Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Not Your Average Yarn Hair
Hello Reader,
I've been working on another Enigma doll, clothed with fabric I bought in Indiana. I chose colors I'm not usually drawn to, and I wasn't sure how I felt about it until it all came together. I like her. She might even be one of my favorites!
I used wool yarn for her hair, each strand hand-sewn in place. I've used this method before. It takes hours to accomplish, but I really like the result. The yarn I used is one of my favorites - Manos del Uruguay (this color is "granite"). I bought a skein years ago at a yarn shop, and found more on eBay.
I took a few progress photos and posted them on my blog. The photos don't really show the tiny stitches and knots, but give you the general idea.
| Yarn Hair |
So I did a thing yesterday: I turned in my resignation notice at my job, giving plenty of notice. I chose to make my last day a little earlier than planned, so I could enjoy a bit of summer. I'm nervous and excited. As of today, I have 2 months, 23 days left to go.
While I'll really miss my work family, I look forward to having more time for the other things I enjoy: grandchildren, art, music, bicycling, and sailing.
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Deanna Hogan
www.blueherondolls.com
deanna@blueherondolls.com
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, 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...