My love of crafting has its roots in my early childhood. I grew up in Connecticut in the 1950s, the third daughter of a World War II bride from France. My mother never mastered the art of the English language preferring her native French tongue and culture to mainstream America. However, she spoke the universal language of color, which she expressed through needle and thread. I remember coming home from half-day kindergarten in the cold New England winters and settling in near my mother’s chair while she sewed by hand. She provided me with scraps of fabric to play with and a large needle and thread to stitch to my heart’s content.
So the journey began. I sewed clothes for my Barbie dolls and then as I got older, for myself. I never entertained the idea of entering into a field where my love of color and fabric would play a central role. Sewing was simply a hobby and an essential way to provide window treatments for my home, Halloween costumes for my children and other items of clothing for special occasions.
However, as the years spun by, I yearned for more creative projects. I started crafting cloth dolls for fun and holiday decorations for my family. Quilting was added to my repertoire. I scoured flea markets and online retailers for vintage buttons and lace to embellish the items I made. I found myself always modifying patterns, adding my own spin and playing with supplies until the creation felt right.
In August of 2013, I retired after 38 years as a school based speech-language pathologist and I now I finally have the time to dedicate my attention to my passion. My work centers on the Christmas holiday. I craft vintage themed ornaments and decorations using hand dyed wool batting, wool felt, quilt shop quality fabrics, vintage trims, vintage Christmas items and vintage buttons. In the past few years, I have also started to create my own patterns and designs, inspired by the vintage and retro items I discover at flea markets.
I see my creations as heirlooms that owners would choose to carefully tuck away for the next holiday and save for their children and grandchildren. It delights me to think that potential owners would enjoy choosing a creation that somehow links with them personally perhaps in the color of the fabric, the patina or shape of the button or the texture of the trim. Maybe it would remind them of a family member, friend or childhood experience that brought them joy.
I hope you enjoy exploring my creations and I encourage you to contact me should you have questions or are in need of additional details.
Best regards,
Isabelle
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Reviews
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Nancy on Mar 31, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThis artist's creations are so well made and so unique. I've bought a few and always loved them.
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Etsy buyer on Mar 25, 2026
5 out of 5 starsExceeded expectations. The quality of the sweet little doll’s dress, accessories, and stand are beyond amazing. I am and will continue to be a repeat customer! Prompt shipping and outstanding communications, also!
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Lisa on Mar 14, 2026
5 out of 5 starsLove, love, love my handmade easter doll. The details are amazing and that Isabelle sews these outfits and comes up with these complimentary accessories shows her talent. My items were all darling in person and came wrapped with care. Thanks Isabelle for making your talents available for all!
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Bonnie on Feb 28, 2026
5 out of 5 starsSuper cute Valentine decoration! Lots of sweet details! Than you for another lovely purchase that I will be enjoying for many years!
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Kanwal on Feb 22, 2026
5 out of 5 starsI adore Isabelle’s beautiful “Paper Dolls”! They bring back memories of my favorite pastime as a child playing with them & cutting out the outfits. But Isabelle’s dressed up dolls in beautiful fabric clothes, beaded jewels, hair ribbons, & little treats in each of her tiny hands are so precious. I will be back for more! Thanks so much dear Lady! S. ♥️👗shoes
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Shelley on Feb 18, 2026
4 out of 5 starsSo exquisite! Very vintage vibe, the little angel is just adorable! Packaging was very professional.
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Charlotte on Feb 8, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThis Valentine's Day paper doll is adorable! This is the first boy paper doll I have ordered from Isabelle, and he does not disappoint. He adds a new dimension to my paper doll collection. I may need more!
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Etsy buyer on Feb 3, 2026
5 out of 5 starsI don’t see too many boy dolls and I simply adore him. He is just adorable and so well made! Love love love!
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Etsy buyer on Feb 3, 2026
5 out of 5 starsThis little doll is so cute and so well made. I highly recommend this seller!!!!
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Michelle on Feb 2, 2026
5 out of 5 starsMy aunt is so pleased with this paper doll gift. She adores it! Thank you, again, for another beautiful purchase!
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Frequently asked questions
Do you have a smoke free and pet free home?
Yes, all items in my shop are handmade by me in my pet free and smoke free home.
Do you allow returns, exchanges of purchased items or cancellations of orders?
I try to provide clear photos and thorough descriptions of my items. I am most happy to answer any questions prior to purchase. That being said, all sales are considered final. However, I would like you to be happy with your purchase. If you are disappointed, please contact me before you leave feedback to see if I can solve the issue.
What do I do if I have a problem with my order?
Customer satisfaction is very important to me and I take great pride in my work. Please contact me should you encounter a problem with your order to see if we can figure out a way to solve it.
Do you offer local pick up in lieu of shipping?
If you live in my area, please contact me prior to placing an order to arrange for local pick up. You will not be charged for shipping if you contact me prior to placing your order to request local pick-up.
You offer several paper-based creations. How did you go from fabric (needle and thread) to paper?
Paper kindles the same creative spark in me as fabric as it offers endless possibilities in terms of color, pattern and texture. I love playing with paper as much as I love playing with fabric.
What kinds of custom orders will you accept?
I integrate vintage items into my work including lace, buttons, trims, jewelry, and holiday package ties. Should you have a favorite piece of lace or jewelry or some old buttons from your grandmother that you would like to incorporate into a heirloom ornament, please contact me so we can explore the best way to accomplish this.
How is your shop environmentally responsible?
I repurpose vintage laces, buttons, trims and holiday items (mercury glass beads, elf heads, package ties ons, etc.) into my work hence saving these items from the dump. Instead of using the clothes dryer, I also line dry vintage laces and trims I have laundered for use. I recycle packing materials whenever possible. In my day to day crafting, I separate out plastic and paper products for recycling in my township. As of November 2023 I use 90% recycled bubblewrap in my packaging.