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.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

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

Friday, August 11, 2017

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

Thursday, August 10, 2017

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



Wednesday, August 9, 2017

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

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Roxy - The Best Dancer In The County! - Victorian Lady 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.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Monday, August 7, 2017

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


Sunday, August 6, 2017

A Mouse Brother and Sister - "Keep Me Squeaking, Phebe!" and "Stop Mousing Around, Reginald!" - Handmade Victorian Mouse Dolls


"Keep Me Squeaking, Phebe!" is hoping that her life long friendship with "Barely Victorian, Deb!" will guarantee membership for herself and her brother, "Stop Mousing Around, Reginald!" into the new Victorian Tea Society started by "Bearly Victorian, Ryan!" and his wife "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" She's got her fingers and tail crossed.

"Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" decided to start their own "Victorian Animals Tea Society" for all their wonderful Victorian animal friends because they had been turned down for membership into the posh "Victoriana High Society Tea Club."

Their club would truly have an open membership and be accepting of all individuals and creatures. None of this "open to all", but really closed to animals rules. So what if Ryan and Deb were bears. They were still Victorian to the core. In fact, their lineage was probably older then some of the snooty Victorians who turned down their membership application.

"Keep Me Squeaking, Phebe!" knows that her lineage is of the highest so she and her brother should have no problem getting accepted. Plus, well - you know, she had that life long in with Deb. They're BFF's and tight as mice. Or should we say, tight as mice and bears!

"Keep Me Squeaking, Phebe!" is regal and Victorian to the core, but she has a little bit of an imp in here and just loves a good laugh. Or, in her case, a good squeak! While ball room dancing she has been known to belt out several squeaks or two or even three of laughter. She just loves to dance, and twirl, and laugh, and squeak.

Her brother, "Stop Mousing Around, Reginald!" is much more serious. Much more studious. He is every bit the proper Victorian gentleman. He has a high IQ, great style and pizazz, and is well behaved. It's not that he doesn't like a good laugh like his sister, Phebe. It's just that he feels there are some things you can do in the privacy of your own home and some things you can't. Squeaking is one of those things that belongs at home. Not when attending the finest social gatherings.

However, he adores his sister, Phebe and can't help but chuckle every time he hears her delightful squeak. He loves when she is enjoying herself, but just wishes she were a little quieter about it.

Saturday, August 5, 2017

My Victorian Lady Doll Mary Elizabeth - Victorian Lady Doll



Mary Elizabeth just loves her twin sisters: Mary Elizabeth Loves Black and Mary Elizabeth Loves White.  She doesn't even mind that they idolize her. They always want to wear the same outfit as their big sister does.

However, when it comes to the color of their hair this is where they differ. You see, Mary Elizabeth Loves Black wants her hair color to be black and Mary Elizabeth Loves White wants her hair color to be white. So, instead of dying their natural hair color, which is dirty blonde and the same color as Mary Elizabeth's they decided to buy different color wigs.

"Mary Elizabeth" is a 13" free-standing Victorian doll all ready for her summer friends. She is wearing her favorite 1894 Paris Summer Gown.

She has a two-tiered pointed and lined jacket with a 3-tiered collar, long puffed & color coordinated cuffed sleeves, lace and ribbon waistband and silk floral closure. Her fancy lace & floral lined hat with a large ribbon tied in a bow, floral decoration, and feather sits lovingly upon her head. Her beautiful blue laced trimmed dress has a lined train, lace collar, and silk floral decoration. Her thick blonde hair with bangs is fashioned into a bun and she is carrying a lace trimmed parasol.

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.

When it comes to hair and hair color Mary Elizabeth's sisters think they are experts at matching the right hair color wig to the right complexion. Mary Elizabeth is not so sure.  She much prefers her natural blonde hair.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Friday, August 4, 2017

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

Thursday, August 3, 2017

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


Wednesday, August 2, 2017

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

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

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

Monday, July 31, 2017

Victorian Annie and Victorian Andy - Just Love Being Victorian



I've made and designed many "raggedies" over the years.  Most are primitive style dolls, but two of the raggedies I designed were "Victorian."

They just happen to be two of my favorite designs. Hmmmmm....   Now why would that be?

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Taking One Day At A Time - A Pair of Victorian Dogs - "Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" and "I'm A The Best Papa, Pepper!"


"Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" takes life one day at a time and wasn't too concerned about getting an invitation to the "Victorian Animals Tea Society" from "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" She knew that eventually it would come, so why get yourself all in a tither until it does?

When she was younger she may have worried about such things, but aging has mellowed Granny Esther. She much prefers spending her time reading, watching her Grandchildren, sewing, and just plain enjoying life than worrying about memberships to tea societies.

She can understand why "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" set-up their own tea society. She was young once and would of done the same thing. Now, memberships just weren't that important to her. Good health, love of family, love of life. Now those are important issues.

Granny Esther had no doubt that she and her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" would be invited to join as their families had been at the top of the social circle for generations. They were show dogs after all and had well established pedigree lines. The finest of the fine. In fact, Granny Esther had won "Best Dog In Class!" for so long that she had lost count. And, her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!" had been Father of the Year for so long he had lost count.

However, both had aged ever so gracefully and time had been kind to them. For that they were grateful. They were both proud of who they were, proud of their families, proud of their friends.

But, they also knew that each and every moment they had together was precious and that there wasn't anything better than a quiet romp in the woods holding each others hand or sitting on the porch enjoying a glass of lemonade. Yes, time had mellowed both "Best Dog In Class, Granny Esther!" and her husband, "I'm The Best Papa, Pepper!"

Saturday, July 29, 2017

A Sleek But Refined Husband and Wife - "Come Here William Augustus" and "I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" - Victorian Cat Dolls



"I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" could hardly wait to tell her husband, "Come Here, William Augustus!" that they had gotten the much anticipated email from "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!"

You see, "Bearly Victorian, Ryan" and his wife, "Bearly Victorian, Deb!" had decided to start their own "Victorian Animals Tea Society" for all their wonderful Victorian animal friends because they had been turned down for membership into the posh "Victoriana High Society Tea Club."

Their club would truly have an open membership and be accepting of all individuals and creatures. None of this "open to all", but really closed to animals rules. So what if Ryan and Deb were bears. They were still Victorian to the core. In fact, their lineage was probably older then some of the snooty Victorians who turned down their membership application. So, the "Victorian Animals Tea Society" was born and "I Love Mrs. Buzz, Michelle!" was anxiously awaiting her membership email.

She had no doubt that she and her husband, "Come Here, William Augustus!" would be invited to join as their families had been at the top of the social circle for generations. They were, cats, after all and highly prized for their poise, elegance, tenacity, and grace.