Turkey Time

Well, what do you know...I finally made something in time for a holiday.

Today I made a pin doll for a co-worker's birthday (we're going out to dinner this evening). I think I need to redesign the legs to be a little shorter, though.

Turkey Time was designed 2004. I had great aspirations to publish a pin doll book, but it's a long way from completion. So far I've got about five pin doll patterns for the book, and ideas for many more.

It may happen someday.

Always a Holiday Behind?

This is Sonia. She was going to be witch for Halloween this year (a Good Witch), but as it's November 11, it seems I'm a holiday behind.

I used my Averill pattern, with an alternate cloth-covered clay face. Her body and limbs are from craft velour. I made her skirt a little longer, altered her vest pattern, and gave her a purple coat/duster. Her hair is Tibetan lamb, dyed. She doesn't look much like a witch any more, but she could be one if she wanted.

Did it Work?

Ok, I think I've successfully uploaded a pdf on my website - the Snow People pattern/instructions. I need to hear from a few of you to let me know if you can access the information.

This link will take you to my free on-line patterns page. Just click on the snowman and it should take you to a page with links to the pattern and instructions.

http://blueherondolls.com/Free%20on-line%20patterns.htm

Just drop me a comment here to let me know if it worked or if it didn't.

Thanks!

Published!

I'm thrilled to have made the cover of SD&A magazine! These folks always do a wonderful job of photographing the dolls. And, of course, the pattern is included in this issue.

I designed this Santa last Christmas, for my siblings (I didn't know what else to get them). I should make another for our upcoming ER Christmas Party and Auction (traditionally, I make a Santa every year to be auctioned off).

Thanks, SD&A!

Coming Soon

Way back in 1997, I decided to make Snow People for all my coworkers. This was when I was really new to dollmaking. I tried to incorporate individual interests into each doll.

I decided it would be a good idea to post a free pattern here and on my website for this doll, so I dug out all those old pattern pieces. To refresh my memory, I wanted to sew another one, to make sure my instructions were correct. Now I can't find my Warm & Natural fleece. Oh well.

Stay tuned, because when I find it and figure out how to post a pattern, you'll find it here.

In the meantime, you can see all the Snow People at my Picturetrail site: www.picturetrail.com/blueherondolls The photos aren't the best, they were scanned from original 35mm photos (pre-digital).

Happy Halloween

It's been a busy last couple weeks; too long since I last posted. I got home late Monday, after teaching two classes in the Bay area. I'm excited to get the photos posted, and talk more about them ~ but have to put in my 8 hours at work first.

This week we had our Joint Commission survey (a necessary evil for hospitals), and I feel fortunate to have missed experiencing the surveyor's God Complex (ex-military physician, statistician ~ what more do I need to say?). All I'm going to say, is that an organization like JCAHO should NEVER have that much power. BTW, we passed muster.

And...

Since my post earlier today, I've updated my website's pattern page. I settled on $16 for this new pattern (to US & Canadian address, $19 to international addresses). Postage is included in the price of the pattern - it's just easier that way:
www.blueherondolls.com ~ click on "Patterns"

I've also unlocked my Verity picturetrail album, as there are some progress photos there, many of which are included in the 16 pages of instructions:
www.picturetrail.com/blueherondolls

At Last!

The pattern is finally finished (insert sigh of relief). I appreciate everyone's patience. I still need to update my website to include the pattern information and shopping cart button, which I'll do after a few errands.

I've got to sit down and do a little cost analysis (keeping the wholesale cost in mind, of course).

She's a fun doll to make, but certainly time-consuming when you consider the drying time of the Messy Mix, gesso, paint and paperclay.

I can envision a Verity doll done in creamy white, with a lace neck insert instead, and perhaps more of a dropped waist - an early 1900s dress suitable for a garden party.

But for now I need a break from this doll.

Verity pattern nearing completion

I'd hoped to have my new Verity pattern completed by this time, but I'm finding that it's taking much longer than planned. One big reason is my decision to include two sizes of dolls - nearly double the work, I'm finding. I also want to include the two sizes of dolls for the cover photo, and I've not had nearly enough creative time to work on my girls.

But I'm so close to finishing... you can see two dolls above, who are waiting for face sculpting, painting, hair, and some finishing touches. As I write, Tibetan lamb pelts are soaking in dye in the back yard. I'll focus on getting the smaller doll done, as I can use the already-finished center doll for the pattern cover, at least for time time being.

I'll be teaching this class week, so have some pressure to have it done by then. Why, oh why, does it take me SO LONG to complete a pattern? I've got so many ideas...

This is about as political as I get...