Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Yarn Hair: Not Just for Rag Dolls
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Hello Reader, The weather is improving, and I've been spending more time outside cleaning up, deadheading, weeding and pruning (and rediscovering some unused muscles!) But I've also been working on a new doll project, one that may develop into a souvenir doll situation (if it comes to fruition, will involve a lot of time and materials over the next couple years). While I wait for confirmation (the committee's yes or no), I've been working on finishing another Enigma-style doll, enlarged 110%. This is one that has been sewn and in my to-do pile for a few months. This week I stuffed her and have been working on hair. I don't think I've ever used yarn when making dolls with trapunto-style faces, so I thought I'd give it a try. Her high ponies are wrapped and still need trimming. This yarn technique is tedious and time-consuming, but I really like the effect. I've made a few (profile face) dolls with this hair and have posted progress photos on my blog if you're interested in learning more. Check out the other tutorials, as well. The link to the list of tutorials is at the top of the blog's home page.
Now she just needs assembly and clothing. I can almost picture her dressed in a school uniform, with tights and boots, but we'll see. I have one more doll awaiting completion, made from the same pattern and material. I'm looking forward to revisiting some of my older designs once this one is done. Which one, though?
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 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...