Miki w/a 'tude

I've been stocking up on supplies today so haven't had a chance to do any creating. :(
But here's the little guy I came up with yesterday - another in the Fuzzy Wuzzable collection - Miki. Miki with a bit of an attitude, even though his button reads "be happy." He's for sale in the shop http://www.cindimh.etsy.com/ ~ however the mister has temporairly stolen him for his desk . How funny... I guess it's a little reminder to "be happy" whilst working. ;-)

Recycling Tip # 31

I recycle as much as I possibly can, but had a little lightbulb moment the other day on recycling with a twist.

My sister makes very yummy handmade soaps and body lotions -- http://www.dollyandmesoaps.ibuilder.com/ I know a lot of her overhead goes to her packaging. I've always sent her bottles and boxes and containers to my household recycling bin, but got the idea the other day to wash them thoroughly and start stockpiling them to return to her the next time I see her (we live 800 miles apart). I'm sure she can sterilize the bottles and containers (maybe not the boxes) and re-use them. Hopefully that can save her a couple of buckaroos and in a small way help the environment as well.

Now that's the ultimate in product/packaging recycling, don't ya' think? :)

Booga Booga!

It's been a busy day in the ol' workshop today (which reminds me it's not to soon to start stocking up for Christmas. O man...)

I decided to try something different and experimented with this little monster type guy (a friendly one to start) and have dubbed this new collection "The Fuzzy Wuzzables." I may have to reshoot as I think this little monster (Izzy) is much cuter in person. Quick and easy to make ~ with all kinds of creative possibilities for these guys. My mind is spinning with ideas!

Also thinking of starting to go in new directions with materials - recycling old tees, socks, blankets, jeans to make some of my critters. I'd really love to locate some old (but in good shape) chenille bedspreads! Let me know if you see any out there!

So with two projects done for today, time to whip up some turkey burgers and maybe, maybe work a few more hours tonight.

One Down; One to Go!

For my friend's niece's little girl twin.

Now on to a similar image in blue for her little twin brother. :)

In the Works

My good friend and neighbor has a niece expecting twins - a boy and a girl - at the end of August. She commissioned me to knit two little beanies (done - must remember to post) and two stuffed animals, a bear and a dog.

This is the little pink polka dot bear for the little girl - both in progress. ;-) I'll post a pic of the finished product later.

Hope it's a beautiful Sunday in your part of the world! Sunny and summery out west. After a short walk with Boo, I'm settling into my little sewing studio to crank out a few critters. I played yesterday, so today it's a work day - albeit casual work day - but a work day nonetheless.

Cheers (she says toasting you with a chai tea latte)!

I Heart Special Requests

So those quotes that inspired me to open my shop and have one focus and one focus only? Prophetic.

"Take up one idea. Make that idea your life.Think of it, dream of it, live one idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea,and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success."

*Swami Vivekananda*

[For our economy to survive]

"We have to start making stuff again."

*Peter Schiff, American Economist*

I have found something to do that fulfills my creative spirit and makes me smile every day. Not to mention in some small way I think I'm bringing smiles and just a bit of whimsical happiness to others as well...

Good karma. I have three special orders to fill. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! And thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sparky - the Happy, High Energy 4th of July Dog

Although he looks a tad pink here (and it's possible it is my monitor...), Sparky is actually as red as a delicious apple. He turned out to be one happy guy, too, so it was fun shooting him "up." He's sporting his star-spangled 4th of July ribbon and is ready to party down with fireworks!

I've got to confess I wasn't sure about making a red dog, but as is true of most of my little guys, once they are finished they make me smile. And although I have never watched it I remember my Dad watching "Clifford, the Big Red Dog" when he was well into his 80's. My little 4 year old [at the time] niece got him hooked on it. It was a little strange to see him sitting in his recliner (alone) smiling from ear to ear as he watched this children's cartoon; but it made him happy so who was I to judge.

Ironically, as he lie in hospice during his final days he remarked to me more than once that he saw a big red dog wagging his tail and barking for him to "come over here." We finally surmised he was talking about Clifford, the Big Red Dog. And that made me smile.

So when I turned little Sparky around today after I closed up the final seam and saw his big red dog smile, all I could think of was my dad... And the kicker?

My dad's name was Clifton. Close enough.

Bye Beau!

I waved goodbye to Beau today! He's on his way to his new home in Kentucky. He's a special one so I'm glad he's going to a good home. :)

And I'm back at the sewing machine!

What I Did Today

I created Beau, the blue dog. It's a good thing he's so darned cute because he was a mess to make! He's made of chenille and it sheds. Worse than my real life dog sheds. So my black pants and sewing area are a mess, but he's here! If you'd like to take a closer look, check him out on Cindimh.etsy.com. Seriously, he's a honey. How can you resist that little face? ;-)

http://www.cindimh.etsy.com/

Welcome to my World of Whimsy

So here's the deal. And why I do what I do.

As a little girl I lived in the country ~ miles away from other homes. With my closest sibling being seven years older than I, I often found myself just wandering the perimeter of our farm with a stuffed animal in tow. I talked to them. I read to them. I sang to them (good thing we were in the country). I shared tea parties with them.

But most importantly I couldn't shut my eyes at night without making sure they were all tucked in, blankets up to their chins and lined up side by side on my big bed. I don't recall all the names, but next to me were two teddy bears, a dog, a squirrel and a snake (yes, a snake). I still have the dog. I won't say how old he is but... he's old.

Because they were such an integral part of my childhood, as an adult I still have an affinity for stuffed animals. Having spent the last five years focused (ha! no pun intended) solely on photography, I was searching for a new direction. For some reason - still unknown - this creating stuffed animals idea popped into my head. I told myself, "You know how to sew. How hard can it be?"

So I cleared off the work table, dusted off the ol' Singer, bought some fleece fabric and a pattern and began. And became addicted. I opened a little shop on Etsy and dubbed it "freckles & friends" (because, yes, I've still got the childhood freckles and, yes, I've still got the childhood affection for stuffed animals).

Each one is made with love ~ I know that sounds trite, but it's true. Every time I send one off to a new home, I miss 'em. Because what a little cuddly dog or bear - or giraffe - represents to me is comfort. Comfort to a child (of any age) who may feel lonely or sad or just in need of a buddy to walk with.

I know what my little critters meant to me as a child. If I can bring happiness or comfort or fun to another child (again, of any age), then I am one happy girl.

Stay tuned to my blog here ~ I'll post updates on my latest projects and news of ones to come. And I may just say what I watched on Netflix last night (Milk - for the second time); or the last concert I went to (Marc Cohn & Katie Herzig in Boulder - it was great); or what I'm eating for breakfast (because I know you can't take one more breath without knowing ~ lowfat vanilla yogurt, strawberries, grapes and a few walnuts).

And I will always, always thank you for stepping into my world for just a few minutes. :) What's happening in yours?