The Jointed Puppy pattern is coming along nicely. As usual I had some issues with the photographs not being up to par : ) I am almost ready to list the pattern for sale and then I will start to work on the kitty one. I will do a single color kitty but add a pattern option for one with "socks".

Finished puppy

 

Etsy has been running some wonderful workshops on shop optimization, Search Engine Optimizing and even shop design. They are really a great resource for an artist to build a business and they have so many tie ins to places like Moo.com for business cards. These discounts sure can make a difference to an artist starting out. You do not need to sell on Etsy to access a lot of their sellers handbook so if you want to start a business there is all kinds of advice from people doing that very thing. Great steps and advice on what works and what does not. I am also aware, thanks to them, that it is time to start building stock for Christmas and Black Friday sales. I plan to do a larger range of my small stocking stuffer puppies, some accessory pouches for kindles, smart phones, key rings and eye glass cases. Plans are there but in this Texas heat it is hard to get the motivation. I am also discovering in a huge way the Steampunk Art Movement. There are a lot of sellers that dedicate themselves to this fantastic idea. Modern equipment and ideas but in a Victorian setting. I really do not do it justice with that description : ) My favorite site to visit (since Halloween is around the corner and I want something different) www.steampunkemporium.com. Now to plan some animals that can exist in this type of fantasy...

 

Flu has already been doing the rounds at our home and it sure has slowed progress. Nothing like flu in the summer! I am so glad Tamiflu works well as E is no longer sleeping but back to bouncing on the couches and doing cartwheels. No more fever so back to school for her. Phew.

Back to school has started! Homework is still an issue with the little one so I have been taking time out to work with her. I have also been helping our new teacher as much as I can in getting the class ready. Our theme this year is nautical based and the class is looking awesome. There are some wonderful ideas!

I have been developing a new pattern that I am finally ready to say I like and is a go! I wanted to make a smallish bear that has a youthful little girl face. I try to give my bears character and the nose has always been super important. Normally I have a longer nose as a more realistic bear would have- what happens when you shorten the nose on the pattern?  I also like to dress my bears and what little girl does not like to dress up ?

 

Her fur is unusual- it has been woven from bamboo. It is super soft and silky and has that lovely reddish fox like glow with a white tip. I kept her nose small, needle felted and went for a brown instead of my usual black. Her eyes are glass which I am starting to like more and more. I agree with others that work with glass eyes- there is a life to them that other materials cannot always get right. Again, it is a personal thing and I still use the black button eyes that are plastic.

A range of animal cushions and toys I am currently designing, that are based on a ball shape, are also starting to work out for me. The owl turned out nice but small. My monster is still camera shy but I hope by the end of this week he will allow a photo to be taken. His needle sculpted feet need work. Or surgery as E says : )

 

A lot of pattern designing and testing is underway but I really need a new camera. I am not happy with the photos posted lately. I need to change the bulbs in my photography light fixtures and I need a camera that allows me more freedom to choose how to handle the light I am working with. My photos seem out of focus and the colors are not good. They still seems dark to me. Thank heavens Texas has a lot of sun so I can photograph outside if all else fails.