'Tis the Season

I just finished my 2024 Christmas ornament prototype. She's about 4x4 inches in size. I'm considering reducing the size a bit, but this would probably increase the difficulty level a bit. I plan to publish the pattern, but this won't be until 2025. 

'Tis the Season

Newsletter #33: Evolution of a Moose

 https://blue-heron-dolls.ck.page/posts/evolution-of-a-moose

Discounted pattern for newsletter subscribers!

Visit my Etsy store, if you aren't interested in subscribing:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/blueherondolls

New Santa Pattern

I have a new Santa pattern available. This is an ornament/pin doll I designed many years ago. You can find the pattern on my website, or for instant download you can go to my Etsy store.

I'm starting to feel better and am nearing the end of my Covid isolation. Since I still had Santa-related fabrics out, I decided to finally write the pattern/instructions for the Santa head ornament (originally designed in 2004). I'd started writing out the instructions many years ago, but had finalized until today. This meant I had to sew another ornament.

To distinguish this pattern from my "Sleepytime Santa" pattern (which was an off-shoot from this original design), I'm naming this one "It's a Wrap" - meaning Santa is done for the year, and is ready for a good long rest!

Quick Nick

Today I finished five new ornaments, taking photos as I sewed, stuffed, and glued. This will become a new pattern after we get through the holidays. I think he'll be available in digital format only.

I call him "Quick Nick" because he is a *relatively* quick dolls to make. I suppose he could be a pin doll, too!

Update, 12/27/21  I've just finished the pattern and instructions for this cute little doll:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1149171651/new-quick-nick-santa-ornament-e-pattern 

COVID Cecelia

This summer I made a doll for my self, a reminder of all that we healthcare workers are experiencing. I had several requests for the costume pattern. It's taken me all summer and fall, but it's finally finished. 

I added the e-pattern to my Etsy shop for now, but eventually it will be on my website as well (after Christmas). I'm happy with how it turned out. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/blueherondolls?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Hazel the Witch

She's been on my work table for too long. She's getting done today! This takes me back. "Hazel the Witch" is one of my first doll patterns, published in 1999. I still have the pattern available, both in traditional paper format and e-pattern HERE. Pin dolls take just as long to make a bigger dolls in my opinion, and are sometimes more difficult due to their small size.

 

Did it!

 

Here are my other Hazels:

Prototype #1

 

And Hazel prototype #2

 

Hazel #3, and pattern cover

Sleepytime Santa

I've just put the finishing touches on my Santa doll for tomorrow. Now I need to start getting organized and packed. I'll try to remember to take a photo of my table tomorrow, though I don't expect I'll have much for sale.

Here's a LINK to this pattern (second row down).

Pin Doll patterns converted to E-PATTERN format

I spent some time this morning converting a couple of my older patterns to e-pattern format.

This one is Miranda the Mermaid, to make a pin doll, ornie or barrette. I haven't made one of these dolls in a long time. I can sure see how my faces have evolved!

 

I also converted my Heavenly Wings pattern as well. This pin doll/ornie was originally designed as a hands-on activity for my doll club.



I've got these patterns listed in my Etsy Store and have just updated my website as well.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/blueherondolls

http://www.blueherondolls.com/blue_heron_patterns.htm

Averill cloth doll pattern - new e-pattern (and sale)

Last week I spent the better part of a day converting my Averill cloth doll pattern to an e-pattern. In the process of doing this, I also updated the paper pattern. Averill is one of my earlier patterns, so I took this opportunity to add a few more details (or process improvements). Now I have about three copies of the original pattern that I'm offering at a reduced price. I've listed this sale pattern (as well as the new e-pattern) in my Etsy store (click on the Averill pattern below):

 

I recently used this pattern to make an all-cloth doll, and I'm using it again for my Hoffman Challenge doll (not yet finished).

Finally! Amandine paper pattern available

I finally received the cover paper for my Amandine pattern today, and got the cover photos attached and everything folded. I also stopped by PayPal to generate an "Add to Cart" button to my website.

Anyone interested in either paper pattern or e-pattern, just drop by my website. It's all updated!

http://www.blueherondolls.com/blue_heron_patterns.htm

Done!

I'm finally done with my Amandine pattern!!!

 

 I put in an 11-hour day today, and boy is my back killing me ~ I didn't exactly use good body mechanics while drawing the pattern pieces. I still need to get cover photos for the traditional paper pattern, but the e-pattern is ready to go. Well, maybe I should proofread it one more time.

That being said, I don't think I can stand another minute in this studio to update my website or Etsy store. I'm so done!

 

The pattern is now up at my Etsy store, on Craftsy, and on my Website

Getting Ready for the Season?

I posted a link to my free pattern about this time last year, and thought I'd repost so others could find it easily. The pattern is on my website, copyrighted in 1997. That was the year I made one for all my coworkers. It was a daunting task, and I tried to make each Snow Person unique and representative of each person's interests or attributes. 

 

So if you're looking for a fast and easy project for the season, how about some Snow People made from Warm & Natural cotton batting? Click HERE for the pattern and instructions. There's also a link to photos of ALL the Snow People I made that year. Back when I had TIME, apparently.

Another BLOG SPECIAL - The Candy Keeper now an E-PATTERN

I spent HOURS today converting my versatile "Candy Keeper" pattern into an e-pattern, and in order to promote this pattern I'm offering it at the discounted price of $7 from now until the end of December. Come January, the cost will revert to $10 (that's how it's listed on my website and Etsy right now).

The entire document is 24 pages long, which includes a cover sheet, supply list, instructions and pattern pages to make these five variations. The container portion of the doll upcycles plastic gallon milk jugs.

Hazel the Witch ~ now an E-PATTERN

Today I spent some time converting my Hazel the Witch pattern to an e-pattern. Unfortunately the process took quite a bit longer this time around as my new computer has a different operating system than my last, so I had to relearn some things.

Hazel is a pin doll or ornie, about 6 inches tall. Her arms and legs are jointed; her clothing is not removable.

 

And because it's the season, I'll be selling both the e-pattern and the original paper pattern at the discounted price of $3 for the rest of October and the whole month of November. The paper pattern, of course, will be slightly more to allow for postage. I hate the way the spacing below is but if I mess with it, the PayPal buttons don't work. If you find they don't work for you, just drop me an email at blueheron61@charter.net or blueherondolls@hotmail.com ~ Thanks!!

 

12/1/13 - this blog special has expired.

 

Snow People

Looking for a fast and easy project for the season? How about some Snow People made from Warm & Natural cotton batting? This free pattern has been on my blog for a couple years. Click HERE for the pattern and instructions.

Portrait-Style Child Doll Tutorial by Victoria DiPietro

My friend Victoria has just finished a wonderful project, which she has made available on a CD. Her instructions are very clear and comprehensive. She's been able to incorporate a clay face using my Viola Ruth pressmold. Below is a description of her CD tutorial, which is available at Dollmaker's Journey.

Dollmaker's Journey: "Get ready to learn some amazing new skills as Victoria guides you through the sculpting of a child's face from a drawing or photo. You will receive 196 pages of comprehensive instruction along with 426 photos and drawings that will expertly guide you through every step. The CD comes with printed pattern pieces for a 17" – 19" child's body made of craft velour that can be made poseable or in a fixed position. As an added BONUS the CD includes a tutorial for EIGHT different wig designs to include wiglets, wefts and cornrows. If you don't want to make your own face DEANNA HOGAN'S "Viola Ruth" pressmold may also be used.  (Click HERE for Pressmold) Victoria's always innovative techniques are sure to provide endless hours of artistic satisfaction!"

NEW RELEASE ~ Suffragette Sally

Finally, I'm releasing my Suffragette Sally pattern and pressmold (for polymer clay face with cloth-over). 23 pages of instructions include a full-page color face insert. The cost is $38 plus actual postage. You can purchase this pattern and mold on my website HERE.

Discounted Amity patterns still available

I spent some time reorganizing my pattern supply today, and found a few more discounted Amity patterns. The sale price is $7 plus postage. Here's a link to my pattern page, which will have the discounted price built into the PayPal button there. Just scroll down until you see this yellow pattern cover. Be sure to click on the discounted sale button.

Amity is one of my earlier patterns, copyright 2003. She's about 21 inches tall, and is suitable for all skill levels. This is also a doll that would be appropriate for gentle play. Her clothing (dress, bloomers) are removable. She holds a little dolly, which is also included in this pattern. Here's a link to my Amity page on my website.

COMING SOON! Suffragette Sally Pattern

Only a couple more weeks until May's conference in Ohio. I've been doing prep work at every opportunity, and I think I have finally finished the instructions for my Suffragette Sally pattern.

Now I'm just waiting for the cover prints to arrive. The pattern and pressmold will be available for sale at the conference, and then on my website when I get home.

Amity E-pattern finally done!

I finally finished updating my Amity pattern and made it into an e-pattern (pdf) as well. Originally 11 pages in length, the instructions are now 18 pages long, which includes two color inserts with face details. I'm still using the original cover photo, but I'll get that updated one of these days. 

(one of the photos from the face detail sheet)



The original (discounted) pattern is still available while supplies last, the design unchanged from the updated pattern (except the addition of a neck dart on the back side of the doll as well).  You can find the pattern HERE.