Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
When the Husband's Away
Hello Reader,
I've had the house to myself for the past five days. And while I miss my husband (he's out of town visiting family), it's been quiet and easy around here. My only real responsibility has been tending to the pets, and Cooper has been loving our new routine of walking every morning.
I confess I haven't been productive every minute of the day (I've been binge-watching Suits), but I have been spending more time in the studio.
I set my "Enigma" sample dolls aside in order to finish a doll I started earlier this summer. Her body parts were getting in my way, so it felt good to clear the decks and finish her.
Amity is made from one of my earlier patterns, but I've modified her over the years. I reduced the size from the original (78%), added ears to the head pattern, and designed shoes and sweater for her. I don't knit, but instead bought some old wool sweaters to cut up and sew.
Here's a quick tip for you: in order to get the clothing to drape nicely, I place the doll on a stand and avoiding the face, spritz the clothing with water. Arrange the folds or gathers and let the fabric dry, even pinning in place if needed. In the doll above, due to the bulkiness of the sweater I tied her arms down with a scrap of fabric while everything dried. Of course you'd first want to ensure your fabric is colorfast.
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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...