Saturday, August 25

Marvelous Mounts - Strange Stuff Saturdays

Rhinka The Rhino - Amigurumi Rhino - Faux Taxidermy Crochet Wall Decor by Sanda, Pepika Amigurumi Patterns on Etsy. [Pattern Only]

When I was a child, my parents purchased an old but formerly grand small hotel in cottage country. After one season in that strange structure with a giant kitchen and tiny winding staircases, creaking floorboards and peeling white paint, my father had that sad hazardous fire trap of a building torn down and worked with an architect to build a modern winterized cottage in it's place.

Faux Taxidermy Rabbit by Sabine Alpers, FAUX FAUNA on Etsy.
Custom Mounted Animal, Hand Sculpted OOAK by Ashleigh Burbidge, The Burbs on Etsy.
Yellow Pig - Mounted by Taylor Hart, Nothing But A Pigeon on Etsy.
One thing I remember distinctly from one of the drawing rooms in the place was the two mounted Stag Heads on the wall. They had been there for decades likely, with sad looking glossy glass eyes and majestic raised heads.  I am not now nor have ever been a fan of taxidermy. I don't know anyone who actually owns a gun, much less hunts, and I care far more for the ecosystem and all it's creatures to ever dare approve of hunting for sport alone. But there is something very rustic and traditional about having these sorts of items in a cabin or cottage setting.

Orange & Robins Egg Blue Dear Head Wall Mount by Hannah Reed, Banana Tree Studios on Etsy.
The Hooper - Blue Raspberry Resin Shark Head - Chic & Trendy by White Faux Taxidermy on Etsy.
 
Captain Moose-Stachio - Faux Taxidermy Eye Patch and Mustached Deer/Moose Trophy by Bree Y., Anatomically Incorrect Creatures on Etsy. [Made To Order]
Our family, though no longer cottagers, still has one of those mounted stags, long ago named 'Charlie". It resides in my sister's family Ski Lodge, with a place of honor. It reminds us to respect the animals, wild and otherwise around us, and makes us aware that the number of those majestic animals is in serious decline.

Custom Mounted Deer Head - Animal Friendly Taxidermy by Stephanie Garcia, Pockets with Posies on Etsy.
Custom Mounted Animal, Hand Sculpted OOAK by Ashleigh Burbidge, The Burbs on Etsy.
The Calhoun - White w/Silver Glitter Horns Resin Rhino Head - Chic & Trendy by White Faux Taxidermy on Etsy.
However you feel on the subject, you cannot deny that sometimes a little reminder of the traditions of the past, the whimsical side of our natural environment is often something we are missing.  We mostly live in the city and rarely see wild animals, unless you consider the odd squirrel or chipmunk, even a raccoon raiding your garbage bin 'wild'.  Today's strange stuff post takes a fun look at a much more magical 'faux' taxidermy that while strange to some, definitely has it's share of charm.  Check out these wonderful offerings and consider if there is a place in your home for a little faux friend on the wall.

Wilbur Head Mount OOAK by Ghoulie Girls, Shop Ghoulie Girls on Etsy.
Needle Felted Cow Head, Style Faux Taxidermy by Sabine Alpers, FAUX FAUNA on Etsy.
Foxy (Orange & White) by Taylor Hart, Nothing But A Pigeon on Etsy.  

Tuesday, March 13

Down But Not Out...



 I just wanted to leave a note with my sincere apologies for lack of posts lately, but I have what's been going around [not sure if it is Norwalk Like Virus or C Difficille, or Food Poisoning]... but I am now on round two with a pre-existing medical condition that is making it very dangerous. I am very weak and tired & I appreciate all your continued support and hope to be back to regular blogging soon. Keep foraging for your own fab and don't forget to send me links of your own fab finds so that I can storm up the blogosphere upon my return -- Ketsy

Friday, March 9

Imagination Factory - Found On A Friday

Double Rainbow - Miniature Ceramic Rainbow Factory Duo by PearsonMaron on Etsy.
 Thank goodness it's Friday, and thank goodness I am feeling more like myself so that I can share today's Fab find with you all. It's been a while since I have blogged, about 2 weeks actually. Being sick is never part of ones plans or on the schedule, it happens, often out of the blue, and it forces us to pay attention to our bodies and get better. Sometimes when we are feverish and in that half sleep state, we get wonderful inspirations for work we want to do, unfortunately, we are often too ill to remember to write those ideas down or follow through. Just as well, I suspect some of those feverish great ideas are actually not so great.

Chartreuse Sea Lion with a Toy Top - Ceramic Figurine by PearsonMaron on Etsy.
Rolling Blue Cat Fish - Miniature Ceramic Sculpture on Wheels by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Today I want to show you some absolutely wonderful and whimsical sculpture work that seems born of that fevered dream state. Not to say that it is exceptionally odd or strange, just that it is quite magical. The "Handmade Curiosities" of PearsonMaron on Etsy are wonderful little bits of inspiration and ingenuity, all wrapped up in a bundle of kitsch.  Colors pop against pure white ceramic backdrops, small creatures come to life with spinning wheels and a healthy dose of whimsy.

A Nuclear Love Story - Miniature Nuclear Cooling Towers With Hearts - Geeky Wedding Cake Toppers - White Ceramic Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.
Bigfoot Diorama - Limited Edition Ceramic Mini Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.
Married couple Adam and Quincy together produce a marvelous menagerie of urban legends, sweet and poignant statements, and playful creatures from a blend of ceramics and other mixed media. While they work collaboratively on many items, some are the work on one or the other alone.  The Etsy Shop of PearsonMaron is chock full of an amazing array of items, from Prints and Paintings, Buttons, Magnets, Sculptures and Figurines, Dioramas, and even some Housewares. What that adds up to is a whole lot of wonderful.

Green One Eyed Octopus on Wheels - Mini Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.
Black Birds On A Wire - Miniature Ceramic Telephone Pole Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.
Adam and Quincy, who reside in Southern California, have a good thing going on in their Etsy Shop, and it is definitely worth a click on over to check it out. Prices range from just a few dollars for their Pin Back Buttons, to a whole lot more for one of the amazingly detailed sculptural pieces such as the one below. Most of the items featured on this page range from $20.00 to $95.00 USD, so there is a wide range of prices for any budget, whether you are a collector yourself, or looking for a unique gift for a special someone.  Thank goodness I found PearsonMaron on a Friday, and thank goodness I am back in the blogging groove once again.
 
The Astronaut - Space Exploration - Sculpture by PearsonMaron on Etsy.

Saturday, February 25

Strangely Missing In Action - Strange Stuff Saturdays

My Original Hand Drawn & Hand Painted Doll Face. Acrylic On Flannel.

Sorry folks for the lack of strangeness this Saturday. Hopefully I'll be posting double tomorrow, I am busy with a custom doll project for a very special person, and I am trying to get it done as quickly as I can while still doing my very best work. I'll be posting images of my completed doll on my sister blog Ketsy's Doll Pieces. So feel free to wander over there to take a look at what I have been up to.

My Hand Painted Doll Parts. All Hand Drawn And Acrylic Painted On Flannel. Stuffed With Poly-Fil. Handbag Is A Custom Design In Flannel With Embroidered Details, OOAK Button, & Ribbon.

I am going to add a few teaser pictures here of what I did yesterday towards completing this very special project. It is for an amazing woman who is going through the most challenging of circumstances and still manages to sparkle like the gem she is. My heart and prayers are with her, and her family, and with all the many friends she has earned, those who cherish her for the wonderfully radiant person she is and will always be.

Ketsy.

Friday, February 24

Small Art Big Love - Found On A Friday

"Jake The Tortoise" Hand Sewn Brooch, Felt Badge, Tortoise Pin by Jess Quinn.
 Sometimes in my travels I stumble upon something that is so many wonderful things in one shop that I can't decide upon which day of the week to feature it. That is why I am thankful for Fridays, where anything goes here on the Fab.  When I cam across the Etsy Shop of Jess Quinn, I knew the only place to do her amazing stash justice was to place it in a Friday feature.  Simply called Small Art, Jess's shop is full of the most fabulous items, from paper goods, cloth dolls, clay creations, felt accessories, original oil paintings, and so much more. If this is Quinn's idea of 'small', I can't imagine what she considers to be 'large'. With almost 150 items in her Etsy Shop, I would say there is nothing small about the work of Jess Quinn at all.

The Woodsman - Art Doll, Soft Sculpture by Jess Quinn.
Alphabet Fairy - Wood Art Doll - Beatrice by Jess Quinn.
"Higgety Pop" Vintage Altered Art Doll by Jess Quinn.
What is really special about Jess's Shop is the way she presents her fabulous items.  The photos are precious and engaging, and they make you want to look closer.  She will create a whole tableau of items around her dolls, brooches, and other items, often using dollhouse furniture or toys that not only add a sense of playful whimsy, but also indicate the scale of items for sale. 

Easter Bunny Hair Band/Fascinator - Pink Felt Bunny Rabbit by Jess Quinn.
Spring Bib Necklace, Fabric Pink Clown - Blue Pom Poms - Embroidered Textile by Jess Quinn.
Little Indian Head Dress, Dressing Up, Head Band - Native American by Jess Quinn.

The little [ and big ] pops of colour against a white background are perfectly styled. Her accessories are often worn by adorable kiddies with naturally silly smiles or honest pouts, and her paper goods and artwork are presented in the perfect lighting to make them appear as magical as you know that they are.

"Isabelle" Girl In A Yellow Dress - Illustrated Greeting Card by Jess Quinn.
"Girl With Apples" Illustrated Greeting Card, Printed Drawing, Black & White by Jess Quinn.
"Knitting Queen" Illustrated Greetings Card, Printed Drawing by Jess Quinn.
Items in Jess Quinn's shop range in price from less than $2.00 USD to just over $200.00 USD. That means there is something  for every budget and every taste.  Shipping from Bristol, England in the UK, shipping cost are excessively reasonable. The cards are frame-able art, the dolls enchanting, the brooches would make brilliant gifts, and the accessories are instant one-of-a-kind treasures.

"Bitsy Boo" Fabric Art Doll, Red Felt, Little Girl, Linen Cloth Doll by Jess Quinn.
"Miko & Molly" Hanging Fabric Decoration, Printed Cotton Sweethearts, Vintage Silk by Jess Quinn.
Cloth Art Doll, Soft Sculpture, Textile, Square Clown Blue by Jess Quinn.

Jess takes great care when describing her items, often including little anecdotes about their inspirations, the materials used, and the dimension of the items.  All essential information when you are buying handmade goods online. I have to commend her on her presentation style, her shop feels intimate and you get the distinct impression that you are getting a peek 'behind the curtain'.

"Miss Bird" Clay Brooch, Circus Pin - Hand Painted Small Sculpture by Jess Quinn.
Clown Art Doll, Clay - Textile, Felt Fabric, Hand Painted by Jess Quinn.
Clay Brooch, Wearable Art, Hand Painted Pin - Green, Lettuce by Jess Quinn.

Jess has divided her shop into specific categories of items, so I decided to present a few of examples of her work that reside under each category heading so you can get a good idea of the range of whimsical items she offers.  As always, I showcase items that tend to appeal to my taste, but there is so much more to be discovered in Jess's Small Art shop. Jess herself calls her items Unique Artworks and Original Gifts, I would stress the unique, I haven't seen anything quite so fantastically outside of the box in my recent travels.

"Clown Miko" Felt Brooch, Pillow Pin Portrait, Wearable Art by Jess Quinn.
"Bunnyhoot" Small Art Doll, Purple Felt Brooch, Plush Forest Creature by Jess Quinn.
"Matilda Mouse" Felt Brooch - White Mouse Bow Tie Pin, Printed Drawing by Jess Quinn.
You really must take a closer look at the work of this Art School graduate and mother of three, who says she comes from a family of 'makers'. I rather like that statement, I can identify with it completely. For more information on her captivating work, you can also swing by her Blog and check out what Jess is currently up to. You might also like to know that Jess is offering a "Free Shipping" code until March 11th, 2012 and that currently she is having a small Spring Clean Sale on selected items in her shop, as if you needed more reason to head over and check it out. It may be Small Art, but I have big love for it. [In particular, that "Jake The Tortoise" Brooch at the top of the post, how incredibly sweet it is!]

Small Oil Painting on Canvas, "Sisters" by Jess Quinn.
"Infanta Margarita in Moonlight", Small Oil Painting on Canvas by Jess Quinn.
"Mary" Small Oil Painting on Canvas by Jess Quinn.

Links:
Small Art - Etsy Shop
Jess Quinn's Etsy Profile
Jess Quinn's Blog

"Tom & Nancy" Wooden Art Dolls, Hand Painted by Jess Quinn.
"Lulu" Wooden Brooch, Wearable Art - Hand Painted Pin by Jess Quinn.
"Eric" Wooden Badge, Hand Painted Pin - Wearable Art by Jess Quinn.
Note: All Designs and Images are the Intellectual Property and Copyright of Jessica Quinn and QUINN. No infringement is intended. Please contact Jess Quinn directly with inquiries about her work. Follow the links provided under each image in this post  for further information about the items featured in the post, including price, payment options, availability, and shipping information. 

Thursday, February 23

Clowns Keeping Us In Stitches - Time Travel Thursdays

Fabulous Forties Costume Pattern - Clown Around Vintage -Style at Momma Black Sheep on Etsy.
 My mother was always a crafty woman, where my dad had a 'workshop' in the basement, she had a 'sewing room'. My dad's workshop was filled with every imaginable tool, like most men he had multiples of many things that he forgot he already had, hitting Canadian Tire or Lansing Build All was a weekend staple destination for him back in the mid-1970s.  My father, no slouch in the fix-it department, actually build us a full 'play house' in the backyard of our North York, Ontario home. It was big enough to have the entire neighborhood's children all inside it and still have room for a table and chairs. 
McCall 2833, 1920s Girl's Clown Suit Costume at Fripperie on Etsy.
Vintage Advance Clown Pattern 701 - Men's and Women's - Size Large 18-20 at Dream Weaver 1954 on Etsy.
Simplicity 4864 Clown Costume 1960s for Children Vintage Sewing Pattern at Mrs. Depew Vintage on Etsy.
 My mother was someone who could sew, so it seemed absolutely natural to me that she would have a 'sewing room'. I though every home had one, just like a kitchen or bathroom, little did I know.  My mother was famous for putting patches inside the knees of our worn-out play jeans, for shortening the cuffs on our hand-me-down pants, and for mending our cloth toys and blankets.  She also made costumes for us, for Halloween, for our endless themed birthday parties [there were four of us kids after all], and for our dance recitals.

Vintage 1950s Delightful Children 's Clown Costume Sewing Pattern - Hat, Neck Ruffle, Pom Poms - Size Medium RARE at Farfalla Design Studio on Etsy.
Kid's Vintage Clown Costume Pattern Simplicity 6363 Size 12 at Kandiieee on Etsy.
Vintage Clown Costume 1976 Simplicity Sewing Pattern 9051 Medium at Claudette's Vintage Vault on Etsy.
 In the early 1980s, my mother actually stitched up a Care Bear costume for not only my little sister, but one of her dance class-mates. The were unbelievably detailed, and my mother still has the one she made for my sister. A full head-to-toe costume, the child's face actually peeks out of the mouth of the Care Bear in question. A pastel mint faux-fur body suit with an emblem stitched on the white belly, and a giant 'head' that went over the child's head, the scale was just as the stuffed dolls we had. Can you imagine an entire dance class of 12 six year-old girls trying to dance to "Teddy Bear's Picnic" in that huge and likely over-heated costume. You have to love it.

Vintage 1984 Butterick Pattern 6814 Care Bears Costume Size 2-6x at Gran's Treasures on Etsy.
McCall's 1940s Clown or Jester Pattern at Retro Recycle on Etsy.
Vintage 1965 Simplicity Sewing Pattern - Clown Costume Boy's Girl's Size 4-6 at Oh Vintage Threads on Etsy.
My mom also made us costumes for Purim, the Jewish holiday where dress-up is part of the fun. This year it falls on Thursday, March 8th/2012, so there is still time to get your costumes ready. Clown costumes are one option for Purim, as are the characters from the story the holiday is based on, including a princess of course. One year my mother made clown costumes for each of us kids, I must have been around 9 or 10 years old at the time, because I know she made them for myself and my twin sister, my brother, who was likely 7, and my youngest sister who was maybe 5 in her kindergarten class. 

Kids Clown Costume Butterick Sewing Pattern 3169 - Size 8 at Garden In The City on Etsy.
Costume Clown Simplicity 0664 Size BB 2-12 Children's Sewing Pattern at NANCE'S NOSTALGIA on Etsy.
1972 McCall's Sewing Pattern 3353 - Clown Costume Children's Size 10-12 at Full Circle Studios on Etsy.
The costumes were amazing. She made these huge ruffled neck pieces that went with them, a startling white compared to the colorful two print combo of the suit, trimmed with a lovely bright rickrack.  We also had matching hats, yarn pom poms accents and all. Too adorable for words. My mother went on to make a couple for adults, and then for many friends of the family, they became famous. My mother somehow found time for this with four young children of grade-school age, going to a school with no busing, cooking every meal we ate, and being a full-time homemaker. 

Vintage UNCUT Simplicity Sewing Pattern - Size Large 40-42 Adult's Clown Costume and Hats - Dated 1980 at In Grandma's Attic on Etsy.
Clown Costume Pattern Size Adult Medium - McCall's 4944 - Circa 1990 at Miss32Act on Etsy.
McCall's Crafts Boy and Girl Clown Costume Pattern 2623 UNCUT Size 2,4 at Lingonberries And Moss on Etsy.
People would call to ask to borrow them for all sorts of events, and they were generously sized so we got a good few years use out of them. I think it was quite an ingenious strategical move on the part of my mom to make the two oldest children's costumes, mine and my twin sister's, out of fairly gender neutral colors and prints, they lasted my siblings a long time in the years to follow. They pulled duty on trick or treat nights, Purim carnivals, and a themed birthday party where every child in attendance wore a similar costume.

Clown Halloween Costumes Pattern for Children Adults at Regency Cottage on Etsy.
1980 McCall's Pattern 7230 for an Adult's Clown Costume - Size Large at Lakeview Arts on Etsy.
Sewing Pattern Simplicity, Clown - Jester - Hobo Halloween Costume: Adult Medium UNCUT at Sew Alike on Etsy.
I could go on and on, but what today's Time Travel Thursday post is really about is those envelopes of patterns that you could buy at the fabric store, along with all your fabric and findings. It's about the days when people made their own clothing and costumes as the norm, and not the exception.  It is about those homes that included such things as 'sewing rooms', where magic happened in the hands of everyday people.  When your mother or grandmother would make you a costume that had never been worn by anyone else, that looked absolutely professional and fabulous, that no one else had, that was a treasured thing.  I have just gotten my first sewing machine, a very basic Singer model, just for making a few time saving stitches now and then.  My mother still has her first Singer too, it still works and she still uses it occasionally, and I know it is likely 40 years old, maybe more.

McCall's 9212 Vintage Sewing Pattern Child's Boy's Girl's CLOWN COSTUMES Size 6-8 at KatyBugVintage on Etsy.
Butterick 5073, Vintage 1990 Baby Jumpsuit Pattern UNCUT - Newborm - M at Vintage Vice on Etsy.
Halloween Costume Pattern Clowns Simplicity 7120 Size Small at AuntPittyPats2 on Etsy.
I would love to know how to use a pattern, to know how to use fabric so that the threads run the right way for stretch or fit, to know what seam technique to use, to  be able to create professional looking garments and costumes, just like my mother did. So few of us have the time or inclination to make things by hand, but I have found just the little bit of doll making I have been doing lately to be so therapeutic. To see a finished result, something tangible, something you can hold in your hands or give to a child to cuddle, it is a totally WOW moment. It's nice to see something through to the end, there is so much in our world that has become conceptual or intangible.  Whether you sew, knit, crochet, scrapbook, cook, or have some other hand-made hobby, you know exactly what I mean. The ability to create something is just as satisfying as it ever was.

Vintage 1961 Girls or Boys Clown, Devil, Little Prince Costume Halloween McCall's Pattern 2459 Size 6-8 at Lakeview Arts on Etsy.
VERY RARE 1960s Vintage Pattern UNCUT McCall's 7912 Size Medium Girl's Boy's Clown - Bullfighter - Devil - Bandit Costumes at GREAT SCOTT on Etsy.
McCall's Costumes Clown Pattern 6719 at KidLee on Etsy.
Today's post features a bounty of amazing vintage sewing patterns, almost entirely Clown Costumes all for sale on Etsy, along with hundreds of other patterns for every look you can image.  They are fun to look at, collect, even stitch up for yourself or a friend. Take the links under the images to reach the shops and listings, and have a look around.  Even if you don't have a dedicated sewing room, crafting room, or studio, any room can become one if you use it for that purpose.  This is a celebration of an nearly lost art, fabric stores are harder and harder to find, patterns for modern styles just don't exist the way they did in the past, it is so much easier just to go to the mall when you need new clothing. Just because something is easier, doesn't mean it is better.  As for these clowns, maybe one will be your first sewing project from a pattern. They are very easy to make and they are great for play and holidays alike. You can even get all your fabric and finishing elements on Etsy. Give it a think, and for now, sew long.

Butterick Kid's Clown Costume Pattern 4154 at Gothabilly 13 on Etsy.
Vintage Costume Sewing Pattern 1982 Boy's and Girl's Clown Costumes and Hats, Simplicity 5740 Sizes 2-4 at The Half House on Etsy.