I realize that designing and sewing a stuffed animal may be a new sort of project for many people. If you sew at all you probably already have much of what you'll need to get started and, as I point out in the trailer, you can make beautiful softies from humble materials. But there are…
Archives for April 2013
Podcast Episode #2: Toy Designer Lauren Venell
The post is part of an occasional series called “Awesome Handmade Toys.” These posts feature toy makers whose work I think is particularly fresh and inventive. You can see previous posts in the series here. I also pin toys to my Inspiring Softies pinboard on a regular basis if you’re looking for more inspiration. +++++…
Ten Tips for Starting an Art Collection
Charlie and I began dating in the summer of 2000. A few months into our relationship we went to an art show, the annual School of the Museum of Fine Arts student and faculty sale, and bought a piece of art together. It was $300 and we split the cost. We’d fallen in love…
See What People are Saying about Stuffed Animals
PicMonkey Tutorial: Putting an Image Inside Letters
I don’t own a graphics program, not even Photoshop, and investing in one isn’t in the budget this year. Instead I’m really enjoying learning to use free online programs to their utmost. PicMonkey is one of my very favorites. You may know of PicMonkey as a photo editing program, which it is, but it’s also…
Where to Buy Wool Felt for Softies and Some Studio Glimpses
As copies of my book are beginning to make their way out into the world I'm going to periodically share some of my favorite sources for the fabrics and supplies you might want to play with while working your way through the projects. First up, a material I used every single day: wool felt. I…
Why Saying Yes Will Help You Grow Your Business
What should you do when you’re presented with an opportunity to pursue a project that’s not perfectly aligned with the mission of your business? Most business advice would tell you to say no. Turn it down. Don’t stray. You’re time is your most valuable commodity so don’t go spending it on things that aren’t mission…
Month 2 of Six Months of Softies: Join the Club!
Today is the release of the second pattern in Six Months of Softies! This month we're making an adorable whale designed by the amazing Jen Gubicza of Zooguu. Photo via Zooguu. I love this picture so much. That was totally me as a teenager. This whale is easy and fun to make and Jen gives…
20 Podcasts to Listen to While You’re Crafting
I love sewing, but there are stages in every project that can be tedious. Stuffing a softie, for example, or pressing seams open. When faced with these tasks it’s easy to make an excuse to set the project aside and go get a snack, or check Facebook, or really do anything but finish the…
My New Book – Stuffed Animals: From Concept to Construction
I don't like the big reveal. I like to share my ideas and my projects with you as I work them through and to give you a sense of the creative struggles and triumphs of my day to day work. From time to time I work on a project that I need to keep pretty…