The kit is strictly a time-saving convenience item.All of the materials that you need to make the doll, as well as sources where you can buy them, are listed in the class instruction booklet and on the class member Ning site.When you buy this kit you are paying me to shop for you.You can save money by doing your own shopping, looking through your fabric stash for materials that you may already own and using recycled fabrics.
Why this class is ideal for serious doll-makers:
With the detailed instruction booklet, you don’t have to be connected to the internet or be limited to working in front of your television screen.
The open instruction book will lay flat on your work table
You can make notes right in your booklet as a permanent record
The instructions are infinitely reusable
Why should you buy from Paula Walton of A Sweet Remembrance?
Experience
Dollmaker for 24 years
Author of numerous magazine articles on dolls and doll-making
Free-lance designer for national craft publications
Restoration artist of antique dolls, bears and textiles
Izannah Walker doll owner
Patterns are drafted and sculpting measurements directly taken from two original dolls plus extra original Izannah Walker clothing
Proven instructor
Teaches at nationally-known arts and crafts schools including stints as artisan-in-residence
Consistently highly-rated by students for knowledge, enthusiasm and encouragement
Sold hundreds of patterns and Spun Cotton Ornament class kits via mail and supported these satisfied customers for many years
Historical expert
Nationally-recognized historical artisan
Early American Life top traditional craftsman 21 times in nine years, including clothing and accessories, textiles and needlework, toys and dolls categories
Museum director and curator
Availability and pricing
To take this class in person, it would be a five-day session, with a cost of $700 for tuition and all materials, not to mention your travel expenses.
The price of this class is $250. The optional material kit may be ordered for an additional $115. As with all my products, the Izannah Walker Doll Class by Mail includes free shipping.
All sales are final. Returns are not accepted. The doll pattern is not for sale separately, nor would it be possible to reproduce the doll without the rest of the class.
For professional doll artists
Dollmakers who sell their works may sell a limited number of dolls made from the patterns included in this class as long as the dolls and advertising materials clearly credit Paula Walton/A Sweet Remembrance for the patterns and techniques used to make them.
