Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Ready or Not!
Hello Reader,
Once again I've been delayed in publishing a newsletter as I've been preparing for my March doll class. As I mentioned in my last issue, I needed to create additional dolls (some dressed, some naked) in order to photograph and write step-by-step instructions. I might have gone a little overboard!
It's been many years since I taught a doll class, so I've been preparing as best as I can. I have the usual anxieties about flying, hoping I haven't forgotten anything (checking and double-checking my lists), and crossing fingers that luggage doesn't get lost.
Eventually, I'd like to offer this as an online class. The instructions are already module-like in their organization, they just need a little tweaking to become a virtual class. I'm relying on feedback from my students this weekend to make any improvements. They are all experienced doll makers, and I hope they don't hold back!
In April, I'll be teaching a different online class to a doll club in Texas. This will be my first virtual offering, so I have some platforms to explore.
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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...