Turns out it was the year of the fox for me. I made 25 foxes-
I made 18 men-
and 18 Women and girls.
12 fish, 7 owls,
3 kitties, 3 babies and 12 dogs.
I also made 14 pincushions including one for me!
This total is down from the last 2 years which make me kind of sad. Ah well. Today starts another year. Happy New Year 2013! Hope it is a good one for you!
My Christmas sewing this year- reusable lunch bags and shopping bags-
Another year goes by! I am thankful for my blog to keep my memories for me. It is fun to go back and review. Here are some things that made me happy this year-
– a new floor in the studio! I know it doesn’t seem like much but I love scooting around in my chair.
– I was in a show with some other fantastic doll artists. Thanks Nichol!
– I went to Honk! It was AMAZING!
– San Francisco- Loved it! Renegade and some vacation too.
– I got to meet Sonya for the first time when I went to SF. We’ve been internet buddies for years and it was a thrill to give her a hug in person. And then we got to meet again!
– I won something from a blog give-away- Thanks again Mr. Finch! I love my moth!
– My monthly meet-up with other like-minded crafty-biz people. We are starting our 4th year in January! This meet-up started from a New Years resolution and all I can say is, if you want something in your life, sometimes you really can make it happen!
– And Ryan, my 5 hour a week helper. It has been great fun having someone to talk to on a schedule.
Other important events of the year-
– I took Sister Diane‘s class about doing on-line classes. I quickly realized that I really didn’t want to do it. And that was absolutely worth taking the class to figure out. It became clear to me that doing the classes involves a lot of tech support- not something I want to do. And, being the kind of person I am, I would likely be unable to do any other work during the duration of the class- too distracting.
– 2 things that sound good but mostly were really stressful for me, book and licensing.
– I did 3 Renegade shows- Brooklyn, San Francisco and Chicago. I decided not to do any Holiday shows this year- the right decision for my sanity but maybe not for my business. Hard to know.
Tomorrow I will post my dolls of 2012.
I am going to be the Artist-in-Residence at Gather Here in Cambridge in mid-January. I’ll be teaching a bunch of new classes! I knew if I said yes to doing the classes, I would have to finish some new patterns- you know, deadline incentive!
I’ve posted photos of examples but what we will make in the classes will all be unique because everyone will choose their own fabrics and colors. Here is what the week looks like.
I’m teaching the Owl on Tuesday, Jan 22 (although that one looks full already!)
On Wednesday, Jan. 23, I am teaching the Swaddled Baby. I am working (or maybe mostly procrastinating) on that pattern now. The class (and pattern) will include directions for needle-sculpting the face. Also a variety of designs from very basic using pretty ribbons, a design that includes a new baby’s name embroidered on the ribbon, a folk-art type design and one like this picture which I think of as a puzzle pattern (fit all the pieces together).
On Thursday Jan. 24, I will try to convince you that the patterns aren’t sacred and you can cut them up and tape them back together, make them bigger, make them smaller and generally take charge and get what you want. I will be specifically referencing the dog toy since dogs come in so many variations. On Friday, January 25 we will be making the dogs.
This is the basic design-
And above is a long version. Obviously there are lots of options to play with. This design is a basic toy with the clothing as part of the body.
On Saturday (1/26) and Sunday (1/27) will be a two-day class to make foxes. This class will cover constructing the fox and then dressing. You can make a girl or a boy fox. The clothing options will include a vest, jacket, dress, and/or skirt. You could make a kitty instead since it is the same basic construction and fits the same clothing.
This is my first adventure of 2013. I want to teach more so I am pushing forward full steam ahead! I’ll be teaching all these classes for the first time so there will be some unknowns- the biggest mystery for me is always how long a project will take another person. I’m hoping we’ve scheduled the right amount of time for the projects but I’m willing to be flexible and relaxed and hope we will all have fun. My teaching philosophy is that most people who take a class from me are looking to have a little time away from their everyday life and want play with new materials and tools- a mini-craft vacation. I hope to see you there!
The patterns will not be available for sale until after the classes so hopefully at the end of January.
It is rainy here. The rain is suppose to last all week and is keeping me from photographing outside like I usually do. That is why these pics are a little “shadowy”. But, I don’t want to wait until next week to post her!
Using more of my beautiful silk ribbon.
You can see the wavy fabric print here-
A vintage button-
I think they look like sisters, maybe even twins!
I will be putting these 2 ladies into my Etsy shop today and also this fine fellow. I never heard back from the person who commissioned him. In case you wonder why I don’t usually take commissions…
And, my toy designs are on sale over at Land Of Nod if you’ve been holding off on purchasing something.
someone asked me for a blue-eyed lady.
sometime in the next month I will be making a bunch of new babies. I need to make a pattern with several variations because I am hoping to teach a class in mid-January. Eeps! I’m committed now!
These are the last 2 tiny worlds for now. I am listing the ones that are available to my etsy shop. Hopefully I’ll have that done by this evening.
2 more tiny worlds
a few recommendations-
love this video about creative vampires.
2 fantastic interviews- Makers In Business- Liz and Danielle