Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
What the New Year Brings
|
Hello Reader, As one of my New Year's Resolutions, I took on the daunting task of cleaning out the attic. We've lived in this old Craftsman (built around 1918) since 1993 and during that time, the attic, while convenient (too convenient, apparently) facilitated the accumulation of many things. I'm a sentimental fool, but as I pulled boxes, crates, sacks and bins of stuff out of the two attic spaces (east and west sides of the house), I became less precious. After many trips to Goodwill and the local dump, my task is nearly done. It feels really good. That means I can finally get to sewing again. First on my list is to create a second tree ornament so I can write the instructions and photograph or draw the steps to make her. Formalizing a pattern is a time-consuming process. I'm a very basic knitter, so I did what I usually do and used an existing wool sweater to cut and sew hers. I thought I'd make a second ornament with a festive red sweater, so I bought two at the second hand store - but to my surprise they fit ME and look pretty good, so... Last year was very productive. There was something on my schedule/calendar nearly every day. During the week prior to Christmas, I found the time to make a surprise Santa for a friend. She called me Christmas morning, squealing (literally) with delight. It was the last thing she expected, and that warmed my heart. When the new pattern is completed and published, I plan to tackle my closet (shudder) - think Swedish death cleaning. My push to create a simpler space has even rubbed off on my husband (hallelujah!!)
*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
|
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, 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...
Hello Reader, After the big push - finishing 40 souvenir dolls and their 80 little companions for a 2027 UFDC luncheon, I'm ready to proceed with my ODACA Day Centerpiece doll. Or am I? This year's ODACA Day Luncheon centerpiece dolls will be unlike previous years', where one artist makes all the centerpieces (another artist makes the souvenirs). This year, seven artists will make a steampunk doll for the seven tables at the luncheon. Each will interpret the theme "steampunk masquerade" in...