Geisha Kokeshi Reworked (Before and After)

Awhile back I made a geisha/kokeshi softy that I thought was cute enough, even if my sister did say she was creepy. There was something not quite right about her though... She was top heavy and wouldn't stand on her own, something that kokeshi should really be able to do by standard measure. 

So I decided to open her up and fix the problem. My solution: Beans!

Before: 

 

Ready to go.

Tied up nice and tight.

That took care of the standing issue, but then I noticed that some of the stitches on her kimono didn't line up right.

 So, out came the embroidery thread and curved needle. I never had a curved needle until recently. I knew that one would come in handy, but I had no idea just how much easier it would make things like this. After I had her lines looking better, I noticed her obi was starting to fray. *sigh*  

 I pulled out a thick satin ribbon, sat down at my sewing machine and sewed two strips of rick rack along each side of it. I used to dislike rick rack quite a bit. I found it to be tacky, but now I seem attracted to anything it adorns~ aprons, shirts, skirts, softies, everything! 

Anyway, after I got a new obi made...you guessed it, I found another imperfection that I couldn't live with. Her mouth was crooked.

Unfortunately for me, my oldest monster had lost my good seam ripper somewhere, so I had to use an old dull one. It took what felt like an eternity, but I finally got all of the thread out. I ended up removing her entire face and redoing it twice before I was happy with it. That curved needle saved me here too.

New face!

Now I'm done picking at her...hopefully. What do you think?

After:

Back to the drawing board...er, embroidery hoop.

Well, my dear Toshiro didn't turn out as great as I had hoped. I believe the problem was the size in which I tried to make him. The more detail I tried to add, the more detail was lost. His face was only about an inch tall, so every stitch made a huge impact.

Here's how he looked when I finally threw in the needle:

He was so tiny that I decided to turn him into a new pin back button for my cork board. Here he is with another fabric button I made for my friend, Kerri. She loved this material after she saw it on Driscall, so I thought I'd give her a bit she could wear.

Oh, and here's Driscall, the Precarious Pup.

 

Inspired by my favorite snack, Driscall's strawberries and my homemade whipped cream cheese, this lil guy was reworked several times before he looked exactly as I pictured him in my mind. The first time I finished him he looked like a deranged cartoon bunny! I had tried cat eyes from the doll making supplies at Hobby Lobby (my favorite place right now), but I prefer the old school buttons eyes. He also had thinner, pointier ears, and a flat nose. I really like the way he turned out. Hopefully someone else does to!

Patiently awaiting his forever home.<3

...Now I need to make a trip to my favorite place for a larger embroidery hoop. I  wont let you down again Mr. Mifune!

Panda-monium

Sorry for the cheesy pun of a title, I just couldn't help myself. Yesterday evening we had a birthday party for my middle monster, Eli. I can't believe he's already three! Here are a few pics...I wasn't super happy with how they came out, but what can ya do?  Everyone had lots of fun, and that's what counts! 

My cake wreck attempt at making cupcakes look like a panda face. 

They tasted better than they looked.

The Birthday Boy

Jonas getting his nom on.

Cole stuffing his face...literally. 

The boys' cousins McKenzie and Ainsley.

Our panda party favors. I helped Jonas and Elijah make these, and Cole even helped stuff a couple! All of the kiddos went home with one of these little guys tied to a paw print balloon.

The stuffed panda that I made for Eli's birthday.

 I think Jonas likes it more than Eli does. Eli wouldn't even touch it after I gave him a box of matchbox cars. And, with all of the good stuff he got, his favorite toy was a cheap magnetized fishing pole. After cake and ice cream he even brought it out to the pool for a little deep sea fishing. 

The boys made a new friend as well. After we got home Eli wouldn't stop asking about "Wuby". That little girl is going to be one tough chick!

Monsters, Robots, and Rocket Ships!

I've been keeping myself very busy trying to get my Etsy shop stocked up. Here are just a few things I've completed~~

Emota Con Kitty Monster

This fellow was inspired by the kitty cat emoticon. =^_^= I found him to be rather whimsical.

Lovely spots

The happy lil guy

His booty. I made his tail fat enough balance him so that he can sit freely.

A long, long, long time ago I tie dyed some little t-shirts. I'm just now getting around to embellishing them with some embroidery.  I love retro children's themes, so I went with a rocket ship and a robot. I used mostly a back stitch, which I love. Although I cover the back of the embroidery, I hate seeing all that "wasted" thread. *sigh*

Retro Robot

Getting the framework started

Rocket to the Moon

 I did the flames in an unkempt split stitch hoping it would look like it was roaring away. What do you think?

And away we go!

Through the snakey woods...

Jonas made a pair of snakes for Eli and Cole (with a little sewing help from mom).

Tickers and Blogs

It's been a very long time since I've blogged anything here. Life has kept me  pretty busy the last couple of months. I wanted to share a couple of things while I had a moment.

Pooka Monster Tickers! 

Alternatickers has added some of my softies to their tickers! Alternatickers has the absolute best tickers out there. Their designs range from traditional to punk to retro rockabilly.  I really love them, and I'm so flattered to be included. You can find them here ~Guest Ticker Designer~ ~Alternatickers Home~

Blogged!

My shop was blogged here ~Autumn is in the air!~ By Just Nibbles, shop owner of Justine's Originals on Etsy. You can find her shop here ~Justine's Originals~ She has beautiful handmade jewelry and greeting cards!

 

And, a few random photos from the last two months.....

September

 

 

 

October

 

 

Geisha Kokeshi Softy

I just finished this little lady earlier today.