Bloomington Handmade Market

This past Saturday was the Bloomington Handmade Market.  This was most likely my last BHM :( because I am moving in the fall, but more on that some other time.  I had a great time, like I always do.  I love people watching, Bloomington is full of interesting people, all with sculptural haircuts.  I wish I was brave enough to get my hair cut in a sculptural way, Edward Scossorhands-esque, which is not how they wear it in Bloomington, but still.  People had such lovely things to say.  The BHM has is a DJed event. At one point a group of young girls each picked up a Swaddle Bear and started dancing with them like they were at the very coolest prom ever.

My booth display

 

The sweetest moment, however, was after this guy pictured above told me that my designs were "sharp" and then turned around to check out another booth and revealed that there was a sweet little dog head poking out of his backpack. 

I bought a few things while I was there.  My booth neighbor is a photographer and has been in all of the Handmade Markets so far, yet for some reason I had never looked through her photos before---they are so captivating---I bought one that seems to be photo collaged, but looks like one solid image of a man petting a tiny giraffe in an old victorian living room.  Her name is Mia Beach, and you can see photos on her web-site.  I also bought soap from soap-makers who make all their soaps from what they grow on their farm----literally from the herbs to the dairy that their cows and goats give them.  They also have llamas (you don't milk those though, I asked).  The soap I got is Basil lime zest and so refreshing.  You can also buy their soaps here.  LAstly, I bought a sweet print from an artist named Laura George, based out of Chicago, I was delighted looking through all of her prints and it's nice to bring a little of her magic back home to put in a frame.  Her Etsy shop is here.

All my leftovers are now in my Etsy shop waiting for you, yes you!  They love you and want to snuggle with you on your couch! 

Love birds

This is a commission for a friend of mine.  She is giving softie likenesses to some friends of hers who are getting married.  They look adorable----I mean, as humans, but I think they transfer nicely into plush form.  Weddings are fun.  My brother is getting married this October, and I am so excited.  My little man gets to be the ring bearer.  He will have a nice part in his hair like a little, tiny gentleman.

Piggy tails

I made these cuties this past week because I wanted some female dolls made for the Bloomington Handmade Market.  I tend towards boy dolls.  I don't know why this is, maybe because facial hair is so much fun to sew.  I wanted these girls to be colorful and fun, the kind of girls who are equally at home romping around the woods and skipping rocks as they are at having tea parties with fancy china.  Let's never let our girls stop romping around the woods and getting dirt on their knees (or, if you are the pink haired girl on the top right that I just made, let's never let you stop getting dirt on your ankles, since you really don't have any knees to speak of).  Their hair is made out of fleece, which doesn't get all scruffy like felt does, and it feels soft to the touch.  Their hair is supposed to look a bit like piggy tails, not devil horns. 

I hope you're having a lovely week!

Strong Man Pyramid

"Hey, Hey, Hey!"

That is what they shout as they jump on top of one another.  "Hey, hey, hey!"  One day I'll learn stop motion animation and make it happen.  One day.  (Heavy sigh).  The weather has been moody today.  It gets very dark (which for some reason makes the leaves seem neon green) and windy and then it weeps a little.  Then, a bit of bright sun and cheer...  Then, gloom again.  It has been fun to watch. 

I'm off to make cauliflower soup.  What are you having for dinner?

Run Over

Sadly, my macho men were performing feats of strength on the street when they got run over by a truck.  So sad. 

Just joking.  They have yet to be stuffed.  I like the way they look this way, all flat and shriveled.  Too long on the beach with too little spf.

Swaddle Bear/Bunny Babies

Get ready to get your snuggles on!  Here are some sleepy babies all swaddled up and ready for hugs.   I can only imagine the adorable coo sound they make when having sweet dreams.  In between sewing these guys, we have been eating a lot of frozen blueberries here.  We've also been petting goats and laughing at miniature donkeys at the zoo.  Not a lot of people have caught on to the amazing weather, so we've had the sunshine, zebras and tortoises mainly to ourselves.  I've been enjoying the less showy animals the most, lately.  The tortoises, especially.  I like to create their dialogue in my head.  I imagine them to be really complain-y, like the old men who meet in coffee shops before the sun comes up and grumble about politics.  I like those guys.

These Swaddle Babies are going to be under $40.  And, I am going to make some macho men in unitards next that will be priced around $45.  I love the Bloomington Handmade Market, and I want the colorful people of B-Town to be able to afford some presents for their babies and couches.

Workin' At the Studio Yeah! (Said To the Tune of Car Wash)

I have been busy, in factory mode, prepping for the Bloomington Handmade Market!

 

The market takes place April 7th (mark your calendars).

 I am trying to meet the people's needs this year by making some dolls that are a bit more affordable, and baby-friendly (button-less).  Making things less expensive means resisting my urge to make hats, bow-ties and corsages for mustache men, and making them a bit smaller.  Their heads look so naked, and their necks (can you have a neck if you don't have a torso?) so bare.  But, it's okay guys!  (this is me giving the little men a pep talk).  "This is an economy that has to forgo accessories, so pump up the charm with your wit and charisma instead of your plaid newsie hat!" 

These guys are part of my new line called Swaddle Bear Baby Bundles.  They are smaller, squishier, softer, and without buttons.

 These guys give me baby fever a bit.  Being a new mother (two years ago!) was overwhelming, but I felt most at peace holding a tiny swaddled Walter while he slept.  It is the most peaceful and heart-softening experience in the world.  These little guys remind me of that time.  They would make nice gifts for newborns, or for parents who have empty nest syndrome!

I am also working on a special request for a friend.  She has cute friends that need cute things.

Do you spy new fabric up there?  Fabric designers are sure doing a good job these days.

Aerial shot!

I am a vegetarian, but I love this print so much.  Look at all that All American food up there.  I never crave it, really, but I do get nostalgic for it in a way.  It reminds me of carnivals and baseball games and green grass and lakes.