I Share a Birthday

Wow, I just remembered it's Dr. Seuss' birthday so that means it's mine too! Mr. Owl is from my sissy and he's keeping me company today.

Yesterday's bear was made with sheets of felt so I could test my pattern. This bear is still a test but with a fabric upgrade of plush felt. I'll show you him when I'm done.

Below are some Dr. Seuss crafts from my blog:

http://www.karenmakesstuff.com/2012/02/birthday-with-lorax.html

http://www.karenmakesstuff.com/2011/02/thneed.html

http://www.karenmakesstuff.com/2011/02/truffula-trees.html

Color Me Kitty

My good friend and craft buddy came with her family for the day yesterday. When you invite a crafty family to your home you need crafty things to do! I made the plain kitty for Charlene knowing that she'd be able to illustrate a beautiful coat for it. The owls where for the boys.

Here's what the family came up with. Kitties are a favorite of her younger son so he colored Kitty. Charlene, her husband and eldest son colored the owls. Beautiful!

The kitty is a pure wool fabric and the owls are plush fleece. I got out all my permanent markers both Sharpies and Design. Afterwards we needle felted beaks and a nose. Oh what fun!

Terrier Pup

Thank you Joanne!

I'll never go back to embroidered noses.

I love needle felting.

And what a pleasure making this little guy has been.

Learn how to needle felt noses on Joanne's site at:

http://desertmountainbear.blogspot.com/2009/09/needle-felted-face-tutorial.html

Next Thing

I did my machine sewing yesterday so now I've started my hand sewing. I usually hand sew the foot pads, less mistakes that way. These are in different stages of completion.

I don't bother cutting a pattern for foot pads anymore. I just pin my leg to the fabric making sure to get the right width. Then I back stitch.

Two more to do.

Two Things

It's 2 things that have made me start this project today. #1 I have empty nest syndrome. All my stuffed animals have found homes (black squirrel, pug, huggable lamb and pink bear). #2 the Doll & Teddy Bear, Artist & Collector Convention on May 12-14, 2011 at the Ramada Airport Hotel in Philadelphia, PA, right near me!!! I'm so excited! 2 of the bear artists whose blogs I follow will be there, Desertmountainbear and Murphy Bears. (in my blog list)

Yes, I'm still working in plush felt(affordable and easy to work with for the beginner). But this is my own pattern that I'm still evolving. Can't chance the good stuff yet but I'm moving forward.

You may notice that I intend to experiment with brown and cream accents. I suppose you can guess what it will be.