What an adventure we had in Australia! Last time you heard from me, I was ‘down under,’ and the team from America had visited wine country, the Cleland Wildlife Conservatory, and had our first evening of Doll Lounge Talks at the Adelaide Hills Doll Guild Convention.

Upon arrival, we were able to peek into some of the fun workshops offered to attendees of the Adelaide Hills Doll Guild Convention. The morning workshops included an amazing Mad Hatter hat workshop, making a French Sewing Table, and this fabulous Peddler Doll with all her wares which I loved.

As doll collectors most of us know and love the rare, iconic American cloth dolls created by Izannah Walker. Her dolls have become the “holy grail” for many collectors, who often spend a lifetime searching for one of her amazing dolls. Izannah’s dolls have a distinctive quality that makes them instantly recognizable, but not all of us know much about the woman who created these dolls that bridge the gap between a child’s beloved doll and outstanding examples of American folk art.