Linda's Blog: faceless dolls

Showing posts with label faceless dolls. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

I've Written A Lot of Doll Histories For My Linda's Blog and My Victorian Dolls Blog

Besides being a lover of Victorian dolls and genealogy I also love history - especially doll histories. Being a lover of doll histories prompted me to write all the doll history posts on my Victorian Dolls, Victorian Traditions, The Victorian Era and Me blog.

DOLL HISTORIES ON MY LINDA'S BLOG AND MY VICTORIAN DOLLS, VICTORIAN TRADITIONS, THE VICTORIAN ERA AND ME BLOG

17th, 18th and 19th Century Wardrobe or Trousseau Dolls

17th, 18th, and 19th Century Wooden Dolls

After 250 Years It's Still The Bangwell Putt Rag Doll

A Little More Information on Making Goddess, Spirit and Healing Dolls Of Your Own

A Little Research Into The History of Goddess Dolls

Babyland Rag Dolls With Painted Faces Versus Babyland Rag Dolls With Lithograph Faces

Barbie - A Young Girl's Obsession!

Bartholomew's Babies - Beautiful or Tawdry Dolls

Boudoir Dolls Are Meant For Sitting - No Touching!

Carved Nut Dolls - What? Unusual Indeed

China Head Dolls - They're Just So Beautiful

Clay Pipe Dolls - Definitely A Conversation Piece

Dolls From The Index of American Design at National Gallery Of Art

Early American Wooden Dolls By Joel Ellis From 1873

Early Grodnertal Tuck Comb Wooden Peddler Dolls and Other Grodnertal Peddler Dolls

First Presbyterian Church Rag Dolls Otherwise Known as Presbyterian Rag Dolls

For The Love Of Rococo Dolls - You Might Become Speechless, Too!

Frozen Charlotte Dolls - How Adorable But Tragic

Gotta Love Doll Histories Part 1 - Part 4 Free E-Book

Grodnertal Wooden Costume Dolls

Hitty Dolls - What's Not To Love!

How Wonderful! I Heard From A Descendant of Roxanna Cole - Hilarie Johnston

I'm In Love With Penny Wooden or Peg Wooden Dolls

Izannah Walker Dolls

Milliner's Models Dolls - Fashion Model or Toy?

Miss Columbia and the Columbian Rag Doll

Missionary Rag Babies - Loved So Much They're Well Worn

Papier-Mâché Dolls

Perhaps It's Time I Made An Apple Head Doll - Maybe She'll Have A Victorian Outfit!

Pioneer & Prairie Dolls, Rag Dolls, Appalachian Dolls, Wagon Train Dolls, Table Cloth Dolls, Pillowcase Dolls, Handkerchief & Prayer Dolls, Folk Art Dolls - They're All Dolls That Were Loved By Early American Colonial Girls

Polly Heckewelder Moravian Rag Dolls - Loved and Made For Over 140 Years

Quaker Dolls - Quiet Beauty

Roxanna Elizabeth McGee Cole's Beautiful Family Of 19th Century Dolls

Shell Dolls - Who Knew The Victorians Did This? Did You?

Some Of The Beautiful Peddler or Pedlar Dolls From the strong National Museum Of Play

The French Doll Fashion Collection At The MET

The History of Faceless Dolls - Updated February 2015

The Innu Tea Doll

The Maggie Bessie Cloth Doll - A Doll of Simplicity and Grace

The Molly Brinkerhoff Doll - Buried With A Family's Cherished Possession During The Revolutionary War

There's Something Very Endearing About Wishbone Dolls

The Simple Beauty of Clothespin Dolls

The Sweet Simplicity of Tuck Comb Wooden Dolls

The White House Doll

Topsy-Turvy Dolls - Two In One

Wax Dolls, Montanari and Pierotti Dolls - Gotta Love The Beauty of Wax

Who Doesn't Love Paper Dolls?

William F. Goodwin Patent Walking Doll - Circa 1870 and Other Autoperipatetikos Walking Dolls

Wooden Spoon Dolls and More - Past and Present

I thought if you were as interested in doll histories as I am you'd like an easier way to read all my doll history posts. So, I created .PDF's for all of my posts. In all there are 4 different .pdf's each with up to 50 pages. If you would like to download my "Gotta Love Doll Histories Part 1 - Part 4 just click on the pictures or titles below:

Gotta Love Doll Histories - Part 1

The Bangwell Putt Rag Doll

The Molly Brinkerhoff Doll

The White House Doll

Apple Head Dolls

Penny Wooden or Peg Wooden Dolls

Wishbone Dolls

Early American Wooden Dolls By Joel Ellis

Tuck Comb Wooden Dolls

Grodnertal Tuck Comb Wooden Peddler Dolls

Grodnertal Wooden Costume Dolls

Beautiful Peddler or Pedlar Dolls

William F. Goodwin Patent Walking Doll

Dolls From The Index of American Design at National Gallery Of Art

Shell Dolls

Frozen Charlotte Dolls

Gotta Love Doll Histories - Part 2

Clay Pipe Dolls

Roxanna Elizabeth McGee Cole's Dolls

Wooden Spoon Dolls and More

Bartholomew's Babies

Carved Nut Dolls

Clothespin Dolls

Miss Columbia and the Columbian Rag Doll

Pioneer & Prairie Dolls, Rag Dolls, Appalachian Dolls, Wagon Train Dolls, Table Cloth Dolls, Pillowcase Dolls, Handkerchief & Prayer Dolls, Folk Art Dolls

Quaker Dolls

Gotta Love Doll Histories - Part 3

Missionary Rag Babies

China Head Dolls

Babyland Rag Dolls With Painted Faces and Lithograph Faces

Wax Dolls, Montanari and Pierotti Dolls

Polly Heckewelder Moravian Rag Dolls

First Presbyterian Church Rag Dolls

Izannah Walker Dolls

Papier-Mâché Dolls

Milliner's Models Dolls

Boudoir Dolls

17th, 18th and 19th Century Wardrobe or Trousseau Dolls

Topsy-Turvy Dolls - Two In One

Gotta Love Doll Histories - Part4

The Maggie Bessie Cloth Doll

17th, 18th, and 19th Century Wooden Dolls

For The Love Of Rococo Dolls

Hitty Dolls

The Beautiful Collection of Fashion Dolls At The Strong National

Museum of Play

How Wonderful! I Heard From A Descendant of Roxanna Cole - Hilarie Johnston

The French Doll Fashion Collection At The MET

The Innu Tea Doll

DOLL HISTORIES ON MY LINDA'S BLOG

A Little More Information on Making Goddess, Spirit and Healing Dolls Of Your Own

Barbie - A Young Girl's Obsession!

Who Doesn't Love Paper Dolls?

I hope you enjoy all my posts.

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Patterns, e-patterns, printables, e-printables, e-books, graphics, tutorials, how-to's, articles and other e-products are for personal use only. You may not modify, photocopy, download, upload, post, transmit, display, perform, publish, license, reprint, create derivative works from, mass duplicate, re-sell, digitize, and reproduce in any other form (print, digital or electric) or commercially apply, embed, share, Email, or redistribution in any other means. Use of any of the above is prohibited without the written permission of Linda Walsh.

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Please see my Terms and Conditions for additional information.

Wednesday, February 07, 2018

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.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

“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

“Julia Bridget” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

There is a saying that "blonds have more fun!" Julia Bridget would disagree. You see, she has put that to the test many, many times. And, well, ladies with white hair actually attract the more desirable gentlemen and actually have more fun. Julia Bridget is smart, well-read, well-bred, multi-talented, caring, articulate, and warmhearted - a very popular lady with a lot of lady friends and gentleman callers.

Julia Bridget is a free-standing doll all ready for afternoon tea with the ladies. She has a lined full-length double-tiered lace & ribbon trimmed robe with a train and laced & ribbon trimmed & long puffy sleeves. Her robe's lace & ribbon trimmed collar is double-tiered. Beneath her robe she is wearing a coordinating lace trimmed dress and under that is 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. She has a beautiful mass of long, curly white hair which is tied in a ponytail with floral ribbons. She is carrying a bouquet of flowers with streamers and has floral accents in her hair. A floral ribbon serves as a clasp for her robe.

As far as Julia Bridget is concerned some of her blond friends may think they have more fun, but Julia Bridget knows better.

Julia Bridget Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Friday, January 26, 2018

“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

“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

Thursday, January 25, 2018

“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

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

“Hilda” Doll - Victorian Faceless"Lady" Art Doll Products

Hilda is a very friendly lady and just loves to visit the neighbors, especially those who are new in town. She's a one woman welcoming committee and just loves to tell her neighbors all about her town and all the activities that are going on. It's a small town so Hilda is well informed as to all the activities.

Hilda is an 11" 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 lace trimmed slip is gathered at the waist. She has a ruffled at the shoulder dress with long ruffled and gathered sleeves and ruffled bottom. Her shawl is fringed and a silver heart serves as a clasp. She has long black hair wrapped in a braid framing her face, and is carrying a food basket.

Hilda just loves to tell her new neighbors all that's going on. However, don't ask her for any gossip. Hilda is too much of a Victorian lady to engage in gossip.

Monday, January 22, 2018

“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

“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

Saturday, January 20, 2018

“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

“Marie Antoinette” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

Marie Antoinette is a free-standing doll ready for court.

She has a very fancy two-tiered ruffled dress with a fancy lace covered and lined front panel and long gathered sleeves, shawl, fancy lace & floral lined and feathered hat, lace parasol, lace trimmed slip and long white curly hair tied with ribbons.

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. The waistband of her dress is adorned with pearls and lace.

“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

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

“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

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

“Priscilla” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll

Priscilla is just fascinated with America and the colonies and would love to move there someday. The problem is that no one else in her family wants to do so and she's afraid to go by herself. She's hoping that she'll meet a beau that shares her interests and they can travel to America together.

Priscilla is a free-standing doll who is all ready for her afternoon stroll. She is wearing a lace trimmed dress that is gathered at the waist. Her matching jacket is fully lined with long lace trimmed and gathered sleeves. Underneath her dress is 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 long curly blonde hair is covered by her lined prairie bonnet which is tied under her chin and she is carrying a handkerchief in her right hand. A floral ribbon serves as a clasp for her lined jacket.

Priscilla is carrying a handkerchief just in case she sees a gentleman she thinks she might like. An accidental dropping of her handkerchief causes the gentleman to volunteer to retrieve it for her and, well, the conversation begins from there..... You never know. They may want to travel to America and the colonies, too.

“Debra” Victorian "Lady" Art Doll Products

Debra just loves to stroll the parks in the afternoon showing off her beautiful outfit. It is very pretty to look at with it's blue and white combination.

She has a fancy lace and ruffled trim lined faux suede blue jacket with double stand-up collar and mid-length gathered and lace decorated sleeves. Her jacket is also decorated along all the edges with white lace trim - inside and outside. The outside is flat white lace while the inside is gathered white colored lace that hangs down below the bottom hemline.

The jacket is waistline length and ties in the front with two sets of white ribbons. Her dress is bi-colored with the upper and second overskirt tier being white and the bottom and first overskirt tier being a blue print fabric. The dress sleeves are gathered and the sleeve cuff is the same fabric as the lower part of the dress. The lower part of the dress is three tiered with two overskirts. The top overshirt and second overskirt tier are each decorated with gathered white lace along the edges and flat white lace just above that. Each overskirt tier is gathered at the waistline and the second overskirt tier is also gathered up the front center line and back center line. There is 4Th level of gathered lace around the waistline of the dress.

She has a very fancy multiple-tiered gathered white and blue lace & floral trimmed lined hat covered with white silk flowers all along the top of the hat. The front inside of the hat is covered with several layers of tulle. Wired ribbon is sewn to the inside of the hat and is used to secure the hat to the head. The wired ribbon is tied under her neck in a large bow just to the left of her chin.

Her curly dark brown hair is gathered along the front sides of her face and covered by her beautiful floral hat. She also has a lace trimmed slip underneath her dress.

One of my sister-in-laws Mother's old white colored lace scarf is draped around her shoulders as a shawl.

Her arms are wire-shaped and covered and she is wearing lace gloves. She also has a fabric covered head and covered square wood base. Her inner body is supported by a dowel and is covered with fabric and lace.

Sunday, January 14, 2018

“Josephine” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll

Sometimes even designers have to admit they have favorite creations. They don't like to because they like to think that all of their creations are their favorites. It's kind of like mothers who when asked: "Mom, am I your favorite child?" reply with, "I love you all the same." So, while I do love all my creations I do have to admit that some more than others just appeal to me. Just don't tell the "dollies" I said that. There will be sibling rivalry like unbelievable in our house if they find out. In any event, Josephine is one such creation.

I don't know whether it's her red hair or her green outfit with all the filly lace or both. There's just something beautifully appealing about her. Josephine is a free-standing Victorian lady doll who can hardly wait for spring to show off her new toilette. When she saw it in the Godey Fashion Magazine she knew she had to have it. It was in her favorite color, after all. And, not too many outfits that season were in green. But, she knew that it would look wonderful on her and really highlight her beautiful red hair. So she ordered it and asked that it be sent as soon as possible.

Josephine is a 13" Victorian wood and cloth 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 which is also covered by a gathered and lace trimmed slip. Josephine is wearing a coordinated green outfit which consists of a lined jacket with large puffy sleeves, lined & fitted vest, large lace trimmed ruffled blouse with bow, and a multi-tiered lace trimmed and gathered skirt with floral decorations. Her beautiful red hair is fastened in a bun and is highlighted by a ribbon & floral trimmed lined hat with a large bow on the back. She is carrying a multi-tiered lace trimmed parasol.

Josephine thinks she looks quite fetching in her beautiful green outfit and hopes you agree. She doesn't mind being one of Linda's favorites. Just don't tell the other "dollies."

“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

Saturday, January 13, 2018

“Flossie” Victorian Faceless "Lady" Art Doll Products

My "Flossie" Victorian doll pattern is named after my great, great Aunt Florence (who is shown in the picture below).

My great, great Aunt Flossie was born in 1882 and was the first women to go to college in our family.

She graduated from Tufts University in 1904. She then went on to be one of the first women to work for the State Department of Corporations and Taxation. She worked for the state until she retired in 1947.

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.

If there ever was a truly elegant and refined lady it would have to be Flossie. With her beautiful red hair, beautifully sewn outfits and ladylike manners you can't help but feel regal when you are with her. Despite her rich appearance she does everything she can to make her guests feel like they are the most important person in her life and in her house. As a result, she puts everyone completely at ease and loves it when her guests relax and enjoy themselves. Flossie just loves to entertain, but she also loves being outside on a beautiful, sunny day. So, today she has decided to take a leisurely afternoon stroll in her 1892 Traveling Costume.

Flossie is a free-standing doll who wearing an 1892 Traveling Costume. She is wearing a beautifully coordinated outfit that has a lace trimmed dress and has a full-length lace and ribbon trimmed lined jacket with lace, ribbon trimmed and puffed up long sleeves. A decorated ribbon bow serves as a clasp for her lined jacket. Her coordinated lace & floral decorated hat is lined and elegantly frames her beautiful red hair that is tied in a puff bun. She has a painted wood head and a covered wood base. Her inner body is made from a dowel covered with fabric and eyelet lace. Her arms are wire-shaped and covered and she is carrying a bouquet of flowers with streamers.

Flossie may be the epitome of a refined and elegant lady, but she is also very intelligent and knows just the right thing to say, the right thing to do, and the right atmosphere to put her friends and guests at ease. She is a refined and elegant lady to the core.

Flossie May Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Flossie Anne Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Flossie Jacqueline Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Flossie Kate Handmade Victorian Lady Art Doll

Linda's Stories

I have written a LOT of stories since 2004 about my handmade gifts, my family and my childhood. So much so that at last count I was close to 250. YIKES!! That's a lot of stories. But, with a big family there's a lot of gifts and a lot of "stories" to tell.

Of course you have to keep in mind that these are "stories" and as such there may be a little exaggeration going on here or there. They are stories after all.

So, I decided to create a separate FAMILY label just to keep track of my stories. Just click here or click the FAMILY label in the categories box of my sidebar, Enjoy!

The History Of Faceless Dolls

The History of Faceless Dolls

I created a History Of Faceless Dolls .PDF. If you would like to download my History Of Faceless Dolls .PDF please click here or on the picture above.

I think you all know that I, personally, love faceless dolls. Victorians, primitives, colonial, prairie dolls, rag dolls, or country style dolls. It doesn't matter. I love them all.

In fact, I created a video to reflect my feelings about faceless dolls which is: "Beauty lies not only in what is seen, but what is imagined. I believe the essence of a dolls faceless beauty should determine her personality."

Please CLICK HERE or on the video below if you would like to view my "Linda's Faceless Beauties" video.

The Book & Crafts Review Corner

I just love books and craft kits. For the books I especially like books on crafts, craft making, dolls, doll making, sewing, handmade items, floral design, and history. I have a lot of doll and crafts books that I have bought over the years and I'm going to tell you about the ones I have. I'll be providing book reviews of the ones I like and tell you why I like them.

I also LOVE craft kits - especially punchneedle, wool felting, and cross-stitch. So, I thought I'd tell you which kits I've bought over the years and show you the results when I've completed them.

Plus, I might surprise you from time to time and throw in a few other things along the way. So, grab a cup of tea and stay for awhile.