Deanna's Distractions

Monday, June 26, 2017

Counting Down to ODACA Day

Just a little over a month 'til ODACA Day and the UFDC Conference in Orlando, and I'm trying to take advantage of any free time to make some dolls to take with me.

Currently, I'm working on two Viola Ruth dolls. I haven't made this particular doll since 2012 when I used this pattern for my Hoffman Challenge entry, and 2008 before that.

I'm still refining their heads while I begin sewing their clothing. Their faces (and the back of their heads) are made of polymer clay. These pieces sandwich the stuffed cloth head, and paperclay fills the gaps. The head on the left is a little over-baked, but better than undercooked. Polymer clay that isn't completely cured can disintegrate over time. When I'm satisfied the smoothness of the paperclay, the heads will be covered with knit fabric, then painted.

Afternoon Update:

I spent several hours sewing the pinafores. Dresses and bloomers remain, but I think I'm done for the day.

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Columbia River

Just sharing a view from one of our local hang-outs in Astoria. This was taken off Pier 11.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Number 3, Finished

I had a chance to sew her shoes while my grandson was napping, and photographed her after he was picked up. Like the other two, she's about 19 1/2 inches tall.

Now I get to decide which doll(s) to make next. I've got less than two months before leaving for Orlando, and that time will go quickly.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Number 3 in the works

Here's the last and third in a series of "Under the Harvest Moon" dolls I've been working on. All three have been reduced to 90% of the original. I'm using dupioni silk again, which is a bear to work with but so pretty. Her clothing will be fall colors. She'll probably have brown eyes and auburn hair.

Like the other two, I'm using one of my favorite fabrics for the doll - Complexion Collection by Timeless Treasures.

I'm also printing a few art prints to fulfill an order. Since each one takes about 15 minutes to print, I'm making a few extra while I work on this doll.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Another One Finished!

I just finished sewing shoes for this second of three Harvest Moon dolls. This one is also reduced to 90% of the original doll. She has jointed shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. Her hair is Tibetan lamb on the hide. Clothing is removable.

Saturday, May 13, 2017

On the work table...

Today is a good day to work in the studio. The laundry is done; house is reasonable clean. Here is the second of three "Harvest Moon" dolls. I had quite a time picking out fabrics for the clothing on this one (always a challenge when I have vowed to buy no more fabric). I've chosen a floral for her skirt (yellow, green, purple). I found some coordinating dupioni silk for her lower legs.

I have now idea what type of hair this one will have; I've got a lot of options.

Afternoon Update:

With the exception of her shoes, the clothing is finished. I've chosen dark brown Tibetan lamb for her hair and will start sewing her wig.

Here I've ironed the freezer paper template to the hide side of the Tibetan lamb and drawn along the paper edge with pen. I'll use a #11 scalpel blade to cut the hide.

Using a scalpel blade instead of scissors preserves the hair which is frequently inadvertently cut when using scissors.

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Finally, a Doll

This recently finished doll was just waiting for her official photo. She's made from my "Under the Harvest Moon" pattern, reduced to 90% of the original, so she's about 20 inches tall. I have two other bodies sewn, so I'll try to get one of them stuffed today - I just need to pick fabrics for the clothing so I can coordinate the color of the lower legs.