Happy Autumn!

Hello Reader,

This summer went by very quickly, my calendar full nearly every day. And because I'd invested in an air conditioner, I was able to spend more time in my (hot) studio upstairs, creating my luncheon centerpiece and other dolls for ODACA Day.

I called my centerpiece "Isolde Steamrider." She started out as a steampunk pirate, but ultimately became a "daring adventuress who sails the ocean currents and uncharted waters where reality bends and machines hum." You can see more photos HERE, including one of steampunk costume winner Acadia Dwyer, who dressed as Isolde during the ODACA Luncheon. It was fun seeing so many of the luncheon attendees dressed in their best steampunk attire.

Next year's ODACA Day will be held near Chicago and the theme is Secret Garden - which can be interpreted in many ways. And like this year's Luncheon, the centerpieces will be made by seven ODACA artists. If you visit the link you can view photos taken during the 2026 luncheon and sales room - worth taking a look!

Autumn is finally here - my favorite time of year. I recently finished twelve Santa ornaments that I plan to bring to the ODACA sales room next year. I wanted to have a few smaller, less expensive dolls at my table.

I'm also in the process of making two "Viola Ruth" dolls. Their clothing is done, and now the tedious process of covering the head/breastplate with knit fabric and painting the many layers begins. I chose to revisit this doll so I could write an article about my process of crackling and aging a painted doll for the next issue of ODACA Expressions (newsletter for ODACA Artists and Patron Members).

If you visit my website's What's New page, you can see more of the dolls I made for the ODACA sales room.

I hope you all take the time to enjoy the changing weather and glorious fall colors!