Plushroom Soup

Get Your Plush Team Annual!

The Plush Team is ecstatic to present to you our first ever Team Annual, containing 120 pages of plushy goodness!

What is in store for you upon opening this marvelous book:

• An opening by our team founder, Megan Green, describing how our team came to be.
• An insightful, informative, and all-around fascinating account of the history of plush craft by our team co-founder Christina Ward.
• 42 two-page, full color features of our Plush Team members. Each includes photos of the artist's work, and text written by the artist explaining motivation, process, and inspiration.
• A time line of Plush Team activities through over the years. Profile pages providing a comprehensive list of Plush Team artists, including artist head shots and Etsy shop addresses.
• Photos of PT Stitchy, the team mascot, scattered throughout the book in his various incarnations as interpreted by our team members.

The book is full color, professionally printed, and soft cover. It measures 6.75"x6.75" (or 17 centimeters square). This is volume 1 of our Team Annual, featuring the artists from 2009. Our intent is to make this a yearly publication, updating it each year with our newest members and their incredible work.

Visit the Team Shop today for your copy!

Etsy Finds - FAE Team

One of the wonderful Etsy Street Teams I belong to is Fantasy Artists of Etsy (FAE). Here is just a small slice of the magical creations the talented members of this team create.

From left to right, top to bottom:

1. West of Moon Print by Darkling Woods. I think this print perfectly conveys the mood of the fairy tale "East of the Sun, West of the Moon," and it reminds me a bit of Kay Nielsen's 1914 illustrations for the tale. If you're not familiar with the tale, it's a Norwegian fairy tale reminiscent of "Beauty and the Beast" or even the tale of "Eros and Psyche."
2. Hand-sculpted OOAK Lady Magpie Art Doll by Nenufar Blanco. All of Rosa's dolls are truly stunning, and the level of detail is exquisite (especially once you realize that most of her dolls can fit in the palm of your hand!). I wish I read Spanish better so I could learn more on her blog.
3. Steampunk Cufflinks by Earthfire Studios. These cufflinks are made from vintage watches. I would love to own more cufflinks, but I can never find women's French cuff shirts. Anyone know a good supplier so I have an excuse to buy these?
4. Iridescent Fairy Wings by Jennivive's. These wings are so pretty! I dressed up as a fairy five or six years ago for Halloween, and I made my own wings with the help of a friend. They were nice wings, but nothing like I had imagined, which was closer to this shape. One day I'd like to dress as a fairy again, and do it up right with the help of my fellow FAE teamers.
5. Neo-Gothic Gorget Necklace by Spendid Fish. This necklace is stunning, and gorgets have a really interesting history. You should click the link and read for yourself the practical use something so pretty used to serve.
6. Pavor Nocturnus Illustration by Kevin King/The Haunted Studio Under the Stairs. For those who don't know Latin, the title translates as "night terror." I love the colors and the addition of bats, which I think are supremely awesome. The lady almost reminds me of certain depictions of Neil Gaiman's Sandman.
7. Lil' Phoenix Leather Mask by Up From the Ashes. I've never been to a masquerade ball (I don't think I've ever even known anyone who throws balls, much less masquerade ones), and I never realized what a shame that was until I saw the designs in this shop. Perhaps I'll have to design a Halloween costume around one of these masks someday.
8. Gourd Art Sculpture - Colorful Dragon by Anika's Art. Who knew a gourd could be made into something so cool? I once worked at a place that hosted an annual gourd contest. The entries were often very clever ("Gourd of the Rings," Flash Gourdon," etc.), but none were ever this colorful or something I'd want to display on a shelf (sorry, former coworkers).
9. The Squirrel's Nest Fairy House by Enchanted Gardens. I had a really hard time deciding which fairy house to include in this post—they're all so freaking adorable! Why are tiny things so heartbreakingly cute? And why do I feel the need to collect them?
10. Dashing Mulberry Lace and Satin Jacket by Night Lily Design. Oh, to be able to sew such beautiful costume pieces. Or to have a place to which to wear such costumes. . . .
11. Kitsune Print by Vireo. I adore the colors in this print and, of course, the subject matter. I've had a slight fox obsession building over the last year. Probably because I have a kistune plush design in my head that wants out.
12. Gold Green Dragon Costume Horns by Elfling Creations. When I see fun fantasy headwear like this, it always makes me wish I attended sci fi and fantasy conventions, just so I would have an excuse to dress up in fun costumes. There aren't enough Halloweens left in my life to wear all of the costumes I'd like. Will someone I know please start hosting masquerade balls?!

Plush Team Mythology Challenge

The Plush Team periodically hosts challenges centered around a specific theme. The latest challenge theme was world mythology; I couldn't have asked for a better theme for my first challenge! The challenge went live today, and boy is everyone's work amazing! I don't know about you, but I'm going to have an awful hard time voting for my favorite.

I entered my kelpie:

 

I named him Merric, which is Gaelic for "ruler of the sea." Kelpies are sea monsters from Celtic folklore. Known to appear on land as beautiful horses, kelpies lure people, especially children, onto their backs. Having lured a rider, the kelpie's skin becomes adhesive and escape is impossible. The kelpie returns to the sea and drowns and devours its rider, eating all but the heart or liver.

I made Merric out of suede with a mohair mane and acrylic safety eyes. I gave Merric's tail and mane a thin coating of pearlescent acrylic that glimmers in the sun, and his arms are jointed for posability. Merric's stand is pine with acrylic paint.

I originally intended to enter my newest dragon (below), but decided the kelpie was more interesting.

Here's a sneak peek at just a few of the other amazing entries:

Argus. Image © BeBe Babies and Friends.

Icarus. Image © Plush Goodness.

Ceiling Cat. Image © Yummy Pancake.

Head over to the Plush Team blog to cast your vote now! Pretty please?

Etsy Finds - Reds and Greens

It's been quite a while since I've done an Etsy Finds. As I was browsing through my favorites this weekend (Etsy window shopping is such a guilty pleasure), I noticed a slight color theme emerging: everything tended to be vibrant red/orange or cool green, or a combination of both. Could it be that the freshness of spring is seeping into my subconscious, even though I tend to rate the season among my least favorites (I know, I'm a weirdo!)?

From left to right, top to bottom:

1. Early 1940s Style Wool Military Uniform from Jitterbuggin. I think the 40s are my favorite fashion era. I love the silhouettes and the classic simplicity. This jumper would be so cute to wear to the office. You could go all-out and pair it with peep-toe heels and a sailor blouse, or you could modernize it with a turtleneck and saddle shoes. I think it'd even be cute with a simple tee and plain canvas sneakers for spring and fall.
   
2. Celtic Trinity Knot Pendant from Camias. I already own more jewelry than I can ever wear, but this pendant is so pretty! I love the design and think this would be lovely with a deep v-neck sweater or a simple blouse.
   
3. Bamboo and Koi Fish Vase from ShebboDesign. You've probably noticed that I love koi. And since flowers will be blooming any day and I swear I have a vase-stealing ghost in my house, I might just have to cave and buy this beauty. Wouldn't it look lovely with a bouquet of tulips?
   
4. Red Deer from The Night Jar. I've mentioned before that I don't need more wall art. And I can't afford more wall art either, but boy do I covet this piece.
   
5. The Alice in Wonderland Hat Painting the Roses Red from Chatham Girl. How much fun is this hat? I can't even begin to afford it (or the other amazing designs in Chatham Girl's shop) and have nowhere to wear it, and wouldn't look half as good in it as the lovely model, but I'm deeply in love with it nonetheless.
   
6. Breakfast at Treehouse from Kristiana Parn. Japanese-influenced art gets me every time. Kristiana's playful prints remind me of Ukiyo-e, my all-time favorite type of art.
   
7. Titania's Spring Green Statement Necklace from Joliette. Isn't this gorgeous? I'm not enough of a fashionista to know just how to wear such a statement piece, but with the right outfit, this would be stunning.
   
8. Bone Daddy from Cart Before the Horse. Jon and I have a small collection of Dia de los Muertos art (we especially love nichos), and this guy would be a nice addition.
   
9. Felted Red Velvet Cupcake Pincushion from Made in Lowell. Liz makes so many amazing pieces of art, but I think I like her cupcake pincushions the best. Oddly enough, I've never actually owned a pincushion. Considering how often the cat spills my open pin container all over the floor, I should really purchase one already.
   
10. Orange Fairy Tale from Unicorns 'n Dragons. This sculpture has great movement (and is fully poseable!). You get the sense that the dragon will take to the air at any second. And the details are amazing. I love the way the artist combined fabric and clay—something I've always wanted to do but for which I lack the skill and knowledge.
    
11. Hello Sailor Organic Babydoll Dress from Ella Phante Creations. This looks both vintage and modern at the same time, which I think is fantastic. And since it's made from cotton/bamboo jersey, it'd be soooo comfortable and would probably instantly become a go-to dress.
    
12. Grey Bat Plushie from Atmos Blue. This plushie has so many wonderful details. The fabric combination, stitches, buttons, ribbons. . . . Plus, it's hangable!
    

Goings On

I thought I'd write a quickie little post about some cool happenings as of late, to help me get back into the swing of blogging. I seem to work in fits and starts, and I'd like to keep a more regular schedule.

First, some neat recent purchases:

The label on my new(ish) winter coat says Schlampp's Minneapolis. I had been looking for ages for a cute, vintage-style blue coat with absolutely no luck. On a lark just after Thanksgiving, I stepped into Rewind Vintage and there it was. And only $44, too!

The hairclip is from local artist Kelly Hanson Handmade. Those who know me know my obsession with hair accessories, particularly flowers and feathers. This one is especially awesome because it has both.

My mittens were custom made by Sinikka at For My Darling. I sent her a picture of my coat and asked her to make me coordinating mittens. I couldn't be more thrilled with the result!

The messenger bag is from the ever talented Nate Van Hofwegen of Nate's Custom Sewing. I've admired his amazing vinyl work for quite some time, and since my regular bag finally gave out right before No Coast, I decided there was no better time to invest in one of Nate's bags. Most messenger bags are too large for my petite frame, so I asked him to make a smaller one for me, fill the inside with tons of pockets, and put a koi on the outside. I LOVE the end result. The bag is so sturdy and durable, yet not too heavy. And it's waterproof, which has been awesome for my morning trudge to work through the snow.

If you're local, you may have noticed some familiar critters in Crafty Planet's winter window display. The lovely Adrienne used my yetis as inspiration for the window. I think she did a great job; the display is fun, whimsical, and very seasonally appropriate! And I'd say that even if my yetis weren't in the window.

Last but not least, remember the infant skirts I made this fall? They were for this lovely little lady, and I just couldn't resist showing off how adorable she looks in one.

I'm a busy bee this weekend, slaving away on a bunch of horses and a few custom orders, which I hope to post pictures of on Monday. In the meantime, wishing you all a happy, productive weekend!

I Heart All of You

Thanks to all of you lovelies, my yeti won the HandmadeMN January team challenge! You guys rock! I have now earned a month  of free advertising on the HandmadeMN blog. Yay!

Thanks also to everyone who has voted for me so far in the Poppies. I can't say enough kind words about all of you! Please know that I truly appreciate everything you do to support me and my work.

Speaking of work, I've added four new plushies to the Etsy shop. Two froglets and two giraffes. More frogs, froglets, owls, and owlets to come later this week or early next!

Etsy Wish List

As much as I hate to admit that the Christmas shopping season is pretty much upon us, I can't escape it. My Etsy wish list is about three miles long, but here are a few things that not only would make a lovely gift for yours truly, but just might satisfy someone on your shopping list as well.

From left to right, top to bottom:

1. Mini Christmas Tree Adhesive Fabric Wall Stickers / Decals from Love Mae. I've struggled to find a nice place to put up the Christmas tree ever since I moved in with Jon, not to mention I think our menagerie might wreak havoc on any tree. But this wall decal set is such a lovely and creative alternative!
   
2. Poppy Pins from Modest Maven. I have a slight obsession with hair accessories, and I especially love any accessory that has a vintage pin-up girl feel to it. These pins are so delicate and pretty, and would look great whether worn at the office or out on the town.
3. Soft Collection of Snow print from Wool and Water. I don't really need nor have any room for more wall art, but this print is irresistible. The colors and the mood of the print are fantastic. Plus, I really wish I had that girl's coat!
4. Silver Oval Framed Branch Earrings from Sweet Fairy Boutique. Love the simple branch motif. I'd pair these with simple jeans and a tee for an understated look.
5. Partners in Slime Dragon Snail polymer sculpture from Eirewolf Creations. I'm such a fantasy and fairy tale geek, and these adorable sculptures are so different from anything else in my little collection. It's amazing how expressive they are, and yet they're only about 2 1/4 inches tall!
6. Blue Snow Cashmere Jacket from Idea2Lifestyle. I've been on the lookout for the perfect new winter coat for about a year now. This one probably isn't warm enough for harsh Minnesota winters, nor would it fit over my bulky sweaters, but it's so cute that I've been on the verge of ordering it anyway for the past six months. . . .
7. Feltscape from Hibou Cards. All of the feltscapes in this shop are absolutely adorable.
   
8. Fawn Pin from Decoy Lab. I've had a special weakness lately for fawns, foxes, and squirrels. This little pin is so adorable, and I love that it's made from bamboo. This shop has some pretty fantastic woodland-themed clocks as well. The one I had been coveting sold, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed they'll make more.
9. The Guardian from Naughty & Nice. I know, I know! I should really stop looking at wall art. But there's something about this mixed media painting that really captivates me. If I could afford the price tag, this would already be hanging in my house.
10. Pewter toned Antler Stag Hair Pins from The Sparrow's Nest. Honestly, the only thing that's kept me from purchasing from this shop is that I can't decide which hair pins I like best! These, the lovely birch ones, or the moss-covered twigs? Maybe Santa will be nice and bring me all three pairs (nudge, nudge).
11. The Cat and the Moon Skirt by Zoe Chen. Isn't it darling? I love most of the clothing in this shop. Unfortunately, I think it's sized for slightly more petite ladies than myself.
12. Lose Lose original painting by Melissa Moss. So melancholy and sweet all at the same time, this woman's artwork is fantastic.

What about you? What are you putting on your holiday wish list?

Thoughtful Thursday - Etsy Plush Wish List

Most of you know that Etsy is a wonderful online marketplace filled with amazing, talented artists. I can get lost for hours exploring all the handmade goodness. I wish I had the means to support all of my favorite artists, but instead I'll have to settle for telling you all how awesome these people are. Next time you need a gift, whether for a friend or for yourself, consider shopping at Etsy instead of a big-box retailer. The items on Etsy are lovingly hand-crafted by individuals or very small businesses. You'll get something totally amazing and unique in addition to some really good karma for supporting independents.

Below are just a few of my current faves. If you like what you see, please click the links, explore the shops, and tell others!

Miss Blueberry Pie Deer Plush © Follow the White Rabbit.

Beef with Broccoli © Cutesy but not Cutesy.

Bronson, the Monster Plush Toy © Happycloud Thunderhead.

Mini Marshmallow © Scrumptious Delight.

Custom Little City Hoop © Little Pink House.

Jackalope Feltidermy © Girl Savage.

Zombie-Bear Traditional Jointed Teddy © A Little Stranger.