How I Altered An Unusual Witch!

I ran across this picture the other day and I couldn't help but think about why I made a pregnant witch.

Well, in the Fall of  2008 I got an email from a customer telling me that she just loved my witches and wanted to know if I could make an unusual kind of witch for her.

I, of course, was curious. Hmmmm..... witches are witches. What kind of witch did she have in mind that would be so unusual?

Well, it turns out that she had a friend who LOVED witches who also happened to be pregnant and my customer was throwing her a baby shower. So, she wanted to know if I had any "pregnant witches" and if not, would I make her one.

I told her that unfortunately I didn't do custom dolls requests but, would be more than happy to alter a witch I had already made to be pregnant and suggested one of my cloth and wood witches to her.

She loved the witch I had in mind so I altered her to be pregnant and here are the before and after results:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

The witches body was made of wood so what I did was to create a large pair of bloomers and then added a foam ball with stuffing around it to hold the ball in place. 

I added a tying ribbon to the waistband of the bloomers so my customer's friend could untie the bloomers and remove the pregnancy ball so she could use the witch as a regular witch decoration in the future.

I hope the baby shower was successful and that my "pregnant" witch was a big success.

I think she turned out really cute. What do you think?

4th of July, Hairy!

"4th of July, Hairy!" loves Uncle Sam and just wishes that everyone would stop telling him that he looks like a "Santa!"

Now, don't get "Hairy" wrong. He doesn't think there's anything wrong with looking like "Santa." He just feels that he looks more like "Uncle Sam."

After all - just look at his folksy, country outfit.

"4th of July, Hairy!" is a 16" country Santa doll with a muslin cloth body. His face is embroidered and he has black bead eyes, wired glasses, and pink cheeks. His eyebrows and mustache are made of raw mohair as is his scraggly beard. His have red and blue colored stars all over them.

He has a full head of wool roving hair that is barely controlled underneath his lined and patriotic hat.

He is wearing his favorite fringed shirt which is gathered at the neck and wrists. He is also wearing his favorite fringed and pantaloons with cross suspenders that are tied at his ankles with straps.

So, what do you think? Does "4th of July, Hairy!" look more like "Santa?" Hair and all?

Yankee Doodle Andy! and Give Me Liberty, Annie!

If you love making folk-art cloth dolls then you're going to love our “Yankee Doodle Andy! and Give Me Liberty, Annie!" primitive Americana raggedies 2 in 1 combo e-pattern.

"Yankee Doodle Andy!" and his sister, "Give Me Liberty, Annie!" are getting ready to celebrate and getting ready for the parade. You see, they and their fellow countrymen just won the revolutionary war and are now free and independent. That's cause for celebration - if anything was. So, they're dressed in their best primitive "patriotic" outfits and are going to the parade.

"Yankee Doodle Andy!" and his sister, "Give Me Liberty, Annie!" are hoping to get front row seats at the parade, but are running a little late. Andy couldn't find his flag and Annie couldn't find her bell. Do you think they'll make it on time?

"Yankee Doodle Andy!" is a 16" primitive raggedy Andy Americana doll with a muslin cloth body. His face is outline embroidered with black floss and he has satin stitched black pupils and white satin stitched whites of his eyes. His nose is embroidered in a zig-zag straight stitch with red floss and his mouth is satin stitched with red floss. His eyebrows and eyelashes are straight stitched with black floss. His cheeks are blushed and he is coffee stained throughout. His boots are black and cross laced.

He has a full head of curly, thick yarn hair that is barely controlled underneath his lined and patriotic hat.

He is wearing his favorite fringed shirt which is gathered at the neck and wrists. He is also wearing his favorite fringed and cuffed pantaloons with two front pockets that are gathered at the waist and middle of the cuffs. His vest is lined and has two front pockets and lapels.

Andy is carrying a primitive patriotic flag decorated with red wire ribbon.

Designer - Linda Walsh Originals

"Give Me Liberty, Annie!" is a 16" primitive raggedy Ann Americana doll with a muslin cloth body. Her face is outline embroidered with black floss and she has satin stitched black pupils and white satin stitched whites of her eyes. Her nose is embroidered in a zig-zag straight stitch with red floss and her mouth is satin stitched with red floss. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are straight stitched with black floss. Her cheeks are blushed and she is coffee stained throughout. Her boots are black and cross laced.  She has a full head of curly, raggedy red doll hair that is barely controlled underneath her lined and gathered bonnet.

She is wearing her favorite patriotic dress which is lace trimmed and gathered at the waist and neck. She is also wearing her favorite fringed bloomers that are gathered at the waist and top of her boots. Her vest is lined with fold down lapels and is tied with three floss bows.

Annie is carrying an antique brass bell.

Designer - Linda Walsh Originals

My “Smiling Sam! The USA Man” Country Uncle Sam Doll Decoration

"Smiling Sam! The USA Man" is a proud American. In fact, he's a direct descendant of George Washington and couldn't be any prouder of his heritage. That's why he's wearing his favorite patriotic outfit. He loves his country and fellow countrymen and will do anything he can to lend support where ever he's needed. Today he's going to the public library for History Day. He's Uncle Sam and will be teaching the kids about patriotism.

"Smiling Sam! The USA Man" is a 29" country Uncle Sam doll from our "Pleasantly Plump Series." He is a squared bottomed self-standing cloth and wood doll. His arms and hands are wired and his cloth head and cloth body are supported by a wood dowel and wood base. His face is outlined embroidered with black back stitches and he has indented black beads for eyes. His cheeks are rosy and blushed and his moustache is made of raw mohair. He has a beautifully trimmed goatee made of wool roving. Sam has has a mass of straight, white wool roving doll hair which is barely controlled under his patriotic top hat. His hat is lined and has a large, wide brim and contrast hat band strip. He is wearing his favorite patriotic outfit. His inner body is supported by a dowel and is covered by his shirt and squared-bottom and striped pants. His white shirt is gathered at the neck edge and wrists. A double layered ribbon cummerbund is tightly fastened around his waist. His jacket has facing along all the edges, cuffs, and fold down lapels. It is top stitched along all the edges and fastened with 4 floss bows. A red, white, and blue bowtie is just under his chin. Sam is carrying an American flag decorated with patriotic stars and patriotic wired ribbon bows. A painted wooden U.S.A. heart is secured to his base with wired ribbon bows.

"Smiling Sam! The USA Man" is anxious to show the kids how proud he is of his country and his heritage. He hopes his enthusiasm will rub off on some of the kids. Let's hear it for "Smiling Sam! The USA Man."

My Mixed Media Shelf Sitter Saintly Angel Dolls Twins - Meet Marie Angelic and Marie Blessings

One of the wonderful things about creating angel dolls is they're appropriate for so many holidays, seasons and just for everyday.  As a result I have created many over the years.  Some come out at Christmas, some come out at Easter, and some are out year round.  

They can be made of cloth, wood, a combination of cloth and wood, paper-clay, paper, cross-stitched, needle felted, and embroidered.  

So, when I got a chance  to make some mixed media Victorian shelf sitter angel dolls I jumped at the chance.  Meet Marie Angelic and Marie Blessings.

If ever there were a saintly pair of twins it would be have to be Marie Angelic and Marie Blessings.  They are the sweetest, most angelic pair of twins you'd ever want to meet.  Both are thankful every day for their blessings and are not afraid to express their gratitude with love and compassion.  They also both share a love of  singing and are prominent in the angelic choir. 

Marie Angelic -  8" x 4" x 1/2" Handmade Mixed Media Shelf Sitter Collage Angel 

Marie Angelic is a 8" 4" x 1/2" mixed media Victorian shelf sitter  angel wood doll with a paper face,  sponge painted wood body, paper collage and embellished outfit. Her sides and back are sponge painted. Her outfit is an embellished paper collage adorned with silver sleeve cuff  paper trim and white and silver raised dots.   Braided lace trim decorates her neck and gathered lace trim is wrapped around her waistband.

Her beautiful face is framed with a full head of curly blond hair that is held back with a lace and gold trim headband. Her heavenly wings are combination of a hardened crochet doily embellished with white ribbon loops.  She is holding a Christmas carols book.

Marie Blessings -  8" x 4" x 1/2" Handmade Mixed Media Shelf Sitter Collage Angel

Marie Blessings is a 8" 4" x 1/2" mixed media Victorian shelf sitter  angel wood doll with a paper face,  sponge painted wood body, paper collage and embellished outfit. Her sides and back are sponge painted. Her outfit is an embellished paper collage adorned with silver sleeve cuff  paper trim and white and silver raised dots.   Braided lace trim decorates her neck and gathered lace trim is wrapped around her waistband.

Her beautiful face is framed with a full head of curly brown hair that is held back with a lace and pearl drop trim headband. Her heavenly wings are combination of a hardened crochet doily embellished with white ribbon loops.  She is holding a Christmas carols book.

A Little Downsizing Is Good For The Creative Soul

If you've been following along with my blogs and websites over the last fourteen years you know that the "dollies" and I have had quite a few websites and quite a few blogs. Fourteen years ago for a small business owner to have a website online that you had control over you basically had to either create your own using HTML or some comparable software that could publish to the web and then FTP (file transfer protocol) it to what-ever service provider was hosting your website and domain name.

I wanted to be able to update my website whenever I wanted and change it whatever way I wished. As a result my first two websites were created in Publisher and FTP'd to my hosting accounts at GoDaddy where my two domain names resided. I used Paypal HTML coding back then and had to copy and paste their payment HTML coding for every item I wanted to sell. While I had complete control over my website design the coding was tedious at best.

When instant download e-patterns came along I used PayloadZ and Paypal to handle the "Buy Now" capabilities. This, too, utilized HTML coding which, again, was tedious at best.

So, before long I outgrew the capabilities of these two websites and needed websites with more sophisticated shopping carts and with the ability to handle instant download e-products. So, I decided to open two new websites utilizing a CubeCart shopping cart at In A Pickle Web Design, which is owned by Annie Kelly.

With the two new websites with Annie I now had 4 websites and a GoDaddy Website Tonight "About Me" page. Two of the websites I was still maintaining with Publisher and transferring via FTP to GoDaddy, two I was maintaining using the In A Pickle Web Design CubeCart interface, and one I was maintaining through GoDaddy.

Five websites, however, wasn't all I had. I had jumped on the blogging craze back in 2003 utilizing an AOL blog, then a Yahoo 360 blog, and then several Blogger.com blogs. For me blogging was the perfect solution for disseminating information about your small business and letting your customers get to know you. Back then, however, there was a lot of skepticism about blogging with some small business owners even claiming they would never buy anything off a blog. Not me. I took a giant step forward and stopped issuing newsletters. I jumped on the blogging band wagon and have never looked back.

My online interests continued to expand over the years as well as my doll & craft interests. Over time my blogs multiplied as each had a different audience and, therefore, a different subject to discuss. So, at one point in time I had 5 websites, 18 blogs, an Etsy shop, a Zibbet shop, 3 Zazzle shops, and several other secondary e-pattern and handmade goods online selling venues. I also had a topsite, several plugboards, and a lot of social media pages and/or groups to maintain.

Four years ago I decided to do a little downsizing.  All of this had all become too much to handle so I decided to start downsizing gradually. The first to go were the plugboards, followed by half of my blogs, followed by several social media communities and groups, followed by some of the selling venues.

Four years ago I decided to consolidate all of my websites into one selling website that could handle not only all my e-products, all my print patterns, and all my handmade goods but be expandable so it is able to be displayed correctly on all the desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices out there.

Back then I did a lot of research and decided to create my new Linda Walsh Originals Shop at GoDaddy utilizing their Quick Shopping Cart. What I liked about the GoDaddy website is that it would handle all of my different businesses under one roof as well as all my handmade products and all my e-products.

My consolidated website handling both digital products and handmade products has worked well for the past four years, but was still a lot of work with everything else I was doing, including online classes that I love to take.  So, I decided to downsize even more and closed my Linda Walsh Originals Shop which was selling my e-patterns and all my handmade doll and craft decorations.

I also decided to upgrade my Linda Walsh Originals Information website which is a GoDaddy Website Tonight website to be an "About me" portfolio with multiple pages of sorts for everything and anything concerning Linda Walsh Originals.

I'm still in the process of critiquing my business interests as well as my creative interests so don't be surprised if there are a few more changes to come. Sometimes too much is too much and down sizing is good for the soul.  Plus, it allows for plenty of time for creative processes.  So, stay tuned to wherever my muse takes me.

Flora Ellen Bridal and Wedding Art Doll

Flora Ellen has been waiting for her wedding day all her life. She has been groomed to be the epitome of exquisite and refined beauty. All in an effort to attract just the right Victorian gentleman.

After all her family is one of a line of Dukes and Duchesses and she is expected to marry someone of her families standing. So, she has been groomed and prepped for just the right dress, just the right style, just the right manner. Her wedding day is not just about her, but also about her family and she aims to make them all proud of her.

Flora Ellen is a free-standing doll who is wearing an 1896 Victorian bridal gown. She has a long, fancy double-tiered lace and ruffled trim satin dress with a flowing train and long double-tiered laced and gathered sleeves. Her bodice is a double criss-crossed lace overlay. Her long curly blonde hair is tied on one side with floral accents and looks beautiful underneath her very fancy lace & floral trimmed lace veil which is also decorated with floral ribbons and lace pearl streamers.

Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace and she is wearing a lace trimmed slip. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base.

Around her neck she has a long pearl necklace and she is carrying a bouquet of flowers with lace pearl and ribbon streamers. A large floral accent piece adorns the left side of her waistband.

Flora Ellen has not doubt that her wedding day will be perfect. Perfect for her and perfect for her family who worked so hard for this moment.

Flora Ellen Handmade Victorian Lady Bridal Art Doll Decoration

Elsa Bridal and Wedding Art Doll

Elsa is a free-standing doll all ready for her wedding day. It's the first of October so she's hoping that it will be a bright and sunny day as she wants to look her best. She chose October as it shouldn't be rainy, shouldn't be snowy, and shouldn't be hot. However, she fastened her hair in a bun just in case it were to rain. Her beautiful, thick head of flaming red hair tends to frizz on a rainy day unless it's contained in a bun. So, for her wedding day she's taking no chance. A bun it will be.

She has a long, fancy lace trimmed dress with a flowing train, and eyelet lace covered puffed and lace trimmed long sleeves. Her wedding gown also has an eyelet lace and gathered full length dress front insert with ribbon floral lace trim. Her veil is made of & fancy lace and florals. Underneath her gown she is wearing a lace trimmed slip. She has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. Her red hair with bangs is fastened into a bun. Two large floral and lace pieces adorn the top of her veil and bodice of her dress. She is carrying a bouquet of flowers with streamers.

So far there are no signs of rain. Elsa has her fingers crossed. She just wants a beautiful wedding day.

“Jimmy Me Lucky - Leprechaun” Country Leprechaun Doll

"Jimmy Me Lucky - Leprechaun" considers himself not only a lucky leprechaun, but a charming one as well. He can charms the pants off of anyone and just make their day with the twinkle in his eyes and his charming smile. Plus, when he starts to charm them with his remarkable wit and keen intelligence they just get blown away. But, when he promises then a pot o' gold and then doesn't deliver they are none too happy with Jimmy. By then he's lost all his charm.

"Jimmy Me Lucky - Leprechaun" is a 23" country Leprechaun from our "Pleasantly Plump Series." He is a squared bottomed self-standing cloth and wood doll. His arms and hands are wired and his cloth head and cloth body are supported by a wood dowel and wood base. His face is outlined embroidered with black back stitches and water colored. His eyes are indented and he has green water colored irises, black water colored pupils, and the whites of his eyes are water colored white. His eyelids are water colored gold and his eyebrows are water colored brown. He has a round raised nose, a ton of freckles on his nose and cheeks, black wrinkle lines and a red mouth. His mustache, and full beard are made of red wool roving. His cheeks are pencil colored and blushed rosy.

Jimmy has has a mass of curly red doll hair which is barely controlled under his hat. His hat is lined and has a large, wide brim with a black belt and square gold buckle fastened around the band. He is wearing his favorite St. Patrick's day green outfit. His body is made of a green knit. His shamrock print shirt is finished along the edges and gathered at the neck edge and wrists. A large black belt with square gold buckle is tightly fastened around his waist. He is smoking his favorite pipe which is perched in his left hand. He is carrying a gathered pot o' gold bag with gold bars and ribbon and shamrock decorations in his right hand.

Jimmy can fool everyone once with his remarkable charm and it is "shame on him!" If he fools them twice - well, it's "shame on them!"

Jimmy Me Lucky Leprechaun Handmade Country Doll Decoration

“Roxy” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll

They say that the roaring 20's were a time of zaniness and craziness and "Roxy" was the zaniest and craziest of the flappers. In fact, she was zanier and crazier than her 3 cousins who considered themselves to be among the zaniest and craziest. As cousins go Roxy Ash Blonde, Roxy Black, and Roxy White were very much alike and they all LOVED their older cousin "Roxy." The three were only a year apart in age, but "Roxy" was two years older. And, therefore, cooler and smarter. All four cousins were raised together. So, whatever "Roxy" liked the three cousins followed suit. They loved to dress like her, have similar hair styles albeit of different colors, and do the same things. But when it came to dancing - well that's where they differed from "Roxy."

"Roxy" was considered the best dancer in the county and there was no one who could dance better. Not even any of her younger cousins. Despite Roxy Ash Blonde best efforts she was never able to master the "Charleston." However, Roxy Black considered herself a master of the Charleston. She could move with a rhythm all her own and was fascinating to watch. In fact, she considered herself the best dancer of the 3 younger cousins. But, when it came to comparing herself to "Roxy" - well, let's just say there was no comparison. "Roxy Black" may have mastered the Charleston, but, "Roxy" owned it. Roxy White was also master at the Charleston. She taught herself very quickly and in no time had taught her cousin, Roxy Black, too. She had a certain style and flair to her "Charleston" and was also fascinating to watch. She considered herself the best dancer of the 3 younger cousins. However, she also had to admit that she was no match for her older cousin "Roxy."

"Roxy" is a 12" free-standing cloth and wood Victorian doll. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. She is wearing a fancy lace trimmed and ribbed dress with long lace trimmed sleeves and embroidered floral accents. Her dress has a pleated front panel and lace overskirt with a ribbon sash tied in a bow around her hips. She has a lace shawl and boa wrapped around her shoulders and has a long pearl necklace dangling from her neck. Her long curly blonde hair is framed by a headband with 2 feathers. Floral accents adorn the pleated bodice of the dress.

Roxy knows she is the best dancer in the county and just loves to go to the club to show off her moves. Today she is wearing her new flapper dress and has added a few surprise steps to her Charleston. She can hardly wait to see what her 3 younger cousins reactions are.

Roxy Ashe Blonde Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Roxy Black Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Roxy White Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Augusta” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

Augusta has been to the ball many, many times and this time she's wearing her favorite red lace ball gown. But, she isn't excited because she's wearing her favorite dress. It's because some of her younger friends Augusta Lilac, Augusta Black, and Augusta Blue are debutantes and attending their 1st debutante ball. They'd been dreaming of this for years and talking about the dress they wanted to wear. So, of course, they all had to have dresses just like Augusta. Augusta's three younger friends are very much alike in their taste in clothing and usually buy the same clothes - albeit in different colors. All three wanted a beautiful dress with a long train. Well, maybe not so long that they couldn't dance, but long enough. They wanted lace and decorations and floral accents in their hair. And, most of all, they wanted their dresses to be alike, but not so alike that everyone would be able to guess. That was their private secret. But, different enough to reflect their own personalities. Just like Augusta.

"Augusta" is a 13" free-standing Victorian doll who wants to be the belle of the ball. She is wearing an 1850 Ball Gown. She has very fancy 2-layer lace covered and lace trimmed dress with long puffed, gathered & ruffled coordinated sleeves and a fancy 2-layer lace covered and lace trimmed lined train. A lace covered and lined coordinated shawl is wrapped around her shoulders. She has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She has a coordinated sash around her waist which is tied in a large bow in the back and floral lace and pearl accents on her chest and sleeves.

Augusta is so proud of her younger friends and thinks they look absolutely stunning in their ball gowns. Not beautiful enough however to be the belle of the ball. That honor belongs to Augusta and no one else.

Augusta Black Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Augusta Blue Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Augusta Lilac Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Alta Helen” Victorian Faceless Lady Art Doll Products

"Alta Helen" is a free-standing doll all ready to go shopping. She has a lined jacket with lace trimmed long sleeves, lined vest with floral ribbon clasp, fancy lace & floral feather trimmed lined hat with ribbons and tulle, lace trimmed dress with lace waistband, lace trimmed slip and long blonde hair. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and lace.

Alta Helen Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Dee” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

My "Dee" victorian doll pattern is named after my Grandmother Doris (who is shown below). My Grandmother "Dee" was born in 1896, went on to college and graduated with a teaching degree in 1917.

My great, great Aunt "Flossie" was a true believer of women's rights, as was my Grandmother "Dee". Both women were very intelligent and were very strong women. Both were very confident in themselves and both held strong beliefs and convictions. They both were believers in women's rights. Their beliefs definitely had a profound affect on my mother which, in turn, had an affect on me.

As an aside. I just love asides, don't I? The only weakness in my Grandmother as far as women's rights were concerned had to do with the wearing of pants. She strongly disagreed with this fashion statement and was very critical of my Mother for wearing them. I never saw my Grandmother in anything but a dress or skirt. God forbid a bathing suit. Yikes!

When I was designing my Victorian Ladies collection I wanted to make a simple Victorian Lady yet somewhat country doll in nature. Someone who you'd see strolling in a garden or park. Elegant but simple at the same time. With this in mind my "Dee" Victorian Lady doll design was born. Dee is a free-standing doll all ready for her Sunday picnic. She just loves to stroll among the flowers just enjoying the country air. Without a care in the world. Searching out the perfect spot to place her blanket for her country picnic.

Dee is a 16" Old Lady" Victorian, yet country doll. She is a cloth and wood doll with a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. A lace trimmed slip frames her inner body and is gathered around her waist. She is wearing a 3-tiered gathered lace trimmed dress with lace trimmed long sleeves and has a ribbon tied sash wrapped around her waist. Her shawl is crocheted and wrapped beautifully around her shoulders. Her blonde hair is tied in a bun in the back and her bonnet is decorated with ribbons and silk floral. She is carrying a basket of flowers.

Most of the time Dee she likes to be near the lake. But, today, she prefers a spot next to the flower gardens. It's a lovely day and the flowers are all in full bloom. What could be better than tea and biscuits next to the flower garden on a beautiful day? Just a perfect day for a picnic. Wouldn't you agree?

Dee is the third Victorian doll I designed and is named after my Grandmother.

Dee Doreen Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Dee Jean Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Linda" Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

Years ago I decided that the first doll and doll pattern that I designed would be named "Linda"  And, "yes" she is named after me. What a surprise? Bet you could see that coming a mile away.

If you are a reader of my Linda's Blog you know that I'm a doll maker and doll pattern designer. I'm also a bit of a genealogy buff. So, I decided to combine my love of doll making and love of genealogy by naming my doll patterns after members of my family - past and present. I thought by doing so that it would be a nice way to honor my ancestors.

I gave a lot of thought to "Linda" as I wasn't quite sure where and how to begin. Besides being a lover of dolls and genealogy I also have a passion for the clothes of the Victorian Era. I wanted my first doll, my namesake, to be a Victorian. I also knew that I wanted my dolls to be able to stand up on their own.

I'd seen a lot of porcelain dolls which were all very beautiful but, wanted something different. I wanted to design a doll who had a "distinct" personality that was not determined by her face. What I wanted was to create a "faceless" doll. My feeling is that faces overwhelm the dolls personality and, therefore, have a greater impact on her personality. I wanted the clothing, hair, accessories, color scheme, etc. of the Victorian period to determine the personality of the doll.

So, I decided that the best way to accomplish this was to use a wooden ball for the head, a 1/4" dowel for the neck, a 1" dowel for the body, and a wood circle for the base. Her wooden head would be painted with a flesh colored paint. I added a little blush for color. Her arms were going to be wires covered with batting so they were bendable. Also, her hands were going to be made out of old lace, preferably old lace gloves (talk about hard to find).

Batting was wrapped around the wood dowel for padding for the body. If I wanted her to be a little chunkier (what's wrong with chunky?) then I would just add more padding. A fitted slip was added to the lower part of her body and glued to the sides of the fitted circle so she was self-enclosed.

The fun part was that "Linda's" personality started to develop as I went along. Now this might sound a little crazy, but the doll kind of spoke to me as she was being created. If that sounds crazy to you that's okay. I know all my doll making and crafting friends will understand this.

"Linda" wanted to be a prim and proper Victorian so she decided that an 1850 Street Costume would be appropriate for herself. She wanted a lined 2-tier jacket with a 3-tiered lined shawl. She also wanted a lined bonnet, lace trimmed parasol, lace trimmed dress with long lace trimmed and gathered sleeves, lace gloves, lace trimmed slip and long curly blonde hair.

I tried to talk her out of being "blonde" with all the connotations that come with that. She didn't care. It was 1850 after all and they didn't have "dumb blondes" back then. Who came up with that term anyway? I told her that I, her namesake, had straight, fine hair. It didn't matter to her whether or not she looked like me. It was going to be long, curly blond hair or nothing. So, "Linda" had her way. Of course, my Mother would tell you that she was just like me in that regard.

So, "Linda" got her 1850 Street Costume and long, curly, blonde hair. She was well suited to be a prim and proper Victorian "Lady" if I didn't say so myself. Plus, as she tells me, she doesn't look anything like her namesake which she is thankful for. I don't know if I should be insulted or not. What do you think?

Linda has been a lover of beautiful Victorian outfits for quite some time and just loves coordinated street outfits. She loves to take a fanciful stroll in the park each and every afternoon and loves wearing the latest in French attire. She also happens to have a weakness for anything blue. It just compliments her blonde hair like no other color can. So, today she has on her latest blue coordinated French outfit.

"Linda" is a free-standing doll wearing an 1850 street costume. She has a lined 2-tier gathered jacket with a 3-tiered lined shawl. Her beautiful long curly blonde hair is framed by her lined bonnet. She is wearing a beautiful blue lace trimmed dress with long lace trimmed and gathered sleeves. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. and she also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. A lace trimmed slip is underneath her beautiful blue coordinated dress. Her bonnet and shawl are tied around her neck and she is wearing lace gloves and is carrying a lace trimmed parasol. A floral ribbon serves as a clasp for her lined jacket.

Linda is so proud to be the first Victorian doll designed by Linda Walsh and proudly carries her name. She is a stunningly beautiful Victorian doll - coordinated blue outfit and all.

Linda Blue Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Linda Sweetness Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Joy” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

My Mother was a beautiful woman inside and out so when I was thinking of a design for a doll named after my mother I wanted to create something beautiful. Something elegant. Something to define the beauty of my Mother. So, "Joy" was born.

Joy is a 14" free-standing doll all dressed up and waiting to impress her friends with the latest in Paris fashion. She's been itching to wear her new outfit for weeks now but was waiting for the weather to get a little warmer for a nice stroll down the avenue. But, mother nature hasn't been cooperating and this wasn't an outfit that could be worn in the snow. So, Joy has been patiently awaiting the arrival of Spring. And, today it finally arrived.

"Joy" is a cloth and wood doll with a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. She has a lace trimmed slip that is gathered at the waist. She is wearing a very fancy lace trimmed dress with puffed sleeves and both a large & small lace and ruffled trimmed over skirt. Her beautifully coordinated lined jacket with puffed up long sleeves has double tiered lace trim along the front edge and lace & ribbon trim along the bottom edge. Covering her shoulders is a fancy lace trimmed and lined shawl. Her lined jacket and lined shawl are both tied at the front with ribbons. She has long curly hair which is tied at the nape of her neck. Her bonnet is lined and has fancy lace & floral trim along the cap. She is carrying a fancy lace trimmed parasol.

It's a beautiful day for a stroll along the avenue and Joy is hoping that all her friends will be out so she can impress them with her beautiful new fancy outfit. She's got her fingers crossed. Mother nature better not disappoint her today.

Joy Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Mattie” Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

Mattie just loves strolling in the park with her friends - especially if it's a bright, sunny and warm Spring day. There's no need for a winter coat, or boots, or gloves, or a long woolen dress. On a bright, sunny Spring day she get to wear her favorite blue and white walking costume - which suits her just fine.

Mattie is wearing a fancy lace trimmed dress with a ribbed, pleated bodice trimmed with gathered ribbon. The sleeves of her walking costume are long, gathered and ruffled. Her walking costume also has a fancy lace trimmed and gathered front and back overskirt. Underneath her walking costume is a lace trimmed slip and around her shoulders is a lace shawl. Her beautiful long curly blonde hair tied in a ponytail and enhanced with floral accents. Silk floral pieces decorate her waistband and neckline. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered.

Today just happens to be a bright, sunny, and warm Spring day. And, for that, Mattie is grateful.

Mattie Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Helen Louise” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Graduation Art Doll Products

Helen Louise has been anxiously awaiting her college graduation. Much more so than when she graduated from high school. You see, she is the first person in her family to graduate from college. She worked very hard during her high school years and graduated as valedictorian of her class with a 4.0 GPA. She wanted to get into Harvard , to study law, and become a lawyer. She even had dreams of one day serving on the Supreme Court. Right now she is just thrilled she is graduating and that her whole family will be at the graduation ceremony, including her grandmother. So, she's wearing an outfit that she knows her grandmother would love.

Helen Louise is a free-standing cloth and wood doll. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered. She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her slip is lace trimmed and gathered at the waist. She has a fancy multi-tiered 2 color lace trimmed dress with long lace trimmed and gathered sleeve and a ruffled and laced collar. She has a lace shawl wrapped around her shoulders and a pearl necklace around her neck. Her beautiful brown curly hair is tied in a ponytail at the top of her head with floral accents.

Helen is especially proud that her grandmother will be attending her college graduation. She hopes she will be attending her law school graduation and will be the first person she calls when she passes the bar. Her grandmother always wanted to attend college, but that was not in the cards for her. However, it was for Helen Louise and her grandmother could not be prouder of her.

Helen Jean Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“Kimberly” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

Kimberly is as proud as she can be today. She's wearing a beautiful new outfit and can hardly wait to stroll down the boulevard and show it off. It's a beautiful day out for a stroll and she knows that she looks stunning in her new outfit. The colors are a wonderful compliment for her and she's sure she'll be catching many gentleman's eyes. Of course, she's hoping that one special gentleman will be strolling down the boulevard today as well. She's got her fingers crossed.

Kimberly is a 13" free-standing doll cloth and wood doll wearing an 1876 Promenade Costume. She has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her lace trimmed slip is gathered at the waist. She has a fancy multiple lace trimmed and gathered dress with lace trimmed long gathered sleeves. Her dress has a fancy laced trimmed over-skirt in the front and back that is decorated with wired ribbon bows. Silk ribbons adorn both the dress and sleeves. Her beautiful and full long curly brown hair is tied with ribbons and a floral and lace trimmed lined feathered hat adorns her head. She also has a frilly fringed shawl wrapped around her shoulders and she is holding a fancy multiple lace trimmed and decorated parasol.

Kimberly is really trying to look her best today to catch the eye of a very special gentleman. She's got her fingers crossed and just hopes it doesn't rain.

Kimberly Anne Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh

“LouArlene” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

LouArlene is a free-standing doll all ready for her afternoon stroll and tea with the ladies.

She has been anxiously awaiting her afternoon tea today so she can show of her new hat from Paris, France. It's the latest in Paris fashion and she's been waiting months to show all her friends. It's a perfect compliment to her new tea gown.

She is wearing a fancy gathered ribbon & lace trimmed dress with gathered and two-tiered lace trimmed long sleeves adorned with large gold buttons, and a V-shaped lace bodice on the front of her dress trimmed with gathered ribbon & lace trim. Lace adorns her waistband and accentuates her tiny waist.

She also has a painted wood head and covered round wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered.

Underneath her tea gown she is wearing a lace trimmed slip and around her shoulders is a fancy lace shawl that belongs to her Mother. Hanging from her neck is a pearl necklace that she borrowed from her Mother, as well.

Her long blonde hair is tied in a bun with a braid framing her face. Sitting atop her beautiful braided head of hair is her new fancy lace & floral trimmed and lined bonnet, with ribbons & bows.

LouArlene knows that her new bonnet is just beautiful and that all her friends will want to order one for themselves. As far as LouArlene is concerned it's okay if all her friends order one for themselves. She will always be the first to have it and wear it.

LouArlene Red Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

LouArlene Black Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Designed and Written By Linda Walsh