Actually it's just a very crude montage of some of the finished works already made. I have pictures, I have progress shots and I'm impressed and shamed by what people have created with the template (now I'll really have to pick up my game!) I will be releasing details closer to the show, but here's a little teaser....Saturday, August 30, 2008
It's Franken-template!
Actually it's just a very crude montage of some of the finished works already made. I have pictures, I have progress shots and I'm impressed and shamed by what people have created with the template (now I'll really have to pick up my game!) I will be releasing details closer to the show, but here's a little teaser....
Heidi Kenney of My Paper Crane fame!
Your name: Heidi Kenney
Where you’re from : Pennsylvania
When did you first get into plush? About 6 years ago I was making plush purses, I got very bored with the purse part of it so I dropped it and have been making plush ever since. I’ve sewn plush before that too but never for selling, just for fun.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? Just the drive to create something new, something challenging.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work? Mypapercrane.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you? Mary Blair, Richard Scarry, Tove Jansson, and so many more!
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? I guess I would save the fabric at first and weave together strips of vine and such to make housing. I’ve always thought that my sewing skills could come in handy on a desert island. I think because of my love of textiles I would view the leaves, vines, and tree bark in a new way. I would see them a raw materials. I would save the fabric for clothing or things that would need something soft.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? Not dreams but I have been to a real vintage fabric sell that was pretty close to that!
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power? Hmm I guess use the power for good not evil.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be? Plush Food Girl able to thwart evil with a swing of a donut. Her powers would be donuts of steel, able to create food for the hungry with a snap of her fingers.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? Currently I would say it is my little house girl sitting with a group of mushrooms. Not because it looks like me, but because I have a strong sense of home + family, and I am currently obsessed with little mushrooms.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush? My email is mypapercrane@earthlink.net
Where you’re from : Pennsylvania
When did you first get into plush? About 6 years ago I was making plush purses, I got very bored with the purse part of it so I dropped it and have been making plush ever since. I’ve sewn plush before that too but never for selling, just for fun.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? Just the drive to create something new, something challenging.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work? Mypapercrane.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you? Mary Blair, Richard Scarry, Tove Jansson, and so many more!
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? I guess I would save the fabric at first and weave together strips of vine and such to make housing. I’ve always thought that my sewing skills could come in handy on a desert island. I think because of my love of textiles I would view the leaves, vines, and tree bark in a new way. I would see them a raw materials. I would save the fabric for clothing or things that would need something soft.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? Not dreams but I have been to a real vintage fabric sell that was pretty close to that!
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power? Hmm I guess use the power for good not evil.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be? Plush Food Girl able to thwart evil with a swing of a donut. Her powers would be donuts of steel, able to create food for the hungry with a snap of her fingers.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? Currently I would say it is my little house girl sitting with a group of mushrooms. Not because it looks like me, but because I have a strong sense of home + family, and I am currently obsessed with little mushrooms.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush? My email is mypapercrane@earthlink.net
Violet Pie!
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Your name: Violet Pie (Jennifer Novack)
Where you’re from : Milwaukee Wisconsin US
When did you first get into plush? About 3 years ago, though not seriously until last year.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? The reactions I get when I come up with a new thing. I want to make things that cannot be resisted!
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?www.violetpie.typepad.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you? I'm most inspired by painters of the moment...anyone featured in Hi-Frucose magazine, etc...
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? Probably a mosquito net, actually...
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? Not yet but I might now...sounds heavenly...
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power? Stop having nightmares about the poor house?.jpg)
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be? A great big fluffy pink bunny named Harvey who would make everyone love each other and abolish all territorial boundaries.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? (feel free to include pics) The one I'm doing for the show, absolutely...pics are forthcoming...
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush? www.myvioletpie.gmail.com or violetpi on etsy!
Anything else people need to know about you? I need to make these things more than I need to eat...but not more than I need to sleep...I love to sleep....jpg)
Where you’re from : Milwaukee Wisconsin US
When did you first get into plush? About 3 years ago, though not seriously until last year.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? The reactions I get when I come up with a new thing. I want to make things that cannot be resisted!
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?www.violetpie.typepad.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you? I'm most inspired by painters of the moment...anyone featured in Hi-Frucose magazine, etc...
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? Probably a mosquito net, actually...
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? Not yet but I might now...sounds heavenly...
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power? Stop having nightmares about the poor house?
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be? A great big fluffy pink bunny named Harvey who would make everyone love each other and abolish all territorial boundaries.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? (feel free to include pics) The one I'm doing for the show, absolutely...pics are forthcoming...
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush? www.myvioletpie.gmail.com or violetpi on etsy!
Anything else people need to know about you? I need to make these things more than I need to eat...but not more than I need to sleep...I love to sleep...
Golden Russet!
Your name (preferred name or business name):
-Goldenrusset
Where you’re from (keep it general. No addresses!):
-Vancouver, Canada
When did you first get into plush?:
- I made my first plush in high-school. My friend and I took sewing class to learn how to make puppets. We were of course the only guys in the class. We took a bit of heat for it but we got straight A’s. I didn’t make any plush for a long time after that, until a few years ago
What inspires you to continue to make plush?:
-In the last few years I’ve seen a huge explosion of handmade designer plush toys. There are so many great designs out there and so much enthusiasm for it… how can you not be inspired?
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
-I guess you should go to my blog: goldenrusset.blogspot.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
-I love Takashi Murakami , Jim Henson of course, Dream Pets, and my wife Cutesypoo.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
-Well, I’m not crazy…to be honest if I had those materials I would make a shelter, a fishing rod and some kind of signalling device (the scissors would be the most help)
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
-I wish I could create a fabric in the computer, with the colour, texture, and pattern I want and just print it out. When I was in Tokyo with my wife, we went to this huge fabric store and they had all kinds of fantastic stuff… we bought a suitcase full to bring back. The fabric stores here suck.
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
-I would build a manufacturing company that is NOT outsourced to china. Everything would be environmentally friendly and I would help up and coming plush artists get their start…in a perfect world where I’m not corrupted. Otherwise I would just try to outdo Sanrio J
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?-
-Goldenrusset
Where you’re from (keep it general. No addresses!):
-Vancouver, Canada
When did you first get into plush?:
- I made my first plush in high-school. My friend and I took sewing class to learn how to make puppets. We were of course the only guys in the class. We took a bit of heat for it but we got straight A’s. I didn’t make any plush for a long time after that, until a few years ago
What inspires you to continue to make plush?:
-In the last few years I’ve seen a huge explosion of handmade designer plush toys. There are so many great designs out there and so much enthusiasm for it… how can you not be inspired?
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
-I guess you should go to my blog: goldenrusset.blogspot.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
-I love Takashi Murakami , Jim Henson of course, Dream Pets, and my wife Cutesypoo.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
-Well, I’m not crazy…to be honest if I had those materials I would make a shelter, a fishing rod and some kind of signalling device (the scissors would be the most help)
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
-I wish I could create a fabric in the computer, with the colour, texture, and pattern I want and just print it out. When I was in Tokyo with my wife, we went to this huge fabric store and they had all kinds of fantastic stuff… we bought a suitcase full to bring back. The fabric stores here suck.
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
-I would build a manufacturing company that is NOT outsourced to china. Everything would be environmentally friendly and I would help up and coming plush artists get their start…in a perfect world where I’m not corrupted. Otherwise I would just try to outdo Sanrio J
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?-
I already have one I plan to make, the Golden Russet Potato. He can grow huge and fly.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
-Not sure about this one… I made a big purple puppet with 3 eyes named Dr. Mintobeans. I worked really hard on him and it took me a while to figure out how to make it. I think it turned out well.. I’d like to think that Jim Henson would be proud. He’s not my Kermit but I think it is the closest i have ever gotten…
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
Email me at: Goldenrusset@gmail.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
I wish I had more time in my life to make stuff. My career is too demanding to keep up a steady flow of plush creations. I’m kind of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. Someday I will discover that one thing that puts all others to bed and that will be my pure focus. Perhaps it will be toys.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
Email me at: Goldenrusset@gmail.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
I wish I had more time in my life to make stuff. My career is too demanding to keep up a steady flow of plush creations. I’m kind of a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none. Someday I will discover that one thing that puts all others to bed and that will be my pure focus. Perhaps it will be toys.
Chocolate Log!
Your name:
Chocolate Log Industries
Where you’re from:
Across the ditch in New Zealand
When did you first get into plush?
Since we were little but they were called soft toys back then
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
People saying that they are cute and funny
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
www.chocolate-log.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
Shawn Smith, David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, Heidi Kenney
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
Underpants
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
Not really, we prefer walking into the store in real life
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
We would start a plush political party and get a Chocolate Log plush voted as president of the world.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
They can contact us on hello@chocolate-log.com or by visiting ww.chocolate-log.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
We like candy
Chocolate Log Industries
Where you’re from:
Across the ditch in New Zealand
When did you first get into plush?
Since we were little but they were called soft toys back then
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
People saying that they are cute and funny
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
www.chocolate-log.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
Shawn Smith, David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, Heidi Kenney
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
Underpants
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
Not really, we prefer walking into the store in real life
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
We would start a plush political party and get a Chocolate Log plush voted as president of the world.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
They can contact us on hello@chocolate-log.com or by visiting ww.chocolate-log.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
We like candy
Katie Park! Read the interview and get a free kitten!
Katie Park aka caffaknitted
Boone, NC
When did you first get into plush?
About 2 years ago. I knitted my first toy, and from there it turned into an obsession.
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
Everything. It could be a person, animal, or even an ordinary everyday object, and I'll think to myself...wouldn't that be awesome in cuddly plush form!?
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
www.caffaknitted.typepad.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
So many. First of all, Jess Hutchison. Her Kate the kitty pattern on knitty.com was my first attempt at plush.
Also, Sewn by Blythe, Hine, and Hansigurumi.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? Probably a tent. I'm more practical than most people think, and I sunburn very easily.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? Every night.
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
Quit my day job, open a studio, write knitted plush pattern books, and travel the world to meet other plush artists.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
She would be called The Procrastinator! She would have the amazing ability to prevent her enemies from accomplishing any task, no matter how important.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
Probably Fia, not so much because of her physical traits as much as her personality. I'm actually a fairly shy person.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
katiebpark@yahoo.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
Every 100th visitor to my website gets a free kitten!
Boone, NC
When did you first get into plush?
About 2 years ago. I knitted my first toy, and from there it turned into an obsession.
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
Everything. It could be a person, animal, or even an ordinary everyday object, and I'll think to myself...wouldn't that be awesome in cuddly plush form!?
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
www.caffaknitted.typepad.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
So many. First of all, Jess Hutchison. Her Kate the kitty pattern on knitty.com was my first attempt at plush.
Also, Sewn by Blythe, Hine, and Hansigurumi.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? Probably a tent. I'm more practical than most people think, and I sunburn very easily.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? Every night.
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
Quit my day job, open a studio, write knitted plush pattern books, and travel the world to meet other plush artists.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
She would be called The Procrastinator! She would have the amazing ability to prevent her enemies from accomplishing any task, no matter how important.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
Probably Fia, not so much because of her physical traits as much as her personality. I'm actually a fairly shy person.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
katiebpark@yahoo.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
Every 100th visitor to my website gets a free kitten!
Bytedust!
Your name:
Bytedust
Where you’re from :
The Netherlands
When did you first get into plush?
2005
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
I’m collecting designer toys since 2005. These limited toys, encouraged me to get one of my 2D characters on street stickers transformed into a 3D figure. The result was CLOUD-X, HAZMATE and other exclusive handmade plush toys.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
There is no one crossing my mind particularly.
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
There are many good (plush) designers on this planet and I really admire some a lot! They’re creating such a cool things. I’m definitely influenced by some of them, without losing my own style. But I cannot pick a particular name that considerably influenced me.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
I’d make an animal farm, maybe this will still the hungry?
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
I haven’t really dreamed about fabric. But I’m acting like a ‘child in a toyshop’ when I visit a local fabric, craft or art supply store!
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
I’ll probably transfer some money to a good foundation (like WWF) and create a network for upcoming (starting) artists.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
BAITO, the plush I made for PLUSH IT represent my style very well! He is able to take over computers with his brain!
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
Cloud-X is a character that represents myself the best
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
They may visit www.bytedust.nl for contact information.
Anything else people need to know about you?
Don’t hesitate to contact me if there is any interest in knowing more about me :D.
Bytedust
Where you’re from :
The Netherlands
When did you first get into plush?
2005
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
I’m collecting designer toys since 2005. These limited toys, encouraged me to get one of my 2D characters on street stickers transformed into a 3D figure. The result was CLOUD-X, HAZMATE and other exclusive handmade plush toys.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
There is no one crossing my mind particularly.
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
There are many good (plush) designers on this planet and I really admire some a lot! They’re creating such a cool things. I’m definitely influenced by some of them, without losing my own style. But I cannot pick a particular name that considerably influenced me.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
I’d make an animal farm, maybe this will still the hungry?
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
I haven’t really dreamed about fabric. But I’m acting like a ‘child in a toyshop’ when I visit a local fabric, craft or art supply store!
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
I’ll probably transfer some money to a good foundation (like WWF) and create a network for upcoming (starting) artists.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
BAITO, the plush I made for PLUSH IT represent my style very well! He is able to take over computers with his brain!
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
Cloud-X is a character that represents myself the best
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
They may visit www.bytedust.nl for contact information.
Anything else people need to know about you?
Don’t hesitate to contact me if there is any interest in knowing more about me :D.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Monster Invasion
Ruban Rat, the Sydney Gallery where Plush It will be held, is holding a Monster Invasion show on the 29th of August. I have a few works in there meself and the wonderful poster before you was created by the might Paul Shih. I love that the monster seems to be able to get the woman's bra off, with only his three fingers! Check it out!Pepperberry Crochet!
Your name: Alison Grenier
Where you’re from: Salem, MA
When did you first get into plush? I’ve always loved plush. I started making my own in 2001.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? I love the urban vinyl scene and the artists involved with the urban / lowbrow art movement. Even though my pieces don’t fit in with that, it’s still inspiring.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work? Pepperberry.typepad.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you? Friends with You, definitely, and 203gow http://blog.livedoor.jp/m203gow/
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? Wow, not much. :) But if I had my crochet hook, definitely an octopus.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? I’m not too into fabrics, but I love yarns...
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power? Start my own bakery. I love to cook, too.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
I’m terrible with names. But maybe a plush spring, or an abstract representation of hyperactivity? Or a giant chocolate chip cookie.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? (feel free to include pics)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pepperberry/2255762220/ My fireman. He’s sort of “take no prisoners” and deeply weird.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush? Pepperberrycrochet@yahoo.com
Anything else people need to know about you? I have a day job that I love and am passionate about, too. I feel very lucky because of that.
Where you’re from: Salem, MA
When did you first get into plush? I’ve always loved plush. I started making my own in 2001.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? I love the urban vinyl scene and the artists involved with the urban / lowbrow art movement. Even though my pieces don’t fit in with that, it’s still inspiring.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work? Pepperberry.typepad.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you? Friends with You, definitely, and 203gow http://blog.livedoor.jp/m203gow/
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? Wow, not much. :) But if I had my crochet hook, definitely an octopus.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? I’m not too into fabrics, but I love yarns...
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power? Start my own bakery. I love to cook, too.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
I’m terrible with names. But maybe a plush spring, or an abstract representation of hyperactivity? Or a giant chocolate chip cookie.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? (feel free to include pics)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pepperberry/2255762220/ My fireman. He’s sort of “take no prisoners” and deeply weird.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush? Pepperberrycrochet@yahoo.com
Anything else people need to know about you? I have a day job that I love and am passionate about, too. I feel very lucky because of that.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Robyn Fabsits!
Your name: Robyn Fabsits
Where you’re from: born and raised in St.Louis, MO. currently reside in Kansas City, Missouri
When did you first get into plush? About 6 years ago officially.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? Knowing my doodles can become 3 dimensional.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work? http://www.robynfabsits.com/ http://www.robynfabsits.blogspot.com/
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you? There are to many to name. I keep a list on my blog that I check regularly. I’m really influenced and get psyched about new fabric, old cartoons, old toys, anything having to do with the circus, cool fabric, funky 1950’s porcelain figures, Halloween, toys,…I’ll stop now.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make? A hammock, I can’t stand sitting in sand. It gets everywhere.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? That dream is a reality near me. There is a store locally that everytime I walk in I drool and don’t want to leave. I could live in this store. So I guess I dream that I wish I had all this fabric at my finger tips in my studio. Wouldn’t that be the most awesome studio.
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power? Give new plushy makers an opportunity to showcase there work.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be? Obsessive Cumpulsive Cleaner or Neat Freak. I’d come with accessories like a broom and my blue rubber gloves. My super power would be speed.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
I think Maisy & Daisy are a good representation of myself. Not that I have two heads. But I think I have two personalities. I’m really sweet and girly in appearance but have this twisted inner personality that comes out and shocks people now and then.
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush? robyn@robynfabsits.com
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush? robyn@robynfabsits.com
Working with ze Fur
I dunno why, but giving advice about making plush has me tapping into my German ancestors (who were related to Colonel Klink it appears....) Anyway.... lots of people cite working with the most tasteful of all plush making materials, fake fur as a messy and difficult process. And it is! The wonder of spinning all that acrylic fibre into thin fur like filaments and binding it to a woven back seems to come with a price and that is fur mess. But never fear dear plush newbies, there are some tips you can use to alleviate the shitstorm that is making plush with fur.
Admittedly I come from a place that is tolerant of fur, I have two Huskies and two cats, so fur is just part of the decor in our place (hmmm.. I really like the Tex Mex motif you've got going here with the fur tumbleweeds, it is tres chic!). But one tip from the fab-o Mendels Far Out Fabrics in Haight Ashbury (why do I imagine everyone in there dancing and singing about the wonder of fabric?) suggests cutting your fur pieces out from the back of the fabric with an Exacto knife. This way you avoid a lot of the fur shedding-ness. You are only really cutting the backing, not the fur, so a lot less fibres are released and spread with due abandon around your house and self.
Now being a bit of a rough and ready plush maker, such cautious measures are all a bit much for me. So if you're not prepared to commit to fur cutting Exacto zen, perhaps you can try the trick I use when using long fancy furs.
If you cut the shapes out with the only the tips of the scissor blades (need to be sharp obviously), rather than the whole blade, which tends to slice through fur, backing and everything else willy-nilly and a fur explosion of epic proportions is in the making. Using the tip allows you to slide the blades through the fur, parting the pile so as to cut less of it and focus your cut on the backing itself. It works quite well, though there is always a bit of fur pile escape. When you cut fur you tend to unravel at least a little of the woven back and let a few fibres go free.
Whilst at the amazing Bartfeld Textiles in Melbourne Australia (if I am very good in this life I will die and ascend to this store for my happy fur afterlife) I saw the guys rip the fur into lengths, like you would a cotton and was completely amazed. I wouldn't have thought it possible but apparently it is! If you are trying to cut a length of fur into smaller lengths, this might be viable to try.
Fake fur, it's tasteless and tacky and comes in all the colours vomit does, you know you want to try it......
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Jake Henzler!
Your name:
Jäke Henzler
Where you’re from:
Gosford, then Newcastle, now Sydney
When did you first get into plush?
2005
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
People’s reactions to the characters I make.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
www.livejournal.com/~boyknitsworld
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
Jean Greenhowe is pretty crafty.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
A quilt to keep myself warm.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
Yes, only they’re waking dreams, because I get that feeling every time I go into a fabric store.
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
Work less and make friends with Viktor & Rolf.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
I have! His name was Kid, he rode a bull-shaped sauciere and his weapons of choice were star-tipped knitting needles.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
jakehenzler@gmail.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
Not unless they’re creepy stalkers ^_^
Jäke Henzler
Where you’re from:
Gosford, then Newcastle, now Sydney
When did you first get into plush?
2005
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
People’s reactions to the characters I make.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
www.livejournal.com/~boyknitsworld
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
Jean Greenhowe is pretty crafty.
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
A quilt to keep myself warm.
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
Yes, only they’re waking dreams, because I get that feeling every time I go into a fabric store.
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
Work less and make friends with Viktor & Rolf.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
I have! His name was Kid, he rode a bull-shaped sauciere and his weapons of choice were star-tipped knitting needles.
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait?
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
jakehenzler@gmail.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
Not unless they’re creepy stalkers ^_^
Fluffels!
Your name : Fluffels by Mariska Vos-Bolman
Where you’re from :Netherlands
When did you first get into plush? Two years ago I got my first sewingmachine. After a simple pillow I made a star plush, then there was no stopping! And now I make plush and DIY plush kits for a living.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? I get a lot of nice reactions on my creations, that inspires me a lot to make more plushies. Japanese kawaii things inspire me a lot to. I've been to Japan once and hope to go there again. I've loved plushies before I started making them, I allready had loads! Now my house is getting really stuffed with them, but the husband hasn't complaint yet, well not to much haha.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
http://www.fluffels.com/
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?Oh there are many inspiring artist, to name a few: Marianne Roosa, creator of Oneyes. Ploesiepoesies by Electric Luna, Cuddly Rigor Mortis by Kristin Tercek and many more :)
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
Where you’re from :Netherlands
When did you first get into plush? Two years ago I got my first sewingmachine. After a simple pillow I made a star plush, then there was no stopping! And now I make plush and DIY plush kits for a living.
What inspires you to continue to make plush? I get a lot of nice reactions on my creations, that inspires me a lot to make more plushies. Japanese kawaii things inspire me a lot to. I've been to Japan once and hope to go there again. I've loved plushies before I started making them, I allready had loads! Now my house is getting really stuffed with them, but the husband hasn't complaint yet, well not to much haha.
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
http://www.fluffels.com/
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?Oh there are many inspiring artist, to name a few: Marianne Roosa, creator of Oneyes. Ploesiepoesies by Electric Luna, Cuddly Rigor Mortis by Kristin Tercek and many more :)
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
A fishing net ;) Well and a plushie to talk to :P
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? hahaha no. I don't really get excited about fabrics, the process of turning a piece of fabric into something that makes you smile is the fun part for me.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?A cute, crazy funny bunny that has the power to make everyone want to hug each other!
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? Hmm I think most of my plushies are inspired by the people around me. I think I have very nice, fun and inspiring family and friends :)
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?They can email me at info@mariskavos.nl
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale? hahaha no. I don't really get excited about fabrics, the process of turning a piece of fabric into something that makes you smile is the fun part for me.
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?A cute, crazy funny bunny that has the power to make everyone want to hug each other!
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? Hmm I think most of my plushies are inspired by the people around me. I think I have very nice, fun and inspiring family and friends :)
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?They can email me at info@mariskavos.nl
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Geek Freaks Profile!
Your name ?
Karla and Xander aka Geek Freeks
Where you’re from ?
Auckland, New Zealand
When did you first get into plush?
We got into actually making plush about 3 years ago. We saw all the cool stuff on the net getting made and were inspired to give it a go ourselves, but we’ve been into plush toys, like lots of people, since we were babies!
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
It’s really cool to see something that starts out as a drawing on paper turn into a fully tangible “three dimensional” object. Seeing the looks on peoples faces when they buy our toys is also very rewarding!
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
http://www.geekbooteek.blogspot.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
Possibly too many to list, but the biggest influence would have to be Jim Henson and the Muppets. There are so many awesome artists out there we’re finding new inspiration almost every day!
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
1- Hammock
2- Bungalow
3- Crocheted Pina Coladas
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
Karla: “Not that often, but when I’ve been sewing all night I then have dreams that I’m sewing all over again”
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
Create the world’s largest and friendliest craft show, where everyone, whether experienced or new-comer, can showcase their plush awesomeness!
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
He has a name but no-one dare utter it. With the power to shoot love hearts out of every orifice he’d be somewhere halfway between the Dali Lama and Nacho Libre!
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? Filip the slightly retarded turtle! (See attached)
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
geekfreeks@gmail.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
It’s a really cool feeling knowing that people out there all over the world dig our toys, our hope is to just continue having fun with it… oh and be filthy rich!
Karla and Xander aka Geek Freeks
Where you’re from ?
Auckland, New Zealand
When did you first get into plush?
We got into actually making plush about 3 years ago. We saw all the cool stuff on the net getting made and were inspired to give it a go ourselves, but we’ve been into plush toys, like lots of people, since we were babies!
What inspires you to continue to make plush?
It’s really cool to see something that starts out as a drawing on paper turn into a fully tangible “three dimensional” object. Seeing the looks on peoples faces when they buy our toys is also very rewarding!
If you were going to direct someone to site that best represents you work?
http://www.geekbooteek.blogspot.com
Any favourite plush gods/artists/designers out there that influence you?
Possibly too many to list, but the biggest influence would have to be Jim Henson and the Muppets. There are so many awesome artists out there we’re finding new inspiration almost every day!
If you were stuck on a desert island with only a couple of yards of fabric, scissors and thread, what would you make?
1- Hammock
2- Bungalow
3- Crocheted Pina Coladas
Do you ever have fabric dreams, where you walk into a store and see all of the fabrics you have ever dreamed of for sale?
Karla: “Not that often, but when I’ve been sewing all night I then have dreams that I’m sewing all over again”
If you ever become a multinational business, rivalling the market share of all other plush artists, what will you do with your newfound plush power?
Create the world’s largest and friendliest craft show, where everyone, whether experienced or new-comer, can showcase their plush awesomeness!
If you were going to make a plush superhero that would represent you style best, what would be their name and what would their powers be?
He has a name but no-one dare utter it. With the power to shoot love hearts out of every orifice he’d be somewhere halfway between the Dali Lama and Nacho Libre!
Which one of your own plush would you describe as a self-portrait? Filip the slightly retarded turtle! (See attached)
If someone wanted to contact you about your plush?
geekfreeks@gmail.com
Anything else people need to know about you?
It’s a really cool feeling knowing that people out there all over the world dig our toys, our hope is to just continue having fun with it… oh and be filthy rich!
Ze Making of ze Plush
I see posts all the time from people asking for instructions how to make plush. There are a lot of mainstream books out there, in your local library which will show you how to make a bear, or a doll, and those basic principles will stand you in good stead, even if you want to make a plush brain eating zombie, it's all one in plush zen. What I will be posting irregularly here are the little secrets that people just don't tell you about.....
And here's one! This is from a tutorial I made up for the wonderful Plush You book, put out by super-gal Kristen Rask of Schmancy fame. It talks about how to apply blood to your toys and other bodily fluids...
Dimensional paint is a great product that is used for a variety of craft purposes. Not to be confused with the ever fun puff paint, it’s a thick acrylic paint that does not lose “body” or its three-dimensionality when it dries. If you ever painted using impasto and been disappointed when it dries at how much texture is lost, dimensional paint will make you very happy.
Dimensional paint can be found in most craft stores, or in the craft aisles of major stores. There’s quite a few different manufacturers producing it and it comes in shiny, glitter and pearl. I personally use shiny, it helps make the blood look more real and fresh!
Different manufacturers produce dimensional paint in different consistencies. I’ve had problems with some that is very thick and tends to come out of the bottle’s nozzle in a very thin wriggly line and also runny stuff that comes out too freely from the bottle and makes for very fat shapeless runnels of blood. Following the Goldilocks rule, paint that’s neither too thick or too runny is just right. Paint is quite cheap, so it can be worth sampling a few different types and finding what works for you.
The bottles of paint are usually around 1 fl. Oz in size and should come with a fine nozzle and a cap. It’s important to cap the bottle after use as it dries easily. You need to prepare the bottle before use, whether it’s a bottle you’ve used before or a new one. A phenomenon I like to call ‘Dimensional Paint Flatulence” can occur if you don’t shake the bottle’s content towards the tip. You don’t shake it like a cocktail, more like a couple of good downward motions and you should feel the paint settle in the top of the bottle. Otherwise air bubbles in the bottle will interrupt the flow of paint when you apply it. You apply the paint by squeezing the bottle and touching the paint to the fabric like you would using an icing bag on a cake. If there are air bubbles you’ll get a case of DPF, and instead of a nice fluid line of paint you get a small explosion of air and fine bits of paint splattered all over your surface. I haven’t been able to find a way to get paint, wet or dry, off fabric, so it pays to be careful. A good rule of thumb, every time you go to apply paint, is to try it out on a piece of paper first
Applying the paint
Step 1: Here we have a poor little bunny whose throats been cut. To give him a bit of dimensional paint goriness I usually start with a straight line of paint along the cut site. Don’t be too picky about this, as you can see, dimensional paint tends to come out in blobby lines, rather than nice smooth neat ones.
Starting a droplet
Step 2: I create the illusion of blood on my work by creating a series of running drops from wherever I’ve faked a cut on the piece. I start a little below the line of paint I created in Step 1 and start by creating a blob of paint. If you just squeeze a bit of paint out and touch it to the fabric you’ll create a little pointy blob that looks a little like a chocolate drop (see fig ). If you create one of these and hold the bottle there, not breaking contact with the paint and keep increasing the pressure you’ll keep adding more paint to our otherwise pointy blob and it will swell out to a nice round shape. This is one of the main precepts of my technique. It makes whatever you’re creating, blood, drool whatever, look like gravity is at work and fluids are pooling at the end of the drip. In other words, it looks more real. Now without breaking contact, move away from the blob and draw your paint up until it rejoins the line you created before. You have created your first drip.
Step 3: Essentially all you need to do now is create a series of blobs and lines back to the cut line you created in Step 1. I usually curve my lines back to the top as it makes it look more real to me. I will usually start with a blob, then move up in a line to the top and then create another line from the cut site and move down to a blob. I tend to apply the blood drips in one continual motion, not stopping to do each one individually, but I don’t think it will matter if you do them separately.
Step 4: Finished! Your blood is now applied and can be set aside to dry. It cannot be touched, usually for about eight hours , but as I live in the tropics it might dry differently in different climates. Do not be tempted to touch it until it dries, it ruins the shine of your blood and can blot your paint all over your fabric. So this means you need to leave your piece somewhere away from pets, children and your own sleeves sometimes to dry.
Now on to other bodily fluids
The same principal can be used to make other bodily fluids. If you’ve always wanted to make plush that’s drooling with boredom, nauseous and vomiting, or likes to pick its nose then you can do all of this with dimensional paint. Reverting back to your inner 5 year old has never been so visceral!
Drool
Drool is basically one blob and a very thin line of paint back to the corner or the mouth.
Vomit
Vomit can be harder, I personally find the look of big areas of dimensional paint unappealing so it’s more like creating a thin stream of bile. You can wiggle your line down from the mouth of your creature, so as to indicate the journey this unpleasantness has taken down the front of the creature. A small tasteful splash says so much more than Vomit-a-palooza… Add bits of carrot at your discretion.
Snot
Much like the splash in the vomit picture, anything lime green, blob-like and near a creature’s nose will read as snot. It you want to go overboard (like I do) you can actually apply two different colours of green together for extra gross out-ness. Essentially making a splash is much like blood drips, except now the blobs and lines meet in the centre of the splash shape, rather than follow a cut line. To make good snot, try and make more free form splash shapes, it looks more natural.
Tip: if you find this difficult doing it freehand, draw your shapes on a piece of paper and practice by tracing over them
Tears
The most benign is left for last. To create a rueful toy, place small blobs near the toys eyes and finish off the blobs with a short line. If you pull the bottle away from the end of the tear quite quickly it will make the line taper off nicely like a real tear shape.
Toy Design tips
Sometimes it’s hard to know whether any of these techniques would be ‘too much’ for the design of your toy, or even to work out where to place your blood or other bodily fluid. You can actually apply your paint to a very smooth plastic surface, like an ice cream container lid, and peel them off when they dry. You can then try out the shapes on your toy without permanently altering it. You can move your paint around until you come up with something that looks good, then apply the actual paint in the same way to the toy.
Dimensional paint can be found in most craft stores, or in the craft aisles of major stores. There’s quite a few different manufacturers producing it and it comes in shiny, glitter and pearl. I personally use shiny, it helps make the blood look more real and fresh!
Different manufacturers produce dimensional paint in different consistencies. I’ve had problems with some that is very thick and tends to come out of the bottle’s nozzle in a very thin wriggly line and also runny stuff that comes out too freely from the bottle and makes for very fat shapeless runnels of blood. Following the Goldilocks rule, paint that’s neither too thick or too runny is just right. Paint is quite cheap, so it can be worth sampling a few different types and finding what works for you.
The bottles of paint are usually around 1 fl. Oz in size and should come with a fine nozzle and a cap. It’s important to cap the bottle after use as it dries easily. You need to prepare the bottle before use, whether it’s a bottle you’ve used before or a new one. A phenomenon I like to call ‘Dimensional Paint Flatulence” can occur if you don’t shake the bottle’s content towards the tip. You don’t shake it like a cocktail, more like a couple of good downward motions and you should feel the paint settle in the top of the bottle. Otherwise air bubbles in the bottle will interrupt the flow of paint when you apply it. You apply the paint by squeezing the bottle and touching the paint to the fabric like you would using an icing bag on a cake. If there are air bubbles you’ll get a case of DPF, and instead of a nice fluid line of paint you get a small explosion of air and fine bits of paint splattered all over your surface. I haven’t been able to find a way to get paint, wet or dry, off fabric, so it pays to be careful. A good rule of thumb, every time you go to apply paint, is to try it out on a piece of paper first
Applying the paint
Step 1: Here we have a poor little bunny whose throats been cut. To give him a bit of dimensional paint goriness I usually start with a straight line of paint along the cut site. Don’t be too picky about this, as you can see, dimensional paint tends to come out in blobby lines, rather than nice smooth neat ones.
Starting a droplet
Step 2: I create the illusion of blood on my work by creating a series of running drops from wherever I’ve faked a cut on the piece. I start a little below the line of paint I created in Step 1 and start by creating a blob of paint. If you just squeeze a bit of paint out and touch it to the fabric you’ll create a little pointy blob that looks a little like a chocolate drop (see fig ). If you create one of these and hold the bottle there, not breaking contact with the paint and keep increasing the pressure you’ll keep adding more paint to our otherwise pointy blob and it will swell out to a nice round shape. This is one of the main precepts of my technique. It makes whatever you’re creating, blood, drool whatever, look like gravity is at work and fluids are pooling at the end of the drip. In other words, it looks more real. Now without breaking contact, move away from the blob and draw your paint up until it rejoins the line you created before. You have created your first drip.
Step 3: Essentially all you need to do now is create a series of blobs and lines back to the cut line you created in Step 1. I usually curve my lines back to the top as it makes it look more real to me. I will usually start with a blob, then move up in a line to the top and then create another line from the cut site and move down to a blob. I tend to apply the blood drips in one continual motion, not stopping to do each one individually, but I don’t think it will matter if you do them separately.
Step 4: Finished! Your blood is now applied and can be set aside to dry. It cannot be touched, usually for about eight hours , but as I live in the tropics it might dry differently in different climates. Do not be tempted to touch it until it dries, it ruins the shine of your blood and can blot your paint all over your fabric. So this means you need to leave your piece somewhere away from pets, children and your own sleeves sometimes to dry.
Now on to other bodily fluids
The same principal can be used to make other bodily fluids. If you’ve always wanted to make plush that’s drooling with boredom, nauseous and vomiting, or likes to pick its nose then you can do all of this with dimensional paint. Reverting back to your inner 5 year old has never been so visceral!
Drool
Drool is basically one blob and a very thin line of paint back to the corner or the mouth.
Vomit
Vomit can be harder, I personally find the look of big areas of dimensional paint unappealing so it’s more like creating a thin stream of bile. You can wiggle your line down from the mouth of your creature, so as to indicate the journey this unpleasantness has taken down the front of the creature. A small tasteful splash says so much more than Vomit-a-palooza… Add bits of carrot at your discretion.
Snot
Much like the splash in the vomit picture, anything lime green, blob-like and near a creature’s nose will read as snot. It you want to go overboard (like I do) you can actually apply two different colours of green together for extra gross out-ness. Essentially making a splash is much like blood drips, except now the blobs and lines meet in the centre of the splash shape, rather than follow a cut line. To make good snot, try and make more free form splash shapes, it looks more natural.
Tip: if you find this difficult doing it freehand, draw your shapes on a piece of paper and practice by tracing over them
Tears
The most benign is left for last. To create a rueful toy, place small blobs near the toys eyes and finish off the blobs with a short line. If you pull the bottle away from the end of the tear quite quickly it will make the line taper off nicely like a real tear shape.
Toy Design tips
Sometimes it’s hard to know whether any of these techniques would be ‘too much’ for the design of your toy, or even to work out where to place your blood or other bodily fluid. You can actually apply your paint to a very smooth plastic surface, like an ice cream container lid, and peel them off when they dry. You can then try out the shapes on your toy without permanently altering it. You can move your paint around until you come up with something that looks good, then apply the actual paint in the same way to the toy.
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