Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Massive Commission Finally Completed!
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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 left, just in case something catastrophic happened (yeah, I'm a bit of a worrier and worst-case-scenario person). I made the prototypes in March of 2024, finalizing the design. Then I began making the trios in groups of six, with the goal of maintaining some consistency. Upon my return home I made a few more for an even 40. Each trio took nearly three full days to make. I don't think I charged enough - the cost of the materials wasn't exorbitant (but added up), but the labor more than made up for it! This project was quite out of the box for me, subject-wise AND scale-wise. I've never made more than 10 or 12 dolls in any given year due to work, life, responsibilities... so this was a massive endeavor. As a result, I did not make my annual Santa or design an ornament (I'm open to ideas!) Now that this project is behind me, I can begin to make dolls for ODACA Day in New Orleans this coming summer. I've been using ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas for a "Steampunk Masquerade" doll (our theme for the ODACA event). Again, out of the box for me. Happy Holidays to all of you, and I'm hoping for a fabulous new year! Deanna
*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
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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, 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...
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...