Search results (tags) for: "plushie"

Come Craft With the Etsy Labs: Skeleton Softies With Diana Schoenbrun

2009-10-08T15:00:00-05:00

Why stay in and craft all by your lonesome? Come join us for a free sewing workshop with artist and author Diana Schoenbrun — whether you're in Brooklyn or anywhere in the world. Stop by for our weekly Craft Night in our online, interactive classroom, the Virtual Labs, for a live demo via webcam at 5 p.m. ET, or in person at the Etsy Labs in Brooklyn anytime between 4-8 p.m. ET at 55 Washington Street, Suite 512 in Brooklyn, New York. (Click here to see what time 5 p.m. ET is in your hometown.) Craft Night is a time to make things, sharpen your craft skills, and meet new friends.

This week, on Monday, October 12, we will make spooky skeleton softies with Diana Schoenbrun. These plush toys are perfect decorations and gifts for Halloween parties.

Diana Schoenbrun is a published illustrator, crafter, and author currently living in Brooklyn, NY. She is best known for her use of recycled fabrics and materials in her softies and 3-D sculptures. She strives to create a balance in her art between character design and materials. Diana has taught children puppet making and playwriting workshops and she has also performed puppet skits for comedy shows in NYC. Her next craft book, Beasties, is being published by Penguin Perigee Books in August 2010.

If you are attending Craft Night virtually this week and would like to sew skeleton softies along with us, you'll need to gather the following supplies:

Skeleton pattern pieces page 1 and page 2
2 sheets colored felt for body
1 sheet white or light colored felt for bones
Sewing needle
Thread
Embroidery floss
1-2 handfuls of stuffing
Craft glue
Thin marker
Stuffing stick or pencil
Beads, sequins, buttons, etc. (optional for eyes)

Upcoming Events at the Etsy Labs:
10/19: Felt Photo Wallets with Kata Golda
10/26: Open Craft Night
11/1: Church of Craft meeting

Looking for more softie projects? Try these how-to's:

Donkey Softie | Chipmunk Softie | Bunny Bowling

Will we see you on Monday? Let us know in the comments below.

Fresh Shops: Misako Mimoko

2009-05-07T17:30:00-05:00

I'm a girl called Eva, a.k.a. misakomimoko, who lives, works and dreams in Barcelona, a crowded, small Spanish city near the sea. Luckily, my neighborhood is very quiet, with a lot of green. It's much like a little Mediterranean village. My workplace is at home, and sometimes I like to take a break and handcraft a little. I sew while sitting down on my old chair near a balcony surrounded by flowers, green trees and birds singing, or while watching TV. When it's sunny, I go sewing by the little hill that is close to my place.

My personal handcraft history starts while studying Fine Arts. I was very interested in crafts and naïve art, and I used to work with recycled materials and fabrics. I began sewing again, as I did during my early school days.

I had been working as a multimedia designer for almost ten years, until a year ago when I participated in an amigurumi workshop arranged by a lovely little shop called Duduá. I just needed to take a break from computers and go back to my old likings. Then I got in touch with handmade craft blogs and the DIY movement, and I met other crafters who shared the same interests as me — Emedermarta, La Aranya Tecla, Delolast, La Ballena Elena...it was fantastic!

I have completely fallen for vintage toys and illustrations, so I create my little rag dolls, trying my best to retrieve all the happiness, humor and good vibes from that time. My boyfriend Gabriel Corbera is an illustrator who loves old comics, and he's constantly introducing all kind of cute and funny classic characters that always inspire me a lot. I think my love for vintage culture has grown as a reaction to a city terribly mad about design and new technologies, which is losing its own identity and roots.

It was my friend Emedemarta who introduced me to this gorgeous handmade marketplace on Etsy, and she drove me to start my own shop. This amazing community is constantly surprising me — there are a lot of promotional opportunities and facilities available to showcase your work worldwide without spending money. I think it's important help to small crafters avoiding middlemen.

How can be Etsy a more international site? Maybe giving the option to choose other country currencies, translating the site into other languages and perhaps adding Europe, and the rest of the continents, as an option in the shipping list menu. I don't know if it's a great solution, but certainly it could help.

Shop Local Barcelona | Fresh Shops Series | Etsy International

Kids and Toys Showcase

Below you'll find items from other talented Etsians who hail from Barcelona!

Monster Compilation by Diane Koss of Cutesy But Not Cutesy

2009-04-17T16:30:00-05:00

Diane Koss carried around stuffed animals throughout her childhood. Today she makes one of a kind stuffed monsters for her shop Cutesy But Not Cutesy. She has become a monster-maker through and through while pursuing a career as a fine artist and working towards a certificate in graphic and web design. Her animated film Monster Compilation is a collaboration with animator David R. Popolow of Right Brain Animation. It's a fantastic stop motion monster mash up with her very own creations. Here's Diane talking about her work:

I have always wanted to see my monsters come to life... giving them stories and personalities is probably a reflection of that. I like to imagine that when someone purchases one of them it's like I am packaging them up for their own little expeditions all around the world... and I like to think their personalities "come alive" in their new homes.

Luckily I meet a lot of really wonderful people when I travel with my monsters and I met the manager of a small production company in Philadelphia who fell in love with my fellas. We got to talking about how neat it would be to really bring them to life on screen. A few months later he contacted me and wanted to make the animation actually happen. He set me up with David Popolow of Right Brain Animation, also from Philadelphia, to create some short animated sketches.

We agreed that we both wanted the stories to stick pretty closely to the personalities and stories I had written for each monster. Once that was all worked out, we created wire structures, or armatures, based on each character's form. I then built and stitched my monsters around each armature that had been created, trying to stay true to the original monster design but also keeping in mind the motion and mobility that would be needed for each one.

I learned a lot during this step, both about stop motion animation and about my production process. I had to take into consideration things like the type of fur that was being used to cut down on the amount of "wind effect," as they called it, which is when certain furs can look like they are blowing in the wind during a stop motion animation.

[As David worked on it over the course of a few months] it was truly amazing to see the progression as my monsters really came to life as I had always dreamed. It was such a wonderful experience working with another artist who is skilled in a different media than my own. I think we both were able to learn a lot about eachother and about eachother's processes. I try to encourage collaboration as much as possible now, it really was an eye-opening experience and resulted in a really exciting finished product! I look forward to the possibility of more animations in the future!

Tell us about the videos you make in the comments below! And subscribe to our Youtube Channel!

Toys | Geekery Category | Plush Team

How-Tuesday: Bunny Bowling with thelongthread

2009-04-14T14:30:00-05:00

Easter may have come and gone, but we're full of bunny love year round! Download the pattern and complete project instructions here, or follow along below, courtesy of Ellen from thelongthread.com.

Supplies:

Cotton, twill or canvas, 11" x 11" per bunny
Contrasting fabric for ears
Fusible interfacing, 1/4 yard
Fabric Marker
Matching thread
Embroidery hoop (5" or smaller)
Embroidery thread
Embroidery needle
Polyfill or other stuffing material
Funnel
Rice, 1/2 cup per bunny
Wooden ball

Instructions:
Step 1: PREPARE FABRIC. Wash, dry, press all fabric.

Step 2: EMBROIDER FACE. Cut one 5 1/2" x 11" piece of fabric for each bunny you are making. Mark 9" up from the bottom in the center of the fabric and use a fabric marker to draw the face. Place the fabric in a small embroidery hoop and sew the face. Note: You may also choose to sew the face on after the bunny is completed.

Step 3: CUT FABRIC. Cut out paper templates. Fold over fabric front with embroidered face lengthwise, aligning bowling pin template with the bottom edge of the fabric. Be sure to place embroidered face in desired spot and cut shape. Cut backs of bunnies from remaining fabric, cutting along the fold again. Cut ear fronts from contrasting fabric and ear backs from solid fabric.

Step 4: SEW BUNNY EARS. Iron fusible interfacing onto back side of bunny ear. Place ear pieces right sides out using a blunt tool. Fold corners over towards contrasting fabric and sew 1/4" from bottom to create crease in ears. Press flat.

Step 5: SEW BUNNY. Place ears upside down and right sides facing up on right side of bunny back side. Fold ears and pin them in place, making sure that they are pinned out of the way of the seam allowance. Pin bunny back to front, right sides together. With a 1/4" seam allowance, sew along outside edges and 1" into either side along the bottom. Reinforce with an overcasting stitch, making sure all seams are secure.

Step 6: MAKE PLEATS IN BOTTOM. Pull fabric at corners to form a right angle in the opposite direction of the stitching. Press flat. Mark a line 3/4" from the tip of the seam and sew along this line. Trim excess fabric and reinforce with and overcasting stitch. Turn bunny right sides out.

Step 7: STUFF BUNNY. Using funnel, stuff 3/4 full with polyfill or other stuffing. Pack stuffing in tightly using the closed tip of scissors or other blunt object. Using the funnel, fill the remaining space with approximately 1/2 cup of rice.

Your roll, bunny-lovers! See a compilation of how-tos from thelongthread here.

More crafty project downloads can be found in our How-Tuesday series on the Etsy blog! And did you know that you can buy Supplies on Etsy?

How-Tuesday: Make a Donkey Softie

2009-03-24T16:20:00-05:00

We jumped on this adorable donkey tutorial by Myra Masuda and immediately knew we needed to share! Download the complete project instructions here, or follow along below, courtesy of Softies Only a Mother Could Love: Lovable Friends for You to Sew, Knit, or Crochet by Jess Redman and Meg Leder. This makes a great gift for the kiddo or the adult toy-collector in your life.

Donkey

Tools
Iron
Tracing paper
Scissors
Pins
Sewing needle
Sewing machine
Stuffing stick (or chopstick or pencil)

Materials
Body fabric - An 18 cm x 30 cm (7 in x 12 in) piece of plain fabric for the main body; a 15 cm x 25 cm (6 in x 10 in) piece of new or vintage patterned fabric for the inner body.

Extra fabric - A scrap of plain tan or cream fabric for the muzzle; scraps of white felt for the eyes and black felt for the pupils; interfacing for the ears.

Thread - Colored sewing thread to match the body fabric; brown, pink and white embroidery thread for the mane and tail.

Stuffing - Polyfill.

Instructions
1. Trace and cut out the pattern using the template provided. Pin it to the fabric and cut out the pieces. You will need to cut 2 main body shapes, 2 inner body shapes, 6 ear shapes (2 in each fabric, plus 2 in interfacing), 2 muzzle shapes, and 2 pupil shapes from your fabric.

2. Pin each muzzle to a main body piece (x to x, right sides facing). Sew Together.

3. Pin body/muzzle pieces together (right sides facing) and sew around the top of the body from A to B, leaving an opening for turning right-side out and stuffing (as marked on the pattern).

4. Pin the inner body pieces together (right sides facing) and sew from A to B.

5. Pin the inner body piece to the main body piece (right sides facing), A to A and B to B. Sew together.

6. Trim edges and clip fabric around the curved edges. Be careful not to clip the seam. Turn right side out.

7. Using a stuffing stick, push small amounts of stuffing into the tight corners first — legs and muzzle. Gradually fill the rest of the body until the stuffing is firm and even, but not too tight.

8. Hand-sew the stuffing opening closed using a ladder stitch.

9. For the eyes, sew each black felt oval onto a white felt circle and then position the eyes on the head as marked. Sew in place. Make French knot with the white embroidery thread for each pupil, as marked on the pattern. Use 3 strands of brown embroidery thread to sew the nostrils onto the muzzle using a straight stitch. Then use 3 strands of pink embroidery thread to sew the mouth using a back stitch. Sew the eyelashes with black embroidery thread.

10. For each ear, pin together a solid color fabric piece, patterned fabric piece, and interfacing (with fabrics right sides facing). Sew together, leaving the base open for turning right-side out. Turn right-side out and iron flat. Turn the base edge of the ears under 6 mm (1/4 in) and hand-sew closed using a ladder stitch. Sew right and left bottom corners of the ear together to form a ring. Position ears to the head (y to y) and attach with a ladder stitch.

11. For the tail, fold the tail piece in half (right sides facing) as marked on the pattern. Sew along the long edge to make a tube. Turn right-side out. Turn the edges under 6 mm (1/4 in) at each end and sew closed using a ladder stitch.
12. Use black embroidery thread for the end of the tail. Insert the needle into the tail, about 8 mm (5/16 in) from the end. Pull through, leaving about a 5 cm (2 in) tail. Cut off, leaving a tail of equal length. Repeat all the way around the end of the tail. Tie a piece of thread around the tail tassel, close to the end where it is attached to the tail. Attach the tie to the end of the tail so it won't slip off. Trim the tassel to a uniform length.

13. Pin finished tail to the back of the donkey at B. Attach with a ladder stitch.

14. Use black embroidery thread to stitch the mane. Starting at point C, insert needle on right side of "spine" and bring out 3 mm (1/8 in) over, on the left side of the spine, leaving about 2.5 cm (1 in) tail on the right side. Insert needle at the first point of entry and bring out at the second point (effectively "tying" the thread to the spine). Cut off, leaving a 2.5 cm (1 in) tail on the left side. Repeat this process until you've worked your way from point C to point D. Once finished, trim the mane to a uniform length of about 2 cm (3/4 in).

Thanks to Myra Masuda, Jess Redman, Meg Leder and the folks at Penguin for sharing this project.
More crafty project downloads can be found in our How-Tuesday series on the Etsy blog!

How-To: Play with Your Food

2008-12-05T16:45:00-05:00

Young people (of all ages) know food is fun. But before you turn your perfectly edible parfait into pulp, why not whip up a faux version in felt that looks good enough to eat?

Create your very own Blackcurrant Mousse, like the one shown here, or share one as a gift with someone you find sweet. You can start out with one, then build your way to a whole plate of petit fours to enjoy with friends ... Now that's what I call having your cake and eating it too!

Get the complete project instructions on PDF right here, they're free to downoad! Yum!

Some of the projects may not be appropriate for babies that really do want to nom nom nom.

Many thanks to Kodansha America for sharing this treat of a project, from My Favorite Felt Sweets.

For more fun with food, check out the related items below and these search terms:

Amigurumi Food | Felt Food

Children's Gift Guide | Holiday Shopping Lists: Faux Food

Chickenpants: The Quest

2008-11-27T20:02:00-05:00

Yes, chickens (not turkeys) rejoice today!

Claire Chambers aka absolutelysmall loves plush. Her soft creations are original designs made to make people smile. Clarie started making Chickenpants plush toys because, as she says, "You can't hug a painting!"

Claire started making stop motion videos with her chickenpants creations. From Claire:

"I've wanted to make stop motion animation literally since I was a kid. (Saw it on Muppet Babies, and it stole my heart.) I always figured you'd need special cameras and who knows what to make it happen, though. Then I got a Photojojo email that changed that. I found all I needed was a digital camera and iMovie...and I happened to already have both. Most of the videos are very clearly shot in our kitchen and living room, with plenty of fingers in the way and visible strings...just the way I like them! (Raised on MST3K, anyone?) People should revisit their crazy projects that might seem impossible. Who knows what advancements have been made in that area? The world needs to see more crazy, genuine projects."

She's running a special in her shop, by the way. Today through Sunday, you can get free shipping in the US and Canada, discounted everywhere else. Get your piece of chicken!

Chicken Pants Posts | More Videos at blip.Chickenpants.tv | Shop for Plush Toys

Recycled Glove How-to: Make a Chipmunk Softie

2008-10-17T15:34:00-05:00

Gloves (like socks), while born to be part of a pair, often end their days in lonely solitude, separated from their mates by the forces of the universe that conspire at every turn to pull them apart. Alone, they sadly serve little purpose (aside from the occasional show biz appearance for only the most sparkling among them), and are left to languish in the backs of a drawers and bottoms of closets — that is, if they're not disposed of all together. Ah... but it's a new day.

With her book, Happy Gloves: Charming Softy Friends Made from Colorful Gloves, she's given hopelessly single gloves a new lease on life as cozy companions. In her able hands, one glove's worth of material becomes an elephant, a penguin, a donkey, a bunny — you name it — all set free to romp and play together. (Can't you just hear the claps of cheer?)

Crafter and author Miyako Kanamori has a plan and she's ready to share it!

Try your hands at this chipmunk to start your very own menagerie of recycled glove critters. Download complete instructions here or follow along below.

BUY the book at Amazon!

Thanks to the Penguin Group for sharing this project from Happy Gloves.

Author Miyako Kanamori is a crafter who lives in Tokyo. She is also the author of Sock and Glove. You can see more of her work at her website: bananawani.org/nuiguroom.

For more cute critters made from recycled materials, search "Recycled Softie". Some examples plus a few other autumn-inspired creations can be seen in the related items below.

Etsy Finds: Embroidered Lion Pillow

2008-07-15T10:29:00-05:00

I found this pillow by LaBeteHandmade in the new Handmade Kids Showcase, and it's gorgeous! Inspired by vintage illustrations, this pillow has such character and lovely textures! This lion has a lamb friend, too. (So why not get both?!) Your favorite little tyke would love it!

Speaking of lions: have you seen this amazing video? (Get out the tissues!)

Check out my related items to see more lion and lamb kids stuff!

Danielle

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox on the daily!

Handmade Kids Series | Special Kids Showcase | Baby Gift Guide | Children Gift Guide

News from the Etsy Labs: Cupcake Craft Night

2008-07-11T14:35:00-05:00

UPDATE: We have an exciting addition to this Monday's Cupcake Craft Night. Jill and Katherine of tinycupcakes will be leading a very special project: how to make a cupcake ornament! We look forward to seeing everyone at Craft Night this Monday for a sweet evening of cupcakes and crafting.

This article was originally published July 5, 2008.
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This week we are pleased to announce a very special edition of Monday Craft Night. The Etsy Labs and Cupcakes Take the Cake join forces to bring you an evening of cupcake-themed crafting. We will spend this sweet evening making cupcake-inspired crafts — which seem to be quite popular with shoppers on Etsy. We will demonstrate Gocco printing, buttonmaking, and sewing. You will learn how to print postcards, make pinback buttons, and simple plushie cupcakes. Or, let your mind run wild and create cupcake creations of any kind! Supplies are provided, though you are welcome to bring any special papers or fabrics to incorporate into your projects.

When: Monday July 14, 6-8pm

Where: Etsy Labs, 325 Gold Street, 3rd floor, Brooklyn, NY

Not in Brooklyn? Join us for a live broadcast and demos in the Treehouse room of the Virtual Labs. If you are joining us virtually for Craft Night this week and would like to craft along with us, you'll need to bring paper, pen, scissors, and fabric. Or, you may just want to come and watch, ask questions, and take notes.

Get your sweet tooth ready to feast on cupcakes and crafts!

Craft Night occurs every Monday at 325 Gold Street, 3rd floor in Brooklyn, New York. Each week the Etsy Labs organize a skill-sharing project. We provide supplies, tools, snacks, and know-how. Participants are also welcome to bring their own project to work on independently. Craft night is a time to make things, learn new skills, and hang out. Each craft night is also broadcast live in the Treehouse room of the Virtual Labs. All demos will be shown both in the Labs in Brooklyn and in the Treehouse online.

Will we see you at Cupcake Craft Night? Post in the comments below!

Would you like to lead a craft night project? Send your ideas to labs@etsy.com with "Craft Night idea" as the subject line.

Have you participated in Craft Night? Share your photos with the Etsy Labs Show and Tell Flickr group!

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Keep an eye on the Storque Events calendar for future updates from the Etsy Labs.

Want to learn more about the Labs? Check out our FAQs. Want to receive email updates? Join our Etsy Labs mailing list.

Etsy in Action: Upcoming Events June 6 - 13

2008-06-05T12:03:00-05:00

Hey Etsians! Get off the internet (but come back to us later) and meet your crafty friends in person at the following events...

Friday, June 6th

World's Largest Plush Show: Crammed Organisms from 7pm - 11pm, June 6th in St. Louis, Missouri. Starclipper's gallery will be filled to the brim with a collection of unique plush art. Browse the exhibition and see pieces from some of the best plush designers working today! Check out the featured items to see Etsy sellers who are participating in this show!

Saturday, June 7th

Indie Craft Experience (or ICE), kicking off in Atlanta, Georgia from 11am - 6pm in Centennial Olympic Park. In addition to an amazing assortment of handmade goodies, ICE offers crafting workshops, vegan baked goods, live bands and a clothing swap benefiting local charities.

Connecticut Etsy Team Jewelry Spectacular in North Haven, Connecticut from 10am - 4pm. Get to this early — they are giving away 200 pieces of jewelry to the first people to attend! See their Jewelry Spectacular site for details.

Printing Party with Lotta Jansdotter in San Francisco, California from 5pm - 8pm. Get your hands dirty with Lotta Jansdotter, the fabric printing queen! Wine, music and crafting? What else do you need in life? See Lotta's blog for the details. Not on the west coast? Keep reading for a Lotta event near you!

Monday, June 9th

Craft Night at the EtsyLabs in Brooklyn, NY from 4pm - 8pm. Join us and learn how to make lip balm! You can also bring your own project if you wish. Lots of chit chat and giggling.

Coming Soon!!!

And don't make any plans for next weekend if you are close to NYC. You're not going to want to miss this summer's Renegade Craft Fair, June 14th & 15th, featuring a whole slew of Etsy sellers and a giant Etsy booth!

If you are coming into town for Renegade, do not miss Lotta Jansdotter's printing party here on the east coast on June 13th in her studio in Brooklyn. See Lotta's blog for the details.

AbsolutelySmall's Animated Video: Super Pants!

2008-05-26T23:22:00-05:00

Super Pants to the rescue! AbsolutelySmall's plush characters come alive with stop motion animation.

For more videos, check out the Storque's Multi-Media section.

Father's Day Showcase | Gift Guide for Him | Father's Day Gift Guide | A Dude's Perspective

Handmade Profiles: Jen from Sweetestpea

2008-04-30T13:53:00-05:00

Sweetestpea, a maker of enticingly round plush stuffed animals, visited us down at the Etsy Labs. Jen calls her line of plump ones "Zooguu," and you can see some of them in the related items below (as well as some of her favorite Etsy toymaker compatriots). She was brave enough to get in the "cardboard videobooth." Here's her Handmade Video Portrait!

MP4 | Blip.tv | Youtube | Subscribe in iTunes

Click here to see our other Handmade Video Portraits! Do your own and tag it with Etsy on Youtube so we can find you. Don't forget the ten second dance break!

Open Studio Tours: FrucciDesign Snoops on Deelind

2008-04-24T10:47:00-05:00

In this Open Studio Tour series, we'll be snooping around artists' creative spaces, how they set them up, when, why…even how often they clean them! We really want to know all about our artists, and maybe get a bit of inspiration!

Today I knocked on the studio door of painter Denise aka Deelind. She has just recently started what seems to be a very fun new craft experience: explore her plushie world!

What's your name and what kind of craft do you do?
My name is Denise Lindquist, aka as deelind. I've been a painter/muralist most of my life.

I make plush now. My inner textile artist made a surprising emergence in October of 2007 when my grandmother’s 1920 Singer sewing machine had been refurbished, and I wanted to take it for a spin. A fleece blanket was sacrificed on that day and the first RodoZoo plushie was born.

I'm working towards making the plush Eco-friendly. Recently I was able to switch the fiber-fill to from 100% recycled plastic bottles and hopefully all the fabric will be as well.

Soon I will be launching a Lush Plush Octopus collection where the material used will be beautiful faux fur and cashmere with Swarovski crystals and beading around the eyes.

Ari and Stella are my little muses (Stella is the bigger dog).

When did you decide that you needed a studio?
When my house started turning into one big studio with supplies in every crack and crevice. Morning melded into night with artwork blurring into housework and seemingly neither one ever got done. So my live-in boyfriend of 10 years, Yiannis, and myself started designing a simple addition for a studio. When the plans became so complicated and expensive I just broke down and got this great studio in Pawtucket, RI that's about a half hour away, which can be a bit inconvenient at times but the distance keeps me there. I also wanted to be around other creative types. There are several outstanding artists in my building, Pawtucket Open Studios, that are always an inspiration to me. Providence is such a cool little city.

When and how have you set up your studio?
When I moved into my studio 3 years ago, it was just for painting, so I set it up to be very homey and clean, always keeping one wall blank for new ideas. Room dividers are used in one corner of the room to hide all of the supplies and clutter. During open studios, it acts as a gallery. If I need some alone time it serves as a home away from home.

Did the studio set up impact your crafter budget?
I would have to say that while the cost of a studio would seem to dig into a crafter/artist budget, the increase in productivity has definitely offset the additional costs, as well as my protecting my sanity.

How big is your studio?
400 sq ft with 15' ceilings.

Which is your favorite tool in your studio?
Right now, it's my new sewing machine, but I have been ogling on of those electric bobbin winders.

Do you want to share with us one secret of your studio?
One of my large Octopi comes alive when I'm not there and makes all of the many cloth liners that go into the tentacles of the octopus plushies, which is by far the most tedious task.

How many hours do you normally spend in your studio?
Wednesdays and Thursdays are 9 hr days, other times are sporadic depending on available time.

Do you share your studio with someone or would you like to do so?
I just rented half of my studio because I will be traveling for 2 months this summer.

Is there anything you would add to your working space?
I'd love to get a new Mac for the studio to leave there. I'm forever forgetting my notebook and/or its power supply. I'd also like to get a nice photography set-up as well.

If you had to choose one synonym for your studio which one would you pick: atelier, family room, lair, lodge, nest, playroom, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, darkroom, or showroom and why?
Sanctuary! Definitely. There's something about exposed brick walls, high ceilings and wood floors that speak to an artist's spirit.

And last but not least how often do you clean it?
I stop and clean my studio when valuable time is lost searching for tools. What a beautiful disaster it can be sometimes. That's when I stop and get it together because my patience is wearing very thin.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I was accepted into Fenway Studios located in the back Bay area of Boston very close to Fenway park three years ago. The jury process was very difficult and I anxiously await an opening there. I miss being in the city and even though I love my yard, I find it very boring and culturally dead living in a suburb!

Thank you Denise, until next studio snooping, ciao!

If you have an interesting studio or workspace and some tips to share, comment below and you may be next in our Open Studio Tour series!

Call for Entries: Softie Lovers and Baby Mamas, Get Your Craft On!

2008-04-18T15:35:00-05:00

First up, it's time for the 2nd Annual Softie Awards. If you haven't gotten your entry in, today is the day!

SOFTIE AWARDS DEADLINE: MIDNIGHT APRIL 18th

Even if you don't plan on entering, stop by their flickr group to check out the amazing submissions to this year's inspiring categories: Picnic Food, Embroidered to Death, Elephant Tribute, Pink or Plaid and the most popular, Cutest Face — already boasting over 482 entries!

The second chance to show off your skills is for all the crafty mamas (or papas... or anyone that's got the goods)... the editors of Parents Magazine are looking for creative handmade birth announcements:

Here's your chance to impress us with your outstanding crafting abilities! We are looking for the best, coolest, and most clever homemade birth announcements by you, our oh-so talented, crafty readers. We're seeking submissions of any sort, from photo cards to personalized water bottles to handmade chocolates (hint hint). Our ten faves will not only be published in the magazine, but they will also win $100.

PARENTS MAGAZINE Deadline for entries is mid-May, for details visit their blog.

Shout out to Kayte of loveforever for bringing these to our attention.

Etsy Finds: Borja!

2008-02-25T11:09:00-05:00

Take a trip to Spain, and meet the wonderful nonis! Each one has a unique personality. Some like mayonnaise, others love to take a cruise in the summertime. Borja here enjoys chips with ketchup! Although very cheerful, these guys also have fears and dislikes, just like you and me (such as Borja's aversion to skyscrapers). Check out the item description for each one. You will learn fun facts about each one, and even some wacky spanish phrases!

The plush covered armitures are more than just toys, they are dynamic individuals. To see one of these posable creations in action, check out this revealing clip!

Please visit the world of nonis to learn more about my new amigos.

Etsy Finds: A Cure for the Common Cold

2008-02-22T11:27:00-05:00

I am reporting today's Etsy Find from under the covers of my nice comfy bed in a Sudafed induced cloud of consciousness. These sweet, colorful, happy little Mama and Papa Pills by onceinadirtywhile are just what the doctor ordered. They make me feel so happy that I've forgotten about how hard it is to breath for almost two minutes.

Check below for some other handmade remedies to cure what ails ya!

Where, oh where, are all my plushies going?

2008-02-15T19:00:00-05:00

The Toy Industry Association (TIA) is holding its annual Toy Fair in New York City February 17-20, 2008. This is a huge event for a huge industry, and we thought it would be a fitting time to post this interview from the Plush Team on Etsy. The Plush Team is a group of toy-makers who have banded together to spread the word about handmade toys and the following is their interview with a "patron of the toy arts," gmoss66, who has an incredible collection of plushies.

Perhaps this post could lead to an amazing series on people's collections!?! Post in the comments below if you collect toys, or anything else handmade for that matter.

moogancreations originally posted this on the Plushie Team's blog.

The Plush Team was contacted by email the other day. We received the most amazing images from an Etsy buyer, gmoss66, informing me of her love of Plush and her outstanding collection. I immediately asked if I could do an interview and she was kind enough to agree.

I hope you all enjoy the read and can recognize a few fellow Plush Team members work among Gretchen's collection.

How long have you been collecting handmade plush toys?
Collecting came naturally to me from the moment I was born. I was raised in a family that cherished toys and dolls and honored arts and crafts. My whole family — Mom, Dad, Sisters, Brother, Grandmother, Uncles and Aunts — all created art and/or created handmade toys, puppets, dolls, clothing, costumes, etc. The earliest handmade plush creation I can remember is a standard pillow-sized orange corduroy square bear that my Mom made me for Christmas when I was 3. He was my watching tv buddy. I think his name was Honey Bear.

Since I grew up receiving handmade plushies made especially for me and because I had selected/adopted so many OOAK plushies at art fairs and stores, plushies naturally had to be kept, cared for, displayed and stored carefully. At some point in my early childhood, I also started drawing pictures of them and creating little stories about each one. They became the source of my inspiration as a young artist. And then I my talent was discovered. I attended art classes and special art schools non-stop until I was an adult. The collecting has never stopped — I have to collect — I'm on a mission to capture the "spirit" of your creations for my own artistic expression.

Do you have a favorite seller and/or toy?
I do not have a favorite seller or toy but I am drawn to plushies that have names and stories. In addition, to handmade I love characters/creatures from stories by authors or illustrators — Richard Scarry, Beatrix Potter, Maurice Sendak, Lewis Carroll and modern juxtapoz artists and japanese characters plush or vinyl — Tim Biskup, Takashi Murakami, Furyu Chebruska, Tokidoki, Gloomy Bear, Mountain Mountain, Hello Kitty/Sanrio, San-X, Manju, Mari Matsuo, Nyoco, Rilakkuma, Ugly Doll, Wanroom, etc. I also have a passion for vintage Dakin Dream Pets.

My current Etsian artists/stores that are in my collection include: MarmeeCraft, Elsita, MoonsCreations, FantasticToys, Plant and Animals, ChetDot, DetailsStore, CornflakeGirl, ThaiFabShop, Tiddlywinks, Blacklilypie, Keitosan, Reanee, and others.

Did you have a favorite plush doll as a child?
My most cherished toy is a handmade felt pocket mouse — I've had him since I was four. He is only two inches tall, completely clothed, has leather hands, feet and tail, thread whiskers and seed bead eyes. His name is Amos, he's perfect and I still have him. My dad and brother made him a two-story Tudor style "Mouse House" for a surprise Christmas present for me when I was 8. My mom and sisters made cute furniture and accessories. It was a huge surprise. It was truly a labor of love.

Why do you feel that supporting handmade goods is important?
I have a fear that if handmade is not bought and cherished artists/crafters will feel rejected and stop creating. Technology has eased my fear. Etsy has created or contributed a modern renaissance of handmade.

How where you first introduced to Etsy and the Plush Team?
I think I ran into Etsy when it first started from a link or banner on another artists site or an independent store — like Giant Robot. I've seen it grow. It's amazing — all the talent all over the world — at one source.
I saw something about Plush Team on Etsy Storque.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? Also since I have read that you will be a future Etsy seller yourself, feel free to describe a bit about yourself and your work.
Oh no, that's not a good thing to ask me — I tend to be a storyteller so I'm going to control myself and say "no."

My Esty store Shop66 is open. I sell supplies and vintage items for artists/crafters, my handmade miniature art and plushies, and typical things like pins, magnets, gift tags, etc. My work has two sides cute or bizarre. I try to stay on the cute side because I sell more but buyers have bought and loved my bizarre work too. The Etsy selling opportunity, all the Etsian art I've collected, and all the cool artists/crafters I met on Etsy has inspired me to create again — it's been seven years — I guess it's also the "itch."

For more about me visit my profile on Etsy and GMoss on MySpace.

Thanks so much to moogancreations and Shop66 for sharing with th Storque and for supporting homemade plush designers! Post in the comments below if you collect toys, or anything else handmade for that matter.

Shop Skyrocketer: girlsavage

2008-02-11T13:30:00-05:00

Isn't it wonderful when an Etsy seller brings more feltidermy to the world? Thank you girlsavage, for being an ambassador for your art form!

Recent Cuteoverload coverage? girlsavage responds by listing even more amazing feltidermy brooches and then, to our pleasant surprise, Pogo the wool felt Loch Ness Monster.

I feel like picking you up and spinning you around, girlsavage! You rock!

Check out her blog at http://girlsavage.wordpress.com/

Forest Party!

2008-02-06T15:00:00-05:00

What do you get when you put three plushie artists together with music? A forest party! It's happening this Saturday February 9th at emmaus, located at 49 York St in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Heidi Kenny, Jenny Harada, and Spooky Daddy are going to have their plushies there. I wish I could be there but since I can't, is someone going who could take pictures and shoot video interviews of the plushie peeps for those of us who are too far away? Post up links to your pics and video in the comments here!

Plush You: The Trunk Show (and Book Signing!) You Won't Want to Miss!

2007-12-05T07:15:00-05:00

This Sunday, December 9th, the Etsy Labs is excited to bring you Kristen Rask: artist, crafter and store/gallery owner. Her resume also includes the super cute book Plush You: Lovable Misfit Toys To Sew and Stuff. Released in October of 2007, Plush You features the works of 90 plush artists from around the world, and includes step-by-step instructions for making 15 unique projects of your own!

Kristen will be at the Etsy Labs for an official book signing and plush trunk show, displaying the work of several of the Etsy artists that are featured in Plush You. Come meet Kristen in person and get your own copy of Plush You signed by the author, and peruse a full line of plushies just waiting to be picked up in your holiday shopping frenzy!

Please join us from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Etsy Labs (325 Gold Street, 6th floor, Brooklyn, NY 11211) for an unforgettable plush affair!

You can find everything you ever wanted to know about Plush You by checking out all of Kristen's sites:

Website - Schmancy
Blog - Plush You
Flickr - Plush You

Are you featured in this book? We'd love to know who you are and give you credit! Let us know in the comments below!

Gift Ideas: Love Holidays with Little Friends!

2007-11-29T10:52:00-05:00

A coy look? A funny face? A sweet demeanor? Yes! These are all things that I love about the toys I find on Etsy. There are so many talented artists here that it's hard to choose only a page-full. These are my favourites because they made me squeal in delight at first sight. The photos are great and I'm sure that they don't even do the toys justice — the attention to detail on some of these is absurd (but assuredly only in a good way!). Quality my good friends. Quality! :D

Gift Ideas for toy collectors by smeeta.

Etsy Finds: Plushie Toys

2007-11-27T03:51:00-05:00

I love toys. More specifically, I love handmade toys that make me smile. Ozgood is an OdDitY by terraclotha and is described as a “stuffed cat like toy for children and adults.”

Whether you’re a child or an adult, Ozgood’s mischievous grin will surely win you over. And isn't purchasing a handmade toy a great way to stick to your BuyHandmade Pledge?

Etsy Finds: I Sea You!

2007-10-31T11:00:00-05:00

I collect toys. So does my fiance. (We're a bit nerdy.) I haven't started to dress up these toys, but I do see other grown women with a Blythe collection scouring Etsy to pick up the latest handmade Blythe outfit.

ardentcurse

I may have to start here with this ghost costume for the cutest orange octopus on Etsy. It has a walnut heart. *Gasp*. Come to me!

Etsy Labs Shop Critique Round Up- Week 3

2007-10-22T11:15:00-05:00

Each week, Etsy Labs selects two sellers who volunteer to have their shop critiqued. GirlSavage and Squrlgurl bravely stepped up to the plate.

Etsy Labs Shop Critique workshops are: Fridays at 1PM EDT (that's NYC time). If you'd like to volunteer to be critiqued, please add your name on this thread.

Critique #1: Squrlgurl: jewelry

Squrlgurl makes beautiful high-end jewelry. Her photos are gorgeous, and the lighting and backgrounds perfectly suit the style of her jewelry. Further, she is making premium pieces, and pricing them accordingly. Most importantly, she has a cohesive and definite style, which makes her pieces recognizable as hers. She has been sucessful thus far on Etsy, and the next level for her is becoming a name brand, and furthering her reach off of Etsy.

Photos:

As mentioned above, Squrlgurl's photos are fantastic. In addition to their technical excellence, the backgrounds go wonderfully with her jewelry, and her bright pieces "pop" against the grayed-out colors.

We love how she shows the necklaces on a model (herself!) — it helps the customer envision herself wearing the pieces, and shows the scale. Yes, listing the measurements are important, but a picture tells the customer everything she needs to know. You don't want to depend on your buyer to go find a measuring tape and drape it around her neck! Also, Squrlgurl is modeling her own pieces, and we think that's great! A live model is great — be sure to find someone who fits the look of your pieces. Etsy shoppers love "real people" type models — a model of any size or age with good skin and great style is perfect.

A few small things on the pictures: Squrlgurl should make sure to take all her photos in similar lighting to keep them consistent. Also, on the necklaces, we would love to be able to see the clasp area — there was one necklace that we could not tell if it was one long strand, or two strands.

Promotion:

Squrlgurl has a fantastic blog (http://daughterofluxury.blogspot.com). She is using Daughter of Luxury as a second business name, which she uses in her shop banner as well. She needs to find a way to consolidate her business under one name, to make it easy for customers to remember (and to search for on Etsy). As she already has an excellent shop, this branding move will help bring her to the next level of name recognition. Some ideas that we had (each of these options has pros and cons, and any shop owner must make the decision for herself about how to handle a similar situation):

1. Open a new shop called Daughter of Luxury on etsy. Move to it, and put a notice on the old shop that you have moved.

2. Change Daughter of Luxury to Squrlgurl. Put Squrlgurl in the banner.

3. Start going by her name (Tara M), and use this for branding.

4. Use "daughterofluxury" as one of her tags. Potential problem: if someone opens up a shop called "daughterofluxury," she will not be able to use this as a tag.

Other ideas about branding included choosing a piece as her "signature style" piece, and using this on her cards, in ads, as her avatar, etc. Since she likes to change her avatar from time to time, it is best to keep it very recognizable as being a Squrlgurl avatar.

Critique #2: GirlSavage

GirlSavage makes wonderful plush woodland creatures in a style that she calls "Feltidermy". She's got great items, her pictures are clear and bright, and she's got a great brand.

Photos:

GirlSavage is taking her photos on a clean white background. They look great, and really make her items pop. We had the idea to create a "world" for her creatures. She should take an afternoon to have fun and play around finding a setting in which to shoot her creatures. This will help make her pictures more recognizable and brand her shop.

Also, she should include something in one of her additional pictures to show the size scale of the creatures. Yes, the measurements are there, but it's great to show the buyer exactly how big the item is.

Announcements and Descriptions:

We suggested making her Announcements section short and sweet, and put any shop policy information in the Bio section, so buyers can see her items as soon as they enter her shop! It should be friendly and welcoming, and make us fall in love with her! Her descriptions should also be cute and cheeky, and bring her branding full-circle.

Tags:

GirlSavage could use more tags — this is how buyers find your items in a search. Terms that describe a style or name a color are a great start! Please see here for more suggestions for tags to use.

Also, be sure to check the Do's and Don'ts of Tagging for the rules of what NOT to use as tags.

Much thanks to Squrlgurl and GirlSavage for participating!

Recommended Reading:

This series of articles called I Heart Marketing My Etsy Shop and You Will Too! by tinaseamonster has great information on branding and promoting your shop. They're a must read!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Etsy Teams Spotlight: Etsy PlushTeam

2007-10-05T12:08:00-05:00

On behalf of Etsy, I am proud to introduce the Etsy PlushTeam! Sarawearsskirts had the pleasure of interviewing Etsy PlushTeam leader Megan Green (moogancreations.etsy.com) about this fun and successful Etsy Team.

What's most rewarding about being on an Etsy team for you?
I love the support and friendships that have been created through being on a street team. I have had the opportunity to meet so many like-minded artist that I might not have had the chance to meet, let alone work with. Everyone serves as such a great source of information and inspiration.

What inspired you to start the Etsy Plush team?
The PlushTeam was an idea that had been floating around for a while amongst a few other plush designers. The concept always seemed to fizzle out one way or another. So after a while, I had contacted some of my fellow plush creators and the ball just kept rolling. It seemed overnight that we had twenty artists lined up, and now after just a few months we have close to fifty awesome plush designers. My concept for the team was to create a way to bring all of us together under one roof, so to speak, and spread the plush love. By working as a group we could raise so much more awareness to our shops than we could have as individuals.

What makes handmade plush toys and creatures so special?
One of our first projects as a team was to create a Plush Portrait, a self portrait of ourselves in a plush format. I was really surprised that the immediate response from many team members was that every plush they have created could have been considered a self portrait. In the creation process of making plush creatures you start to create an identity with your work. The more care and attention you offer your doll the more their characteristics truly come to life. Each doll develops a back story and you can let your imagination run free. Every doll becomes an extension of who you are.

What are the team's general goals, and what do you consider success for the team?
Our goals are really all about team support and marketing for one another. Everyone is great when it comes to giving shout-outs to other team members who have had some press. I consider us a success when we are lucky enough to grab a team treasury and someone sells from within the list. Or when someone outside the group comments on the team blog. It's the little things.

How do you delegate work among the team?
This has been very, very tricky and something I am still trying to work on. For the most part I do take on a lot of the responsibilities, but I am trying really hard to ask for help when needed. I am currently trying to form committees for different areas within the team, like projects and marketing. Everyone has been great with stepping up when needed and very patient when I get behind on team tasks. I hope with the creation of the committees it can allow others to take on a more active role and allow everyone to feel like they are giving and getting something back.

In what ways does your team communicate? Do you communicate daily, weekly, etc.?
Many of us communicate daily through a private Flickr account. It's been a great tool for everyone to meet up when they can and check up with all the latest team details. Finding a time for everyone to attend an actual meeting is very difficult. We have members from all over the world and everyone leads such busy lives, so newsletters are another great way for everyone to stay informed and in the know without pouring through all the thread chatter.

How do you balance running a successful Etsy shop and leading up a large team?
This has been another very difficult struggle for me. Learning to delegate is allowing me some room to breath and pay some much needed attention to my shop. It's basically a juggling act. Some days I spend all my time on Mooganness and others I try to devote to the team.

Any other thoughts on teams and Etsy?
Etsy is great! It's amazing to have such an easy format for artist to sell their work to the world. As for teams, I think every seller on Etsy should join at least one and help out in the group when and where you can. Street teams are only as rewarding as the amount of time you can put into them. So step up and join, start a team within a team. Be proactive and supportive of your fellow sellers and team members. I sometimes think we as artist see each others work and say "I can do that" or "I can make that but so much better." Or sometimes consider each other our competition. I think street teams can help bridge that ugly gap that we as artist put upon ourselves and each other by encouraging artist to work together and appreciate what each artist can bring to the group.

Also check out our blog, www.plushteam.com. Stop by and say hi. We have some fun things "stuffed" up our sleeves!

PlushTeam Scramble Hunt Contest!

2007-10-01T12:13:00-05:00

The Etsy PlushTeam has put together a fantastic contest for this first week in October — it's a scavenger hunt / word scramble, and it sounds very, very fun. The game is very easy: 14 PlushTeam members have hidden a version of their logo, PT Stitchy into their shops. Each logo has a different letter. Once you have found all 14 images you must rearrange them to form a phrase.

The prize consist of over $200 worth of plush love from some very talented PlushTeam members, and a thanks to the following team members for donating plush goods to the game: absolutelysmall, pattihaskins, DekvengaDelights, moogancreations, Zeldaloo.

The contest rules are simple.
1. You must have an Etsy account, or sign up for one on the website http://www.etsy.com.
2. Search the participating shops listed below to find PT Sticthy. Each shop has one PT Stitchy hidden somewhere. When you find one write down the letter, then move on to the next shop, then so on and so on.
3. When you’ve found all 14 letters, rearrange them to form a phrase send a convo to moogancreations, with your answer.
4. All correct answers will be placed into a raffle, with the winner chosen at random from all the correct entries.
5. The contest would start on Monday October 1 and last one week, ends on October 8 at midnight. The winner will be announced on October 10 on the team blog, www.plushteam.com and contacted directly.
6. As much as I know we all want to win the bounty for ourselves, PlushTeam members and their families are inelligable from participating.

Participating Etsy shops:
absolutelysmall, pattihaskins, DekvengaDelights, moogancreations, Zeldaloo, KasellKreations, dkoss2, LaurenSmash, nervousonion, moonscreations, ChristinaWard, slcstudio, susarto, Zzbeadz.

Enjoy playing and good luck!

Etsy Finds: Mandragora doll with glow-in-the-dark eyes

2007-09-28T05:12:00-05:00

Today's Etsy Find comes from Nuitblanche, aka Caroline Gaedechens of Hamburg, Germany. I have been following her on Etsy since she joined, and really think you all might enjoy her work too. I first became enchanted with her after seeing her glow-in-the-dark monster magnets, or glühmonster as they are called in her native tongue. I especially love this vampire werewolf with game show host hair.

From there I moved on to her work on paper, and really came to appreciate her artistic sensibilities. I find no fault with anybody who draws bears with the snake-like, eyeball emanations.

That said, you can only imagine my pleasure when she added these plush mandrake dolls.

My wife and I have three little Godchildren, and they will all be getting one of these badboys come X-mas. Whether it is magnets, prints or dolls, I hope you all take a look at Nuitblanche's work. To me is just has a vibe that is original, yet possesses echoes of traditional Inuit art and more modern creators like Marcel Dzama and Henry Darger (two of my favorites.)

Etsy Finds: Heart-y Meat

2007-09-17T12:06:00-05:00

I nominate SweetMeats for our Pick of the Day.

I picked one of these t-bone steaks up when I was at Maker Faire and got to meet SweetMeats personally. They wrapped my plushie purchase in butcher paper with a deli sticker as a tag. It was ingenious packaging for my sneaky birthday present surprise. My friend, the carnivore birthday boy, would be for a moment, tricked into thinking I — the lone vegetarian — was actually giving him a slab o meat for his grill. Surprise! This steak is for you to cuddle with! The plushie t-bone ended up being quite a hit as his BBQ/birthday party gift.

Etsy Finds: WereBear Vest

2007-09-07T10:05:00-05:00

Today's Etsy Find is a little on the bizarre side. (Just the way we like it.)

Etsy's takeoffyourclothes has produced this "Furry Nightmare Vest" for those who want to have their plushie and wear it, too. It's a cool take on reusing a stuffed bear, and also...well, a statement!

And as I always like to say, "Here a bear, there a bear, everywhere a werebear!"

...What? You don't say that, too?