My Studio.... reorganized yet again....

We moved into this new house a year ago... and I've still be "settling in" to the new studio.

Seems I need to work for a while with things in one place.... and as I work I see how I can make improvements.

Last November Pandora... our 4th whippet came to live with us. That put 4 crates in my office (they love to be with "Momma" while she works!) It was getting just a little cramped.... and I just could NOT work anymore!

I had my hubby take a nice bookcase out .... and rearrange the whippets' crates. I thought I'd be moving my work station too (my husband designed and made it!).

Fortunately, however, I decided to just make those 2 changes and see how I liked it... and I really DO like it! Hubby will be so glad that there is no more furniture to move!

Now I need to find a wallpaper border that I like, and then valances for the windows... and I think hubby does need to build me a new cabinet for my bears... and a few shelves LOL!!

The closet.... well.... I think that is a project for fall. It is in BAD need of some serious shelving! But at least I can close the doors on it!

For now... here is where my "fur kids" are born!

Who taught me to sew??

I've had a few people ask me how I got started with sewing in general. I know many teddy bear artists learned from their Moms, Grandmoms, etc....

When I was younger I really wanted to learn how to sew.... but my (awesome) Mom didn't know how. Well, she DID have a sewing machine... but it was broken for as long as I can remember LOL! Something about the bottom tension....

Well, along comes 8th grade and Home Economics!!! Yeah!!!! Yep, I learned how to sew in school in Jr. High.

I didn't do a lot of sewing after that, however, because we were taught in school that you needed to have 2 people take your yardage of fabric and pull it out to straighten the grain. I don't like asking for help much (just ask my husband LOL!) so I just never sewed much again (not to mention that Mom's sewing machine was still broken!

Fast forward a bit.... to when I had my daughter.... and I dearly wanted to make dresses for her and her dolls. I was talking with my step-mom (an avid sewer and quilter) and it was SHE who informed me that I don't need to do all that pulling to my fabric! Just pre-wash it :).

So... that is how I got started with sewing in general :)

It's BUNNY Time!!!

And it's not just because of Mimzy LOL!!!

Actually I do have a couple of bears waiting patiently to be finished.... but it's SO close to Easter! I've also got a couple of bunnies in the works that I'm pushing in front... and will hopefully be born this week.

And then... I was out shopping and found the most adorable ceramic Easter egg! It opens up so you can see the treasure hidden within.

I am hoping to design a sweet little bunny that will fit inside this egg.... we'll see if I get him or her done in time for Easter too!

Laura Lynn & Daphne hit the Big Apple!

Monday, March 19th was the big signing at FAO Schwarz with the Cast of "The Last Mimzy" and Robert Tonner - who is producing the manufactured Mimzy bunny - and also a doll of Emma with a smaller Mimzy bunny.

Daphne & I flew in for the day just for this event! You can see photos of the event here.

The movie.. The Last Mimzy

I'm not sure if you've seen the trailers for the movie: The Last Mimzy..... but I have to tell you why I am so excited about seeing this movie....

The story's main characters are a brother and sister... and a stuffed rabbit named Mimzy. Well... the bunny maker who made Mimzy for the movie... is a very good friend of mine!!
Her name is Daphne Blau of Back Road Bears: BackRoadBears.com

This bunny was NOT Daphne's typical soft sculpture style... but was a very unique and rewarding opportunity for her!
You can find out more about the movie here: http://www.mimzy.com/

New Bear Collection!!!! New bunny too....

Hi Everyone!

Well, I haven't been good about keeping up the posts here....

but I HAVE been better at getting some bears... and bunnies born!

Harriett... (above) was created from the neatest imported synthetic... she's pink with long grey feathery fur. She's part of the Barefoot Collection... as she's jointed with cotterpins - and has no pawpads. Harriett is the largest Barefoot Bunny (or bear for that matter) that I've created thus far. She started life named "Harvey".... but boy was she upset with me! She could not believe that I did not realize she was a GIRL bunny! She told me "I mean I'm PINK for gosh sakes!!" ;)

I've also started a new Collection.... called "Pleeease Mommy!".

As a child, I was always bringing home all sorts of creatures... furry, scaley or slimey. (my poor Mom!) Not surprisingly... my first job (and second!) were in pet stores.

I KNOW I'm not the only one who did this when they were kids!

This new collection was created in memory of all the creatures we brought home and begged Mom to keep.

These bears will be dressed, and have wired arms in order to hold their new found friend. Each will be one of a kind within the collection.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!