My Story

Threads of Heritage: The Story of Paddlefootz Dolls & Thangs

My journey into crafting and dollmaking began in 1997, when my mother asked me to make her a Black Santa. After that first one, I made a few more Santas, then moved on to rabbits, bears, and eventually angels. The first angel I made was for my sister, to keep her company while she was in the hospital.

The idea of dollmaking grew from the late-night conversations we shared during my night shifts with her. We talked about many things, but what stayed with me most was her heartfelt wish to find Black dolls that truly reflected the beauty and spirit of Blackness for her nieces — my daughters.

While I’d come across plenty of patterns in my earlier crafting, none of them were “cute” to me. I had already made her an angel and a beautiful chocolate rabbit, so I decided to make her a doll.

Some may remember the old “Kewpie” dolls — those funny-looking plastic dolls that looked even funnier in cloth form. That was the closest I could get to the vision I had in my head. I made a few before I finally created hers. When I finished, she was everything I’d imagined — authentic, cute, and beautiful — and I was hooked. I knew I’d found something special and was determined to keep improving this new, joyful art form.

I owe thanks to my Uncle Aubrey Pounds for the nickname “Paddlefoot,” which he gave me as a baby learning to walk because of my funny waddle and pigeon-toed feet. That name has followed me into many spaces and places throughout my life. So, when I made my first doll in 2000 — and she had those same little 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.

For the walk and the feet, I thank my grandmother Lucille Pounds and her baby boy, my daddy “Bill” Pounds. She went to heaven when I was ten, but she left me with a family trait I share with my uncle, father, children, grandchildren — and these dolls.

The gift of sewing was passed down to me 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 my cousins’ hair, as well as my own, fascinated me. Seeing the finished designs almost led me into cosmetology — until I learned about the long weekends and even longer hours spent standing on my feet!

For their encouragement and inspiration, I honor my sisters, Felita and Annelida Richardson. Though they are no longer here in the physical, their spirits — together with those of my beautiful and talented African American, Black, Colored, Negro, and Mulatto ancestors — continue to light my path. Without them, and without God, none of this would have been possible.

For everything else, I thank my Homies — Joy, Lisa, and Marilyn — for always having my back, my children (Jamyl, Niambi, and Jalia), and my grandbabies, who are my constant inspiration and motivation. To the rest of my family and friends, your support over the years has been invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read and learn my story. I hope you enjoy what you see as much as I enjoy bringing these dolls to life and sharing them with you. Creating them keeps me sane, grounded, and at peace.

Peace and blessings to you and yours,
Debra Pounds aka “Paddlefoot”