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
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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
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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've been thinking about this year's Christmas ornament design/pattern. I have a few ideas, but have decided to make a caroler. Yesterday I took a break from the "Big Project" to get a start on a prototype. I hope to have the caroler holding a music book, dressed in winter attire, and with an open mouth (painted) to mimic singing. Right now I'm working on proportions. If this first draft is too big, I can always reduce it while still maintaining these proportions. Already I can...
Hello Reader, We had no trick-or-treaters yesterday, so now we have a Costco-sized bag of candy to dispose of (one way or the other). It's now November 1st, and it's (again) a dark, dreary, rainy day here on the north Oregon coast - perfect for starting a new project. This time last year I was busy designing a new holiday ornament - Mortimer Moose (http://www.blueherondolls.com/Mortimer%20Moose.html). I had the idea that I might design a new ornie every year, and if that's going to happen I'd...
Hello Reader, Autumn is my favorite time of year. It was sprinkling a little as I let the dog out to do his business, and immediately noted the nostalgically distinct and comforting smell of petrichor. When I informed my husband, he had to look it up (yay, finally a vocabulary he didn't know!) I spent last week sewing the Old World Santa I mentioned in my last newsletter. He's essentially done, though he's holding a temporary lantern (I think the scale is just a little too large for him), so...