Hello Reader,
I was nervous and excited to teach my first doll class in many years, but I couldn't have had a better experience. What a great group! The Indy Art Doll Makers club members were so welcoming, talented, and fun! You can see a few class photos on the club blog below.
| Indy Art Doll Makers |
There was quite a bit of homework to complete prior to class. As a result, no one needed to haul sewing machines to the classroom. Some even made more than one doll ~ very ambitious!
Two face styles were taught: a traditional sculpted profile face, and a trapunto (minimally needle-sculpted) type.
| Class Photos on my Blog |
On my last day in Indianapolis, my wonderful hostess Julie Welpott took me to a couple quilt stores. I bought some lovely fabric, with Enigma in mind. I just finished the first one:
I plan to adapt Enigma into an online class. The modules are essentially completed, though I think accompanying videos may be a helpful resource. Be on the lookout for the go-live announcement, which will probably be after retirement later this summer.
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Deanna Hogan
www.blueherondolls.com
deanna@blueherondolls.com
Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Hello Reader, I finished my Alabama Baby-inspired doll yesterday and took her official photo. She'll be going to New Orleans with me this summer for the ODACA Day luncheon and sales room. Viola Ruth stands about 16 inches tall. Her clothing is removable. I chose to use a one-step crackle product and antique wash on her painted surfaces to give her an aged look. I'm always nervous about crackling because you never know how it will turn out. Viola Ruth, upright with the use of a doll stand (she...
Hello Reader, It's been a week since my last newsletter - I'm on a roll! I've been budgeting my time, working in the studio a couple hours per day. It's been a nice change to work on one doll at a time, as opposed to an assembly line workflow. My current project is from one of my earlier patterns - one I haven't made in a LONG time (2017)! I'd forgotten how many steps this doll requires, including baking and drying times. This is Viola Ruth, my interpretation of an Alabama Baby, using modern...
Hello Reader, Now that we're well into 2026, it's time to get a wiggle on and start making dolls for ODACA Day this summer. I'm looking forward to visiting New Orleans again, and will be taking a couple girlfriends with me, one of whom will be arranging our various excursions (music venues, walking tour, swamp/boat adventure, cemetery visits...) In the past week I made a new doll - partly because I was procrastinating getting a start on my luncheon centerpiece steampunk doll (daunting), and I...