Lydia's vintage style dress and pantaloons are finished (no pattern yet for them, but the doll is made from Aletha "Ike" Putney's pattern in the January issue of Soft Dolls & Animals).  The skirt-overlay is an old hankie, cut in half and gathered.  While Lydia's clothing is not removable, if I make another, I will make all the clothes removable. 

I'm pleased with her face.  This was a direct sculpt over cloth, and I'm still very much a novice.  The first three or four layers of paperclay were applied with a paintbrush, thinned down to the consistence of baby food.  Then I built up the nose, cheeks, lips and chin.

One of these days (soon, I hope), I will develop a pattern for an all-cloth Izannah Walker inspired doll.  I've always loved the IW dolls.  I recently got a videotape on eBay, documenting some of the early American dollmakers.  Very inspiring, and I can't wait to get started!

She's lovely. I was admiring her at the Vintage Cloth Dollmaking photo album, but I never noticed how nice your background is until I came here. Can you post some tips on photographing dolls?

Lydia is AWESOME I hope you will soon have a pattern for her !! Do you have a mailin list I would like to join if you do
Once aain she is just AWESOME!!

Oh! I am in LOVE. Any chance you're going to develop a pattern for this?

Lydia is absolutely gorgeous! I love her expression, and the hankie overlay is such a delicate touch. Simply beautiful!:)

Oh, She is so sweet ...I admire your talent!!! May I ask, do you let the paperclay dry between layers? I would love to try this one day!!!!:)

Thanks, Coleen. In answer to your question: I let each layer dry before adding more. I actually put the doll in a warm oven to reduce the drying time - the lowest temp setting. You should try this doll!
Deanna