I couldn’t resist. I’m from Maryland originally and I love crabs. My birthday is in early August and I always picked Maryland crabs as my birthday dinner when I was growing up.
This guy was a perfect way to use up one my favorite pieces of vintage fabric – the black and red chains. I only had a tiny piece and it is all gone now. I decided to make his big claws movable by using a gusseted button joint. Pretty cool stuff. Basically the upper piece of the claw is inserted between two flaps in the lower piece and held there by a button on each side. This allows the lower claw to move freely. I figured out how to do this from this page
in one of my favorite books, Anatomy of a Doll by Susanna Oroyan.
I have had this book for years, nearly 10 I think. I bought it long before I started actually making dolls of my own and I still love to look at it. Great basic and more advanced techniques, great photos.
Oh I love him! He’s my favorite!! I’m a Cancer too!
love it!!!! just so great! i’ve got that book too, and the other two she has written, totally inspiring isn’t it?
That crab is seriously beautiful!
Your work is so clean.
Thanks for the info on the book as well 🙂
Wonderful! Before I saw the picture, I was thinking that a crab would be hard to do, too many small parts. But that’s not true at all, it looks wonderful! Especially in those reds! I love that his claws are movable. And did you really put in eye stalks?! They’re great!
Oh my! I saw the little crab and knew a hint of your Maryland side was coming out to play 🙂 It’s so cute.
I am loving the crab. Absolutely adorable and such fabulous fabric!
That crab is too cute!
hello 🙂
That looks like a great book. I have found your links of toy artist to be very helpful.
Your toys look great. I liked your first turtle version too.
xx
i have too this book and is wonderful….
😉
susanna oroyan is great artist…..
Totally my favorite so far, too! I especially love the colors.
Wow- love the crab- i am a Maryland girl myself now living in the midwest- miss the crabs the most!!
Oh, brilliant!!! And the patchwork works so well! And thanks for the tip about the book – looks like a fantastic resource. Will try to hunt down a copy 🙂
Impressed. Totally impressed!
Love, love, love that crab! Good luck with the Trunk Show- I hope it works out well for you.
Maryland IS for crabs! I used to have that tshirt when I was little. And I ask for crabs for my birthday dinner, too, still!
The crab is fabulous. I love the movable claws. so awesome!
I wish you were making my pressies!
your crab is beautiful!
He is so adorable. Hopefully he doesnt bite!
He is so adorable. Hopefully he doesnt bite!
Great crab softie! I’ve looked through that book before too – it has some very interesting techniques!
Love that crab! I’m also a former Marylander (born & raised) who gets homesick for a good crabcake with lots of Old Bay.
Love your blog 😀
hola soy de argentina me podrias scanear el libro de anatomy of doll de susan oroyan y mandarmelo al mail aca en argentina no lo consigo