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Did you know that I do custom Fuzzies? Lately I've had several requests to make Fuzzies out of a loved one's clothing - such a special keepsake, if I might say so myself.
This wonderful little family was an example of a custom request. In addition to the "typical" outfits my Fuzzies wear, I patched in a t-shirt on their backs, too. You can see the t-shirts on the fish and elephant. I was also asked to embroider some initials on the outfits.
I really enjoy working with customers to get them exactly what they want. Including these little "extras" make the Fuzzies even more special and unique.
And, yup! There's a fish - the newest addition to the Fuzzy animal line-up.
So if you're ever interested in getting an extra-special Fuzzy for someone in your life, let me know! I would love to help you out.
Later!
Hello!
Once we moved into our new house and my sewing room and office were combined, I wanted my space to be as lovely and inspirational as possible. One of the first projects I tackled in my new space was a bonus project from Home Ec - a sewing machine cover.
I had been using the white plastic one that came with my machine, so a pretty handmade one would be MUCH better.
This was a pretty easy project, the only new skill I learned was mitering the corners of the bias tape. I added a Bluestar Star, and voila!
Have a wonderful day. If you're in the Midwest, stay cool!
Well, I have finally done it. I have participated in a show.
When my friend Krystin approached me about having a table at her Shop For A Cure event to help raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research, I didn't have to think twice. The small venue would be a great opportunity for me to get an idea of what an art fair would involve. So I treated it like it was a "big" show and gave it my all.
Yes, I turned into a crazy-person the last few days before the event. Even though I had plush, screen printed tote bags, illustrated greeting cards and screen prints, I wanted all of the products to look like the same brand. I furiously printed signage, wraps for my cards and sewed a bunting, to help tie the whole visual together. All-in-all, I thought it was a very cheerful, inviting table.
A few things I learned:
1) I need to look approachable. When I go to art fairs, I'm personally not a fan of the vendor trying to sell their wares to me, so I didn't want to come off as pushy. But if a customer looks interested, they generally want to talk. So talk, emily!
2) My Fuzzy "Runts" were a hit! I need to bring more next time.
3) I forgot to bring a "Will Do Custom Orders" sign. Oops.
4) I brought too much cash. Apparently customers come pretty prepared when they want to shop!
5) I used the Square app for the first time. It was pretty slick, but I didn't know how to itemize a sale with multiple items. (If anyone has any insight, please let me know!) Otherwise, next time I will tally the order first, then put that total into Square and ring it up from there.
6) Along with #5, I have to track my sales better. When it came time for me to log it all into my books today, I had to rely on my memory to match up who bought what. For this smaller venue I was able to figure it out, but for a bigger show, I'll have to manually write out receipts with a carbon copy so I have some record of who bought what.
7) Generally, people had an extremely positive response to my stuff. Which was so great to hear! Typically, the majority of my orders are for people I know, (and I'm so lucky to have such supportive friends and family), but this was the first time people outside of my circle saw my products in person. Their feedback and reactions were really helpful.
8) It's a good thing I saw a color void and made a pink Fuzzy at the last minute, because that was the first one that sold!
Overall, I really enjoyed myself. I think this is something I'd like to try again in the future. But until then, I have to start building up my inventory!
Later!
Hello!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful July. Mine has been pretty unproductive thus far, as Stella's sitter has been on vacation - so though I've gotten quality kiddo time, my work and projects have been on hold.
One thing I would love to share is the newest issue of STUFFED: The Crafting of Softies -
I am so excited, because once again, Bluestar Fuzzies have been included! Here are pics of my two spreads:
As you may remember from this post, I created some circus-themed plush for this submission. I had never made people before, so that was bit of a challenge, but I'm really happy with how they turned out. And there are props - a whip for the lion tamer and a trapeze for the trapeze artist to help complete their stories. Fun!
Once again, the talent in this issue is unbelievable! I am so humbled by all of the other artists' work in the issue. Some other featured Plush Teamers are:
There is also an amazing article about a Plush Team challenge in which they collaborated to make some cool Frankenplush creatures. You must check it out!
So thanks again, Stampington & Company, for featuring my Bluestar Fuzzies. It is such an honor.
Later!
