Friday, November 18, 2011

Coming Soon!

I think I'm finally done with the pattern and instructions for Suffragette Sally, designed for this upcoming conference in Ohio. Personally, I'm really looking forward to meeting the other teachers and dollmakers who will be attending. I've checked out photos of Punderson Manor Resort, too, and what a gorgeous setting for the event! I'm looking forward to a field trip to an Amish community.

So far, there are about ten students signed up for my class. Exciting!

The official pattern for Sally won't be released until the conference in May. It's been kinda fun producing the pattern, though quite time consuming. While I'm in the groove, I'd like to create another - but maybe one a bit simpler.

Now I've got to think about some sort of hands-on demonstration for the conference.

2 comments:

Molly Martino said...

Hi Deanna,

I see you are back at it..full steam ahead since your bike trip. :)

The location for the May Doll- Makers Conference is really a nice setting in Newbury, Ohio. Hope you can get away to visit some of the Amish shops & crusine nearby. (The broasted chicken is the best ever!)
Their lovely handmade quilts are truly beautiful & so well made.

We have a few Amish Communities not far from where I live in Canton. Ohio. Holmes County & beyond are the hot spots that attract tourists & visitors looking for hand-crafted items. Their funiture is spectacular.

We frequent these shops a few times a year & it is always a delightful experience, ending then with a good home-cooked Amish meal.

We buy at their bulk stores to keep a good stockpile on hand here at home. Their bakeries are excellant. Our family loves their flaky-crusted banana cream pies.

It takes about 40 minutes south to get to these places from Canton & the ride is rural with many lovely farms to look at along the way. You will also see plenty of Amish folks in their buggies on these winding back roads going about their daily business. Very friendly folks.

The summer weekends on these back roads to the many Amish viilages end up with a lot of traffic from the "city folks & tourists". Some are bused in from out-of-state. We avoid those summer weekend jaunts there like the plaque. Way too busy! It is much calmer during the weekdays.

I am sure it is much the same for other Amish areas & their shops & restaurants in Ohio. The upcoming Christmas Holiday is another one of their busy times, which is now in full swing shopping mode.

The shops & restaurants are open all year long. Nothing on Sundays though, unlike the malls. They are in Church, then visiting family & friends until evening. The day of rest not many people take advantage of anymore. Or can...

You will have a fabulous time here!

By the way, I finally retired this month after 28 yrs of clay instruction at our local Museum of Art. It was time for me to head for my own pursuits working here at home.

I am designing & producing my own detailed line of miniature clay sculptures of all sorts as well as miniature pottery for the new & popular live "fairy gardens" that have taken hold.I am having too much fun!

This week it is wheel-throwing & hand-building clay gifts for the family for Christmas. Much larger pieces..no miniatures. If I am lucky..I will get this all done just in time.

Have a great weekend!
~Molly

Deanna Hogan said...

Hi Molly,

I sure am trying to get back in the groove. I'm off this weekend, so I'm trying to get as much done as possible. While cycling season is over (for me at least, because I'm a "princess" that doesn't like to ride in the rain) I've started a third round of the P90X program. I actually talked my husband into doing it with me this time. It's difficult, but it'll get us in shape for a well-earned trip to Mexico in February.

I'm really looking forward to the class in May. I know the conference includes a field trip to an Amish community, so that's going to be really exciting. I hope to do my part by buying souvenirs for my friends and family!

Happy retirement, you lucky lady! I've got a few more years to go (2026!) but I'm already looking ahead. Just hope there's enough in the retirement account to make ends meet! I can't wait to see what you create, now that you've got more time on your hands.