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These are now online for you to purchase.  They are AWESOME!

Ninon Exclusive and Interview

 I am so so excited about this latest exclusive by Berlin based artist, Ninon.  I have been a HUGE fan of her work for a long time now and I am so happy to have her work here.  I finally purchased one of her pieces at the show in LA and I stare at it every day and feel so happy to be doing what I do.  Her work is pure art...three dimensional awesome.  This exclusive will be on sale starting tomorrow, Nov. 3rd.  If you want to check them out beforehand and perhaps put one on hold view them all here.  Let's learn more about this fantastic artist.  

 S- What was your inspiration behind this exclusive?

 

N- For my Schmancy exclusive I wanted something that was simple yet distinctive of the way I usually work, so I decided  to go for some little creatures with different fabrics and facial expressions, rendered with the free hand machine embroidery technique. I like the fact that in this way their faces are really close to a soft and textured 3D illustration... I've called them "The Little Friends" because they are more human-looking than my regular Les Monstris, and a bit smaller, so you can always  carry one of them around :) 

 

 

S- How did you get into making magical creatures?

 

N- Ten years ago I shared a studio with some other people in northern Italy, and we got plenty of space to mess around... my first creatures were made with papier mache and then painted. During that same period my mother taught me how to use a sewing machine: I always had a passion for fabrics and color combinations, so I transferred my ideas on the softer side of plushies.
 I think I remember the exact moment when I thought "how cool it would be to make a living out of making magical creatures?" it seemed a big challenge, of course, but in the years this dream never abandoned me, and with the help of internet and its growing craft community I got to know many different people that was living the same challenge. This has helped a lot and still helps me everyday, bringing me motivations and big smiles when I see that someone likes what I make :)
 

 

S- I love all the fabrics you use in your work.  Where do you find most of your fabrics?

 

N- I've been collecting fabrics for almost 10 years now... when I travel I always look for fabric shops, or places where I can find vintage fabrics. Sometimes I find a vintage dress that doesn't even fit me, but if it's made of a good vintage fabric I buy it to use for my Les Monstris. Friends or relatives who know about this passion bring me some presents sometimes! I'd say that basically I spend more money on fabric and supplies than on clothes for myself... 

 

 

S- I was the one that bought one of your pieces in LA!  I love it so much and look at it every night and smile.  I feel like it really has added to my collection in that way to say, "yeah see this is art!".  How have you seen the plush community evolve and how do you explain that your stuffed creations are really a work of art?

 

N- WOW, I cannot express how happy  it makes me knowing that you, the Queen of the Plush Community, choose one of my Les Monstris to bring home!!! Thank you a billion times for such enthusiastic words about my works...
I'd say that I still consider myself a crafter more than an artist...  but in a way I see each creature that I make as a work of art in the sense that each piece is unique with its own details and "personality"...
 This is a tricky question also because of the subtle but important difference between seeing an object as a toy or as a work of art. I think that the evolution of the plush community is noticeable especially in this, with the ever growing appreciation of plushies by adults. More and more people have started to buy plushies not for their children, but just because they find that these creatures satisfy their need for something funny, ironic, colorful... just like you said, to look at it and smile :) 

 

 

S- I hear that Berlin is very artsy (i hope to visit next summer) and has a great community.  How does it foster your work?

 

N- Uh, I'd love to be your Berlin guide if you'll make it next summer!!!
You're right, the choice of interesting things to do around Berlin is almost overwhelming... Sometimes I wish I was more outgoing: when there are so many things going on you almost feel guilty staying at home, eheh...
Some of my closest  friends are people I've met at craft markets or at small art galleries openings: it is a great way to get connections and advices, and friendships!
Some of my favorite places are the Stricken Bar (Knitting bar) and La Bastellerie: these are great little spaces that give the opportunity to meet other artists/crafters and trigger new events...
 

 

S- What are you looking forward to as winter approaches?

N- Being that last winter has been the worst for me, so incredibly long and cold and snowy, my first thought is "I am looking forward to the beginning of spring!"... but I still enjoy the ugly weather that makes me feel cozy at home, it's perfect for sewing!

In the next weeks I will be working for an exhibition that will be held here in Berlin at Staalplaat, a record store specialized in avantgarde music that hosts also different exhibitions by indipendent artists (opening the 18th of dDecember). I will present some of my new works as well as works in collaboration with Bera, an artist friend who recently moved to Berlin.
And I also hope that a lot of Little Friends will reach new homes for Christmas ;)

Devout Dolls Exclusive and Interview

Our LAST EXCLUSIVE until November is with one of my favorite people Sara from Devout Dolls.  Sara and I recently went to Disneyland together and had a blast!  I have known Sara for years now through various things that we do.  From craft shows, to business classes and, of course, our love of plush.  It has made us good buddies so it was extra special to have some quality time together in Southern California.  Anyways, I am so happy to introduce her to you if you don't know her yet (if that's possible) and her amazing plushies that will be here starting Sept. 29th!  This will be the last one until November since Plush You! is one big plush exclusive :)  Until then, read more about this amazingly versatile plush maker!

S- What was your inspiration behind this exclusive?

DD- I love all kinds of animals but my very favorite also happens to be my BFF. My Chihuahua Rubin is a continuing source of inspiration for me. His over-sized ears and buggy eyes, his tiny body with the giant personality. It's the perfect mix for a cute and crazy plush.

S- You have had a long history now with making plush and other awesomeness.  How did you start? 

DD- I started in 1997 by making dolls and monsters just for fun. My mom has always been a doll maker and has taught me a lot through her own business of making fun fabric things. Once I showed off my creations, people seemed to really like them so this encouraged me to give it a go. I found a store next to my house that shared my same sensibilities (Apocalypse Hardware) and I had such an amazing reaction from people. Eventually it all took over and I was able to do it full-time. Thanks fans!!! xoxo

S-What lessons have you learned since the beginning that have really stuck with you?

DD- That this business is really hard work and to really make it survive, you have to have a lot of patience and stamina. Most importantly though, you have to really enjoy it. It's a labor of love for sure. I've also learned, if you want to make it, you have to try as many outlets for selling as possible. I think the reason I'm still around is because I'm doing as many different things as I can. I do retail with my website, Etsy, and shows and  I also do wholesale and consignment. When one thing slows down, usually the other thing will pick up. I always have a back-up. It's a fine balance but it all ends up working together.

S- Favorite tool you could not live one day without?

DD-I thrive off of tools, some would say you're only as good as your tools. My favorite is a pair of surgical forceps. I use them for everything. Turning, stuffing, pinching (like pliers). They're great! That and a good pair of sharp scissors!

S- Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

DD- Well, hopefully I'll still be going strong with my business. I'd hope, by then, I'll be super organized and on top of things and it will practically run itself. That's wishful thinking though. I don't really want to get so big that I'm having things made for me, that doesn't really appeal. I just want to be able to still make all the things I imagine up have people continue to like them. I feel so super lucky to have this be my job. I'm just going to try to make it last as long as I possibly can! Although, if I could do it from a little cottage in the South of France, I'd be up for that too! ;)

Knitimals Plush Exclusive and Interview!

Danamarie of Knitimals fame came to Plush You! the first year that people seemed to really make the treck out to see the show.  I was so honored and humbled to have folks come out from far and wide.  Ironically her little brother was with her, fell in love with the city and moved out here and now works across the street from little old Schmancy.  The world is small and full of good surprises.  This is only one of many surprises that Knitimals represents.  We will be releasing these adorable little guys on Sept. 15th.  In the meantime, let's see what's been up with the artist.

S- What was your inspiration behind this exclusive?

K- I knew I wanted to do something colorful & bright (which is pretty easy for me), and it had to be soft and snuggly (so I decided to go with uber soft fleece). The Knitimals always have a red heart on their chests, and the OoAKies always have a heart on their cheeks, so a heart SOMEWHERE seemed inevitable. I started thinking about love and the way we carry love around with us. Being 7 months pregnant, these day I am carrying MY love around in my belly! So, it all kinda clicked for me--- my exclusives would carry love in their bellies & sort of commemorate the way I'm feeling right now.

S- Did you do anything fun and exciting this summer?

K- I did! Aside from a few road trips to Boston & Maine, which we love, and catching up with friends all up and down the east coast, I was super busy with art shows & craft fairs. We saw some great concerts & went to the farmer's market a lot. AND my husband and I got to go on the first REAL vacation we've had in a long time. We spent a week at the beach in Delaware & played skee-bal and ate fries with vinegar and watched the fireworks over the ocean. It was like being 10, but with more freedom & extra pocket money for the boardwalk. I didn't bring any work with me (and I NEVER do that) and we spent our evenings reading to each other. It was fantastic. Then at the end of August, I shared a booth with some of the other gals in the Baltimore Etsy Street Team, at the Buyers Market of American Craft and got to introduce my work to a new group of retail buyers... different from a beach vacation, but still pretty fun & exciting.

S- Where would you like to see your plushies on vacation?

K- Ooh, all this vacation talk is making me want a summer do-over. Well, *I* would like to go to Hawaii, so, I think it would only be polite to help them plan a trip there. I could see these guys enjoying a good luau. I imagine they'd be good surfers and I know they like pineapple. Then, of course, there's Germany. I've always wanted to go and my brother just got back from a trip there... I was jealous, and I could sense the Love Bellies were jealous too. And Iceland! Sweaters and green hills and Sigur Ros? Yeah, I think the Love Bellies would enjoy a three pronged vacation. Can we set that up?

S- If your little guys could talk, what do you think they would talk about?

K- Mostly they'd make small talk. They're friendly & generally open to learning about new things. But when they're left alone, to talk amongst themselves, I think they'd talk about baked goods. I can't tell you how many times I've walked into my studio and been convinced that I had just interrupted a colorful debate over brownies versus cookies. Some of them strike me as staunch banana bread types, while others have cupcake written all over them. It's not my place to get involved. I think they're all right.

 

 

S- Any exciting plans for the rest of the year?

K- um, yeah... what was it again? something pretty exciting... but what was it? what was... oh yeah, a BABY! We're less than a couple months away from finally meeting our little boy and I am SO excited! I am, admittedly, a little bummed that I won't be able to come out for Plush You this year, but otherwise the timing is really great. I'm doing one more big show and then I'll be putting my shop on vacation so my husband and I can just focus on our little dude. We're looking forward to just being at home & soaking in all the sweetness. He's due a week before our anniversary and we can't think of a better present. Plus, we'll have all that extra love around us for the holidays (and we won't have to cook!). I've been making him some pretty awesome dolls and blankets & stuff too and I can't wait to finally have an "excuse" to KEEP the *really* cute stuff I've made. I'm in full on nesting mode-- painting a mural, sorting the tiny little clothes we've been given, preparing our dachshund for his new brother and just generally getting ready for all kinds of  awesomeness. And I've heard that Scorpios are super cool people (right, Kristen?). (kristen says "hahaha YES!)

Now at Schmancy

Get one today! Latest plush exclusive with Cotton Monster

Cotton Monster Plush Exclusive and Interview

This Wednesday, the latest plush exclusive will be for sale at Schmancy by the wonderfully talented, Cotton Monster.  I freakin' love the work by Cotton Monster and am so honored to have her make something SPECIAL for Schmancy.  I had the pleasure of FINALLY meeting the lady behind these wonderful creatures and she is as wonderful in person as these guys are.  Here is a little interview I did with her.  Enjoy!

S- What was your inspiration behind this exclusive? 

CM- I was thinking about (and longing for) the ocean! I chose to use a range blues and greens, colors that remind me of the sea, and designed the shape of the monsters themselves to mimic the form of waves! I picture the Sea Squirmies bobbing along in gentle waters somewhere in the South Pacific! 

S- Tell us a bit about your working space and your schedule? 

CM- My workspace is a small bright yellow room on the third floor of our house. It is filled to the gills with material, clothing, blankets, sheets, fabric remnants, always stocked with a 25lb box of stuffing, and of course...monsters!  My schedule is always changing depending on my other job (right now I'm teaching arts and crafts a few days a week at a summer camp and still working part-time at the puppet theater I've been with for 7+ years!). But a normal at-home work day starts with a big mug of tea, checking email and photo editing or updating my etsy shop, making lots of to-do lists, then as many hours as I can muster cutting/sewing/stuffing, a break for some fresh air or exercise of sorts and maybe a trip to the thrift store or post. Then after dinner I often transport one project I'm working on down a flight or two to do some hand-sewing or eyeball stuffing amongst friends or while watching a movie! I am definitely never bored!

S- I really love your color combos.  Where do you find most of your fabric? 

CM- Most of it is actually clothing and bedding that I pick up at thrift stores or that is donated to me! I go for the biggest ugliest items I can find, but with the softest touch and most vibrant colors. My favorite stores are those that organize their clothing etc. in rainbow order! It makes it so easy to find what I'm looking for. And this way I'm always using colors and materials I probably couldn't find in a normal fabric store! And despite the Cotton Monster name, most of the material ends up being cotton/poly blends!

S- Do you have any summer plans? 

CM- I already took my big summer trip to visit a dear friend in SanFrancisco where I ate amazing food and enjoyed lounging in the gorgeous parks! I'm part of a group performing a puppet variety show for grown-ups at Baltimore's giant summer arts festival, Artscape, so that has been taking up much of my time the past few weeks! Other then that I'll be aiming to go swimming and tubing whenever I can break away from my studio!

S- Favorite summertime treat? 

CM- I am in LOVE with homemade smoothies! My favorite is frozen strawberries, bananas, almond milk, oj, ice and some granola! Just throw it in a blender. Yummmmm! And when I'm feeling a bit less healthy, margaritas! 

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.

Now for sale

Check out the awesome foxes here!