Plushroom Soup

Happy Corduroy Day!

Yes, folks, today is national Corduroy Appreciation Day, since 11|11|11 is the day that most resembles that glorius fabric, corduroy.

To commemorate this momentous date, the Plush Team has teamed up with the Corduroy Appreciation Club. Eleven members of the Plush Team created a collection of 11 corduroy-inspired plush. These pieces will be displayed at the grand meeting celebrating all things corduroy at the Desmond Tutu Center in Manhattan on this most auspicious date. These pieces are available to the public to celebrate this every man's fabric in their own private collections. They may be purchased in the PlushTeam's Etsy shop.

I had the pleasure of being one of the 11 artists, and I created a "waling" banshee for this event.

According to Irish folklore, banshees are fairy women (or ghosts of women who died, commonly in childbirth) who wail when death is nigh. Their wails are most often heard at night near woods.

My banshee is dressed in baby corduroy, or pinwale, for a play on the word "wailing." Her tattered dress is accented with ribbon and lace, and her split dagged sleeves feature a silk blend lining (because I still can't get Game of Thrones costuming out of my head). Her body is made of 100% wool felt, and her hair is mohair locks needle-felted into place. Her arms and fingers are wired and jointed for full range of motion. She comes with a doll stand.

I love my banshee. Seriously LOVE. I did not want to ship her to New York, I loved her so much. I haven't been this in love with one of my plush pieces since, well, probably ever. Which means I will definitely have to make more banshees in the future.

All the pieces my fellow Plush Teamers created for this event are amazing. There's a Woody Allen plushcature:

A nasty ass honey badger (if you don't understand this reference, click the link to watch the video NOW. Seriously, now. I'll wait.):
And a plethora of amazing whales:

And if that weren't enough awesomesauce for you, last night, Rachel Maddow of MSNBC purchased that nasty-ass honey badger, and then FEATURED THREE PLUSH TEAM PLUSH ON HER SHOW, including my banshee. How amazing is that?!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Big, big props to Abby of Abbydid for organizing all this plush corduroy awesomeness.

About the Club:
The Corduroy Appreciation Club is a social club which wishes to cultivate good fellowship by the advancement of Corduroy awareness, understanding, celebration and commemoration of the fabric and all related items. Club events are held on dates which resemble Corduroy.

All Hail the Wale!!!

My Pet Stegosaurus

The Plush Team did a Russian Christmas plush swap this year, and I was lucky enough to receive a super awesome stegosaurus from Mary of ArtTales/LeftZ!

Stinson (as I'm calling him) instantly made friends with one of my cotton candy yetis.

Each one of Mary's unique creations is eco-friendly. She repurposes thrift-store finds for their bodies, stuffs them with recycled plastic bags (you'd have no idea if she didn't tell you! They're stuffed really firmly and are super cuddly.), and their "good" eye is made from layerd vintage buttons.

"Good eye?! What does that mean?" you might exclaim. Stinson isn't shy, he'll show you:

Hee hee! I love the wounded eye. It gives Stinson so much character.

Thanks again, Mary, for my wonderful stegosaurus! He will be cherised!

 

Etsy and a Community of Respect

Today Etsy announced that it would be changing it's Terms of Use (TOU) to include specific language about prohibiting items that "disparage or promote hate." While I ultimately agree with the decision they made, the events leading up to it and the key themes within the comments on the article left me with a bit of a bad taste.

 

If you're not familiar with the story behind these changes, I'll offer a brief history. Last week, some controversy arose around a particular seller who was making cards that most found offensive. Many believe the cards promote hatred, particularly against people with disabilities, rape victims, and Christians. Yet others saw the cards as just being in poor taste and got on with their lives (and I'm sure you can tell which category I fall into by my tone). But those who were offended? Thanks to the power of social media, they created a feeding frenzy of negativity that ultimately led to higher exposure and sales for the seller. Angry viewers posted and reposted links on Facebook, Tweeted their horror, and routed a petition to ban this seller from Etsy, and soon the story hit CNN and Etsy announced their TOU changes.

 

Since I ultimately think it's a good thing that Etsy has a specific anti-hate policy, why does this story bother me?

 

Well, it feels a little bit like a witch hunt, doesn't it? You offended me, so in my righteous indignation, I round up all my friends and their friends and their friends, and we come get you. Hooray us! All the while we applaud Etsy for their decision because respect has won the day!

 

But has it?

 

Here are but a few of the over 600 comments (as of this posting) on the Etsy article:

• "good riddance to that creep"
• "that crap isn't tolerated in the forums and shouldn't be for sale either"
• "I am pleased that someone has recognized MY right not to have to wade through offensive, disgusting material that some people try to pass off as arts and crafts."

Granted, most of the comments are just harmless "I support this decision" or "glad to hear it" type of things. But the comments like the ones above really disturb me, especially in light of how many people said things along the lines of "now we can return to being a compassionate and respectful art community." So because you personally were offended by something someone you never met did, suddenly the entire community is a disrespectful mire of filth? What?

Even more disturbing, perhaps, is that many people congratulated Etsy on taking the high road, though many of them took the low road to force Etsy's hand on the issue, hurling abusive comments at the seller (and even Etsy administrators) online. So why is it okay to hurl insults at someone who offended you while demanding respect for yourself? Is it okay to be rude and insensitive to someone just because you feel they were rude and insensitive to you?

I don't think so.

Where has common sense gone? I was raised to respect other people regardless of whether or not I agreed with them. If I think you are doing something in poor taste, well, then, I'm going to take personal responsibility for myself and look the other way. "But this person was hurting others," you might say. I can appreciate the argument, but it's a fine line. Some have vulgar senses of humor, yes. But does that make them wrong and you right?

Many comments also (rightfully) question who decides what is or isn't offensive, and the resounding reply in the comments is "we the people." But remember when we the people decided a group of teenage girls were witches? Or when we the people thought slavery and segregation was a good idea?

We all have to be very, very careful where these kinds of movements might lead us. Ask yourself how you would feel if the lens were turned on you. What if an angry mob suddenly decided something you were doing was offensive? Would you still agree that "we the people" had a right to decide you suck?

All beings deserve respect. You don't have to like them, you don't have to buy their wares or support their cause. But you should, at the very least, do what your mother always told you to do: treat them as you yourself would like to be treated.

My four or five cents.

Shop Update!

I've been getting into the Halloween spirit this past week, using fun seasonal prints on my latest creations, all for sale in the shop.

How fun are these dancing skeletons? This is Pablo, and he likes to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in addition to Halloween. 

These owls aren't quite as obvious for the season, but I liked the subtle dark theme of their wing prints. I've recently made a small change to all my owl creations, thanks to a savvy customer: each bottom now has thick recycled cardboard inside, to help the owls stand up all by themselves.

And last but not least, I give you giraffelets! They're 30 percent smaller than my usual giraffes, but 110 percent cuter!

And for even more seasonal awesomeness, check out all the fantastic Halloween creations from my fellow Plush Teamers in the Plush Team shop!

Unearthed: Two New Zombie Designs

Autumn is here and Halloween is right around the corner, which means it's once again time for the undead hordes to descend on Plushroom Soup headquarters! This year, I'm pleased to announce two new zombie critter designs: owl and alpaca.

These two creepy critters have landed in the Plush Team shop for Halloween.

But you can still get classic Plushroom Soup zombies too. If you order a custom zombie by October 1, I can guarantee Halloween delivery.

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!