Mahna Mahna and the Snowths

This is the all consuming project I was in the midst of during our move and during the holidays. It was a pain and a joy all at the same time, kind of like giving birth, without the tearing and diapers. Our family has always been a fan of the Snowths and Mahna Mahna trio, so when the opportunity arose to make them, I decided to take it. I've been asked to do it before, but always turned it down, so I wanted to challenge myself this time.

It was one of those things that I miss dearly, but will never do it again unless I got paid millions of dollars to do it. Actually, maybe not, I learned tricks so a second round would go easier, but the execution and planning in the beginning is quite stressful. Though if I ever did attempt these guys again, I would do puppets, not dolls.

My sister came the last night to help me do some machine sewing for the bodies, since sewing machines terrify the crap out of me, and another friend helped me sew up the arms and legs in the beginning, b/c the thought of hand sewing 6 arms and 6 legs gave me an anxiety attack. So thanks for helping me keep my sanity!!

 

Getting very tired, very very sore, very... covered in fur...

My husband found a sign of life in the small crack of a smile through my hair. He's goofy and sweet.

In any case, I was quite sad to see these dolls go. My husband and I made a quick little video so we could always remember their awesomeness. If only we had more time to play with them before I shipped, but they needed to go asap as they were for a birthday present. I  hope you enjoyed my process, the creation of the Jim Henson sensational Muppets inspired Mahna Mahna and his two Snowths!!

*don't let the song get stuck in your head ;)

"Mahna Mahna, Do doo be-do-do, Mahna Mahna, Do do-do do, Mahna Mahna,
Do doo be-do-do be-do-do be-do-do be-do-do-doodle do do do-doo do!"

Do doo be-do-do,

Hair Fashion Accessories

pssst... remember my craft fair post with my excursion in hair accessories making, and how I said they would be available for sale very soon?

Yeah, that was a long time ago and I only JUST NOW put some of the headbands in my shop, (including that lace necklace!) So, go and check them out *if you want*. Oh, and I am not above haggling right now, seeing as how we are preparing to move and all, so long as it is reasonable my friends ;)

now, feel free to continue reading my Halloween decorating post below :)

Obsession

So in order to help turn my Twilight obsession into something productive, I have decided to make Twilight inspired jewelry. It has been sooo fun coming up with new designs and I have lots more in my little head just waiting to be created once my supplies start coming in the mail! See the others and purchase yours HERE!

In the meantime, I sooo wish I had these bedsheets by Tiago da Fonseca, but with a page from the Twilight series of course!


I just had to share this pb and j by Mpatrizio because it is my life sustanance and that it is just too darn cute not to post. Like a little Edward an Bella sandwich!



Also, I posted earlier that I would be posting some of my writings in my LittleLovables Etsy shop in mini books, but every time I pull them out to finese them, I start thinking about Twilight and thoughts of inferiority cloud my mind. WHat is worse, when I try to write something NEW... all I can think about are editions to the books that I would have made... my creativity is totaly shot! No new ideas exist in my head! Thanks, Stephenie Meyers, I will just have to purge myself of all things Twilight so that I can get my mind back. But not until AFTER Breaking Dawn, and the movie, and Midnight Sun... maybe reading the Host will help clear my mind?

For now, my children progress in the creativity world. My 2 1/2 year old drew our dog... an exact image, what an artist! And yes, I was a tired, mindless wit (as explained above) and I wrote the wrong date on his magnadoodle art!

Necklace Length

I came upon this excellent necklace guide, that tells what certain length necklaces are good for on the QVC website. This info is good for me to remember as a designer as well as for those who wear necklaces, so, here's the scoop! Lengths may need to be adjusted according to your body shape.

Collar (12-13 inches)

Collar necklaces lie snugly around the middle of the neck. They are a must-have when wearing V-necks, boat necks, and off-the-shoulder fashions.












Choker (14-16 inches)
Both classic and versatile, a 14-16 inch choker falls perfectly around the base of the neck. A simple choker necklace matches any outfit and just about any neckline.












Princess (17-19 inches)
As the most popular necklace length, the princess necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines, falling just below the throat. Typically 17-19 inches long, you can wear the princess length as a contrast to low, plunging necklines. Add a pendant for a bold, eye-catching look.












Matinee (20-24 inches)
Longer than the princess necklace, and slightly shorter than an opera length, a 20-24 inch matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or business dress.












Opera (28-34 inches)
Ranging from 28-34 inches, the opera necklace is the longest of all lengths. Wear it as a single or double strand. Perfect for high or crew necklines, its versatility allows the opera necklace to transform from day to evening wear with elegant ease.












Rope (over 45 inches)
Measuring at least 45 inches in length, the versatile rope necklace is a must-have accessory! Elegant and classic, this necklace dresses up any outfit night or day. Often, clasps placed in strategic locations allow this necklace to be transformed into multi-strand necklace or bracelet.

This is a 24 inch necklace I created with rainbow soocho jade, cherry quartz, and a carved rose quartz pendant as a custom order for a wedding. This was heavy, and gorgeous!

Twilight

I read the first book 'Twilight' by Stephanie Meyer with my husband, we took turns reading chapters, and we had great fun! (My brother in law who also read & loved the books, said that any man will feel like they have a uterus after reading these!) When we got to the second book, 'New Moon', I needed to read it more than he was willing, so I stayed up and read the entire thing overnight. This book left me slightly sad, so I decided to read the entire third book, 'Eclipse', the next day (which was today).

John Clark artwork on a novel page.



I really did enjoy the series, but I am left disappointed by the ending as it was not as happy as I wanted (I am an Edward fan... too much Jacob in there for my taste). I have a tendancy to become saddened and moody when books don't have fairy tale endings, so when the fourth installment of the book, 'Breaking Dawn', comes out in August, I will have to read it, in hopes that it will lighten the spirit of the romance and intensity. I spare details of what I did/didn't like, to spare anyone who would like to read them. But if you have and would like to chat, send me a message as I so want to talk it up!

By the way, here are some great links on the books and the trailer for the movie that is due to come out December 12, 2008!!

Twilight in HD


Gorgeous artwork by Anne Julie. http://www.annejulie.etsy.com

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

A Twilight inspired bracelet from Jack and Ella


My Jeweled Ambrosia "Find Your Path" Compass Ring

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11785936

Dolls

I have found a lot of amazing artists lately, and so here I am going to feature one of them. Aside from dolls, she also makes cute little bears and I can't wait what else she will have in store for us! So, here is the creative, talented and sweet seller of Doll Project.

"My name is Jessica Acosta--people who know me usually call me Jess. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I am drawn to disturbingly cute things. I collect stuffed animals in the form of pathetic sea beasts (octopuses with 6 or 7 tentacles, crabs that were trampled on in gift shops etc.). I have a healthy obsession with doll making. Every box, bottle or raw material I see is potentially part of a doll. I am intrigued by the concept of fluid anatomy that dolls allow for. A doll doesn't necessarily need arms or a nose if she looks great without."

I thought the "Steampunk Romeo" from Winona Cookie would be a handsome fellow to feature with these lovely ladies!

And here is a little treat from my shop. Have a happy day!

Oh happy day!

How do you like my very first charm necklace! I love it so much, I am going to be making more :)


It was such a treat checking the mail box today! I recieved a sweet haircomb from Red are the Roses, some shiny vintage optical lenses, a metal hole punch so I can finally use some of my brass stampings in my jewelry designs, lovely fabric swatches from Paper Hill Fabrics and From Holland with Love, lockets and vintage flower cabachons from Bead Supplies.



I purchased a monster mug from Gary Rith for my hubby last year, and Rith had one in "not perfect condition", so he sent it to me as a gift! It even has a tongue. Now, we don't have to fight over who gets to use the monster cup.

Also, last night, the hubster found a great tutorial for making puppets with moving brows. It adds a whole new personality to them. Here's our guy with his eyes opened, and closed. Isn't he such a grumpy looking fellow? I ordered some fabulous furs in vibrant colors, so you will see some more new puppet creations pretty soon.

SPRING!

I haven't been out much during the daytime, but I know bluebonnets are starting to arrive! I can't wait to find a good patch of them so that we can take cute family photos. If any of you have bluebonnet shots, send em my way, wouldn't a blogpost full of smiley kids in those flowers be so sweet!?



Now, I have many different creative pursuits, the list is shocking... but for one, my jewelry is often aged and vintage, yet I have all of these bright beads, so I figured I would mix a little of them togther and come up with this lovely bracelet for spring. What do you think? I encourage everyone to branch out and expirement out side of the box at least once this week.

Farewell Black Ships

Every now and then I get kind of sad when something of mine sales. I get soooo happy that someone wanted to pay for one of my creations when they could have gotten one of sooo many others, but I miss my little creations!

This morning, I shipped off 3 of my favorite necklaces, and well, I just sold I think my absolute favorite. I think I have the materials to make one more... do I sale it, or keep it? Oh what to do...

Here are some other related items to take my mind off the pain :)

Lapomme Plushie


Tiddlywinks Pirate Bear


Liz Amend OOAK Fantasy Fairy (I can't wait to own one of her darlings).


In other news, I bid on a Blythe doll on Ebay last night. I probably won't get it, but I want it sooo bad! You'll see why.... very soon! Sooo, if anyone has a Blythe they would like to sell, OR chandeler prisms, or, really anything funky like skeleton keys and such... give me a hollar! And o, I didn't bid on this one... are you kidding me, it's awesome, but hello, I'm broke! It's revamped by Rogue Dolls, she's a beauty and just sold for a pretty penny.