Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Project Update: Immersion & Productivity
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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 stuffing, and I just now sewed the 18th body closed. Every joint in my fingers aches (as well as my neck and shoulders). I've already sewn all the clothing for the big dolls, which brings me that much closer to project completion - though still very many days left to go. I'm done for today, but then the sculpting and jointing begins tomorrow. When these are completed, I can begin to consider dolls for next year's ODACA Day to be held in New Orleans. The theme is Steampunk Masquerade. Fun!
*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, 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...