Primitive Americana Patriotic Challenge Doll ~ Revealed

Now that the voting is over, I can post my Primitive Americana Patriotic Challenge doll. I called him "Freddie, waiting for the parade." He's clay over cloth with a cloth-over (t-shirt knit), then painted with gesso and acrylics. His clothing is removable.




The propeller on his cap is a little big, but I couldn't think how to fabricate one with the deadline looming. So I bought a balsa airplane from the toy store.

All the challenge entries were wonderful and all so different from each other considering we all used the same pattern by Sherrie Nordgren.

I took Freddie to Chicago with me, and sold him. It made me sad to see him go, but I had to sell dolls to pay for the trip. I know he's in a good home.

Architectural Tour, Chicago

Today we walked to Merchandise Mart, which shouldn't have been difficult on a normal day. I meant to mention earlier that there's a movie being filmed right near our hotel - Transformers 3. It's been really interesting, but has closed off sections of street, cross walk, and river walk - requiring circuitous detours to get anywhere (and thereby adding what feels like miles to our trek).

After visiting the Merch Mart, we took an architectural boat tour which was really interesting. The talk our tour guide gave during the cruise was incredibly detailed, with lots of information - which he had MEMORIZED. I was impressed.

Navy Pier, Chicago

Today we walked for miles, taking the "scenic route" to Navy Pier. We saw "Inception" at the IMAX theater, then rode the big ferris wheel. I wasn't aware that my husband doesn't care that much for heights. I'm still trying to talk him into going to the top of the Sears (Willis) tower. I'm not getting very far on that front. The photo below was taken from the ferris wheel.

Art Institute Chicago & Transformers 3

My first real site-seeing excursion here in Chicago was today. We immediately noticed that something was going on right outside our hotel. There were crowds of people and streets were blocked off. Then we heard a movie was being filmed (we found out later it was "Transformers 3").
I saw a car hanging off an open bridge and men with automatic weapons running up and down the stairs on the opposite side of the Chicago River, with lots of smoke and fire. Then I heard someone yell "30 seconds!" Thirty seconds to what!?

A helicopter hovered overhead, and men jumped out with parachutes...right over the river and between the skyscrapers. They landed on the sidewalk on the opposite side of the river. That had to take some skill! I have no idea if these were the "good guys" or the "bad guys."

I was able to take a photo from the hotel, of the city block that was barricaded. It's amazing how they made it look like a war zone, with rubble and burned out vehicles.

After all that excitement we made our way to the Art Institute, which was walking distance from our hotel. They currently have a really wonderful Impressionist exhibit. There was so much to see, and I know we missed some of it. Below is one of my favorites. 

ODACA Day Update & Chicago Deep Dish

Today was ODACA Day here in Chicago. It started with the ODACA Sales Room, featuring many of the ODACA Artist Members' works as well as the new Artists that were accepted into the organization. Sales were good, and it's really fun to get to talk to the patrons I've met over the years. The doll displays were fabulous, and I took lots of photos (I'll add some to this post when I get home).

The Sales Room was closed for a couple hours for the ODACA Luncheon. The Helper items (raffle dolls and other items) were wonderful. The food was very tasty, and the Presentation was delightful. ODACA Artist Sarah Russell gave a really great Power Point presentation and talk on dolls made by the various tribes of Native Americans of the US/Canada. I learned so much.

After the Luncheon, we returned to the Sales Room. I was able to bring about 10 dolls, and was thrilled to have sold all but one. Next year's Convention and ODACA Day will be in Anaheim. I don't know the exact dates, but it will probably be around the same time. I've got a year to make as many dolls as I can for the big sale, but it's amazing how fast a year can go by.

By evening, we were feeling mighty hungry. We were told that we had to try Giordano's for deep dish pizza. Boy, when they say deep dish, they really mean DEEP. It was really good. I also tried some of the local beer. Chicago's got nothing on the microbrews of the Pacific Northwest. I've found I've become quite the beer (and coffee) connoisseur.

Chicago!

Well, we finally made it. We're here in Chicago for the annual UFDC Convention and ODACA Day. My only real obligations are today (Board and Business Meetings for ODACA), and the ODACA Luncheon and sales day tomorrow. I've left the rest of they days open to explore the city.

I've never been to Chicago before, and am happy to finally be settled in the hotel WITH our luggage.  After the worst cab ride of my entire life on Friday, we had to wait 2 1/2  hours for the bell service to bring up our bags. I was sure they'd been lost. But to be fair, the hotel lobby was packed with people checking in - and this is a HUGE hotel. I guess there are two conventions being held here, and UFDC is a biggy.

I'll try to take photos, but will add them to posts when I get home. Since we've been here, I've received photos of two more Hoffman Challenge entries. Beautiful dolls, and I'll get the uploaded to my website when I get home.

Hoffman Challenge ~ Done!

I was up way too late last night. I'm headed for Chicago bright and early tomorrow morning, and had to get my Hoffman Challenge doll finished before leaving in order to meet the July 23rd deadline. Honestly, this is the first time I haven't had to send the doll Express Mail. I've been receiving photos of some of the other doll entries - HERE.

Her name is "Harmonie," and she's about 12 inches high (in a fixed, seated position). She's made of craft velour, and has a cloth-covered polymer clay face that's been stitched to her stuffed head. Her fingers are wired, and her head is jointed so it can turn side to side. Her hair is an elasticized trim with various fibers. Her clothing and sandals are not removable.

Now the tedious job of packing begins. I'll be attending the UFDC Convention and ODACA Day, so I'll be taking dolls as well - as many as will fit into my big suitcase. Maybe I'll see some of you there.

Happy Independence Day!

Wishing everyone a safe and sane 4th of July this year. I'll be headed to a barbeque with friends and coworkers this afternoon, and will be taking my sis with me. I'll be bringing my usual Greek pasta salad, which is one of my favorites. Yummy!

Hoffman, in progress

Now that I've finished my "Primitive Americana Patriotic Challenge" doll, I need to work on my Hoffman Challenge doll. The doll herself was started in 2008, a prototype for a doll that hasn't yet come to fruition. She's made of craft velour, and has a baked polymer clay head with a knit cloth-over, stitched to the head and painted.

I'm making up the costume as I go, and I'm not sure what sort of fiber I'll use for her hair. I'd planned to work on her all day, but FOOLISHLY volunteered to work evening shift today for the "big bucks." What an idiot.

Patriotic Challenge doll done (but no sneak peeks)

I'm happy to have completed my Primitive Americana Patriotic Challenge doll, and have sent my two photos to Sherrie Nordgren. The photo deadline has been postponed until July 20. This is a good thing for those who need a bit more time. The list of participants is lengthy, and I'm excited to see what everyone has created.

Once all the photos have been posted and voted upon, I'll be uploading photos of my entry. It was a fun challenge.