My First Victorian Doll I Named "Linda" - Of Course!

If you aren't a reader of my Linda's Blog you might not 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.

In any event, I thought that the first article in my "The Story Behind Each of My Doll Patterns" series should be the first doll and doll pattern that I designed. Her name is "Linda" and her picture is the one at the top of this article. And, "yes" she is named after me. What a surprise? Bet you could see that coming a mile away.

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?

Sometimes You Have A Favorite - Josephine Is One Of Them! - Victorian Lady 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."

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

What's Fair Is Fair! What About Me! It's All About "Debra!"

In my household you can't showcase any one particular doll without causing some kind of resentment by another doll.

This time my "Debra", you know the pain in the...., doll that I created and named after my baby sister was annoyed by yesterday's post about "My Favorite Victorian Doll."

She feels that if I'm going to mention her that I should at least show some pictures of her, too.

Well, I really can't come up with a rationale for not doing so. She is right. I did mention her in my post and I probably should have shown some pictures.

So, to appease "Debra" I'll give in and post about her here. You know, it seems to me that I used to have to appease my baby sister a lot, too. Boy, Debra really is like her namesake.

So, here we go. It's all about "Debra."

“Debra”is named after my baby sister. She is a 27” free-standing faceless Victorian doll that I designed for my "other Victorians" e-patterns and is wearing a 1853 walking dress.

My Victorian Lady Doll LouArlene - Victorian Lady Doll

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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Elizabeth Just Loves Visiting Her Cousins! - Victorian Lady Doll

Elizabeth just loves visiting her cousins and having afternoon tea.  She only gets a chance to do this once a week so she is really looking forward to her visit this afternoon.

Elizabeth comes from a large family and has many, many cousins.  They all made a pact several years ago that despite all their busy schedules they would always try to meet at least once a week for tea.

Elizabeth just loves going because she catches up on all the comings and goings of her cousins.  Some are more actively involved in the different societal events so they have more to tell.  Some are more artistically inclined so she gets to hear about their new creations.  And, some love to travel so she gets to hear all about their adventures.

 Elizabeth is a 13" 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.  Her lace trimmed slip is gathered at the waist.

She is wearing a coordinated outfit with a two-tiered laced trimmed ruffled dress with ruffled and gathered overlapping front and back over-skirt.  Her outfit also has a lined jacket with gathered and puffed sleeves and jacket waistband.  A lace & floral trimmed lined hat sits atop her mass of long curly brown hair and she is carrying a matching lace trimmed parasol.

Teas with her cousins are never boring and Elizabeth is looking forward to this afternoon's tea.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Kimberly Is As Proud As She Can Be With A New Outfit - Victorian Lady Doll

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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

My Victorian Lady Doll Augusta - Victorian Lady Doll

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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Dee In Her 1870 Prairie Dress - Victorian Lady Doll

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 amongst 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.

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

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?

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

My Beautiful Victorian Lady Doll Julia Bridget - Victorian Lady Doll

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 warm-hearted - 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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

What A Beautiful Victorian Lady - Flossie - Victorian Lady Doll

“Flossie”, 16” Doll - Victorian Doll E-Pattern Lady Series - 1892 Traveling Costume

One of my favorite Victorians dolls is Flossie. There's just something about this Victorian design and outfit that really appeals to me.  It might be her refined and elegant appearance that draws me in, but I like to think it's her quiet intelligence.  She is named after my Great, Great Aunt Flossie who was an extremely independent and intelligent woman.

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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

My Victorian Faceless Lady Doll Priscilla - Victorian Lady 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.

He may want to travel to America and the colonies, too.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Brides Do Not Get Any More Beautiful Than Flora Ellen - Victorian Bridal Doll

“Flora Ellen”, 14” Doll - Bridal Doll E-Pattern - Victorian Lady Series - 1896 Victorian Bridal Gown

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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

My Victorian Lady Doll Mattie - Victorian Lady Doll

"Mattie" is a free-standing doll all ready for her afternoon stroll.

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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

They Don't Get More Elegant Than Joy! - Victorian Lady Doll

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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

My Victorian Bridal Doll Elsa - Victorian Lady Bridal 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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Susanna - Handmade Victorian Or Shabby Chic Angel Doll and E-Pattern

"Susanna" is a young, but very special angel with some very beautiful qualities and a very special charge. She is a kind and loving angel who has a very special heart. One who manifests nothing but goodness in everyone and everything.

Her charge is to spread compassion, love, understanding, peace, contentment, and grace to everyone she meets. It's a tall order for such a young angel, but Susanna feels she is up to it.

"Susanna" is a 12" Victorian faceless cloth angel doll. She has a muslin body and her boots are black and cross laced. Her blond hair is fashioned into bangs in the front and long pigtails tied in the front with ribbon. Wrapped around the top of her head is a floral garland.

She is wearing lace trimmed pinafore bloomers that are gathered at the waist and a lace trimmed pinafore slip that is also gathered at the waist.

Her beautiful white dress has a lace trimmed center bodice with lace trimmed front to back straps, lined and lace trimmed over sleeves, and lace trimmed sleeves. Her dress is three tiered with lace trimming on each tier and gathered along the waistline. It is gathered at the neck edge and then adorned with a pearl and lace ribbon trim.

Her wings are wired satin ribbons and fashioned in a bow in the back. She is carrying a small pink floral bouquet.

Susanna is anxious to fulfill her mission. Spreading compassion, love, understanding, peace, contentment, and grace to everyone she meets is a tall order but Susanna feels she can do it with your help. Will you help her?

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Blue Bell Sara - The Long Sleek Sitting Doll Patterns and Handmade Faceless Victorian Doll

"Blue Bell Sara" and her sorority sister "Swing Sweetly Annabelle" are two of the newest dolls from my  "The Long Sleek Sitting Doll Series!"

Both are elegantly attired and ready for their afternoon walk.

"Blue Bell Sara" is wearing the finest in Victorian afternoon attire and is an elegant faceless Victorian doll who went prematurely gray. "Swing Sweetly Sara", on the other hand, is wearing her best Colonial attire for an afternoon stroll and has a beautifully embroidered and water colored face as well as a full head of burgundy colored hair.

Both dolls belong to the "Only Elegance Alpha Phi E" sorority as did both their mothers and several of their grandmothers before them. So, they really had no choice in the matter as it was wholly expected of them that they would join.

So, join they did and both are reporting that they are so happy to be part of such a wonderful and elegant sorority. Neither, in accordance with their sorority rules, will tell you what they've been up to though. It's a secret and only discussed amongst sorority members! The only thing they will say is that they have an upcoming event, which everyone will surely enjoy, but which they can't and won't talk about.

The History Of Faceless Dolls - Updated February 2015- Introduction and Part 1 - Corn Husk Dolls and Native American Indian Faceless Dolls

I have loved Victorian dolls since I was a little girl and can blame my grandmother for that. You see, as a young girl she gave me a Godey’s Fashion print for August 1870 that belonged to my great, great Aunt Flossie. From that moment on I was hooked. I was captivated by the beautiful dresses and wanted to create dolls wearing them.

Eventually I was able to design my own Victorian "Lady" dolls, like the one pictured on the left, who are all faceless. Now you might be wondering why they are faceless. It's because I wanted each to have its' own distinct personality.

My feeling is that faces overwhelm the dolls personality and have a greater impact on their personality. I wanted the clothing, clothes, hair, color scheme, etc. of the period to determine the personality of the doll.

As far as I am concerned "Beauty lies not only in what is seen, but what is imagined. I believe the essence of a dolls beauty should determine her personality."

You could compare this to the use of mannequins by museums. Most mannequins in museum dress & textile exhibits are either headless or have heads, but they are generally faceless. Or, they have the sculpted definition of facial features but they are not painted. The idea is to not distract from the beauty of the dress or textile piece on display. The same holds true for store window displays.

I have also been a history buff since I was a little girl and loved doing research for history projects all throughout my school years. I especially loved to research everything and anything about the Victorian Era. Their history, their etiquette, their fashion, their hopes, their desires.... In fact, sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era.

Designing handmade faceless dolls was not a novel idea as faceless dolls have been around for a long, long time. However, given my penchant for history I, of course, was curious about the history of faceless dolls. So, back in 2006 I decided to do a little research on the history of faceless dolls and wrote a research article for my Linda's Blog that I subsequently updated in 2009.

I figured that there had to be a history of handmade faceless dolls out there or, at least, some cultures and norms. Believe it or not but there wasn't a lot of information back in 2006 on the web on either the history of faceless dolls or cultures and norms that started such a tradition. There was a little more when I updated my research in 2009.

There was some information on two of the most popular and widely known faceless dolls - Amish dolls and corn husk dolls. And there was the legend surrounding Raggedy Ann and "faceless" dolls.

In doing my research, what I was pleasantly surprised with was the application of "faceless" dolls for so many current charities or organizations. More on that a little later.

I was hoping that now, in 2015, things would have changed a little and there would be more information on their history. I'm happy to report that there is a lot more now and that over the last few years there is a growing trend towards creating faceless dolls in all sorts of doll mediums - which thrills me to no end.

Part of the new trend has to do with creating eco-friendly and nature dolls and part has to do with allowing children to use their imagination more. It also has to do with comforting children facing tough medical situations. Without a face the dolls can be happy or sad, they can be laughing or crying - in essence, they can mimic the emotions of the child holding them. Putting a face on the doll defines the emotion of the doll with the child - which may or may not be comforting.

So, I decided to update my history of faceless dolls research article and include new research as well as some of the new trends. I hope you enjoy it.

Part 1 -  Corn Husk Dolls and Native American Indian Faceless Dolls

Probably the oldest legend has to do with "faceless" corn husk dolls. Some say they are the oldest form of doll known in America and have been around for more than a thousand years. The corn husk doll shown to the right is a picture of a corn husk doll that is in the USU Museum of Anthropology.

Shown below is the information from the Utah State University website back in 2006:

Object ID: 98.01.189
Cultural Affiliation:North American Pioneer Child’s Doll
Date of Manufacture: 1800 to mid-1900 (Pioneer Settlement 2004)
Place of Manufacture: Pioneer homesteads and farms in North America

This doll functioned as a child’s toy.

My Victorian Faceless Ladies Art Dolls

My love affair with the Victorian Era started a long time ago. In fact, sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era. My Victorian "Lady" dolls are all faceless because I wanted each to have its' own distinct personality. My feeling is that faces overwhelm the dolls personality and have a greater impact on her personality. I wanted the clothing, clothes, hair, color scheme, etc. of the period to determine the personality of the doll. I hope you enjoy my Victorian "ladies."

My Victorian Faceless Ladies Dolls

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

For more information on my Victorian Faceless Lady Dolls print patterns and e-patterns please CLICK HERE.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

For more information on the Victorian Faceless Lady Handmade Dolls that I have for sale please CLICK HERE.

Don't Ask Hilda To Gossip! She's Too Much Of A Lady For That! - Victorian Lady Doll

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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals