Showing posts with label doll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doll. Show all posts

Tuesday, 20 March 2012

Five Reasons

NOT to craft when you are cranky:




1. You are more likely to get frustrated with your work. 


The piece may end up being thrown across the room or worse, become a WIP that never gets finished. 


2. Your mood shows in your work. 


I don't know about you, but if I am in a particularly bad mood when crafting (especially if working on an Amigurumi piece) my mood is reflected in my work. See example below. 








Poor Nana here was supposed to be all cute and sweet. She ended up looking like a deranged old zombie with bad fashion sense instead. 




3. If you prick yourself with a needle; instead of quickly drawing in a breath and sucking the injured finger, you may be inclined to swear - loudly. Not so good if the kids are about. 


4.  Your colour choices will be affected.


5. You are much less likely to be able to concentrate on that difficult pattern you have started for the first time (or remember to write down what you are doing if you are designing a new piece). 




That said, I found a fabulous quote from the amazing Melody McDuffie yesterday: 


"Crocheting apparently, for many of us, generates a healing sense of peacefulness akin to that produced by meditation. My theory is that, like meditation, crocheting requires a narrowed and disciplined focus that results in a quieting of the mind. Therefore, when it is engaged in regularly, it eventually produces many of the same results as daily meditation: reduced stress, an enhanced sense of well-being and self-esteem, an easier acceptance of life's vicissitudes, and an attitude of greater compassion for one's fellow beings.

I know I'm going way out on a limb here, but think about it this way: it would explain why, at least in my experience, crocheters, as a group, are among the world's kindest and most generous-spirited people."


I know many crafter's whose sole reason for crafting is to give to others, to charity, the less fortunate and family or friends. Others craft to help support their families by selling their patterns or finished items. I like to support all of these crafter's alike where I can. Even if it's just a 'shout-out" on Facebook. Art and Crafts of any medium are implicit in the growth of our heart, spirit, family and society. All I will ask of you is to love your fellow artisans. 


Happy Crafting. 






Thursday, 15 March 2012

I Heart Inspiration

I must confess! I love Amigurumi Koeshi. They are cute, easy enough to 'dress' up and work up relatively fast compared to something you need to sew limbs onto.   I also confess that I have been a fan of Heart Candy for over a year now, gleefully looking on as the magnificent Jess works her magic with paint, paper, buttons, ribbon and glue. I love seeing her creations. I love the colours she uses. I love the artistic vision she has to be able to make such perfectly whimsical art pieces. My only problem is that-  as a single mum, I cant afford to purchase an original as much as I envy those who do.

oh boy *gush* over.....

What to do?
I decided to apply the concept of Jessie's work to 3D - with a crochet hook, yarn, needle thread and buttons. Lots and lots of buttons! I don't mean the ones you can purchase in a store. I mean crochet buttons! 30 of them to be exact. Have I mentioned yet that I have patience the size of a flea? Have I mentioned that I hate working repetitively? Arrrrrghhh! What did I get myself into?

The crochet buttons were used to create the bun upon bun upon bun look of Jessies' artworks. I think I may have gone a little overboard with it, but I love my new little friend nonetheless.

Four toothpicks, eight beads and a little craft/wood glue to make the chopstick bun holder thingies.

Six more beads for the flower stamen.


A little embroidery thread, a funky button from the discount store and TA-DA! 











Her head is stuffed with cotton card-fly and her body is fabric lined and stuffed with rice. The rice is heavier than the cotton, so stabilises her enabling her to stand autonomously (if you push her head the right way that is!).

I'm scared, petrified even.... that Jess wont like what I have done. I am crediting her with the design, because lets face it, we all get inspiration from SOMEWHERE and today, its Jessie' turn to be recognised and credited for inspiring others to create something wonderful (well, I think this little Kokeshi ptetty cool anyway).

THANK YOU JESSIE for being my inspiration today!

If you would like to see more of Heart Candy, click here to go to Jessie's Big Cartel Store.



Happy Crafting!