and other silly things

bits from all over = pinterest + valentines

2012-02-02T12:13:00.000-06:00

Bits pulled from random boards on pinterest

(it's an amazing source of good stuff pulled from everyandanywhere on the web).

My favorite? my dD partner, Emily's page of course.

^^^^^^^^^

a // studio // life// ramble //

2012-02-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

The studio is a mess- everything is everywhere and in all different stages. I fear the state of things here reflect my state of mind today- I've got to pull it together- ha! Today is a short one in the studio... hmmmm what shall Claude and I do this afternoon? lunch out? play date with friends? trip to the library or the conservatory? any and all of these things sound nice, but first- back to sewing pigs! What a funny life I lead.
until tomorrow,
jm

hand drawn promises of love

2012-01-31T11:52:00.002-06:00

(in the works- pen and ink valentines)

out of the haze... into the studio

2012-01-30T09:52:00.000-06:00

Slowly everyone here is emerging from the blanket of illness that covered our house this weekend. I'm happy to be feeling better and even happier to have time to get back to work. Here's what's on my worktable and around the studio this morning. Little bits of color and love everywhere...

pandas... part two.

2012-01-27T12:19:00.000-06:00

today neither Claude nor I are feeling all that great, so we're laying low. last night, with a flash of evening productivity, I finished the pandas and I brought one up to show Claude. He tossed them around a bit then curled up with them on the couch, "one... two pandas". yep, they're multiplying dear boy. they suurrreee are.

...panda injury, resulting scar, and new things in the works...

2012-01-26T13:51:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Claude brought his panda to me with a boo boo. He needed me to look him over, give him a kiss, and put a band aid on the wound. I'm unsure of the actual injury or the incident that caused it, but after his band aid was removed it was clear panda had a scar. poor panda. We doubt his hair will grow back, but scars add personality to their wearer- right?!

After this whole drama, I decided to make a few more pandas for the Valentines update. I dyed fabric yesterday, it dried over night, and while Claude is out in the world today Panda is hanging out in my studio as inspiration.

it's sunny and warm here today- all is well in the studio- and I bid you all a happy day from MN!

from today

2012-01-25T15:48:00.000-06:00

i love the immensely productive time right before an update when I'm working on new things each day- all in various stages. I know I'm always this busy but it's astonishing how much work I do that's not actually sewing. Today I just sat and stitched... it was quite nice indeed.

2012-01-24T11:19:00.008-06:00

-- do you have questions about how the new shop works? --

-- I have answers. --

... all things in the works ... right now ...

2012-01-23T12:20:00.003-06:00

and beginning more each day.

the valentines day update will be all pink, white, sweet and full of love.

all the details coming soon.

((^^ ^^))

\\^^ V ^^//

\\^^^//

\\//

someday...

2012-01-21T06:58:00.003-06:00

i will move with this much grace and intention... at least from the inside.

happy weekend everyone. spend it well.

/// the little bird in my studio ///

2012-01-20T15:06:00.000-06:00

this little guy recently came to live with me- thanks mom!

each time I come into my studio he greets me- a very welcome friend indeed.

//////////////////////////

ohhh and all the orange???

2012-01-19T10:01:00.000-06:00

so the photo from yesterday- that's my bright hallway***. I come into my house with lots of light and space and woodwork. The sun, each day, all day makes this orange color glow the warmest light. It was like this when we moved in- I thought it would need to go, but for now, its more than growing on me. Interesting how your first impressions of a house are far from your last.

***ignore the lack of organization in here- I have been. ha haha.

a wonder-filled/wonderful package

2012-01-18T12:57:00.002-06:00

a friend gave this package to me. she found it this way and I'm reluctant to open the envelope and separate these jumble of characters. I think it's perfect(ly odd) just as it is. thanks margo.

after a long weekend...

2012-01-17T12:57:00.000-06:00

I'm back to work. The valentines update- which I'll announce the date and details about next week- is slowly taking shape. Here's what I'm looking at this afternoon... lots of bits and pieces in the works:

This new year has brought with it a number of changes around here- and I'm finding it difficult to find time in the studio. I wonder about this time in a women's life, when our children are small and days come fast and steady with all their demands. How does one fit it all in? Unfortunately (or perhaps I should be thanking my lucky starts to have the flexibility ) I don't seem to get to work easily or for very long during the week. ahhh- I'm just babbling. Life is what it is and I'm happy to be able to let it wash over us- in our little house- let it bring what it will- we'll make the best of all of it.
Now, back to my worktable, while I do have the time!

goodbye!!!

2012-01-13T12:38:00.000-06:00

as the last few cake toppers find their homes I'm packing them them up and sending them off - and feeling a little sad to see them go. It was so much fun to make all these but so time consuming and for that reason far from lucrative. I've always said this job was a labor of love. While in the spirit, I decided to pull out a number of photos of the cake toppers which have donned cakes and become icons of commitment for so many. I'm still so honored by what Halligan Norris wrote about their cake topper... and check out this from M.S.Weddings, if you haven't already seen it- this pieces was amazing in person but hard to see all the little tee tiny details in the photo- i.e. tiny floating butterflies!!!, tons of vintage trims and glorious lace.

XXXXXXXXXXXoXXXXXXXXXXXoXXXXXXXXXXXXoXXXXXXXXXXX

Only two cake toppers are still left in the shop- I'll miss you two when you're gone! (the sale continues for another week or so- but if the last few days have been any indication, they won't last that long). So long friends.

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today on the worktable and...

2012-01-10T10:58:00.003-06:00

I've never been one to work in a tidy space. For one, the materials I use are messy- the excelsior gets everywhere not to mention all the pulled fur, thread, and fabric scraps- I finally gave up on a trash can and for the most part everything just goes on the floor waiting to be swept up at some point. The same goes for my worktable, but I must admit since my last studio move I find myself a little scrunched into this smaller space. I have to be a bit more mindful about how much I let the mess spread. I miss my old studios with all the space and organization- this one is convenient but I haven't even really photographed it yet because it just all seems so tight and frankly unorganized. I'm sure it will all come together the longer I spend here- but for now... I'll have to adjust my practice to fit the space and smile through it.

(my floor after a 1/2 day of working)

sunny day in the studio

2012-01-09T12:31:00.000-06:00

it's so warm in my studio today I don't know quite what to make of it. I usually sit right next to the window while I work, and though it's very sunny in that spot I'm never hot- especially in January - this is Minneapolis?! Today I'm having to peal off layers and finally I just had to draw the shade. So sad to have to close the sun out but I'm sure the cold will return here shortly and solve all these problems in one fell swoop.

vintage inspiration

2012-01-09T10:55:00.000-06:00

I've been collecting vintage doll clothes for years- I'm drawn to the handmade slightly wonky pieces imbued with the love of a parent or friend making something for a child. I found this shirt the other day and I think I'll whip it up with a few small changes for someone to wear for Valentines Day... love these fabrics!

a little misty air

2012-01-07T14:10:00.003-06:00

a few weeks ago a friend asked if she could look through some of my old photos. I hadn't pulled them out in ages and it was a welcomed walked through my past travels and images. about 10 years ago I was shooting with a 4x5 large format camera, working in my studio, and making photos which I ultimately exhibited in a few small shows. there are things that I really miss about making work, but for the most part I haven't thought about it all that much in my day to day...
today this image has just the right tone for me- a little misty stormy air for this dry winter day. maybe I'll start making images again- with a little more thought. perhaps.

...

2012-01-06T15:46:00.000-06:00

gathering materials, ideas, and getting to work on the pieces for Valentines Day...

(love this vintage shirt- I made this bear pattern just to fit into it)

there's a moose in my living room...

2012-01-05T10:38:00.001-06:00

living with a kid means nothing is ever where it should be and the house is so much more a home because of it (though the clutter of toys and "mess" makes me crazy sometimes). I've resolved to embrace the chaos of it all- and why not? so yeah, there is a moose on my couch this morning.

What have you resolved to do in this new year to make all lighter and easier?

p.s. Oh yeah, and don't think I think this photo is a mess- HA! A single moose- that's nothing. If I'd only trained the camera on the other side of the room you'd see the explosion that is my living room most of the time. But hey, editing is what makes this blog a peaceful easy place to visit... so I'll continue to edit for my own pleasure and sanity.

a friends old bear-

2012-01-04T12:30:00.000-06:00

a friend sent me this photo he just made of his and he's fathers childhood bear wondering if I knew anything about him. He mentioned opening the box to find him again ... "the expression was familiar to me after at least 30 years of being put away in an attic. I recognized him like I would a human face".
what a lovely description of our relationship to a dear childhood toy... sometimes it's the smallest things which remind us of where we are, how far we've come, and the innocents and profundity that is childhood.

photo by cameron wittig

happy new years and a sale?!

2012-01-03T11:41:00.001-06:00

Like everyone else at this time of year, I'm trying to shine a bright light down the path of the new year. I'm cleaning up my studio and my virtual spaces too. I'm making a list of all the studio to dos for the early part of the year... (1/work on valentines day pieces, 2/carve out time for new projects, 3/clean clean clean, 4/take a walk after baking something delicious (that ones for today!) 5/ make a new pattern for the shop). On and on it goes.

For today I'm cleaning up my Etsy Shop. It's been a long neglected spot where I'd occasionally add odd bits, but it began as my Cake Topper Shop. Etsy is an amazing source when you know what you want but don't know who might be making it. I began making my pom pom cake toppers back in 2007- and opened my etsy shop just for that reason. After being on the Martha Stewart Show and posting the bunny pom pom tutorial, more and more people started making similar pieces- so it goes. At any rate I stopped making Cake Toppers for the shop and for special order last year- but I have a handful still kicking around the studio. The new year seems the perfect time to mark them way way down (50%) and hope that wedding or not- someone who loves them will take one home.

Here they are- once they're gone they're gone.

I'm hanging up my cake topper hat. good bye you last few cuties!

... 2012 ...

2012-01-01T16:18:00.000-06:00

wishing everyone a bright and happy one!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2011-12-15T13:39:00.000-06:00

I'm headed out of the studio with an big bag of boxes in hand. As the last of the ebay pieces end in the next few days, I'll be taking some time off to spend with loved ones. Wishing everyone a very special holiday season with those you love... be well... and I'll be back in the new year.

SHOP TODAY! (or wait until the new year)

2011-12-14T10:48:00.000-06:00

I'm headed out of the studio for a while for the holidays- so I'll be closing down the shop while I'm away. Today is the last day to place orders and have them sent out in the mail... I'll keep all the patterns up and available as I can send them from anywhere, but if you'd like to order any supplies you'll need to get them now or wait until the new year!

HAPPY SHOPPING, SEWING, and HOLIDAYING to ALL!

2011-12-12T12:00:00.003-06:00

on the twelfth day of December...

Asher the Mouse

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
he stands 3" tall, Mohair and 100% wool felt, onyx eyes

100% wool felt vest, hat and scarf, bottle brush tree with mica flake, stuffed with excelsior
(wood shavings), Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

Margie the Cat
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

she stands 6.5" tall, Mohair and 100% wool felt (slightly variegated color on the hand dyed felt),
glass eyes, fully disk jointed, cotton skirt, vintage buttons , vintage bell ornament with
vintage tab "Peace on Earth", stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings), Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

Wexley the Rabbit
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

he stands 8" tall, Mohair and 100% wool felt (slightly variegated color on the hand dyed felt),
glass eyes, fully disk jointed, vintage buttons, bottle brush wreath with a "Merry Christmas"
sign and mica, stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings), Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on any of these three pieces,

they are all for sale on a 5 day auctions on Ebay.

2011-12-11T12:08:00.000-06:00

on the eleventh day of December

Elton the Elephant

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

about 6.5" tall, 100% wool felt hand dyed, glass eyes, cream 100% wool needle felted balls,

vintage clip ornament base, bottle brush tree, embroidery floss stitches,

small pin head details, stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings), Hand Dyed and Aged

Christmas Mitten

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hangs- from the loop of the sting to the bottom of the mitten: 13"

bunny mitten: 8" tall, snowman mitten: 10"

Bunny: hand dyed Mohair and wool felt, onyx eyes, cotton tail, stuffed with excelsior

Vintage Wool Mittens filled with: snowman, bottle brush tree with vintage trims, vintage bulbs,

paper sign: "MERRY CHRISTMAS" and "MAY ALL YOUR CHRISTMASES BE WHITE"

stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings)

Hand Dyed and Aged

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on either of these two pieces,

they are both for sale on a 5 day auctions on Ebay.

2011-12-10T12:00:00.001-06:00

on the tenth day of December...

Pete the Pig

"Bundle Up... it's Cold out There..."

~~~~~~~~~

inspired by Richard Scarry illustrations I designed Pete, the winter pig in his overalls...

he stands 11" tall and sits 8" tall , mohair and 100% wool felt, glass eyes, fully disk jointed
hand knit long wool scarf, vintage buttons , Pin sign with a vintage chenille snowflake,
mica, and "Bundle Up... it's Cold out There", stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings)
Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on Pete,
he is for sale on a 5 day auction on Ebay.

2011-12-09T12:00:00.006-06:00

on the ninth day of December

Nicholas

~~~~~~~~~

6" tall, hand dyed mohair and 100% wool felt, glass eyes, hand and foot pads,
fully disk jointed, stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings), Hand Dyed,and Aged.

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on Nicholas,
he is for sale on a 5 day auction on Ebay.

2011-12-08T12:00:00.002-06:00

on the eighth day of December

... Erma's Old Worn and Very Loved Bear ...

~~~~~~~~~

I love the idea that this bear has been very well loved long before she made her way to you... The Tags of my Old Worn and Loved bears have an old photo attached- this one of "Erma" the person who loved this bear before you did. I drew this pattern out on the fabric- she is totally one-of-a-kind- and very very worn and aged not to mention, loved. I hand dyed the fabric just for her; it's a beautiful light rusty-pink, is quite unusual, and has a depth of hue that is quite lovely.

10" tall, hand dyed mohair and 100% wool felt, vintage shoe button eyes, hand and foot pads (check out those pointed toes), Black Bow and Vintage Navy Pin Back Button with a cream X, fully disk jointed but loosely, stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings), Hand Dyed, Worn, and Very Aged.

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on Erma's Old Bear,
she is for sale on a 5 day auction on Ebay.

2011-12-07T12:00:00.002-06:00

on the seventh day of December

Leo and his Snowman

"LET IT SNOW"

~~~~~~~~~
Leo the Bear is hand dyed and totally one of a kind. I drew out this pattern on the fabric, no paper pattern exists.... The mohair is a beautiful silver/sage color and unlike anything I've made before. I must say, I'm quite smitten.

Leo stands 12" tall and the Snowman is about 4" tall

hand-dyed mohair and 100% wool felt, stuffed with excelsior, fully jointed (Leo) and string jointed head (Snowman), wool scarves and a hand knit (by me!) wool cap on Leo, Cotton overalls with vintage buttons, and a paper sign with mica" LET IT SNOW. Hand dyed and aged

One of a kind pair - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on Leo and his Snowman,
they is for sale on a 5 day auction on Ebay.

...inspired...

2011-12-06T15:25:00.000-06:00

Richard Scarry has always been one of my favorite illustrators- as a child, artist, and now as a mother. Yesterday I pulled out "The Animals' Merry Christmas" to read with Claude. He was so fixed on the illustrations of the animals and I reluctantly had to leave the book with him as he fell asleep. I wanted to nab it and bring it into my studio for my evening work time. Oh well. Claude woke up this morning and when I found him in his room he was pouring over these images- quietly. Love that.

This afternoon this book is in my studio and I can't get over these sweet winter get-ups. Thanks Richard- you've given me an inspired afternoon. I know there be requests for the "Christmas Book" again tonight- so I've got to get to work before Sir Claude returns home, looking for his book...

.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~ .... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ....

2011-12-06T12:00:00.002-06:00

on the sixth day of December...

Francis the Spotted Rabbit

~~~~~~~~~
14" tall- ears and all, spotted mohair, 100% wool felt, vintage shoe button eyes, fully jointed, vintage green dress with china buttons, vintage bouquet with "Merry Christmas" sign, stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings). Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll be happy to make a second say with the saying of your choosing for the winning bidder!

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on Francis,
she is for sale on a 5 day auction on Ebay.

2011-12-05T12:00:00.001-06:00

on the fifth day of December...

Saul the Skater

~~~~~~~~~
10" tall, mohair, glass eyes, fully jointed, 100% wool felt hat and scarf, vintage handsewn pants, vintage buttons, cotton crocheted "ice skates", wool felt ball sits atop a vintage wooden tree base, pin sign reads:"meet me at the pond". stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings).

Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll be happy to make a second say with the saying of your choosing for the winning bidder!

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on Jack,
he is for sale on a 5 day auction on Ebay.

suprise...

2011-12-05T11:55:00.000-06:00

looks who's also in the shop today:

yes yes yes...

2011-12-05T10:11:00.000-06:00

!!! THE SHOP IS NOW OPEN !!!

2011-12-04T12:00:00.003-06:00

on the fourth day of December...

Georgie the Giraffe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

9" tall, 100% wool felt hand dyed and "spotted",
glass eyes, vintage clip, vintage Christmas bell bulb, embroidery floss stitches
and small pin head details. Stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings)
Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

Harper the Rabbit

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6.5" tall, mohair and 100% wool felt, string jointed arms
onyx eyes, vintage clip, bottle brush tree, embroidery floss stitches
and details. Stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings), Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on either of these two
ornaments they are both for sale on 5 day auctions on Ebay.

2011-12-03T12:00:00.007-06:00

on the third day of December...

Jack is a bobble jointed bear (fully jointed but with a loose and jiggly feel). He has a small loop on the top of his head so he can hang on your tree or anywhere else you want to be reminded of all the reasons to "BE MERRY"! The wire and paper sign slides in and out of his hands so it can be tucked away (that is if you can't resist having Jack keep you company all year long... a likely outcome I'd guess).

Jack

~~~~~~~~~
8" tall, mohair and hand dyed 100% wool felt, glass eyes, wool pom poms, vintage tinsel, fully jointed (with bobble joints on arms and legs), paper and wire sign (removable) stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings), Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on Jack,
he is for sale on a 5 day auction on Ebay.

2011-12-02T12:05:00.003-06:00

On the second day of December... we trimmed the tree with

Poppy (the Pig) helps trim the tree

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5" long and 5" tall, 100% wool felt hand dyed and "spotted",
glass eyes, vintage clip, tinsel, Christmas bulb, embroidery floss stitches
and small pin head details. Stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings)
Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

Sidney the Squirrel brings a gift

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
a little less than 6" tall, mohair and 100% wool felt,
onyx eyes, acorn top, vintage clip, embroidery floss stitches
and details. Stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings)
Hand Dyed and Aged

One of a kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on either of these ornaments,

they are for sale at two 5 day auctions on Ebay.

2011-12-01T12:00:00.003-06:00

On the first day of December my true love wished with me...

As I readied my own tree for decoration this year, I thought about what I would love to have perched atop the highest bough. I've always thought of the Dove with an Olive Branch as the simplest and most lovely sign of Peace, Hope, and Joy...

Peace on Earth Dove Tree Topper
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

12" tall, made with mohair and 100% wool felt, jointed head, glass eyes, wire legs, paper and wire "olive branch", paper banner "Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards all Men", vintage tinsel trim, stuffed with excelsior (wood shavings) and Hand Dyed and Aged

One of A Kind - Hand Made by Jennifer Murphy - 2011

~~~~~~~~~~

If you'd like more photos or would like to bid on this Christmas Tree Topper,
he is for sale on a 5 day auction on Ebay.

......... PATTERNS and SUPPLIES ......... the shop .............................. coming soon

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

The other gem I've had up my sleeve is the Shop portion of my website which is nearly finished. Emily and Tyler, the two brilliant designer/programmers who have created my new site, are putting the finishing touches on it now and I think everything should be up on Monday December 5th. The exciting thing is this will be where all of my goods will be available- patterns, materials to make you own mohair bears and animals, and my handmade original pieces as well. This is a big change, but one I think will make shopping my "updates" and day to day shopping much more easy and enjoyable for all.

For the last few weeks I've been working on gathering all the supplies, editing, and re-editing the handful of patterns that will introduce the shop. I hope to add a new pattern every few months but these first few are good introductions (for those of all skill levels) of working with mohair, excelsior, and specialized tools for teddy bear making...

Here's a sneak peak from the photoshoot and a few of the goods...

Check the Website on Monday for all the Goods (and maybe a few surprises too!)

!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!!

2011-11-30T16:15:00.000-06:00

... for all the details ...

TREE TIME!

2011-11-29T13:02:00.000-06:00

it's here- sitting in our living room- without lights or decorations but it's official... it's Christmas time. Claude yelled out this morning- MERRY CHRISTMAS MAMA! MERRY CHRISTMAS PAPA! MERRY CHRISTMAS CLAUDIE! yes- a hearty well wishes to all today.

bits of white* and brights

2011-11-29T09:58:00.000-06:00

* well, i suppose its far more cream than white but you get the idea. So many little things in the works this week- lots of small perfectly handsized animals for the tree... and much more that I'm still hashing out.
The 12 days of Christmas starts on Thursday!

*********************************************

2011-11-25T15:46:00.003-06:00

This December, instead of posting all the new Christmas and winter pieces as usual on my website I'll be posting 12 one-of-a-kind pieces, one (or more!) each day from December 1st thru December 12th on Ebay.

I'm still working on all the pieces and hashing out the details, but I hope to have a handful of ornaments, at least one pig, dog, elephant, bunny, mouse, cat, and a number of bears. Most will be Christmas-ie but there will be a few non-holiday pieces in there too. Each auction will be 5 days long and all will start out at $40.

Check the blog or ebay each day

(at around 12 noon CST) for the new listing...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

2011-11-24T09:39:00.002-06:00

I'm very very thankful for so many things, not least of which, the time I'll be spending with my family today- including this little boy who just keeps getting bigger and bigger (ohh yeah- we have him working on lots of home-repair projects these days).

hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends!

in this, the national week of baking...

2011-11-22T13:30:00.002-06:00

I'll share my obsession of the moment: scones. I just made some up mid-afternoon for no one but myself. In my defense I did half the batch. These are from the Alice Waters cook book and are so easy- I dare to call them foolproof and rediculously delicious. Why does the ease of making something almost make it taste better? Anyway, I pull these scones hot out of the oven whenever I have friends over and clearly, if today is evedence of my behavior, for absoultly no reason at all. Enjoy:

Adapted from Alice Waters, the Art of Simple Food
2 cups unbleached whole wheat flour (I've also done all white and half and half, and they don't take SO much better than the all wheat- so why not do a little something for your health while indulding?- GO ALL WHEAT!)
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
a scant 1/4 cup sugar (I use all turbinado)
1 1/3 cups cream

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix together in a large bowl the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt and currants. Stir in the cream. Mix until the dough just starts to come together. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead just enough to bring it all into a nice rough circle about 1". Sprinkle with a little extra sugar (turbinado is perfect here). Cut into 8 wedges or 4 if you've halved your recipe... Place on a lightly buttered tray and bake for 17 minutes or until golden.

* add lemon zest, currents, dried cranberries, or anything else that strikes your fancy to gussy these up.

this weekend...

2011-11-21T15:53:00.000-06:00

it snowed. we stayed in. and went out. and finally winter is here. once it comes in Minnesota, you know it won't leave for a long long time.

- the worktable today - felt scraps everywhere -

2011-11-18T10:37:00.001-06:00

I'm working on all the turkeys today- ~~(and I've got one still looking for a home).~~

gobble gobble... gobble gobble... (repeat)

2011-11-17T10:55:00.001-06:00

I'm taking orders for these 4 turkeys via email now. Email me if you'd like one, they'll be ready to ship Saturday and should (fingers crossed) arrive, within the U.S., just in time for the Thanksgiving Feast... (layaway not available on these pieces). All the turkeys have found homes. THANKS!

~~XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX~~

Bounty Turkey... ~~$190 + Shipping~~

~~Mohair, 100% Wool Felt, Glass Eyes, Wired Legs, Stuffed with Excelsior, Paper Top Hat and Sign "Bounty", and Vintage Ribbon. 6" tall and about 7" long... Limited Edition of 4.~~

Feast Turkey... ~~$190 + Shipping~~

~~Mohair, 100% Wool Felt, Glass Eyes, Wired Legs, Stuffed with Excelsior, Paper Top Hat and Sign "Feast", and Vintage Ribbon. 6" tall and about 7" long... Limited Edition of 2.~~

~~XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX~~

then and ...

2011-11-16T21:51:00.000-06:00

TURKEYS in progress...

2011-11-16T15:20:00.001-06:00

yesterday I hand dyed all the felt colors, today I started to work, tomorrow (fingers crossed) they'll be done. I'll only be making a handful... thanksgiving is just around the corner!

modern kids

2011-11-16T11:35:00.000-06:00

Let me let you in on a little secret- I'm not really all that much of a baby/kid person. I like little people just fine, and I'm crazy for Claude, but I would not be the first on anyone's list for being a nanny or childcare provider of any type. Once while baby sitting, I forgot to give the kids dinner (this is an embarrassing but honest admission of my teenage self). I like to think my skills have grown quite a bit since then- lets hope so- but regardless of my own ease with kids I can't get enough of looking, watching, and sucking up all that good kid energy. As a photographer and a mom I can capture it on occasion with my own family- but it's tough.

Enter Modern Kids. Headed up by my my friend Sarah Wert, Modern Kids is a photography company specializing in baby, kids, and family. Sarah's work kills me- it's an endless lineup of beautiful photos which are so much more than just kids portraits. These images illuminate all of the bright new baby life, playful kid energy, and all the in between messy goodness that is having littles in ones life. Luck for me, she might just do a little shooting for me in the future. Really, i can't wait to see what she comes up with- I'll be sure to share. Until then...

Check out more of her work on her website and blog, and if you happen to live in or around LA join in the fun with Modern Kids this weekend (wish we could be there!).

Ernest - a gift - an auction - a reason to give

2011-11-15T11:06:00.005-06:00

Back in July I made a bear for Bears that Care an auction to benefit ovarian cancer research, education and, awareness- it seemed a long time off, but now the date has arrived and the auction is this Friday November 18th. If you live in or around Melbourne Australia you can attend the benefit yourself- otherwise absently bid are accepted until Tomorrow! I know it's last minute, but that's sometimes the best way to work these things... do I have your attention now?! To see all the pieces up for auction donated by artists from around the world, go to the Bears that Care website. (the website is a little clunky but just click on the 2011 Bears and page through each of the donated pieces by name- the first page comes up with just a few pieces but there is a link on the bottom of that page with the extended list)

ok, so here's how you can send in a bid for Ernest or any of the other pieces up for auction: Complete and submit the Absentee Bid Registration Form to register your bid or bids. Please note that bids must be received before 12 noon (Melbourne Daylight Savings time) on Wednesday,16 November.

“Ernest The Panda” (with lots of hope)

is a one of a kind, hand-dyed pink mohair panda. He has glass eyes with wool felt patches. He is stuffed with organic cotton and excelsior. He is fully jointed and sits 6” tall. He has a cotton bow and has been lightly aged and worn. Please bid generously.

hmmmm things are looking a little different around here...

2011-11-12T22:25:00.000-06:00

MY NEW WEBSITE (and blog!) are now up and running! come see the new design... it's been in progress for the last few months and I'm so excited that it's finally up. the shop and patterns are still in the works and I'll be sure to make an announcement when that portion of the site is ready as well, but for now, check out the detailed archive of my work, info about my process, and more photos from all the studios I've had over the years... hope you like it as much as I do.

bin of fabric and cotton...

2011-11-12T10:48:00.001-06:00

I've been stuffing some of my pieces recently with organic cotton- I'm so used to stuffing everything with excelsior (wood shavings), which is dusty and hard on my hands- so this momentary reprieve from working with it has been a wonder. hello soft cotton- you are equally fluffy and beautiful.

my morning nook

2011-11-11T10:06:00.000-06:00

this is where I'm at this morning- my little nook between two work tables. it's a bit of mess in here, but I suppose that means there is work being done.... back at it. happy fall day to all.

it's fall...

2011-11-09T14:05:00.000-06:00

and the indoor projects have begun... just hanging around the house today, working- cleaning- and thinking. I could get distracted by all those falling leaves, my warm tea, ohhh a good book- but every time I turn around someone I know is up to something. what are you up to now little one?

a small bear for a small boy...

2011-11-02T13:48:00.000-05:00

I've been working on a number of small toys for kids and babies. This has long been my passion but it's been something I haven't been able to concentrate on for a number of reasons. This week I'm turning my attention in this direction- finally- again- for a while- lets see where this goes.

<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>

HAPPY post-HALLOWEEN!

2011-11-01T13:44:00.000-05:00

we had a very fine day- hope all of you did too! Claude was dresses as "LETTERS!" and we did all of the proper halloween activities and then some. a very good day indeed.

today... 5 dogs... in progress

2011-10-28T14:34:00.000-05:00

post update- BACK TO WORK!

2011-10-26T15:31:00.001-05:00

with boxes still on the table I'm back at it. I had so many people interested in the Playing Dog I made for the update, I decided to cut a few out and make some more. ~~Email me if you'd like one.~~

note...

2011-10-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

if anyone wrote me yesterday and hasn't heard back- email me to let me know. I'm having trouble with people getting my send mail again- grrrr. So if you're one of the unlucky few just let me know so we can get in touch. THANKS!

<<<< HELLO from the HALLOWEEN UPDATE >>>>

2011-10-25T12:01:00.002-05:00

if you'd like to place an order email me or stop by the website for more info!

the shelves are full!

2011-10-25T10:28:00.004-05:00

the update is nearly ready and the studio shelves are fulled with finished pieces. I love the studio when it's like this- a mess from weeks of work with clear signs of productivity: bears lined up all ready to be boxes up and sent out. Check back at 12noon CST for the update!

(and pretty please- don't email orders until the website is live- THANKS)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

don't forget- tomorrows the day!

2011-10-24T09:15:00.003-05:00

hello there...

2011-10-23T14:51:00.004-05:00

I'm trying to take a little time off today, but thought I'd share this guy... in the light of our hallway- all pumpkiny and bright, I think he looks quite right (and I love the muted orange walls in this space as the afternoon sun that pours in). HAPPY WEEKEND!

!!!!!

2011-10-22T15:04:00.000-05:00

small pieces around the studio...

2011-10-22T09:49:00.001-05:00

Ok, so yesterday it seemed like things were taking shape and now it's just an all out mess again. I started a few new things last night and abandoned all the "finishing" I had so diligently started. I've made more work for myself- but hey- it's more work for you too! ok- back to it .. for more info about the update ..

in silhouette

2011-10-21T14:36:00.000-05:00

slowly thing are being finished- bears lining up on the shelves, finishing touches determined and executed, tags are written. There is still a lot to do but it's so satisfying to see all the work finally coming together---

the updates in just a few days!

...three hats...

2011-10-21T09:34:00.000-05:00

here kitty kitty kitty

2011-10-20T12:19:00.000-05:00

ALL THE NEWS and DETAILS: HALLOWEEN UPDATE...

2011-10-19T10:47:00.011-05:00

<< HALLOWEEN UPDATE >>

Tuesday October 25th 12 noon CST

(1pm eastern, 11am mountain, 10am pacific)

Now for the business---->The website update! Nothing much has changed but here's a rundown of what to expect:
I'm working on a number of limited edition pieces and a handful of one of a kinds... I'll continue posting in-progress bears an animals here on the blog as usual but I won't be preselling any of the pieces before the update. Come by for a sneak peaks of what I'm working on, but rest assured nothing will be sold before the 25th. On the big day at 12noon CST, all the pieces will be on the "new bears and animals" page of my website. If you have any questions about how the updates work check out all the info here about ordering, payment, and shipping. If you have any questions at all feel free to email me. Ohhhh and I'll be sending out emails to everyone on my email update list in the next couple days with this info and more.

in other studios...

2011-10-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

HELLO AGAIN! I've been neglecting my studio these last few days, Jay was out of town and then I got hit with the flu. I one two punch that left the studio a very quiet place- too quiet. But, now I'm back and ready to get moving... the update will be NEXT WEEK! I'll post all the details tomorrow, but for now I thought I'd share the progress in a more productive studio. My parents have been hard at work and their efforts will be on display this Thursday for their Halloween Website Update. Come and see all the goods then! << for more details >>

<< all images from Murphy Bears >>

parts and pieces everywhere

2011-10-14T12:11:00.003-05:00

I had begun planning for this years Halloween update before my move this past August... which is good, without that for thought I really wouldn't have much of anything ready. Halloween is sneaking up on me this year. My studio is still far from ordered, so I'm still finding parts and pieces in process: little gifts from my summer self. (I had a friend who used to make a joke about her and her spouses future selves... "lets do it for the future J. and C.". This still makes me laugh, but I think about it all the time- I'm doing it for my future self. I'll thank me later.) I'm thanking my summer self this morning when I found these pandas- thank you jen- nice work.

halloween daydream

2011-10-13T12:06:00.000-05:00

hello from today- now there is too much to do here- I'm back to work!

-------------------------

a handful of details

2011-10-12T10:50:00.000-05:00

The Halloween Update is coming soon- expect all the info including the date and time in the next week- I'm thinking it will be around the 23rd, 24th, or 25th... more news coming. Until then- I have a WHOLE lot of work to do!
happy fall to all.

~~ happy fall day ~

2011-10-11T13:20:00.000-05:00

they are multiplying

2011-10-10T09:11:00.000-05:00

for a new project...

2011-10-09T13:19:00.000-05:00

more vintage feed sacks- I can't get enough.

(found on etsy)

outside - inside

2011-10-08T18:02:00.000-05:00

Things are changing around here. The grass is graying out. The leaves are falling- constantly raining down the yellow locus leaves everywhere in the wind. It's been windy- but warm. All of our windows have been open- the last days of the season for sure. The studio has become a place of productivity again. I have so many pieces in process right now, it's exciting after these last few months of inactivity. Sewing again feels like just what I needed- and I can see the satisfaction in each of the faces of these little animals... (-and on a break from work, Claude and I gobbled up the last of the red red tomatoes in fading garden-)

black rabbits in a little patch of sun

2011-10-07T12:01:00.000-05:00

speaking of the seasons....

2011-10-06T11:55:00.001-05:00

I love this book- my sister gave it to me last Christmas and I cut it apart to better enjoy each of the prints. I have a clip of some above my calendar, some hang in my studio and others rotate around the house- the print quality is perfect, the simplicity and reduction of the joys and the pains of each season impeccable.

<<<< get your own copy and find out more here >>>>

indian summer

2011-10-05T11:53:00.000-05:00

it's warm outside, sunny in my studio, and I'm enjoying the last of the warm days with my windows open wide. here's what's on my work table as I write this- kitties for the Halloween update which i'll announce a date for soon-ish.

hello fine sir

2011-09-29T12:28:00.000-05:00

today on the table...

2011-09-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

I've begun working on my next website update... black, white and all those good fall colors are working there way onto my work table. Feels good in this new space.

Quite possibly the most beautiful and poignant interview ever...

2011-09-27T15:01:00.000-05:00

Maurice Sendak talks with Terry Gross:

"I wish you all good things.

Live your life.

Live your life."

goodbye bear!

2011-09-27T09:35:00.000-05:00

he's off to a new home...
I love this little bear, I made a few changes to the pattern I used for Claude's bear (the one he sleeps with every night) to make this one... and I'm so happy with how sweet and play/hug/cuddle-able he is.

ahhh yes, and this photo is evidence that there are still piles and bins of fabric in my studio that have yet to find a place- but I kinda like them all stacked and piled in here- ohhh well- everything will be ordered in due time.

EARS!!!!

2011-09-22T14:32:00.000-05:00

he's got them now...

<<< anyone looking for a special baby gift? if so email me. >>>

today- back to work

2011-09-22T14:27:00.002-05:00

drawing, stitching and planning:

just beacuse...

2011-09-21T16:57:00.000-05:00

I needed to make something fast, fun, and heartfelt- I began this little bear for some little lucky baby out there. I hope to finish him tonight, but now I'm off to make dinner for my lucky little boy. Feels good to be working and have life begin to feel a little more normal again. phew- it's been a rough month. I'm happy to be able to finally catch my breath.

working...

2011-09-21T11:48:00.000-05:00

This is what my desktop looks like right now...

For the last few days I've been sorting through every image of every bear or animal I've ever made. This is a very tall task, but it's been really fun to see the progression that's taken place over the last 11 years I've been photographing my work... I'm gathering everything for a new website, which I hope will be up in the next month or two. I can't wait for everyone to see it- lots of new content, image, and a few surprises too!
Ok- back to work... and later day, when I need a break from looking at this screen... I'll be doing a little sewing! stay tuned.

the benefit auction for the Liz Logelin Foundation is live!

2011-09-19T09:41:00.000-05:00

A while ago I wrote in depth about the Liz Logelin Foundation and the bunny I was working on for their benefit. I'm so pleased that the auction is now up and they've made it open to all... Here's the link to bid on the bunny I made via ebay. 100% of the proceeds got to LLF so please bid often and generously... and good luck!

To see more about LLF check out these posts here, and here.

two corners.

2011-09-15T13:51:00.000-05:00

slowly the studio is taking shape. I thought I'd have everything set up before now, but there have been too many obstacles standing in my way (both physical and metaphorical). Everything needs to find a home today: a place for everything and everything in it's place... well, that might be too much to hope for but I'll be happy to have just enough order to get me back to work.

These are two tables set up across of each other- one is for hand sewing, the other for machine sewing/ drawing out patterns/ taking photos. This studio is even smaller than my last, so I'm having to be inventive with how spaces will function- every space has to be used well to make it all flow: We'll see how it all works soon enough... I'm glad to have all my shelves and supplies set up so these spaces will remain fairly bare- all the better to work on- right?!

side note: feeling quite ambivalent about my paint choice. It's a super light purple that reads as grey sometimes (YES!) and as full on lavender others (yikes). hoping it grows on me.

this morning: small bits around the studio and the perfect place for a break.

2011-09-07T12:15:00.000-05:00

boxes everywhere.... but today I begin to unpack.

2011-09-06T16:39:00.000-05:00

it's a mess in here, but come on in!

who feels lucky? and ever so special?!

2011-09-05T15:49:00.002-05:00

sent from my mama the other day- ohhh that lady kills me.

new photos from the old house...

2011-08-31T11:21:00.000-05:00

today is my last day in our old house- I'm just finishing things up here and moving the last bits out... I'll miss this place. Once I catch my breath I'll share photos of the new studio and house- it's all boxes, piles, and paint swatches right now. My guess is it might just stay that way for a little while. These last few weeks have been incredibly exhausting. It's exciting to think things might just settle down here a bit-but for now I'm back to work...

good bye old house!

the move is moving...

2011-08-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

slowly but surely!

and other silly things

bits from all over = pinterest + valentines

a // studio // life// ramble //

hand drawn promises of love

out of the haze... into the studio

pandas... part two.

...panda injury, resulting scar, and new things in the works...

from today

... all things in the works ... right now ...

someday...

/// the little bird in my studio ///

ohhh and all the orange???

a wonder-filled/wonderful package

after a long weekend...

goodbye!!!

today on the worktable and...

sunny day in the studio

vintage inspiration

a little misty air

...

there's a moose in my living room...

a friends old bear-

happy new years and a sale?!

... 2012 ...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

SHOP TODAY! (or wait until the new year)

...inspired...

suprise...

yes yes yes...

......... PATTERNS and SUPPLIES ......... the shop .............................. coming soon

!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!!!!

TREE TIME!

bits of white* and brights

*********************************************

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

in this, the national week of baking...

this weekend...

- the worktable today - felt scraps everywhere -

gobble gobble... gobble gobble... (repeat)

then and ...

TURKEYS in progress...

modern kids

Ernest - a gift - an auction - a reason to give

hmmmm things are looking a little different around here...

bin of fabric and cotton...

my morning nook

it's fall...

a small bear for a small boy...

HAPPY post-HALLOWEEN!

today... 5 dogs... in progress

post update- BACK TO WORK!

note...

<<<< HELLO from the HALLOWEEN UPDATE >>>>

the shelves are full!

don't forget- tomorrows the day!

hello there...

!!!!!

small pieces around the studio...

in silhouette

...three hats...

here kitty kitty kitty

ALL THE NEWS and DETAILS: HALLOWEEN UPDATE...

in other studios...

parts and pieces everywhere

halloween daydream

a handful of details

~~~~ happy fall day ~~~

they are multiplying

for a new project...

outside - inside

black rabbits in a little patch of sun

speaking of the seasons....

indian summer

hello fine sir

today on the table...

Quite possibly the most beautiful and poignant interview ever...

Maurice Sendak talks with Terry Gross:

"I wish you all good things.

Live your life.

Live your life.

~~ happy fall day ~