Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Sweater Weather
Hello Reader,
It's been nearly a month since my last newsletter. I thought my calendar would open up (it hasn't) after our huge co-retirement party earlier this month. Planning, prepping, set-up and breakdown was exhausting, but so worth it. We had music by the Hackles and others (including the band I play with), and so much food and drink. There were over 200 attendees, and the weather was absolutely perfect!
| The Hackles |
It's definitely starting to feel like fall around here, which makes working in the upstairs studio much more comfortable. I'm actually wearing a sweater right now and looking forward to heating up the sauna this evening!
My witch (or Claire from Outlander) doll is nearly complete, but I had to set her aside to prepare for an in-person class I'll be teaching this fall. Since all but one of my Enigma dolls sold, I've been sewing like crazy to have samples ready for class.
The bodies below are all made from different fabrics - knits and woven, as well as stretch direction. There's one more on the sewing table that will have a traditional profile head. I don't usually sew assembly-line style, but efficiency is a priority when time is a factor (and more convenient if the machine remains loaded with flesh-col0r thread). I hope to dig out some fabric for a darker skinned doll, too.
After that, the challenge of selecting fabrics for costuming.
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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, 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...