I have loved dolls, history, and the Victorian Era since I was little and can credit my grandmother for that. As a young girl she gave me a Godey’s Fashion print for August 1870 from my great, great Aunt Flossie. I was captivated by the dresses and became hooked. I just love to research everything and anything about the Victorian Era. I also love to design Victorian dolls. I hope you enjoy my Victorian Dolls, Victorian Traditions,The Victorian Era, and Me blog.

Friday, August 22, 2008

I Lost My Head! Abraham, The Headless Horseman! - Victorian Doll


"I Lost My Head! Abraham" could hardly wait for his Victorian debut. He was just dying to show you his extremely coordinated Victorian outfit - amongst other things he was dying to show you. Like his heads!!!!!  Why, he didn't even get any blood on his outfit? Now, that's gentlemanly - don't you think?

What's the problem? Are the heads throwing you off? Actually, Abraham otherwise know as the "Headless horseman" is quite the Victorian gentleman.

He always dresses in his Victorian best. He's always coordinated. And, he's always the PERFECT gentleman. Except when he can't find "Ichabod Crane!" Then he gets - well, a little nasty.

You'd think "Ichabod Crane" would make it easy on him. Oh, no! He has to see a therapist who's trying to help him overcome his fears of the "headless horseman." Now how's Abraham supposed to do his job if Ichabod manages to overcome his fears?

"I Lost My head! Abraham, The Headless Horseman!" is a 14" Victorian Horseman doll. Abraham is a self-standing horseman cloth doll - albeit without a head!

He is wearing a multi layered lace trimmed shirt with lace trimmed sleeves and coordinating lace trimmed ascot. His cummerbund is a wide gold trimmed ribbon. His brown corduroy jacket is lined and top stitched with rolled cuffs and folded back lapels with buttons. He's also sporting a lined black cape.

Abraham is carrying the heads of two of his latest victims in his left hand and his favorite ax in his right hand. He just wants to show them to Ichabod Crane. Now why can't he find him?

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Call Me - Your Count Dracula! - Victorian Dracula Doll


Now here's a handsome Victorian gentleman - don't you think? So what if he's "Count Dracula!" He's still dressed very chic and very much the Victorian Gentleman - don't you think?

He's got the lace ascot, coordinating outfit, and marvelous hairdo. That makes him a wonderful Victorian Dracula - don't you think?

What's the problem? Are the bloody fangs throwing you off? He's still kind of cute - don't you think?

Come on now. Yo have to admit that he is rather debonair in his black and orange coordinated outfit!

Why, he's suave, he's swank, he's charming and beguiling. He's "Call Me - Your Count Dracula!" and he just wants a wee small bit of your blood. Is that too much to ask?

"Call Me - Your Count Dracula!" is a 13" Victorian Dracula. Dracula is a self-standing Victorian gentleman cloth doll. He has an embroidered and watercolor pencil painted face with red painted fangs. He is wearing a multi colored and coordinating shirt with a stand-up collar. He has a lined orange vest with lapels and a button.

His lace trimmed ascot matches his shirt and his black satin jacket is lined, top stitched, and has a collar, lapels and rolled up cuffs. His black satin cape is lined and top stitched as well and sits wonderfully above his shoulders. He's also sporting a lined and coordinating top hat. Dracula has a full head of thick wool yarn hair.

"Call Me - Your Count Dracula!" wants you to think he is a gentleman but his appearance says otherwise - don't you think? He really is a handsome Victorian gentleman - don't you think? Come on now - don't let a couple bloody fangs throw you off? He just wants a little bite!

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Ichabod, I'm Not Afraid Of You Crane - Victorian Gentleman Doll



"Ichabod - I'm Not Afraid Of You Crane!" is hoping that by being very forthright and honest about his fears that he can enlist every one's help in getting over his fear of the dreaded "Headless Horseman." He is so tired and just wants to get a good night's sleep and hasn't been able to do that in so very, very long.

You see, he's been afraid of the "headless horseman" for hundreds of years and figures that it's time he got over that. It's time he was able to get a good night's sleep without having nightmares about the "headless horseman" chopping off his head. He's hoping that with your help he'll finally be able to conquer and overcome his fears.

So, with the help of his therapist he decided that he should confront the "headless horseman" and let him know that he's no longer afraid of him. He can't invade his dreams anymore and can't try to scare him to death. And, if he tells him that and you tell him that then, maybe, Ichabod can get a good night's sleep.

Unfortunately, the one night he tried to confront the headless horseman on his own he awoke to find the tombstone and pumpkins at the foot of his bed. YIKES! "Here lies the body of Ichabod Crane - never to be seen AGAIN!" YIKES! How is Ichabod ever to get over his fear?

"Ichabod - I'm Not Afraid Of You Crane!!" is a 16" Victorian gentleman doll. "Ichabod - I'm Not Afraid Of You Crane!" is a self standing cloth doll. He has an embroidered and watercolor pencil painted face. He is wearing a brushed black denim outfit with a coordinated and multiple lace trimmed shirt with lace trimmed sleeves and cummerbund.

He's wearing an olive colored felt vest with button and lace trimmed coordinating black check ascot. His brushed black denim jacket is lined with coordinating black check fabric, is top stitched, has rolled cuff sleeves, and two buttons. He's also sporting a lined and coordinating top hat and fringed flannel scarf. He has a full head of curly gray mohair hair. He is very refined and Victorian like.

At the bottom of Ichabod's body is a tombstone inscribed with "Here Lies The Body of Ichabod Crane - Never To Be Seen Again!" His tombstone is surrounded by plastic pumpkins and fall floral leaves.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Lady Amanda, The Mannerly Witch! Victorian Witch Doll


I think most witches will tell you that over the hundreds of years that they have gotten a really bad rap!

You see, most people are afraid of witches and afraid that either a spell will be cast on them or they'll be turned into a toad!  That is just NOT so for most witches. You see, most are gentle and kind. And, most are really very humanitarian. In fact, most are very polite and VERY well mannered.

At least that's what "Lady Amanda, The Mannerly Witch!" tells us. She is anything but mean spirited and doesn't have a nasty bone in her body. Again, that's what she tells us!

In fact she loves life, loves people, kisses babies and loves everything and anything Victorian. So, she commissioned a whole bunch of Victorian outfits to be made for her. She figures that if she's going to be a Victorian witch then at least she should be stylish.

"Lady Amanda, The Mannerly Witch!" is a 14" Victorian witch doll. Lady Amanda is a self-standing witch cloth doll. She has an embroidered and watercolor pencil painted face. She is wearing a cotton slip with black fringe trim. Her beautifully coordinated outfit includes a fashionable dress with black lace overskirt and satin skirt, coordinated orange plaid dress bodice, ribbon bow tied at the high waistline, and lace trimmed sleeves. Her short waisted jacket is lined and has gathered and puffy lined sleeves.

Her lined cape is made of black satin and drapes beautifully from her neck. She has a full head of thick and flowing gray mohair hair. Her witches hat is really anything but a true witches hat. It is a rounded black stain and lined bonnet with black lace trim, and 6 black lace and orange plaid bows and coordinated beautifully with her outfit.

Lady Amanda, is the epitome of stylishness. Or, at least she thinks she is. In fact, she'd argue with you that since the Queen made her a "Lady" with full title and benefits that she deserves respect. Of course, she'll never tell us who the "Queen" was that so endowed her with her "lady" title. The Queen of the witches perhaps? Hmmmm......

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals


Monday, August 18, 2008

Valerie, The Proper Victorian Lady Ghost - Victorian Ghost Doll


The Victorian side of "Valerie, The Proper Lady Ghost!" has her waiting patiently for her introduction while the "ghostly" side of her has been rather impatient.

"Valerie, The Proper Lady Ghost!" wants desperately to be thought of as a "lady" and being accepted by all the proper "ladies" of society.

She doesn't want to be thought of as a ghost and figures that if she gets accepted as a member of the "Victorian Ladies Tea Society" that the other "ladies" in her social circle will have to accept her.

So, she has been petitioning the "Victorian Ladies Tea Club" to let her join. For some reason, however, they have been reluctant to do so citing some old rule against ghosts becoming members.

"Valerie, The Proper Lady Ghost!" has been working endless hours on meeting all the members and showing them just what a wonderful "lady" ghost that she is.

She figures if they get to know her they will love her and will have to agree that she is in fact a proper lady ghost and entitled to membership. So, she is waiting patiently - ever so patiently. She's just hoping they decide soon before her "ghostly" side has just had too much waiting.

"Valerie, The Proper Lady Ghost" is a 13" Victorian ghost doll. Valerie is a self-standing ghost cloth doll. She has an embroidered and watercolor pencil painted face. She is wearing a cotton slip with black tassel trim and a lace trimmed black diamond printed dress. She has a fashionable hooded and lined multi-sectional cape with black tassel trim and a lined bonnet with matching black tassel trim.

Valerie is the epitome of class and style, if she doesn't so so herself! She just wishes they would hurry up and decide. "Valerie, The Proper Lady Ghost!" figures if the "Victorian Ladies Tea Society" doesn't allow her into their membership she'll just have to resort to her counter measures. However, she won't tell us what they are. We just hope they haven't been thought up by her "ghostly" side. YIKES! That might not be pretty or lady-like!

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Be Very Afraid, Dennis! Victorian Ghost Doll


If you've never seen a proper and dignified, gentleman ghost get ready for "Be Very Afraid, Dennis!" He's every bit the Victorian ghost that be seems.

But, be very afraid! Hmmmm..... I don't think so. You see, you don't have to be afraid of him because he's not terrifying or nasty. No! No! No! It's more like - be very afraid because he'll try to charm the socks off of you.

And, once he's charmed you - well, you're his! And, then, maybe you should be very afraid!

He's a charmer, he's a gentleman, and he's very much a proper Victorian. So what if he's a ghost? That doesn't mean anything. Or does it? Be very afraid! Don't be very afraid! Be charmed! Hmmmmm......

"Be Very Afraid, Dennis!" is a 14" Victorian ghost doll. "Be Very Afraid, Dennis!" is a self-standing ghost cloth doll. He has an embroidered and watercolor pencil painted face. He is wearing a coordinated Victorian outfit. He has a black shirt with a coordinating black lace trimmed ascot, a lined and coordinating vest with a button and lapels.

His ghostly jacket is lined and coordinates with his lined vest and is top stitched with flaps, lapels, collar and cuffs. He's also sporting a lined and coordinating top hat. He's wearing his top hat slightly to the right hand side of his head so you can see his wonderful, ghostly head. You see, he thinks that's his best asset.

In fact, "Be Very Afraid, Dennis!" thinks he's got lots of assets and is down right dapper. "Dapper Dennis!" Hmmmm...... I don't know about that.

I still think it's smart to warn everyone - "Be Very Afraid, Dennis!" is on the loose and might just try to charm you. I hope you like "Be Very Afraid, Dennis!" You didn't let him charm you - did you?

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy! Victorian Scarecrow Doll


Despite his name "I'm A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy!" is not very refined - at least, according to his sister "I'm A Proper Scarecrow, Nancy!"

Nancy's hoping she can help her brother, Jimmy and turn him into a right proper and respectable Victorian. The problem is he is a boy and a scarecrow to boot! But, Nancy thinks that doesn't mean he can't be Victorian and can't be the proper gentleman at all times.

After all, Victorian males are also well known for their manners and etiquette and since Nancy has plenty of that she figures she can transform Jimmy.

Nancy knows that she has been well trained and has no doubt she can teach her brother how to behave in a mannerly fashion. She is so confident of her skills that she is even willing to teach him how to dance. And, if you've ever taught your brother how to dance - well, you know how that goes!

Jimmy is willing to give all this a try. He loves his sister - after all and will do his best to see that she doesn't fail. He knows he can do it and also secretly knows that he really is every bit as refined and proper as Nancy is. But, he can't let her know that. He has to have a little fun - after all he is a boy and a scarecrow.

"I'm A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy!" is a 12" Victorian scarecrow doll. Jimmy is a self-standing scarecrow cloth doll. He has an embroidered and watercolor pencil painted face. He is wearing a multi colored and coordinating shirt with gathered sleeves, a lined and coordinating jacket with pockets, flaps, lapels, collar and cuffs. He's also sporting a lined and coordinating Sculley cap. He has a full head of wonderful string hair that just his demeanor.

He is definitely refined - and, quite proud of himself. I hope you like "I'm A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy!" His sister "The Proper Scarecrow, Nancy!" was released yesterday. Nancy's got her work cut out for her to get Jimmy ready for all the social events of the season. She thinks he's just not as refined as he needs to be - at least, not yet! Jimmy, on the other hand, knows better. They just don't get much more refined than Jimmy! Just don't tell Nancy!

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The Proper Scarecrow, Nancy! Victorian Scarecrow Doll


"The Proper Scarecrow, Nancy!" knows she is a scarecrow, but that doesn't mean she can't be Victorian and can't be the proper lady at all times. After all, Victorians are well known for their manners and etiquette and Nancy has plenty of that. She is always correcting her brother, "A Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy!" His manners are atrocious and his language skills - well, let's just say he has a lot to learn.

Nancy knows that she has been well trained and has no doubt she can teach her brother how to behave in a mannerly fashion. She is so confident she is even willing to teach him how to dance. And, if you've ever taught your brother how to dance - well, you know how that goes!

"The Proper Scarecrow, Nancy" is a 12" Victorian scarecrow from our new seasonal Victorian line. Nancy is a self-standing scarecrow cloth doll. She has an embroidered and watercolor pencil painted face. She is wearing a cotton slip with multiple layers of lace trim, a lace trimmed blouse, Multiple panel skirt with multiple layers of lace trim and gatherings, lace trimmed and lined felt jacket with a collar and cuffs, and a lined and lace trimmed felt bonnet with bows. She has a full head of wonderful string hair that just matches her outfit to the tee. She is definitely right proud of her appearance.

Nancy knows that when she is out in public she always has to look her best. You just never know when your picture is going to be taken and Nancy, the proper scarecrow, always wants to look her best. After all, she does have a reputation for class and elegance to maintain.

I hope you like "The Proper Scarecrow, Nancy!" Her brother "I'm a Refined Scarecrow, Jimmy!" will be released tomorrow. Nancy's got her work cut out for her to get him ready. He's just not as refined as he needs to be - at least, according to Nancy! Of course, her standards are a bit high!

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals