it's a shame about ray

He was formerly known as Ralphy, but being as nobody likes Ralphy, he has been reincarnated/ reinvented as Ray. Because, after all, everybody loves Ray.

Also, I have received a few emails from folks asking if I'm still around, still making toys, etc. I just wanted to say thanks, yes, I am still around and busy making toys. I am working on several projects, in fact, and a bunch of goodies and new designs for the Spring. I just haven't felt like blogging much lately. Don't know why. I usually enjoy it, but lately, I just feel like it's a bit of a time-suck and distracts me from working on the project at hand. Anyway, it seems like it will be a little easier to manage my time in the coming weeks, so I hope to start posting again here with greater frequency. Thanks for dropping by! Hope you're all having a great week.

just an observation

It dawned on me yesterday, as I was naming my latest batch of softies, that my bats bear a distinct resemblance to my friend Gabor. As I don't feel comfy with the idea of posting his photo up here, you'll just have to go with me on this one, but really, this little guy here is totally Gabor. (And Gabby if you happen to read this, we miss you and love you and hope to see you soon.)

up up and away

The shop has been updated, and there are still some cuddlies left. I am planning my next update for Friday, March 7th, at 1PM EST. Unless life conspires against me as it did for this last update, you can safely bet that this date and time is a definite. I am going to include bunnies, mice, a new batch of garden variety partiers, and a few surprises. Thank you to everyone who has already snatched up a woodchuck or other softie. Dude, let me tell you folks, this morning was rough, what with no heat for a couple of days and having to deal with the "professionals" at N-Star (he actually said to me, "You have a fireplace. You have plenty of heat!" Uhhh, yeah, if we had firewood that would be awesome! but we don't so watch the birdy) and a plethora of other useless nonsense that got in my way and delayed me. I feel exhausted, grouchy, punchy/slappy/kicky, headachy, and I still haven't had lunch. I am taking tomorrow off and going to a museum because I have been sewing for over a week straight and need a little break. The stuff I wasn't able to finish for today's update (which was a lot, actually - there are 7 different things in progress as I type) will be included in the next one.

P.S. - It has taken me about an hour to write just one simple blog post because I have been interrupted every five minutes about the heat. I know nothing of thermostats and furnaces. I know softies (and art history, music, anime, and some philosophy - ask me about those topics, please). I know how to build a bike. I know how to start a fire (hint - you need wood, which we don't have unless we start burning furniture or chopping down trees in the backyard). I think I even know how to change a tire despite the fact that I don't drive. But I know NOTHING about furnaces. I am not the person to ask. I want to scream.

all apologies

Dear Readers,

Hope you all had a great weekend and that your week is off to a wonderful start. I am sorry about this, but it looks like I am going to have to post-pone this shop update. I wasn't able to get any work done this weekend due to family visiting, and to add insult to injury (as if I weren't dealing with enough insults and injury over the weekend), I ran out of stuffing this morning as I was working on woodchucks. Double DOH! And this is not even to mention some side-projects I am working on that I need to get done right now. At this rate, the best thing to do (regarding the update, at least) is to allow myself a little bit of time, get everything done right, and say the shop update will definitely be happening this coming Monday the 25th at 1 PM EST. I hope you all understand. I am really sorry about this, but I promise it will be worth the wait.

Also, sorry if it sounds like I'm kvetching. I think I just need some coffee and a good cry. Now off to finish whatever softies I can finish tonight. I'll be in touch over the week with some finished pieces to share. Thank you all for dropping by and please do stay tuned.

funny bunny

Working on some new stuff. I will hopefully have a ton of new softies to share with you all soon enough! Hope you're all having a great weekend.

touching base

Hey all! Just wanted to drop by and say hello and let you all know that tomorrow's update has actually been rescheduled for Wednesday of next week. I have family coming into town this weekend and therefore lots of cleaning and organizing to do in the next couple of days. The good news is that it will be a big update, with hopefully up to 20 pieces. Please stay tuned for that.

Also, I was recently featured in this lovely blog titled oh © chou that is devoted to beautiful children's things (toys, clothing, accessories, etc.). I am delighted to be included among such talented artisans in such a lovely blog. Thank you so much Nicole. Mercí!

The little guy in the photo above is Rover, by the way. Rover is one of my earliest plush toys. (Not of my own design or making, of course!) I have had him now for about 27 years, and he has been such a faithful companion all that time. Funny fact - when I first found Malachi, I wanted to name him Rover, as I initially referred to him to Matt as "real Rover" despite the breed difference and all. After talking it over some with Matt, we decided to name him Malachi (we were reading Ulysses at the time), but it was this close to being Rover. I've posted this photo of Rover not only because he is such a treasured softie around these parts but also in honor of this year's Westminster winner, Uno, an adorable little beagle. Congrats to Uno, that cutie! (Please note that I am supporting breedism, since obviously, I believe the best dogs aren't bought but found. If you must have a dog of a specific breed, please go to a rescue organization for that specific breed. There are so many out there.)

Hope you are all having a lovely week!

i'm just a vampire for your love

penguin sale

Hey all! It's the end of the week - hooray! Hope you're all having a great Friday. Just to let you know that although I am not updating the shop today, I am having a penguin sale and have lowered the price on the available penguins. Hope you see one that you love. Have a fabulous weekend, folks!

greeting earthlings!

Just dropping by to say "hello!" and wish you all a fabulous week.

let the days of sugary goodness begin now