flibbertygibbits

2009-12-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

Adding New Wares

2009-09-15T15:48:00.001-07:00

I've been busy making tote bags. I think it's now important to have variety in the shop. I'm getting a lot better after making about 9 bags. I've sold about 5 of them which has been very cool. I am starting to make smaller ones for kids and for people who just want a small tote for toting around. I'd like to experiment with an over the shoulder messenger type bag too.

My mom has returned from france and she brought back her very nice canon printer with her. This means I can start doing some photography prints and new art projects. It prints up to 13x19! I may even add some of my prints into the shop just to see how it flies.

Summer is almost over and I feel like I kind ripped off. On the other hand it's been nice not having sweltering heat for the entire season. Even though I am not a huge fan of super cold and rainy days, they make for great art days. Hopefully i can have some friends over for some crafty time since I will still have access to my parents' room for sewing.

yikes!

2009-08-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

It's been such a very long time since I've posted! Well not a whole lot is going on around here. I have slowly gotten back into project land making totes and brain storming for other etsy selling ideas. Ray and I went to the local flea market looking for art project things. We found some really cool perfume bottles to use with LEDs for inside and outside. Our house now smells like an old lady.

I feel like summer is now ending which makes me a bit sad. No more art events, or outdoor bbqs. I must make the most of this time as it passes by so quickly. The weather has been very mild which has been nice but at the same time I almost feel like I've been robbed of my summer. oh well.

The last art walk event is in a few weeks so I am gearing up for that. photos to follow of the things I have been working on.

It's Contest Time!!

2009-07-02T14:21:00.001-07:00

I know I said I'd do this every month, but life kind of got in the way.

So here he is folks. I just finished his hair today. Give this guy a name and description (keep it to about 6-8 lines max). You have until Tuesday 5pm PST.

The lucky winner that is chosen will win one of these!!

Sorry you don't get to pick the magnet, that's up to me ;)

Have fun!

Sold!

2009-06-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

So this past Saturday we went to a baby shower for a couple we've just met. They are having a girl. I knew I wanted to give them a monster but wasn't sure which one, so I brought three. The mother eneded up picking the one I thought I would give her. Some of the guests were very interested in the monsters so Ray went up the street to our house to bring them back to show off. I sold FIVE. and two magnets. crazy!! Totally not planned. Funny how that works sometimes. Now I'll need to make more! There are no more cute ones with pants and belts right now which seem to be very popular.

The fourth is coming soon and we don't have any plans as of yet. We can see the fireworks from our roof very easily so we're tossing the idea of having people here. The husband gets monday off which will be a nice treat. I like summer, it brings with it, bbqs, beer and good friends.

Handmade Ideas for Cash

2009-06-23T15:48:00.001-07:00

It's pretty bleak in terms of income on the home front right now. My regular consistent paying work is not happening all that much right now. Stuffed monsters are not selling too well, neither are plush monster magnets. I know I said this was just a hobby that I'd hope I could make some mad money from, but there isn't really any mad money coming in either. So, I'm brain storming for other ideas. I have a lot of crafting/sewing supplies so I need to get creative in my thinking to use what I already have. In the meantime when I'm not sewing, taking phtos and writing descriptions for things, I am cleaning out the house of our not needed things to see if we can make a buck or two. I'm doing my best to keep a positive attitude and to keep having fun making things.

It's Getting HOT

2009-06-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

I got really used to the spring time weather we were having here in NorCal. It looks as though summer has finally arrived and honestly I am not ready for it yet. I bought a bunch of fabric at the flea market that happened last Sunday around the corner from me. When I showed my friend she said "ok, you need to stop buying fabric!" she's right. It's really hard to pass up the bargains though when I see yards velvet and beautiful linen for under $10. I also found some really cool vintage eyes. I haven't bee creating any new monsters too much lately, I did make a pair that connect with magnets. They are quite cute.

I've felt the itch for spring cleaning, a little late I know. Lately every room I go into I am annoyed by all of the stuff we have. I need to purge!! Maybe we'll do a garage sale. GASP! I'm not too fond of doing those kinds of things. the idea of sitting around all day waiting for people to buy my stuff doesn't sounds all that thrilling. But who knows maybe we can make a few bucks.

Father's day is quicky approaching. we don't really have plans, I figure I will leave up to dad to decide what he wants to do. Looks like it won't be too sweltering which will be nice. Happy weekend!!

2009-06-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well the art event went pretty well, considering I had no expectations! I sold 4 monsters and 5 magnets. Everyone who came to my table really liked them and had something nice to say. I handed out a lot of cards. My next one is in September. I am considering getting involved with out city's farmer's market on Wednesday evenings as well.

I've just posted two new stuffed monsters in the shop!

2009-06-01T12:29:00.001-07:00

I am preparing for the art event that's this Friday. If anyone reading this is close to sonoma county come say hi. I feel like I have enough stock to at least show people what I'm capable of. I don't want to be a stress case and I'm not really worried about selling as much as having a nice display set up.

In other news, I thought I had my heart set on a chord organ. I've changed my mind. After seing Flight of the Conchords live and seeing Jemaine play an omnichord, I decided that i MUST have one. So now I am on the hunt!

It's only early afternoon but I feel like I need a nap, so much to do!

Gearing up for the show

2009-05-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

I've been sewing quite a bit to prepare for the June 5th event. I am sad to say that I got a great deal on 4o colors of thread, only to find that my machine does NOT like it. It keeps sewing on the reverse side of the fabric. In some cases it's ok because you won't actually see the seams. But when I do top stitching, the knots are on top. sigh. And of course, there have been some bad sewing days where things just don't turn out. I am making the most of it and still having a good time making them.

I'm not sure how to displays these guys but a friend had a good idea to use manzanita branches to stick them in. I just need to figure out where to find some where it's not illegal for me to take it like from ahem, the state park by my house.

One of Mason's library books gave me some inspiration for new monster shapes. I am going to give them a try.

Fun With Magnets!

2009-04-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

I have posted some new monster magnet friends in the shop. Here are the newest! These have been really fun to make and it's really nice to be using scraps of fabric to keep the recycled theme going. More to come!

1st Fridays!

2009-04-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

I will be participating this year for the first time. someone found me on Etsy and invited me. I will be doing it in June and September. Im pretty excited and have already started making a list and sewing more magnets. Hopefully I'll manage to get a few robots in too.

Also....Here's the newest addition to the shop!

New Ideas in the Mix

2009-04-09T14:09:00.001-07:00

Web work has been really slow for me this week so I've had more time to sew. So I decided to try making a plush robot. I think he turned out pretty cool.
I got the idea from a shirt of Mason's which has multiple rows or robots on it.

It's grey, gloomy and rainy in my neck of the woods, wishing for a little bit of sunshine.

Starting a New Week

2009-03-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Here are finished works for posting in the shop in the next few days.

I have been invited to participate in our city's event First Fridays. It's pretty cool, artists have tables throughout the downtown area. The only problem is what to do with Mason from 5-8pm. I'm not sure he can hang out like a good boy for that long. We'll see, it would be nice for people to know who I am in town and maybe generate more business. This means a lot of sewing to create new friends for June!!

We Have a Winner!!

2009-03-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

Although it's long (I may edit out some to shorten it up) here's is our winning entry, congratulations Ryan!

This is Nikliss. Nikliss has a funny name because it is a testament to how disorientating his physical appearance is from the shoulders down. His name equates to his lifestyle-- seems normal, but visually its a complete mess. He does not go out on weekends, but stays out all night for karaoke on tuesday and wednesdays. He is your cubicle-mate and has pictures of half nude and even some full nude Asian models all hung around in difference sizes, like cut out of Import Tuner car magazines and hand drawn by his old middle school W.O.W. raid team, for everyone to see. One of them crosses into your side of the cube, but you don't mind much, because in this one she at least has clothes on, and she's sitting on a car that looks sorta like yours. His voice is quiet yet cuts through the air like the sound of a slipping radiator belt. You love to see the outfits he wears, yet the taste of carpet seems to fill your mouth every time you just feel him around. Strangely, he is so brilliant and yet makes terrible decisions. Many videos have been made by coworkers of his amazing voyeur "stunts". Nikliss is the guy you wish you never met, yet you cant hardly contain yourself to see what he does next...

Remember folks this contest will be happening every month so there will be more chances to win. Thanks for participating!

Everyone Likes to Win!

2009-03-11T09:44:00.001-07:00

Ok people it's contest time! I will be doing these every month. Here is our first character.
This guy/girl will be added to the Etsy shop, but he/she needs a name and description. By description I mean what is his/her personality like? To win, leave your submission of the name AND description of the monster in the comments at the end of this post. The winning name and description will win a monster magnet! Your magnet could look similar to these below:All submissions must be received by Monday March 16th!!

2009-03-04T10:22:00.001-08:00

This is the first day of partial sun for a very long time. I know we need the rain desperately, but breaks are nice to get. For now, the sky is blue and the clouds are white and puffy. We'll see how long that lasts. Amazingly the boy has done well with not being able to play in the park.

At least I have been very productive with creating more little monster friends. Very soon there will be a contest. I will make a monster and have people submit a name and a description. Whoever wins will get a monster magnet!! Stay tuned.

A New Stuffed Friend

2009-02-23T14:54:00.000-08:00

Here's the newest addition to the etsy store, he was pretty fun to make.

Rainy Days are Crafty Days

2009-02-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

This weekend is supposed to be stormy. Works for me! I need to add items to the shop!! I haven't had much time to do crafty sewing projects lately. I'm a web designer by trade so unfortunately that comes first. It's good that I've been busy but I am missing making my monster friends. I really like listening to Radio Lab, This American Life, and The Moth podcasts when I am working on sewing projects. If you haven't checked them out I highly recommend them. If anyone has others to share, please do. Happy Friday!

2009-02-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

wow it's been a long time. see, I have another blog that you have to be a member of to even read. I don't post there often either. but keeping up two can be tough. just wanted to give you an update that I need to take some photos of some custom pieces I've made. fun stuff. I've been very busy with typical work stuff, moonlighting and being mama. more soon.

The Weekend Included Plush Monsters

2009-01-11T18:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday was farmer's market day. Then I brought the boy to my mom's for the afternoon-evening-early-morning. I went on a lovely hike with two girlfriends. During the hike we came across this lovely view.
I also completed to monsters for a couple I know. They are moving to Jersey on Monday.
There are magnets in the lips and the hands so they stick together. This was a fun project.

Custom Project Complete!!

2009-01-05T10:41:00.001-08:00

Yay! They are finished and the friends love them. I am very happy about that. Now it's on to making even more fun friends. I just added a few more monsters to the store.

Hope everyone had a good holiday, I'm glad it's over.

Holiday Madness and More Monsters

2008-12-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

I am glad the holidays are over. Really. It didn't feel very Christmasy to me this year. Time spent away from home with family was good. Although I got very sick Christmas day. Not cool., Now the husband is sick. Mason now has a cold. This family is a mess!

I am glad to be back in the sewing room to take some time for experimentation. I have a lot of cool fabric and trim to play with. I will be posting new stuff soonish. Also I will be starting a contest where a lucky winner could be the owner of a fun monster fridge magnet. Stay tuned!

beeeeeyoootiful

2008-12-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

some gifts arrived today from etsy for family members. i love getting stuff in the mail, even it it's not for me :D

2008-12-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

No time for sewing today. Mason took no nap and I had a hell of a time working on my normal jobby type stuff. I am hoping to sew more tonight and I will trying some monster fridge magnets. watch out!

Stuffed DJ Monsters and Hats

2008-11-25T17:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. I've been swamped with other non-creative things lately. Although today I think I managed to figure out my headphone problem for my DJ monsters. I still have a lot to work on to get them completed, but so far it's been pretty fun.

I am also working on six hats for a friend of mine. I was having a hard time with sizing since I only have my own son's head to work with, but I think I've figured it out.

This week has kind of been a fog, with Thanksgiving around the corner. Photos of current projects soon.

Have a good holiday!

New Monster Eyes

2008-11-18T20:12:00.000-08:00

I just received eyes from a different seller on etsy. i like these MUCH better than the previous. I am very excited to use these guys. my husband started talking about how to make LED lights to shine behind the eyes and when you press on them they would go on and off. not suitable for children ;) but adults wold love 'em!

I've been finding some new ideas for body shapes. Sometimes I just have monster block! Ray has agreed to draw some face ideas for me to try out.

our weather here in norcal has been unusually warm, mid 70s to 80s. Quite nice in mid November. Riding my bike around with Mason on the front has been quite delightful.

Hopefully more photos soon with what I'm up to.

Stuffed Monster Sisters

2008-11-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

My sister requested a custom project for a friend of hers that just had a new baby. She also has a 3 year old daughter.I don't know what their names are yet. Any suggestions?

In other news the sewing room is shaping up nicely. Having no money to spend sparks the imagination to come up with solutions. Ray helped modify boxes from his work to become shelves for holding all of the fabric.

I got a ton of fabric samples from an interior design place. They were just going to throw it all away. I dug threw it and got a ton of cool fabric for free!! I just finished washing it and now the only hard part is deciding what to use!! Some of it is too cool to sell, I will have to make some things for myself ;)

Stuffed Monsters Get New Eyes

2008-11-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

I received some new acrylic eyeballs today. Thought it would be cool to have some variety. They are hand painted and purchased here.

A couple of them have a tiny chip in them and I am wondering if it's worth replacing. I got 8 pairs for $12. My DJ friend just asked me to make a few DJ monsters for him, that should be a fun project.

The Etsy Treasury!

2008-11-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

Someone has added my light green pom pom hat to their treasury! yay! you an check it out here

2008-11-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

A lot going on the past few days, I haven't even had time to write a brief update!! Five new monsters have been added to the store! I just finished a pillow size one, he's pretty cool and can be snuggled with. The only problem with the big ones is they take A LOT of fill. I switched to an eco-fill which is a little bit more expensive and softer so I will need to use more of it than the regular poly-fill.

Many people keep telling me they will want to buy things for the holidays which means I will need to get cracking! I may hold off on the name that monster contest until afterwards, we'll see.

Here's a new monster that was just posted

Back to the Grind

2008-10-27T14:49:00.001-07:00

I have returned from a wedding in the Marin Headlands. What a joyful and very fun event. But now it's aback to work. Two monsters ready to be added and two ready to be stuffed. I must share some photos of the "studio" space.

The holidays are quickly approaching and I am having a hard time finding ways to ramp up the speed of production. It's tough juggling work, baby and sewing time. And of course from free time. I remember those days. My mom has offered to take Mason an evening a week and keep him overnight so will help things and give me and the husband a dat night every once in a while.

2008-10-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

The wool pom pom hat sold! I made it from a wool sweater I got from the flea market. So cool. I had some adults ask if I could make them one from the same fabric.

The move of sewing stuff to the other room is almost complete. I've only made one monster for the last few days and he's not stuffed yet. sigh. I've got a lot of work to do!!

Slow Movin'

2008-10-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

Since I got the labels I have been sewing them on by hand to all the monsters. I'll admit it's a pain in the ass but, they are looking pretty cool. I have three new guys to add and will hopefully get them up today.

My new sewing room is clear enough to start moving stuff into it. I don't get to take advantage of the entire room, but will have way more space there than where I am currently making stuff. It's quite horrible actually how the room is that I am in. Carpet and sewing are not friends. Nor is a 4 foot table to store, measure and sew on a productive thing.

It's a gorgeous day I may just have to take Mason out to the park.

to sell or not to sell?

2008-10-18T10:31:00.000-07:00

I just finished this guy. I really like how he turned out, despite a friend of mine saying he looks like a couch. Whatever. I think he's pretty rad. I have more of this fabric and some similar to it that I could make to sell and keep this one.

My fabric labels came yesterday. They look awesome. I tried sewing one sticking out and it looked BAD, too big and bulky. So I decided to sew the label directly on the butt of the monsters it looks pretty good.

It's all kind of surreal how this is evolving. It's still fun so I'll keep making them. I've been having ideas of doing totes with a matching monster. and soon I may ave a name that monster contest the reward being well duh, a monster!!

Happy Saturday

Ramping Up

2008-10-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

I am doing a collaboration with my lovely friend. She makes very cute wool britches and I am making monsters to match. There is already one completed here. I wasn't too fond of Benita, but she LOVED her and wanted to make matching pants. So I let her.

I just made this little guy to go with some new pants she is working on.

Hopefully he fits in the pocket she made.

I am wanting to start a flickr set with photos of people who have purchased their monsters and want to be included, I feel like it will be a cool way to showcase my work and people can see how much people love their little friends.

2008-09-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

Monday has rolled around once again. I don't know why it's so tough to start the week. I've started creating more hats for the etsy store. The cold weather will soon be a comin', so little ears need to be kept warm!!

Mason and I rode down to the post office to ship out our 2nd sale. It's a gorgeous fall day. Looking forward to the changing color of the leaves, the fresh chilly air and doing more sewing when the evenings come at 5pm.