Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Karabouts
I got a really sweet email yesterday from Kara of Karabouts. Her stuff is awesome! I love that fisherman! and this guy!
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Softlife Plush Exclusive and Interview
My friend Coco is the woman behind Softlife. I had no idea that she made the most magical creatures on the planet until I saw her show at her, now husband's shop, Anne Bonny. Her work is inspiring, eye catching and super loveable. She has made some really fun, summery (which we need big time in these parts) guys for her plush exclusive. These will begin going on sale July 7th. Until then learn a bit about the maker.
S- What was your inspiration behind this exclusive?
SL- My inspiration behind this line of toys was New Rave and a longing for the bright and happy colors of summer.
S- One of your dream projects?
SL- There are so many! One thing I would love to do is make a collection of five foot tall Denizens that sprout grass and leave them all over the city. Giant Chia pets everywhere!
S- You will be a vendor at Urban Craft Uprising! What will mainly be for sale at your booth?
SL- I am going for a carny theme this summer. I have been designing plush toys that are reminiscent of the types of plush prizes I won as a child at the 50th state fair in Hilo. I am also working on a line of plush prize fighters, which for some reason, seem to me to fit in with the whole carney vibe. I will also have Sweater Beast kits, needle felted throw pillows, felted wall hangings, and as always, lots of strange plush creatures.
S- Where you might like to see your art in the next 5 years?
SL- To be honest, I don't really think that far ahead! I have many, many projects that I hope to realize in the next few years, and i would love to teach my Creature Classes to children in other countries. I have been thinking a lot lately about the feasibility of of being a traveling street vendor. The idea of selling art on the street both in the US and abroad, really appeals to me. I have been raising kids for twenty one years now, and being a vagabond sounds very romantic!
S- What are you looking forward to this summer (if it should ever arrive)?
SL- I am looking forward to being home and making art with my husband, Spencer. I will have a month off in August, and I look forward to having time to paint, play guitar, and taking the needle felted wall hangings in a new direction.
S- What was your inspiration behind this exclusive?
SL- My inspiration behind this line of toys was New Rave and a longing for the bright and happy colors of summer.
S- One of your dream projects?
SL- There are so many! One thing I would love to do is make a collection of five foot tall Denizens that sprout grass and leave them all over the city. Giant Chia pets everywhere!
S- You will be a vendor at Urban Craft Uprising! What will mainly be for sale at your booth?
SL- I am going for a carny theme this summer. I have been designing plush toys that are reminiscent of the types of plush prizes I won as a child at the 50th state fair in Hilo. I am also working on a line of plush prize fighters, which for some reason, seem to me to fit in with the whole carney vibe. I will also have Sweater Beast kits, needle felted throw pillows, felted wall hangings, and as always, lots of strange plush creatures.
S- Where you might like to see your art in the next 5 years?
SL- To be honest, I don't really think that far ahead! I have many, many projects that I hope to realize in the next few years, and i would love to teach my Creature Classes to children in other countries. I have been thinking a lot lately about the feasibility of of being a traveling street vendor. The idea of selling art on the street both in the US and abroad, really appeals to me. I have been raising kids for twenty one years now, and being a vagabond sounds very romantic!
S- What are you looking forward to this summer (if it should ever arrive)?
SL- I am looking forward to being home and making art with my husband, Spencer. I will have a month off in August, and I look forward to having time to paint, play guitar, and taking the needle felted wall hangings in a new direction.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Whip Up Quilt Along
If you have not gotten your hands on a copy of Whip Up Mini Quilts: Patterns and How-to for 26 Contemporary Small Quilts
, you need to go and get it now! Kathreen is doing a really cool quilt along each week for the next 6 weeks on Whip Up. I still need to make another baby quilt so this might be exactly what I need to get my butt in gear! That circus quilt is too awesome not to make!
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Perfect Forecast
Friday, July 02, 2010
Meet Our Judges!
Next judge is Sarah Standard from Carissa's Weird. I feel like I am one of those lucky one's that got to see Carissa's Weird play in Seattle more than one time. They were magical and sweet and are reuniting for one show. It should be a great show so if you're in the area, be sure to go! Sarah plays the violin like no one's business and I am so excited to have her judging this challenge. Here is a little interview I did with her. Enjoy!
S- Can you give us a quick run down of your music career thus far?
SS- Let's see- I started playing when I was little, and started playing in bands when I moved to Seattle. The first three bands I played in were all with Robin Peringer (the original drummer for Carissa's Wierd): Small Stars, Stella Maris, and then Carissa's Wierd. After that I played with Plan B, a laptop/ live instruments thing. I lived in NYC for a while and played with lots of random bands. I've lately been playing in a new band, Indian Burn. So that wasn't quick, but that's the run down!
S- The first time I saw Carissa's Weird I was really impressed with your awesomeness. It's not THAT often you see a rockin' violin up on stage. Carissa's Weird is reuniting after many years apart. Lot's have happened in those years to you and the rest of the band members. Are you excited to be all back together again?
SS- short answer- yes! I truly adore them and it has been super fun to have the chance to all play together again.
S- Of all your talents, what would you say your favorite is?
SS- my ability to remember a good joke, speak five languages, and sew my own dresses... wait, those are all talents I would like to have...
S- Top 10 all time favorite bands?
SS- I always have a hard time with the top ten anything, but here goes: American Analog Set, Built to Spill, Notwist, Elliott Smith, Mos Def, Antony and the Johnsons, 764-Hero, The Cure, Richard Buckner, Velvet Underground. 10!
S- Can you give us a quick run down of your music career thus far?
SS- Let's see- I started playing when I was little, and started playing in bands when I moved to Seattle. The first three bands I played in were all with Robin Peringer (the original drummer for Carissa's Wierd): Small Stars, Stella Maris, and then Carissa's Wierd. After that I played with Plan B, a laptop/ live instruments thing. I lived in NYC for a while and played with lots of random bands. I've lately been playing in a new band, Indian Burn. So that wasn't quick, but that's the run down!
S- The first time I saw Carissa's Weird I was really impressed with your awesomeness. It's not THAT often you see a rockin' violin up on stage. Carissa's Weird is reuniting after many years apart. Lot's have happened in those years to you and the rest of the band members. Are you excited to be all back together again?
SS- short answer- yes! I truly adore them and it has been super fun to have the chance to all play together again.
S- Of all your talents, what would you say your favorite is?
SS- my ability to remember a good joke, speak five languages, and sew my own dresses... wait, those are all talents I would like to have...
S- Top 10 all time favorite bands?
SS- I always have a hard time with the top ten anything, but here goes: American Analog Set, Built to Spill, Notwist, Elliott Smith, Mos Def, Antony and the Johnsons, 764-Hero, The Cure, Richard Buckner, Velvet Underground. 10!
Toy Story
I haven't seen the new Toy Story
film yet but I heard it's really good. I have plans to see it after Urban Craft Uprising. If you have a fan, make this adorable Woody!
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Battle of the Bands Challenge!
Sign up today!
Photo from Angelbot
Here's how to play!
You email me to say you would like to participate (just so I have an idea how many there will be). Send email to kristen(at)schmancytoys(dot)com with the subject line saying Battle of the Bands
Choose a musician or band (dead or alive) to turn into plush.
You have until Sept. 1st to send me a photo (just one please) of your plush rendition. I will put all photos up by Sept. 4th. Then the judges (to be announced soon and there are some goodies including a musician and a dj from kexp!!!) will choose a 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place winner in these categories:
Best Likeness
Rock Star Choice Award (best representation of song)
Roadies Choice (most rockin')
Winners will receive prizes including a mix tape made by me along with some other goodies.
When you submit your photo PLEASE INCLUDE your website or blog or etsy shop and what musician or band you transformed into stuffed awesomeness. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE ONE TO PLAY.
** If you want to send me a photo I would like to get some of the work in here by Sept. 1st to do a window display. If your piece is approved you can send it here for the window and to be sold in the shop! (it will still be apart of the challenge as well)
Rock on!
Photo from Angelbot
Here's how to play!
You email me to say you would like to participate (just so I have an idea how many there will be). Send email to kristen(at)schmancytoys(dot)com with the subject line saying Battle of the Bands
Choose a musician or band (dead or alive) to turn into plush.
You have until Sept. 1st to send me a photo (just one please) of your plush rendition. I will put all photos up by Sept. 4th. Then the judges (to be announced soon and there are some goodies including a musician and a dj from kexp!!!) will choose a 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place winner in these categories:
Best Likeness
Rock Star Choice Award (best representation of song)
Roadies Choice (most rockin')
Winners will receive prizes including a mix tape made by me along with some other goodies.
When you submit your photo PLEASE INCLUDE your website or blog or etsy shop and what musician or band you transformed into stuffed awesomeness. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE ONE TO PLAY.
** If you want to send me a photo I would like to get some of the work in here by Sept. 1st to do a window display. If your piece is approved you can send it here for the window and to be sold in the shop! (it will still be apart of the challenge as well)
Rock on!
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