tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43279430242758886992024-02-21T10:14:04.737-05:00Kittyzilla's Handmade StuffsHandmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-43179167905915846252012-06-13T00:46:00.004-04:002012-06-13T00:48:21.520-04:00I've Moved!I've moved everything over to my personal website, <a href="http://www.handmadestuffs.com/">HandmadeStuffs.com</a>. Come see me over there!Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-1727857660872428652012-05-07T17:41:00.001-04:002012-05-07T17:41:13.747-04:00A Good WeekendSo I had a really fun and nerdy weekend. For starters Friday, May 4th, was Star Wars Day. This is an excellent holiday because not only can we celebrate our Star Wars love, but it involved a bad pun. (May the Fourth be with you!) So I had to weird my coworkers out with my nerd pride.<br />
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These pendant necklaces are easy and so addictive, so I made a Bossk and a Jedi necklace to wear. I love Bossk and his incredibly obnoxious and mildly creepy speaking mannerisms. The Hello Boba Fett necklace is from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hellowars">HelloWars</a> on Etsy. (And I should not have gone over there to get the link because I just saw that they have BUTTONS and now I want them.)</div>
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I also made myself a galaxy far far away skirt. I've been obsessing over galaxy print things but they're so expensive right now. But I'm crafty so I will make my own galaxy print things, so there. This awesome multi-colored print was a lucky find and is prefectly galaxy looking after being splattered and smudged with metallic gold fabric paint. (I think it needs some glow-in-the-dark paint too.) I made an easy circle skirt and attached a Millenium Falcon from a bedsheet set.</div>
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I liked my skirt so much I decided to wear it for Free Comic Book Day on Saturday.</div>
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Yeah, I have a Star Wars skirt and a stuffed Hellboy and I'm standing in front of the <a href="http://carolinaghostbusters.com/">Carolina Ghostbusters</a> Ecto-1. Jealous? We stopped by <a href="http://www.rebelbasecomics.com/">Rebel Base</a> and <a href="http://www.rebelbasecomics.com/">Heroes Aren't Hard to Find</a> in Charlotte. I got to talk to a couple people who had seen my stuff at the last <a href="http://www.heroesonline.com/heroescon/">HeroesCon</a>, which was awesome. I am so ready for it to be convention time!<br />
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Our weekend was rounded out by, of course, going to see Avengers.<br />
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I hope everyone else had a fun and geektastic weekend! Handmade Stuffs SMASH!<br />
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We made charms from shrink plastic, resin-style ones with coin charms and diamond glaze, and clusters of pretty beads to dangle. So fun! Of course I got home and had to think up my own fun project to do. I decided to finally work on something I'd be kicking around for awhile: decopouged wooden pendants.<br />
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Yes, obviously they're nerdy. Between sales at my local comic shops and attending conventions, I have a sizeable stack of comics that I got for between ten and twenty five cents each. Perfect for chopping up for craft projects. (Don't hate me!) These little pendants are so easy and so fun to make! I'm going to try and do a little how-to video this weekend to celebrate Free Comic Book Day. I'll also be posting a few additional options here.<br />
I also made some non-nerdy ones from an old science book I found while thrifting. Something like this might make a good gift for another important May holiday, Mother's Day. Add a few clusters of beads dangling from the top and a nice chain and you're all set. It's something I think even kids could make, maybe with a pictures of themselves or a small drawing they made just for Mom.<br />
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Ninja Turtles! Shredder had better watch out with all these little guys after him. They are so fun to make, the little shells and bandannas come out so adorable. Plus, who can say no to teeny plus nunchucks? Nobody, that's who!<br />
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I absolutely had to make a big batch of zombies for Dragon Con! It's held in Atlanta, which is also where AMC's "The Walking Dead" is filmed. This zombie hoard is decidedly cuter, and less pungent!</div>
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This is only half of the plush zombie hoard! I have twenty-two cuddly brain eaters with removable guts. Each one has a unique set of gross features with skull faces, bloody mouths, wormy friends, eyes dripping goo, and various injuries. These are probably my favorite thing to make, which might be cause for concern...</div>
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I'll be putting a limited number of these, as well as a few of the other dolls I've made, on my Etsy shop this weekend.</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-6343870044254724502012-03-29T17:18:00.000-04:002012-03-29T17:18:00.311-04:00I Am Not a Committee!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's <a href="http://blog.handmadestuffs.com/2012/03/i-love-my-captain.html">another</a> amazing lady I got to recreate in plush form. On top of being a princess and a rebellion leader, Leia always has the most kickass hair. She can be refined and diplomatic or fiery and sarcastic and this is one damsel that doesn't wait around for somebody else to rescue her.</div>
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Leia's style is elegant, but still practical for space adventuring. Her original outfit in A New Hope was always my favorite and comes coupled with the best hair. If you can't find the perfect dress, a large turtleneck shirt and some tailoring would probably get you close. Obviously I had to throw in some galaxy print tights, it is Star Wars after all. Tall boots with a low heel are pretty and practical for fleeing the Empire or going on diplomatic missions. A Rebel Alliance pendant and princessy crown earrings match with her silver belt. Cinnamon roll hair goes without saying.</div>
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In related Star Wars themed crafting, I had to share this little Gamorrean Guard. It was great to get him as a custom order since I've been wanting to make one for awhile. I had a feeling Gamorrean's would translate into plush really well and they totally do! Just look at that fugly little pig face and tell me you don't want to give him a big hug.</div>
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the only downside is that he had to get mailed off to his new home. I hear he is being well loved though. <br />
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One of my goals for this year was to offer a wider selection and more original plush characters. I always have fun sketching new ideas and playing with designs, and I'm looking forward to offering some different things this year. Since this will be my first year selling at Dragon*Con, one of my first thoughts was obviously cuddly baby dragons! Since I happened to take some in process pictures while making the dragons, this is going to be a kind of behind the scenes look at my doll making process. <br />
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Any new character starts with a sketch, like the one above. I get the basic idea down and figure out what pattern pieces I need to create.</div>
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Since dragons are well known for their treasure hoarding, these little guys needed some sparkle. That meant one thing: sequins! One online order and lots of excited squeaking later a box of various colors was on the way.<br />
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I work from the same basic pattern for all the 18" dolls; this pattern is modified or added to as needed for each character. The baby dragons needed a diffent head and a modification to the body pattern to get the cute little tail and dragony rump. They also made some little wings and two different options for ears. Once the new pattern pieces were drawn, I stitched up and stuffed a protoype. </div>
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This is the little dragon prototype, and he is super cute! Pleased with the look, it was time to move onto my favorite part: selecting colors and combinations. Lizardy greens and yellows were an obvious pick, along with fiery pinks and reds and some black and deep grey to recall the dark caves where dragons make their homes.</div>
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When making multiples, I usually sew and assemble the basic body first and add details later. I didn't plan out which color got matched to each set of wings or ears; I like to fiddle and experiment with color combinations. Once the basic bodies were done, I just started putting pieces with them until I was happy. Playing with the sequins was definitely super fun, so sparkly! Each dragon got two different colors of sequins in several clusters of three or four.</div>
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Finally, here are some of the completed baby dragons! All the little eye decorations were cut freehand and each shape is unique. These little guys will be joining me at conventions and a few will be available at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeStuffs">Etsy</a> shop. Time to move on to the next batch!</div>
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/6998529127_ed8a09b52a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7242/6998529127_ed8a09b52a_z.jpg" /></a></div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-37814768489797848462012-03-13T22:27:00.004-04:002012-03-13T22:27:39.155-04:00Contest Winner!And the winner is.....<br />
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Kitty Michael!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1a8yWuYWYVX9Pp0f98IMp3ww9_nPaSppJcnFWoYhB1jk9uvkG9O9lgckKUCIRN0n0hONllEOZ1lFEHT0iz6qSUQK1Aiu1IcqdpodW1JemrjldKr8csGz81YBjvNxdnrnV01qZ9dRoj6Z/s1600/winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1a8yWuYWYVX9Pp0f98IMp3ww9_nPaSppJcnFWoYhB1jk9uvkG9O9lgckKUCIRN0n0hONllEOZ1lFEHT0iz6qSUQK1Aiu1IcqdpodW1JemrjldKr8csGz81YBjvNxdnrnV01qZ9dRoj6Z/s320/winner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you to everyone who commented, liked and followed! Remember to keep checking back for future contests, news, and giveaways!Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-89892292058803725112012-03-07T17:06:00.000-05:002012-03-07T15:25:37.756-05:00I Love My Captain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was a custom order I was really excited to do! I love <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0303461/">Firefly</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379786/">Serenity</a>, and Kaylee is one of my favorite characters. (It's so hard to choose a favorite on this show, everyone is so fun and rounded out!)</div>
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I think what I like most about Kaylee is that she can be girly but doesn't mind getting dirty either. She loves her job as a mechanic and the adventure of being out in space with the crew, and her skills can get her a lot of respect. (One of my favorite scenes is her surrounded by admirers while discussing the pros and cons of various ship components, especially since she had been snubbed by the fancy girls for her store-bought dress.) Kaylee is sweet and positive and seems to be able to find the good in people even when they have trouble seeing it themselves. She's a good balance between the feminine and refined Inara and strong and always self-assured Zoe; naive and unsure at times but not treated like a child.</div>
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The doll was based on Kaylee's outfit in the pilot. She has a floral top under her removable jacket. She also has a little stuffed strawberry, no doubt snuck from Shepard Book's payment. Her coveralls have a teeny teddy bear applique. Her hair is done in two little buns.</div>
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Since I had so much fun with this doll, I wanted to something else as a little homage to Kaylee.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo0nopvwCzRaY59pVnTGYq3Jc6QTHv-Tbx7-jdcgpr1cmrR6lIwVU2fop2XcRGZWRR-nTFIp85qzYs2F4nIcRGm00A2wt0mo75xcd0SasTvXu1yYgv3QnErIUEDisrsUbU-TKhml8p_q_/s1600/kaylee.jpg" uda="true" /></div>
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I started with Kaylee's everyday mechanic outfit, trying to keep the theme with the utilitarian jeans and roughed up boots. Since Kaylee has her girly side too, I added the frilly top as a nod to her over the top gown in <a href="http://firefly.wikia.com/wiki/Shindig">Shindig</a>. (That dress is hilarious but a little much for everyday wear). I added a jacket similar to the one Kaylee wears on Persephone in the pilot episode to incorporate some of the Chinese influence through the show. I also like the contrast of the floaty floral jacket with the slim pants and boots. Being the mechanic, of course I had to add a little wrench ring.<br />
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I have a few more cute plush ladies I want to feature, so check back for more cuddly dolls and outfits!</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-54975977644672177152012-03-06T14:32:00.004-05:002012-03-06T14:45:08.371-05:00Everyone Loves Free Stuffs!<br />
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So who is ready for a contest! It's easy peasy and you could win a $40 gift certificate to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeStuffs">Etsy shop</a> to put toward a ready made doll or a custom order of your very own (customs start at $50)! Here's how to enter:<br />
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Like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/handmadestuffs">Facebook page</a><br />
Follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/HandmadeStuffs">Twitter</a><br />
Comment on this post!<br />
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Super easy, right? But there's more! You can get an extra entry by tweeting about Handmade Stuffs (make sure to add @HandmadeStuffs so I know you did) or by posting about Handmade Stuffs on Facebook and tagging the page. One extra entry is allowed for each site, so you can have a total of five possible entries. If you already follow me or like me you're automatically entered. Make sure to stick around after the contest is over too; you'll be automatically entered in future contests.<br />
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The contest will be open until Sunday, March 11th and I'll announce the winner the following day. Good luck!Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-73521232027400946032012-03-05T14:34:00.001-05:002012-03-05T14:34:17.088-05:00Tree Hugger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's just barely March and I've fulfilled two of my New Year's resolutions, yay me! This weekend I checked off "get some of my stuff in local stores" when I dropped off some cuddly and eco-friendly Saplings at <a href="http://ecoliciouscharlotte.com/">Eco-Licious</a> in Charlotte, NC.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfRvL96NxnZIpZYfIj8hl4Eb8aiiSxzzBNj_RU8js83slbBR1MbUmBt8Ak-sY8W_-5cA7A0l1heOtLrMqazKaS4AHa220muthwixJljKPefVEQN3-zO5BeQsVPU8wA5sg-YUjJERok6Ns/s1600/sapling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfRvL96NxnZIpZYfIj8hl4Eb8aiiSxzzBNj_RU8js83slbBR1MbUmBt8Ak-sY8W_-5cA7A0l1heOtLrMqazKaS4AHa220muthwixJljKPefVEQN3-zO5BeQsVPU8wA5sg-YUjJERok6Ns/s640/sapling.jpg" uda="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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These little Saplings are 18" tall with jointed arms and a head that can turn. They all have cute leaf hair and each doll features three leaves in a unique combination of fabrics. My favorite part is making their little "branch" noses from felt, so cute!<br />
Ready for the enviornmentally friendly part? The body, stuffing, and felt are all made from recycled plastic water bottles! Plastic water bottles can be melted down, made into thread, and used to make fabrics that would otherwise be made from new plastics. How cool is that?<br />
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If you're in the area and would like to grab one, Eco-Licious is located in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood at 1916 Commonwealth Ave. There's additional information on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/EcoliciousCharlotte">Facebook page</a>. If you do stop in, I highly recommend the Raz-dillos (vegan twinkie-style treats covered in raspberry and shredded coconut).Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-41338038934681513802012-03-01T14:00:00.000-05:002012-03-05T14:11:12.374-05:00February Make Out - Let's Pollinate!No, it's not what you're thinking. Get your mind out of the gutter! This Make Out is a free monthly craft session organized by <a href="http://www.crowntownhandmade.com/events.html">Crown Town Handmade</a>, Charlotte's group of crafty entrepreneurs. (Of which I am a proud member.) Make Outs are the last Thursday of every month and are open to all ages. Crafty fellas are welcome too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMOxHaT1ZazjnTRUd9yo9Cqo45ddAAh7iAmUKDEYXE7ppCcAnFNR8J1X0o0Rr_r1BUlOZdvX5EvoUAKYQ6iejD46VOMumf4k7iTETe-Y2ZACmteRWfLdgp7h6cl7KlHRs41O7H-XjqGUe/s1600/tk+fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMOxHaT1ZazjnTRUd9yo9Cqo45ddAAh7iAmUKDEYXE7ppCcAnFNR8J1X0o0Rr_r1BUlOZdvX5EvoUAKYQ6iejD46VOMumf4k7iTETe-Y2ZACmteRWfLdgp7h6cl7KlHRs41O7H-XjqGUe/s640/tk+fabric.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the February Make Out we brought a little color and cheer to the cold, gray winter with fabric flowers. Tsunami kanzashi flowers are made by folding small squares of fabric into petals and then joining five or more together to make a flower. The flower can then be attached to a pin, hair clip, or sewn directly onto another surface. Or just carry it around to demonstrate your awe inspiring ability to turn little squares of fabric into pretty flowers. Only really cool people can do that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHWpD3ie3ecT3ffxiQJN5W-34tsl-8AYHcHBe0s4NYH3-z-1WeeI_7RQhnd8TFvhzFqwtjtEbPsLBb4v6srZW8uGHEX0mfbF3X3Y9jNJgk709Hm7wna23T8z8tk0_B8sgfUIPS3DN8lMd/s1600/tk+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHWpD3ie3ecT3ffxiQJN5W-34tsl-8AYHcHBe0s4NYH3-z-1WeeI_7RQhnd8TFvhzFqwtjtEbPsLBb4v6srZW8uGHEX0mfbF3X3Y9jNJgk709Hm7wna23T8z8tk0_B8sgfUIPS3DN8lMd/s640/tk+finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The flowers are pretty easy to fold, but do take a little dexterity. It helps to starch the fabric or iron on a lightweight interfacing, but we used untreated fabric and they came out fine. It does take a little finagling to get those petals positioned. Luckily the center gets covered with beads, buttons, or a bit of fabric so any imperfections are pretty easy to hide. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2ejGTJLJGmnyyrxpEAu_4v_06Du1vyKQ9_t0WRqJqhht_W0wbiTd8dOXJ_2OmLmjKTv9Z3izrMVSQN3RkkQT8t5qAeiGd992OuC0692qxAwREUVNBDDKAMd43dRBIctBS-09SORt2N0Z/s1600/tk+working.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2ejGTJLJGmnyyrxpEAu_4v_06Du1vyKQ9_t0WRqJqhht_W0wbiTd8dOXJ_2OmLmjKTv9Z3izrMVSQN3RkkQT8t5qAeiGd992OuC0692qxAwREUVNBDDKAMd43dRBIctBS-09SORt2N0Z/s640/tk+working.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We all worked dilligently, by which I mean we mostly screwed around and chatted and got distracted by all the pretty beads around us and made inappropriate jokes. Getting to visit with other crafty people is one of my favorite things about the Make Out and we always have a total blast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY_fSVzYCAbsM5ZiFmfs1oJvSycZeDVVYJEM5-GoUSMSEgchouy1TrlncWFjHH92z0aYC9hF0ZhwQKUatd5R4tQY0GlvUmIv7RpqMwHP07TYkHR0fTmRSG6gvIc3fqA2BO-hNtnd5rzky/s1600/tk+group+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY_fSVzYCAbsM5ZiFmfs1oJvSycZeDVVYJEM5-GoUSMSEgchouy1TrlncWFjHH92z0aYC9hF0ZhwQKUatd5R4tQY0GlvUmIv7RpqMwHP07TYkHR0fTmRSG6gvIc3fqA2BO-hNtnd5rzky/s640/tk+group+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's everyone with their creations.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfhbQZQXdS-OCJZ9SjGJRY5gd5c-TDJX4wABGpyVMNvrZuBCQkWQckMIiIUC0ytgCikYsAM3AL3mFEr_17Mvfk6DxpCqxEDrm-1ZTO-HgJpftrXwLZAgftgKVzttgaxH1RS7myD3zQ1pd/s1600/tk+group+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfhbQZQXdS-OCJZ9SjGJRY5gd5c-TDJX4wABGpyVMNvrZuBCQkWQckMIiIUC0ytgCikYsAM3AL3mFEr_17Mvfk6DxpCqxEDrm-1ZTO-HgJpftrXwLZAgftgKVzttgaxH1RS7myD3zQ1pd/s640/tk+group+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you want to make your own, feel free to print out or save the instruction sheet below. We used 3" and 4" squares of quilters cottons to make our flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHbMK6KtVxELA05VDDUpo_iaTeA2XZIoTY6BTUr0VDPK0M7yCCD4FYB_dJU-rBtrdKLDG9WltE4qfrjJZABGPfM54f0qPTWZIM07kJWCAujhOjNrKRSLPenOE7m7V6z0aDDJBZfARBklK/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHbMK6KtVxELA05VDDUpo_iaTeA2XZIoTY6BTUr0VDPK0M7yCCD4FYB_dJU-rBtrdKLDG9WltE4qfrjJZABGPfM54f0qPTWZIM07kJWCAujhOjNrKRSLPenOE7m7V6z0aDDJBZfARBklK/s640/flowers.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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A big thank you to <a href="http://www.beadlush.com/">Beadlush</a> for hosting us at the last minute and to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/MyArtEvent">Rachel</a> for taking pictures!</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com0Charlotte, NC, USA35.2270869 -80.843126735.0195579 -81.1589837 35.434615900000004 -80.5272697tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-8693174272470954062012-02-27T14:57:00.003-05:002012-02-27T14:57:54.821-05:00I'm on Fire!Dudes, I am super excited! I just got confirmation this week that I will be selling at the 2012 <a href="http://www.dragoncon.org/">Dragon*Con</a> in Atlanta. Last year's Heroes Con in Charlotte was my first time selling at a convention. I did really well and I'm really looking forward to selling at Heroes again as well as exploring other conventions. Dragon*Con seemed like a great option because of the size and proximity. (I still work a day job so I have to aim for conventions somewhat nearby). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxQ7bmz2ER3pnL4yohBw5oLEVF5WHKhyphenhyphenXiapVJSB_ti_YIv8rplf-0WSOjB-xBhMilF_xT-gthudNZ-eFgvzKFvg0Yhu_gFL2pK_4zLxrDtDERSKaddTaJk_267n1iuegS_emC-lRAnhz/s1600/DC-Color-Circle-Transparent-hi_res.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxQ7bmz2ER3pnL4yohBw5oLEVF5WHKhyphenhyphenXiapVJSB_ti_YIv8rplf-0WSOjB-xBhMilF_xT-gthudNZ-eFgvzKFvg0Yhu_gFL2pK_4zLxrDtDERSKaddTaJk_267n1iuegS_emC-lRAnhz/s400/DC-Color-Circle-Transparent-hi_res.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now I'm reaching the mild freak out point when I realize I have to make about a billion dolls, along with small plush and probably some accessories and prints. One of my goals for the year is to have more original characters available, and there is one very apropos little idea I'm really looking forward to working on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX6Q0J2bb1VF0JNSkRL4MgAMCtnuEvI0QKreT9BKR5klFvoNNXFyfwDxFlLSvxpubS4hbv7YhpzU16utf6WeHCbzmOStgrMfj0CsAGecPQvACo5n7ma7h63jSwKGjl5sqVfDWsGcfNYwv/s1600/dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX6Q0J2bb1VF0JNSkRL4MgAMCtnuEvI0QKreT9BKR5klFvoNNXFyfwDxFlLSvxpubS4hbv7YhpzU16utf6WeHCbzmOStgrMfj0CsAGecPQvACo5n7ma7h63jSwKGjl5sqVfDWsGcfNYwv/s640/dragon.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Baby dragons! Each one will start with the same base body but get a unique combination of colors and add-ons like horns, wings, spots, ears, and fancy mustaches. I'm thinking giant sequins for spots of scales too. The only thing better than cute and cuddly is sparkly, cute, and cuddly!<br />
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I have more original characters planned and I'm so excited to get started!Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-30879605777903706122012-02-07T14:37:00.004-05:002012-02-08T17:08:32.088-05:00I'm Alive!Who's a bad blogger? Me! To be fair, I've been super busy. Like oh geez, the busyness. But, I have some exciting new things planned for Handmade Stuffs this year and I'm excited to be in the process of gearing up for 2012. In the meantime, here are some pictures of Bats' Christmas gift.<br />
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Oontz oontz oontz.</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-32432983404432221942011-12-13T17:42:00.002-05:002011-12-15T14:43:52.915-05:00Why Donner Disappoints Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Sometimes it's hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit. I know why; a big, fat part of my Christmas preparation had to be left behind when I moved in 2007. I miss you every year, <a href="http://www.christmastreelane.com/">Christmas Tree Lane</a>. </div>
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If you're not lucky enough to have grown up in a town with a ridiculously huge and kind of famous Christmas display, I pity you. Get in the car and drive there right now. Go marvel at the 140 houses and 300 trees in the nearly two mile stretch. Listen to the carols playing from car windows and tree-mounted speakers. I dare you not to get in the holiday spirit.</div>
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Christmas Tree Lane had kind of a depressing start. In 1920, a tree was decorated in honor of a child who had died. Each year, more and more houses joined in. Since then it has only gone dark twice, in 1941 due to wartime restrictions and in 1973 due to the energy crisis. Now around 10,000 people visit every year.</div>
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I think my earliest memory of Christmas Tree Lane was caroling with my Girl Scout Troop. We would all bundle up and stand in a makeshift covered bandstand to belt out what I'm sure were terribly off-keep Christmas carols. It was fun though, and we got candy canes and hot cocoa. Candy canes and cocoa is really all the motivation you need at age 8.</div>
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As a teenager, nearly every year we'd all bundle up and make the 4 mile loop up on side and back down the other. There's a shopping center across the street from the end of Christmas Tree Lane, which gives you a nice opportunity to get a rest and warm up in a coffee shop before heading back. If you're able to walk, I'd definitely recommend it over driving. A lot of the displays are right on the side of the street offer many opportunities to take stupid pictures of you and your friends.There's also a really ridiculous amount of traffic, and sitting in it is not conducive to holiday good cheer. There are two walk only nights and it's just lovely walking down the street under the lights strung from tree to tree.</div>
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The only disappointment is Donner.</div>
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I know that sounds a little strange, let me explain. As you go down Christmas Tree lane, you'll see the eight tiny reindeer and Rudolph in order. (On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and so on.) So why is Donner annoying? Because he's only been "Donner" for a short time. Before that it was "Donder", and for <em>years</em>. I'm not talking a couple of years either, I mean at least a decade. It was always the highlight of the walk when we found Donder, the unfortunate reindeer who couldn't spell his own name. I'll never forget, Donder.<br />
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Now enjoy these videos of the overachiever house at the end that makes everyone else have a complex. <br />
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With this being the "Thanksgiving" post, I wanted to write about something for which I am thankful: being a nerd. Even more than just being a nerd, that nerdiness is seemingly coming into it's own and being viewed more with appreciation and less with derision. <br />
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I love being a nerd, I've pretty much always loved being a nerd. I was raised by interesting and crafty parents, so maybe it was inevitable. I watched Star Wars marathons with my dad during the holidays and spent hours crafting and going to thrift shops with my mom. Family vacations almost always involved a museum. Add to the fact that I can be incredible excitable; (my boyfriend refers to me as a human Muppet). So generally I was the one of the "weird kids". I was aware of that from a young age, and I did my best to own it. My parents always encouraged me to be myself and I eventually ended up with a group of a really good friends who all understood me and who all had their own fun idiosyncrasies. Luckily I was in accelerated programs and schools for most of my educational experience, so there were generally a lot of "weird kids" and I didn't have to deal with much in the way of bullying. Me being such a little smart ass may have been a deterrent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to trick or treat at age 20</td></tr>
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While "nerd" is usually associated with people who like Star Wars or comic books who have no social skills and unfashionable clothing, I think everyone should have something they're a total nerd about. Everyone should have something in their lives about which they are passionate and interested and that sometimes fills them with slightly manic glee. Maybe that thing is G.I. Joe or Star Trek or Atari games, or maybe that thing is rock climbing or restoring vintage cars or volunteering. Maybe it can be all of those things. But if you don't have <em>something</em>, how is life interesting or fun or even worthwhile? How many fantastic relationships might you miss out on? I wouldn't know my boyfriend if we weren't nerds; we met on a Star Wars internet forum. I wouldn't know any of the fantastic girls I've met through <a href="http://www.crowntownhandmade.com/">Crown Town Handmade</a> if I weren't such a sewing and crafts nerd and if they weren't all just as bad. It's okay to value being smart and creative, it's okay to like weird things, and it's definitely okay to look different. I am happy and proud to be a nerd and I hope all the nerds out there continue to be awesome and interesting and embrace their nerdiness with pride.Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-83389197795186446172011-11-16T16:52:00.001-05:002011-11-17T15:29:18.804-05:00Nerdsday - Snuggly Buggly<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_75557190"></span><span id="goog_75557191"></span>As the weather gets cooler for those of us in the Northern hemisphere, I wanted to dedicate this Nerdsday to some fabulously nerdy quilts and blankets. Wrap yourself up and let the geekiness keep you warm.<br />
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If you're chilly while playing your favorite video game, you're totally in luck. There are a ton of 8-bit quilts to be found. The pixelation lends itself perfectly to piecing and you can make the "pixels" as small or as large as you depending on how many squares you think you can sew together before losing your mind.<br />
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For example, Elizabeth Hartman of <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/space-invaders-quilt/">Oh Fransson!</a> has started work on a spectacular Space Invaders quilt for her lucky nephew. I love that she's using random patterned pieces in with the solids to give it a patchwork look. It looks like a ton of work and I can't wait to see how it turns out. <br />
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If sci-fi is more your geekiness of choice, have no fear. There are beautiful quilts to snuggle whether you're it's a long long time ago in a galaxy far away or where no man has gone before.</div>
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I love this graphic and modern quilt by <a href="http://www.erikarayphotography.com/blog/2011/9/9/star-wars-meets-quilting.html">Erika Ray</a> incorporating some great Star Wars sheets. The brown and bright blue look gorgeous together and the pattern on the front is subtle enough to work for lots of ages.</div>
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There's also a beautiful quilt block featuring C3PO on <a href="http://vonkleinendingen.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/august-block/">Vonkleinendingen</a>. All the colors and patterns are fantastic and I love the addition of the teeny pieced star. I especially love that it looks like C3PO is pointing to it as if to say, "Oh my goodness, I am most intriqued by this fabric manipulation!"</div>
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Okay, just one more Star Wars quilt. <a href="http://boutiqueginabeana.blogspot.com/2010/01/may-force-be-with-you.html">Crafty Little Beana</a> made this one for her nephew and it faboulousness. I love the idea, making a movie quilt to look like a filmstrip. The detail of all the different patterned teeny sprocket holes, absolute awesomeness.</div>
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Trekkies, don't think I forgot about you. You can get your own quilt little art quilt from <a href="http://elliotmcnally.daportfolio.com/gallery/498278">Elliot McNally</a>. The quilting adds a really neat texture to to the pieces. I especailly like the metallic thread on the transporter quilts, but I think the tribble quilt is my favorite. The look of exasperation on little quilted Kirk is absolutely perfect. Check out her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thealligatorbride">Etsy shop</a> for your own. </div>
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Looking at all these fabulous quilts make me want to pull out my Meme Quilt and get back to work! I love sewing dolls, but there's also something so meditative about sewing and ironing little strips of fabric. I have most of the front peiced, but I still have some more memes to add. (You can check out all the memes I have done so far on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=98894171@N00&q=meme">Flickr</a>.) Maybe I'll have time to get it finished some day, then it will be like snuggling with the internet.</div>
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Happy nerding!</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-84810709653758730222011-11-09T17:41:00.000-05:002011-11-10T17:33:01.086-05:00Nerdsday - NC Comicon Wrap UpI spent this past weekend at a comic convention, so this Nerdsay is going to be dedicated to a little con wrap up as well as an opportunity to mention some of the talented and nifty people I got to see.<br />
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My table tends to end up as what I like to refer to as the "Tower of Plush". I had some of the same selection I had at the 2011 HeroesCon, but I did add and update a few characters. You can see Harley Quinn tucked in on the left side, as well as the Ninja Turtles keeping watch. Both of these were very well received, so keep an eye out for them at future conventions and on my Etsy. <br />
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My neighbor was the lovely and talented Beck Seashole of <a href="http://www.beckadoodles.com/">Becka Doodles: The Art of Cute</a>. We dubbed our tables the "Cute Corner". In addition to her webcomic about undead goodies, <a href="http://sweetenvillage.com/">Sweeten Village</a>, Beck also creates cards for the Topps Star Wars Galaxy series. You can purchase her adorable art <a href="http://beckadoodles.typepad.com/photos/art_for_sale/index.html">here</a>, which you should do because it is adorable and she is amazing.</div>
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I brought my Marceline as an example of the new doll pattern and had absolutely no intention of selling her until <a href="http://tommyleeedwards.com/">Tommy Lee Edwards'</a> daughter came by. She looked so excited and had the perfect costume, how could I tell her no? At least I know Marceline went to a good home, and she can hang out the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittyzilla/5858770414/">Ramona Flowers plush</a> that was commissioned at Heroes.</div>
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I also got a chance to talk to <a href="http://www.steveniles.com/">Steve Niles</a>, who is a stupendously nice for a guy who writes about ghoulies ripping people's throats out. He's trying to raise money to cover his doggy's medical bills (read more about <a href="http://www.steveniles.com/sonny.html">Sonny</a> here) and is auctioning some great pieces by talented artists.<br />
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Now back to sewing...<br />
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<br /></div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-32529550692830133492011-11-09T08:10:00.000-05:002011-11-09T08:14:46.877-05:00Shop Update<div><br />
If you weren't able to make it to NC Comicin this past weeken but still want your own plush, have no fear! All unsold dolls have now been listed in the shop, hooray! <br />
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If you're in the Raleigh, NC area this weekend com visit me at <a href="http://www.nccomicon.com/">NC Comicon</a>. There will be many plushes to cuddle!</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwldkBTIf9vm4qTAqYVE4ZvJ6KlCOApI3sNM8QnGGEpsMgC7TZMjmqtM_6Z78gj59T7jCvrZtOmsaSzdp4AGpi3ETxIBAcQWZzS0UGuFSK7PaejJYOIWYkPcKzHwVhJf-lmmPglCmYFi7H/" /></div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-17187132680829801542011-11-03T15:00:00.000-04:002011-11-03T15:00:01.434-04:00Nerdsday: In Your DreamsThursdays are now going to be Nerdsdays! I'm going to showcase nerdy or geeky and probably crafty things that makes my dorky heart fill with glee.<br />
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I figured I'd start of Nerdsdays with a secret wish that I hold deep in my heart. The wish to own nerdy black velvet paintings.<br />
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Observe the beauty and majesty that is Inigo Montoya on black velvet. Also, all these other <a href="http://brucewhite.deviantart.com/gallery/">awesome pop culture icons</a> on black velvet. I've been a little obsessed with black velvet paintings since probably 10 years ago, when I saw a wonderfully rendered painting of Jesus embracing a semi-truck hanging in a deteriorating mall. If it isn't obvious, I have incredibly questionable taste. While I love the ridiculous kitsch factor, I just couldn't bring myself to devote money and valuable wall space to trucker Jesus. These painting are a whole other story. The nerdiness, the talent, the hilariousness. </div>
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Bruce White is the man behind <a href="http://velvetgeek.com/">VelvetGeek</a>. If you have some extra money you should go give it him. Not even in exchange for a painting necessarily, just because he's neat. It looks like painting run around $250, which I think is totally reasonable for joy on velvet. While I save up for this, I have to go think really hard about who I want immortalized on black velvet. <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sugexp=kjrmc&cp=6&gs_id=h&xhr=t&q=doc+brown&tok=xo6kKCclsTC6-VV34qOPxQ&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=571&wrapid=tljp132017539656708&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi">Ha ha, who am I even kidding</a>?</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-18499315201658692152011-10-31T14:49:00.001-04:002011-10-31T14:49:36.331-04:00October Make Out - Night of the Crafting Dead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
October's Make Out with <a href="http://www.crowntownhandmade.com/events.html">Crown Town Handmade</a> is the one I look forward to all year. Although a free craft taught by a local crafter every month is always fun, can you think of a better way to spend a Thursday evening then getting made up to look like the walking dead?</div>
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If it's not obvious from some of my <a href="http://blog.handmadestuffs.com/2011/04/cuddling-dead.html">projects</a>, I love me some zombies. The shuffling and dead eyed Romero kind, the shrieking and flailing 28 Days Later kind, the wormy and meat-obsessed Slither ones, the vacant and gruesome Walking Dead sort, the exploding and gnawing House of the Dead ones. I love them all. Of course I leap at the chance to join their disgusting ranks for an evening.</div>
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We used the cheap make-up palettes you can find at the drug store. You'll also need sponges or brushes for applying, baby powder and a large brush to set everything once you're done, and a mirror or friend to help you apply. </div>
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You want to start out by applying a thin layer of white of gray to your face and neck. Don't glob it on; you want to look like you're bloodless, not a clown. (Unless you're going to zombie clown, and then more power to you.) If the make up is a little thick, you can soften it up a bit with some baby oil. Also, don't be afraid to use your fingers. You want to dab rather than swipe and don't forget your lips. Pay particular attention to areas that would be naturally highlighted; like your brow bone, the top of your nose, and tops of your cheeks. This will make these area stand out so you look more gaunt and gruesome once the "shadows" are applied. If you're not sure where to apply, shine a lamp in your face from above and see what spots are illuminated and which are in shadow.</div>
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Use a black or purple to make dark shadows around and under your eyes, in the hollows of your cheeks, and to accentuate any wrinkles. Anything girls generally want to hide, you want to color black. You'll probably need to make some stupid faces for this, it helps to show off various wrinkles. Suck in your cheeks, smile, scrunch up your eyes or forehead, stretch out your neck.</div>
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Once you have the base on, you can add bruises and marks. Use a pale blue eyeliner pencil to make winding veins. Make bruises with a mixture of purples, greens, yellows, and reds. Think about the colors in your own skin and what it looks like when you get a real bruise.</div>
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If you want a really fun and gross zombie, grab some liquid latex and congealed blood from the Halloween store or costume shop. (Obviously do not use liquid latex if you're allergic to latex.) Wipe the make up away where you want to apply the latex and spread a thin layer on. Wait for it to dry and then gently rub or pull at it to make it look like scraped or decaying skin. Add some red and purple and fake blood to make it look like bruised and bloody skin.</div>
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If you're allergic to costume make up or just want to look like a zombie that is more successful at catching unsuspecting victims, try making some edible fake blood. Not only is it safe to put in your mouth, it tastes a little like black forest cake. Much better than eating regular blood. Be aware that this stains like crazy and gets sticky, so wear clothes you don't care about ruining.</div>
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To make it, mix one packet of raspberry jell-o with half of the water called for. Mix in a container of the cheapest maple syrup you can find, like the $1 one. Mix in a few spoonfuls of cocoa powder, the kind used for baking not making cocoa. Once you like the color, mix in enough cornstarch to get a consistency you like. Once you're finished, get a mouthful of it and let it dribble down your face. (Think how your mouth is numb after the dentist.) Spit out any extra. You'll probably want to do this outside, which has the added bonus of making it look like there was a horrible, bloody murder. </div>
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Happy Halloween everyone. Comment below and let me see your costumes!</div>
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Thank you to the wonderful <a href="http://plazamuse.com/">Plaza Muse</a> for letting us use their space!</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-79703424444160488492011-10-18T15:32:00.000-04:002011-10-18T15:32:10.424-04:00Nifty Thrifty: Thriftenstein<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I'm a girl of simple tastes. A bit of a bargain hunter perhaps. If there's one thing I love more than thrift stores, it's thrift CRAFT stores. Craft supplies are awesome, but insanely cheap craft supplies make me have a small fits of glee. Not to mention that, like regular thrift stores, thrift craft stores are full of the hilarious mistakes of taste from years past. Naturually I was downright giddy when I got to visit not one, but two, thrift craft stores on a recent trip to California to visit my mom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Legacy Thrift & Gift Shop</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">781 Gravenstein Ave</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sebastopol, CA 95472</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My mom and I paid a visit to The Legacy on my previous visit and we couldn't wait to get back again. We actually had excellent timing; we ended up going to day before they briefly closed for a remodel. The store is now three doors down at 789 Gravenstein Ave while the original space is being completely remodeled. The original shop was well organized and the staff is very helpful and friendly; I'm sure the new space is no different<br />
Besides the great prices, you can feel doubly good about shopping there as proceeds benefit the <a href="http://www.sebastopolseniorcenter.org/">Sebastapol Area Senior Center</a>, which provides activities and classes for adults and seniors. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Fabric is sold by the pound, trims by the yard, and other materials are prices as marked. They have a large selection of supplies including sewing notions, books, cross-stitch and embroidery, yarns, appliques, and more. They also offer some ready made consignment items.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our second stop was new to us, but had been around in one place or another since 1976. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scrap-sf.org/">SCRAP: A Source for the Resourceful</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">801 Toland Street</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">San Francisco, CA 94124</div><br />
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SCRAP was started as a way to get donated craft and art supplies to underfunded schools as well as artists and parents. SCRAP now diverts up to 200 tons (that's TONS) of materials that would otherwise be sent to landfills. They also offer field trips, classes, volunteer opportunities, or simply just a place to find amazing and weird cheap stuff.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">SCRAP is really dedicated to creative resuse, which means you'll find more than just your average art supplies. Not that the selection of art and craft supplies is anything to sneeze at. SCRAP offers fabric, paper goods, buttons, paints, trims, brushes, wood pieces, metal, and glass to name a few. The fun is in the entirely random and wonderful things hiding in there. The picture above is a detail of a huge drum on these. I have no idea what they are; I bought 20. There was a huge bin of teeny glass bottles; another of what looked like promo buttons. There was a rack of books and magazines, which housed a collection of sci-fi novels from the 70's. (I so would have bought them all if I hadn't been flying back.) My mom and I spent probably 45 minutes going through tubs of buttons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6212487324_d0e8a9e011_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6212487324_d0e8a9e011_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, there is some rad signage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Does anyone else visit any similiar places?</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-8672202147148466262011-10-13T14:37:00.000-04:002011-10-13T14:37:11.051-04:00Adolescent Abnormal Samurai Chelonians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, if you want to be technical.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6233416464_eda3dac4d3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6233416464_eda3dac4d3_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Leonardo leads!</div><div style="text-align: left;">This little guys are the first of the dolls completed for <a href="http://www.nccomicon.com/">NC Comicon</a>, and I'm a little bummed I won't be keeping them. Despite all my incredibly girlish hobbies and tendencies, I did watch a ton of "boys" cartoons growing up and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was one of my favorites. (I'm still a little tomboyish about television and movies; I love zombie movies and I can't watch a romantic movie without making puke noises. Because I am so mature.) I found this green fleece online and immediately knew it had to be turtles.<br />
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Donatello was my favorite, I think mostly because purple was my favorite color as a kid. He's also a big geek, so that doesn't hurt. I think my favorite part was always the the incredibly unrealistic inventions he would create, most of them pure deus ex machina. His voice actor, Barry Gordon, also did work is several other of my favorite cartoons, including Darkwing Duck and Swat Kats. <br />
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Each of the turtles has a little plush version of their signature weapon, held on with hook and loop tape so they're removable. I think Michelangelo's little nunchucks are my favorite.<br />
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Now I just need to make them some little plush pizza for a snack.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The End</div>Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4327943024275888699.post-41227626958735412272011-10-11T17:15:00.001-04:002011-10-11T17:16:55.355-04:00I Have a Backup Brain in My Butt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the past few weeks I've been getting the last of my custom orders done in order to start getting ready for selling at <a href="http://nccomicon.com/?page_id=29">NC Comicon</a> the first weekend of November. I always get a good selection of interesting charcters with customs, and it seems like I've had an overload of aliens lately...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh em gee, I am super happy with how little Doop came out. I think I captured his absolute redonkulousness, along with his vacant stare. Doop is one of those dolls I had way too much fun making. He's about 16" tall and, like all my dollies, has jointed arms. Jointed arms are especially good for flailing while following your boyfriend around the house and repeatedly singing "doop doop doop doop doop doop" until he loses his mind. I think "Nerdy ways to irritate your boyfriend" is <strong>so</strong> going to be a new blog feature.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>I love his weird, buggy eyeballs. You don't even know.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kit was actually for <a href="http://blog.handmadestuffs.com/2011/08/stitch-wars-strikes-back.html">Stitch Wars Strikes Back</a> at the <a href="http://www.tatescomics.com/bearandbird/">Bear and Bird Gallery</a>. He didn't sell and I'm totally disappointed to have his adorableness in my house again. Devasted. He's not at all cuddly and loveable and I do not squee girlishly about his head tentacles. (Headacles? That doesn't sound right.) He also did not sit with me and watch the aquatic episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think Marvin is the most "mainstream" of the alien plush. He looks a little cranky about it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6212666415_f143ef9368_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kca="true" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6212666415_f143ef9368_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's Starro to give you a big hug... and control your brain and subvert your will. But mostly hugs!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Come on, give him a little smooch.Handmade Stuffshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17702255540978678389noreply@blogger.com0