Quick ~ Make A Wish!

One of the things I love most about making my little critters and all that goes with them, is it allows me a venue in which I can give back ~ pay it forward. A new cause just kind of fell into my lap when an awesome customer asked if I would be interested in donating a couple of Wee Ones to a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado.

Is that even a question? Of course I want to!

So, nothing gets the wheels of creativity churning like a new theme. The fundraiser has a sports theme dubbed as "Sporting Affair Celebrity Waiter Dinner." It will be held at Denver's brand spankin' new Four Seasons Hotel and feature silent and live auctions along with a dinner served by Colorado's favorite sports heroes.

So. Sports... In a sports-crazy town and state, I'm more of a theatre, comedy, music person; but I love a challenge! So, keeping copyright restrictions in mind (i.e., don't use any copyrighted logo fabric; the pro organizations -and their attorneys - frown on that), I pondered the project.

What I came up with was the idea to look at the mascots of each Denver/Colorado pro teams and the mascots of the top four universities in Colorado. I decided to make "impressionistic" versions of the mascots in the form of my Wee Ones, using each team's colors.

The photo above depicts my version of the four professional teams' mascots:

• Buckaroo representing the Denver Broncos (football)


• Raquel representing the Denver Nuggets (basketball)


• Dinah representing the Colorado Rockies (baseball)


• Bert representing the Colorado Avalanche (hockey)

Today I tackle the mascots for the University of Colorado, the University of Northern Colorado, Colorado State University and the University of Denver (which will prove to be the most challenging as there appears to be some controversy over exactly which of two mascots is the real mascot! Yikes!)

But to my point (and I do have one!) ~ I decided why stop the love with the fundraising dinner? So I will be carrying a line of sports-themed Wee Ones (and other Wee Ones) in my Etsy shop indefinitely with 10% of each sale going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Colorado.

Thanks for stopping by. :)

Wee Travelers are Here!

The next idea...

Voilà! Introducing "Wee Travelers" ~ little travel bags for kids! Something I've been thinking about for awhile and finally had time to work up a prototype. Mind you, these aren't the best images; I found it difficult to find the proper lighting for this particular item, but you get the idea.

"Wee Travelers" will be offered in a couple of sizes ~ this particular cupcake version is larger ~ about 12 inches high and 28 inches in diameter. It sports a cupcake appliqued pocket on the front and another pocket on the inside in the pink and white striped lining. Both fabrics on this model are flannel - super soft and completely washable ~ and the bag has a Velcro closure (easy for little hands to manipulate). A coordinating ribbon on the 18 inch handles and a cute pink heart button on the outer pocket complete the bag.

Of course there will be "manly" bags for boys as well; and I will be making a smaller version, too. The bags are perfect for overnights at Grandmas; play dates with friends; traveling on an airplane (they'll make it thru security just fine!); going to the beach, the lake, the mountains; going to the market with Mom or on a camping trip with Dad.

OR ~ the bags will be perfect for carrying a Wee One (or two!) along on all those adventures!!

More to come. This cupcake bag may or may not show up in my Etsy shop ~ I haven't decided yet. It may be going to a special little girl... Stay tuned for all kinds of bags and especially the "Wee Travelers" for guys coming soon, too!

New Year ~ New Ideas!

Not one to make New Year's Resolutions, I have always been one to set goals for a new year. Goals seem more positive to me than resolving that I've been doing something wrong. *wink*

And fortunately each new year brings new ideas for projects ~ everything from photography to things around the house to, of course, my designs for little ones. I've been a little obsessed the last couple of days with the thought of personalizing things. (This may eventually involve upgrading my sewing equipment, but we'll have to see how the year goes. *wink*)

Till then, here is my first personalized item ~ a plush pillow with your child's (or your!) initial. Of course I see sets of three for all three initials (first, middle and last name). Or if one wanted to spell out a short name; or a couple's initials on one or two pillows to celebrate a wedding or anniversary. Ack, the possibilities are endless.

And I'm chomping at the bit to get to the sewing machine for the next idea for personalization. So here is to 2011. Bring it on! :)

Finding Direction

When I opened my Etsy Shop about 18 months ago it was a mixed bag of photography, knit hats, note cards, dog treats and stuffed animals. Initially I thought ~ wow, what an opportunity to showcase all my interests!

Three months in (after a thoughtful hike along the East Bay in San Francisco/Berkeley) I made the decision to narrow down what I offered in my shop. I felt that the wide array of items offered were perhaps working against me ~ that maybe potential customers were confused when they entered my shop. Was I a photographer? A seamstress? A baker? A knitter? I was confused; I can only imagine what visitors thought.

On this early morning walk along the San Francisco Bay, watching the sun rise and reflect off the city skyline I thought about two things: (1) Considering all my interests, which offered me the most satisfaction and the most happiness? and (2) Considering all my interests, which presented the opportunity to actually make some money?

Although photography was, and will always be, a passion, it is an extremely competitive market. I have always had an affinity for stuffed animals, so I decided to focus on that.

So I did. And sales picked up. Within six months I began designing my own stuffed animals and developed a line of one-of-a-kind "Wee Ones." Sales hit an all time high at that point. A few shops across the country began to approach me interested in consignment possibilities.

Wanting to stretch my imagination and creativity a bit (because I have to admit I like creating new things) I recently expanded into applique plush pillows and applique baby bibs. And then I remembered ~ oh yeah, I know how to make knit beanies/hats. It is fun to go from one line to another ~ to mix it up a bit. But this time, I realized I had unconsciously created a new focus.

While at a networking social the other night a few people inevitably asked, "So what do you do?" I instinctively handed them a business card and said, "I make stuff for kids." They knew immediately what I do.

And with that, I realized ~ I have a direction. I have a demographic I can focus on; I have a market I can cater to. I know what shops to contact; I know how to promote my business. Everything makes sense now. :)

Direction. It makes all the difference.

Monday Morning Advice: Leap and Trust.

I remember walking past this skull and crossbones flannel fabric in the store and thinking, "Oh that's cute."

Walk past again; thinking, "But is it too edgy?"

Walk past again; thinking, "But I like it. It's my quirky personality. If I like it, surely someone else will like it, too."

Walk back, pick up the bolt of fabric and think, "Oh, go for it."

So I did. And I'm glad I did because it taught me something ~ to trust my instincts. If I like it I'm going to have fun creating it. And if I like it, chances are someone else will like it as well. It is a philosophy I adopted with my photography a few years ago ~ to be a little daring and different and not worry about what other people think ~ and now I am carrying that philosophy into my new world of creating things for kids. Design things that make me smile and I will bet you a dollar someone else will smile as well.

So my Monday morning advice? Don't hide your personality ~ let it show in your work! Don't worry about pleasing everyone because you never will! Dare to be a little "out there" because there are friends "out there," too! And it's a helluva' lot more fun. :)

I was reminded of this with my friend, Kathleen's recent blog post about photography. If you create things you like that's really all that matters. Because that will reflect in your work; you're happy; you will probably touch or inspire someone ~~ and it is a win-win!

So I had so much fun creating this little bib yesterday. And guess who bought it early this morning?

Kathleen. Point made. :)

Certain Things. Like the Tooth Fairy.

Three things are certain. Death (sorry to tell ya'); taxes (again, my sympathies); and kids will lose their baby teeth.

In Ireland and Great Britain, children used to bury baby teeth. In some Asian countries, children throw their lost tooth off the roof or into the space below the floor (depending on where the tooth was located in the mouth). In Japan, children throw the tooth straight down or straight up in the air (again depending on where the tooth was located in the mouth). *

And in America, of course, children leave their woebegone tooth under their pillows or in a "safer" (for the Tooth Fairy) place such as a Tooth Fairy pillow in hopes they will receive a reward (usually monetary). In my day it was a nickel; I am scared to think what it is today... But that's neither here nor there ~ the need still exists!

So the new addition in my Etsy shop cmh design are Tooth Fairy pillows.
Of course. ;-)

*Source - Wikipedia

Pillows. They're Not Just for Kids Anymore.

When I began designing pillows a few weeks ago, the first designs definitely had a "kid-friendly" feel and that was the direction in which I thought I would go.

Not so fast. ;-) I soon began getting requests from some big kids (aka adults). My sister-in-law from the Great White North wanted a few in Canadian themes ~ thinking snowflakes for the coming winter; my son wanted a dragon for his wife, a student in Chinese Medical School; a friend wanted a sailboat befitting his New England home.

So, although the majority of the designs I come up with will most likely be centered around kids, I'm always open to requests from those big kids, too. Because as my friend Jeff says, "Pillows are just stuffed animals for men." And apparently, women, too. :)

(Check out the possibilities @ cmh design. Just go to "Shop" page to find the links to all my venues! Or got directly to my Etsy shop cmh design.)

Everything is Ducky. Super Ducky!

My Dad was a man of few words. Very few. So when he did say something I remembered it. There are two comments he made during my adult life that I distinctly remember.

One was:
"You sure know how to make work for yourself."

And:
While visiting one summer he watched from his chair in front of the TV as I ran up and down stairs many times. He said, "Cindi. I get tired just watching you."

Obviously I take after my Mom. ;-)

So deciding to add a line of applique pillows to freckles & friends has created a lot of work for me. But soooooo much fun as well! An incredibly delicious amount of fun! I'm having a blast and just two days in have started receiving special orders. I am planning to specialize in simple, whimsical designs for nurseries and children's rooms. (But I'm not adverse to designing for adults as well!) I am thrilled that all of the beautiful gift shops I partner with have requested supplies. A few pillows will be making their debut at On A Lark's 2nd Sidewalk Fair this Saturday, July 17 from 10am - 2 pm. If you're in the area, stop by and check them out for yourself.

If you're not in the area, stay tuned because they will soon be appearing in Stoopher & Boots in New York City and Modern Mouse in the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda), as well as in my Etsy shop . :)

Sweet as Sugar

Sometimes the things you least expect turn out to be the happiest.

While doing an early Spring Cleaning of my fabric closet I came across pink chenille fabric that I had cut out for a bunny. And for whatever reason, I had only part of the bunny. I looked thru my newly organized (by color) fabrics I discovered I was out of pink chenille, but I did have white. Since my Mom always taught me to be frugal and make the most of whatever I had, I decided to make a multi-colored bunny and see how it would turn out.

The finished product, little Sugar, made me smile. Big. And I haven't stopped smiling yet. :)

You can find Sugar and other Easter critters in my shop freckles & friends Thanks for taking a peek and have a terrific Thursday!

Valentine's Day is Just Around the Corner!

Valentine's Day is less than a month away! Rebecca is in the shop just waiting to be adopted. She's just a little bear - 9" tall sitting down and would make a great Valentine for your favorite Valentine!

Stay tuned to the shop for more Valentines joining her!

The Skinny

Two new additions in the shop today ~ two skinny rabbits, Kipp and Caroline. They are smaller than my large loppy-eared rabbits, but similar. They sit 8" tall and are cute as can be. They are actually a little Easter preview.

But I figure bunnies are good any time of year. :)

Do It for the Kids!

I'll bet it's true in every part of the country ~ I know it is in Denver. The Toys for Tots program operated each year by the US Marines, is desperate for toys. The world being what it is these days, they have received more requests from families in need than ever before and accordingly, donations are at an all time low.

If you live in Denver and can donate anything ~ a yo-yo, a basketball, a doll - anything ~ you can drop them off tomorrow from 6:00am-6:00pm at any American Furniture in town; a couple of Super Wal-Marts (9449 Sheridan in Westminster or 9400 East Hampden in Denver, Bass ProShop 7970 Northfield in Stapleton; or the warehouse for Toys for Tots in Aurora, 12601 East 33rd every day from 8am - 5pm until December 23.

And if you don't live in Denver, consider giving in your community. It's all about the kids.

I decided to start my own tradition this year and go thru my "freckles & friends" inventory in December and donate anything that hasn't sold. What an easy thing to do!! I clear my shelves to make room for new stock in the new year ~ and maybe some little one will go to bed on Christmas night with a smile and a new best friend.

Win-Win. :D

Maya, Pippin and Marcus

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Or at least winter ~ as mooses and penguins invade my studio.

This trio was a special order and will be winging their way around the country as Christmas gifts for two little girls and a little guy. The penguin was my first and presented a couple of challenges, but I've got him figured out now. It is surprising how just adding a little scarf can make a special and fun look.

On tap for this snowy, cold day in Colorado ~ two bunnies, two mooses, a turtle and a lizard. Then sleep. ;-)

Holidays are Approaching!

It's beginning to look a little more like Christmas in my Etsy shop! Slowly but surely. I've been swamped with local orders ~ all word of mouth ~ so have had little time to devote to my online shop. Yay for sales, but boo for not being able to update online!

At any rate, these three pups ~ Candy (she sports candy canes on her coat), Avery (that means Christmas elf) and Lumi (that means "snow" in Finnish) are in the shop! I'm hoping to have many more holiday creatures there soon ~ especially in time for my featured spot in the Etsy Toy Showcase on November 27! Stay tuned. :)

For the Ladies of Cedar Place.

This is the cutest story ever.

In September my Mom turned 91. For her birthday I, of course, sent her a freckles & friends long-eared bunny. I mean, what else would you give a 91 year old? My Mom has been a coffee-lover her entire life so I found some fabric that would suit her taste ~

Mom lives in a lovely retirement community. Apparently she loved the bunny (dubbed Coco) so much she carried it to her afternoon coffee with the girls. And then to a birthday party. And then to Bingo the next day. You get the idea ~ Mom's a great saleswoman.

It only took about 10 days before she sent me a little slip of handwritten orders for 17 animals ~ all different shapes and sizes and breeds and colors and designs.

I have since sent my Mom business cards that say "Vice President of Sales, Midwestern Region."

It took awhile to complete the project (especially because my 35 y o sewing machine died mid-production), but they were all bagged (gift bags), tagged (named and a little story about each one) and shipped last Friday. Following the tracking numbers, I do believe they arrived today.

I cannot wait to hear their reaction...

She Was Worth It.

I've always said I really dislike working with chenille because it is so messy ~ it sheds so there is lint everywhere when working with it. (I'd post a pic of the floor of my studio, but it's embarrassing!) Lint in my eyes. Lint in my nose - a lot of sneezing ensues. Lint all over my black knit pants. I know. Don't wear black knit pants when working with pink chenille. Duh.

So I had sworn off chenille until I got two special requests for chenille dogs. A sale is a sale, so I although I left them till the very end of the large order, I forged ahead ~ lint and all. A baby blue chenille dog came to life and then came this little sweet pink one. Too much cuteness. I can't stand it. She's in her gift bag here, waiting to be shipped off.

Once I surrendered to the lint and just ignored it, well, it wasn't so painful after all. Next on tap ~ I'm going to make a chenille puppy (or bunny) for myself! I realized the other day I don't have any of my own animals and these chenille ones just call to me!

Too

Much

Cuteness. :)

Gigi and Emma

Because so many of our Breast Cancer Comfort Friends have been leaving us, two new ones joined the freckles & friends shop today. Gigi the cat (above) is feisty and has a bit of a 'tude. She's spunky and full of spit 'n vinegar ~ just the kind of friend you want by your side when you're fighting cancer!

Emma the bunny is a more gentle friend, but will be be your side all the way thru, too. She's a quiet bunny full of love and hugs.

Some of Them are Just a Little More Special...

One of my favorite things about sewing is finding awesome fabrics. I know some of the designs and patterns I choose one would not look at and instantly think, "OMG that will make the cutest dog!" But I absolutely love thinking outside the box when it comes to fabrics. The stranger they are - the cuter I think the animal will be. :)

So Buzz (above) the "Coffee Mate" dog turned out so darned cute I can't stop smiling. And Ruby (made of multi-colored autumn leaves fleece) is (if I do say so myself) adorable! Go figure...

Wait till you see what I've got in store for Christmas... :)

Gearing up for a showcase on Etsy on Sunday, the 13th. I'll be featuring my breast cancer "comfort friends" and other autumnal little fellas and girls. It's going to be a blast. :)

Breast Cancer Comfort Friends...

Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts early (and will stay late) in my shop. I have a commitment to finding a cure not just for family members who suffered for many years, but for all those affected. Please check out my “Breast Cancer Comfort” category featuring “Comfort Friends” for anyone who has been touched by breast cancer…

Until the end of October, 20% of each sale will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Comfort Friends will be added on a continual basis, so if you don’t see anyone you want to adopt today, please check back!

Rebecca here is the first friend in the shop. She's a little different in that she is made of cotton flannel, but still very soft and cuddly!