Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Separation Anxiety
Hello Reader,
Today I did something I've been putting off for years: I took my Bernina to the local shop for routine servicing and maintenance. This required more than a little sacrifice on my part. Whatever will I do without my knee-lift and needle up/down features?
The turnaround time is about two weeks, so not sewing wasn't an option. So I pulled an older machine out of storage, dusted it off, threaded it, located the owners manual (to relearn how to wind bobbins, and use the stitch cams), and test its functionality.
I have another Bernina (the 1230 is a workhorse!) but I loaned it to my mother a number of years ago. I love that machine!
On another productive note, I just finished my first doll of the new year. "Claire" is made from the same pattern and face mold as the witch I made in November. She has a cloth-covered polymer clay face. She stands about 14 inches tall.
Now that everything on today's to-do list has been completed, I'm going to proofread the modules for the future Enigma online class. Or maybe take a nap instead, since I've been awake since 4 a.m. Why? I have no idea, but this insomnia is getting pretty old.
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Deanna Hogan
www.blueherondolls.com
deanna@blueherondolls.com
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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...