Threads of Heritage: The Story of Paddlefootz Dolls & Thangs

Paddlefootz Dolls & Thangs is an Atlanta-based handmade doll company specializing in Black, Afrocentric, and multicultural handmade cloth dolls and crafts, as well as other thangs like dollmaking workshops and sometimes baked goodies. Every creation celebrates African heritage through bold fabrics, natural-texture hairstyles, traditional artistry, and storytelling. Rooted in love, memory, and legacy, Paddlefootz Dolls & Thangs offers collectible dolls, creative workshops, virtual classes, and cultural crafting and taste experiences that honor the beauty, resilience, and spirit of Black culture.

My Story

I have been crafty for as far back as I can remember, but my journey into dollmaking began in 1997, when my mother asked me to make her a Black Santa. I did not know it at the time, but that simple request would open the door to a lifelong dollmaking calling. After that first Santa, I made a few more, then moved on to Easter, the next holiday, making rabbits, bears, and eventually angels. The first angel I created was for my sister, to bring her comfort while she was in the hospital fighting for her life.

 

The seed of dollmaking truly took root during our late-night conversations when I would sit with her on my night shifts. We talked about everything—life, family, memories—but one moment stayed with me forever: her wish that her nieces, my daughters, could have Black dolls that genuinely reflected the beauty, joy, and spirit of Blackness. Dolls that looked like them. Dolls that felt real like home.

 

I had seen countless patterns in my early crafting days, but none of them were cute to me—not in the way I envisioned. I had already made her an angel and a beautiful chocolate rabbit, so I decided to create her a doll from scratch. Some may remember the old Kewpie dolls—those funny-looking plastic dolls that looked even funnier sewn in cloth. That was the closest pattern to what I wanted, so I made a few, refining and adjusting until I finally created a doll that captured everything I felt in my spirit and saw in my mind. When I finished hers, she was beautiful, dressed like my mother used to dress us as little girls, and authentically, ethnically, respectfully us. At that point, I was hooked and knew I had found something special, and was determined to grow this newfound creation with intention and purpose.

 

The name Paddlefoot came from my one and only Uncle, Aubrey Pounds. He gave me the nickname when I was a baby, learning to walk because of my funny waddle walk and pigeon-toed feet. That name has followed me throughout my life. So, when I made my first doll in 2000—and she had those same feet—there was no question: the “Paddlefoot” doll was born. My sister passed a year later, but I know she would be proud of where our conversations led and of the legacy they inspired.

 

For the walk and the feet, I thank my grandmother, Lucille Pounds, and her baby boy, my father, “Bill” Pounds. She transitioned when I was ten, but she left us a family trait carried through my uncle, father, children, grandchildren—and now, through these dolls.

 

The gift of sewing came from my other grandmother, Vernelle “Mommie” Wright, and her daughter, my mother, Bennie Joyce. My love for hairstyling also came from Mommie. Watching her braid and style hair—mine, my cousins, and everyone else's—was pure magic. Seeing the finished transformations fascinated me. I might’ve become a cosmetologist if not for the long weekends and even longer hours standing on my feet!

 

My high school Homies, Sista, Friends—Joy, Lisa, and Marilyn—have been steady sources of support. My children (Jamyl, Niambi, and Jalia), my grandbabies, and my new great-grandson are my daily inspiration and motivation. To my family, my friends, customers, and everyone who has supported me over the years, your love, appreciation, and belief in my vision have helped shape this journey.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read and share in my story. Creating these dolls keeps me grounded, centered, and at peace. It is my honor to bring them to life and share their beauty, culture, and history with the world, however near or far we reach.

 

Peace and blessings to you,

Debra Pounds aka “Paddlefoot”

Founder, Maker, and Heart Behind Paddlefootz Dolls & Thangs