Doll Artist and Teacher: Preserving the art of making dolls and Artist Member of the Original Doll Artist Council of America (ODACA).
Stuffing Dolls, Aching Joints
Hello Reader,
I've been sewing and stuffing like a madwoman the past few days, and my hands are paying the price. It's tough getting old. Honestly, don't underestimate the effort it takes to stuff dolls.
This weekend I sewed four Santa ornaments and two full-sized Sleepytime Santa dolls. The joints in my hands, especially my thumbs, are giving me quite a bit of grief.
Our Emergency Department holiday party was Saturday. One Santa ornament was my White Elephant for our gift exchange, and the other was a gift for my friend/coworker that hosted the party (poor thing - I told her to text me on Sunday if she wanted me to help her clean up). Turnout was great, though I was only mildly curious as to who was left to staff the ER. Don't judge me...
On Friday, I settled on my final day of work: September 1, 2023. I downloaded a retirement countdown app, and it's getting real! Only 8 months, 12 days to go! Just think of all the things I'll be able to accomplish without that pesky day job getting in the way!
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Deanna Hogan
www.blueherondolls.com
deanna@blueherondolls.com
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 down to the wire now, as ODACA Day is fast approaching. I've selected the dolls traveling to Kansas City, and have begun tagging and carefully wrapping them in tissue paper and bubble wrap. I'm more fortunate than some of my fellow doll makers, as my dolls are primarily cloth. Those who make porcelains or sculpt in the polymer clays have a more precarious job of it. ODACA Day is under the umbrella of the annual UFDC Conference. ODACA's theme this year is "All That...
Hello Reader, I'm making slow but steady progress on my schoolgirl doll, and the end is almost in sight. I'd decided on dressing her in a school uniform, with a plaid pleated skirt. I don't have much experience making pleats, so as I worked out the process I decided to create another quick tutorial for you: Pleater Board Tutorial Maisie Now I'm nearly finished with her jacket. And honestly, those tiny lapels really threw me for a loop! I'm also hoping to include some some sort of school...
Hello Reader, As the weather improves, I've been spending more time outdoors - gardening, walking our dog, riding my new bicycle. But I've also been whittling away at a doll - you may have seen her not-yet-assembled body parts in my last newsletter. Once I added her hair, I envisioned her character: a schoolgirl in a uniform - button down oxford shirt, jacket, pleated skirt, etc. As I contemplated how to design her shirt, I thought it might be a good idea to take photos of my process and...