Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Creative Procrastination?
|
Hello Reader, After the big push - finishing 40 souvenir dolls and their 80 little companions for a 2027 UFDC luncheon, I'm ready to proceed with my ODACA Day Centerpiece doll. Or am I? This year's ODACA Day Luncheon centerpiece dolls will be unlike previous years', where one artist makes all the centerpieces (another artist makes the souvenirs). This year, seven artists will make a steampunk doll for the seven tables at the luncheon. Each will interpret the theme "steampunk masquerade" in their own way - then briefly speak to their construction and inspiration at the luncheon. Without a real clear picture of the direction I want to go, I went through my stash yesterday. I pulled the little gear-like things I bought a number of years ago. I went through a tin of junk jewelry. I pulled a couple fabrics from my hoard (and ordered a black blender fabric from Etsy - it's not here yet). I Googled "steampunk" for ideas, and started an inspiration folder. I decided my doll would be seated, as the size is limited to about 15 inches to make transporting them home easier for the winners. Placing a top hat on her head would push the height limit. So I'm making a simple traveler's trunk for her to sit upon. I bought some bronze corner pieces to add after I paint the trunk (cardboard, covered joint compound leftover from our bathroom project and air dry clay). I'm still adding layers. And still procrastinating. I'm looking forward to the challenge. I just need to do it!
*Have you missed any Tips or Tutorials?* Tip #1: Sewing with Freezer Paper
Tip #3: Sewing Stripes Tip #4: Realistic Fingernails
Tip #6: Drafting a Clothing Pattern Tip #7: Pleater Board Tutorial
Deanna Hogan
|
Deanna Hogan, Blue Heron Dolls
Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Hello Reader, What a great way to close out 2025! Today I completed my big, secret commission for a UFDC Region 3 luncheon in 2027. I have just finished 40 cloth dolls with their 80 companion dolls! Sadly, I can't share any photos until after the event but I've been prepping the web pages in anticipation. The original agreement was for 35 dolls, which I completed before leaving in mid November for an absolutely wonderful vacation in Australia and New Zealand. I wanted the dolls done before I...
Hello Reader, April: the last time I published a newsletter! I haven't been idle, though. During these past few months I've been working in bulk, getting a start on the second half of the Big Project: souvenir dolls for a UFDC luncheon. While I can't share what the dolls will look like, I will share my progress. I'm not giving anything away by sharing these, but just want to convey how many man-hours (months!) have been devoted to this endeavor. Yesterday I opened another 10 pound bag of...
Hello Reader, I finished a doll yesterday, and it felt good. When I started her I thought she'd be a good one to take to Virginia for this summer's ODACA Day. But as life has a way of getting in the way, I had to make the decision to cancel the trip. My only regret will be missing all my doll friends. So here's "Averill." I'd forgotten how time-consuming she is to make but I didn't feel rushed as I made her, working a little bit on her each day. She has buried bead joints in her elbows,...