Since I'm in crafty-limbo, and just wanting to get the enormous truck, load it up, and drive-drive-drive, I thought I'd share some greatness that other folks are making. The "toy" section on Etsy is the only one I check out regularly and it's often mostly Blythe clothes, softies made from ubiquitous patterns, or stuff that's just not for me. As with every site like Etsy or Ebay, you've got to sift out the gems...
Which is why the really unique and lovely ones stand out! These are some great soft-things I've noticed lately (photo credit belongs to each shop individually):
I love this sweet little scrappy-owl from Skunkboy Creatures.
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Mummysam's proportions and unique drawing-with-thread techniques make her softies so original!
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I've been crazy, crazy about LaPomme's swans for quite a while...
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Evaluche has a most beautiful shop across the board...her product photography is incredible, and her animals: very special.
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I hope these little soft inventions make for good company while I disappear some more! Today (Thursday) in the afternoon (probably around 5:00 pm Eastern) I'll be closing the Black Apple shop up until around August 5th, and we'll make our last mail run in Athens. The prospect of the week-and-a-half-long break makes me excited to live in the "real world" and enjoy my first driving trip across my enormous country. It also makes me a little sad...which is what I'm realizing the nature of this move is: Mostly crackling with excitement, but with a stubborn little note of wistfulness.
Comments (33)
Oh gosh - these make me want to knit. Oh that's right - I am knitting - my first ever thing! Now that I have gotten over my 3.5yo 'winding up your wool mummy' after my painstaking first row (took me an hour!)!!!
Kylie · July 26, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Oh I discovered some new favorites here in this post (on Etsy), thanks for highlighting them. Sorry (?) for your move...I moved all my childhood and am still traumatized.
Susan · July 26, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Best of luck for safe travel and I hope you will stop and see all the sights on your way to Portland. I have never been and would love to go someday. Kinda makes me sad that you won't be in the south anymore. I have felt a kind of kinship with you, me being in NC and all. I will have you in my nightly prayers this week and next week as you make your way westward!!
gregg · July 25, 2008 at 01:16 PM
I'm sorry that you have to move to Portland but I know you will make the best of it! Safe travels and can't wait to see your next creations :)
Angela · July 25, 2008 at 11:44 AM
good luck with the move and enjoy your cross-country adventure!
Diane Duda · July 25, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Wishing you safe travels and old-fashioned adventure, as you caravan to your new home. Hope you've worked up some just-right playlists for the drive. Licorice bites and road songs are paramount for a successful driving-move. :)
karaalison · July 25, 2008 at 08:01 AM
Have fun and good luck with the move Emily! Moving is always kind of sad, but just think you get a whole new canvas of a house to decorate!
Thanks for all the very cool links to some adorable critters! I love Evaluche's little guys!
Lisa
Lisa · July 25, 2008 at 06:02 AM
Wow! So happy to find my swans here--and with other artists whose works I adore, too. Thank you, Emily. And a special wave to Katie, the woman behind SkunkboyCreatures :)
La Pomme · July 25, 2008 at 04:02 AM
are you going to drive with Miette? I did a 2 hour move and my cats were miserable and crying the whole time.
sanriofreak · July 25, 2008 at 03:00 AM
Have a safe drive cross country! Best of luck with your move.
Billie · July 25, 2008 at 01:03 AM
I love your work so much Emily......you are an inspiration...in so many ways..on so many levels....
I have been given an award to give...and i want to give it to you....if you would be so kind...just pop by my blog if you like.....and you can pick it up.LOLHave a beautiful day!!
Deb Godley · July 24, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Thanks, Emily, for featuring me on your blog. I am truly honored (*insert intra web curtsy).
xoxo
Katie
skunkboy creatures · July 24, 2008 at 09:53 PM
I can totally relate to you, I'm getting ready to move across Canada (end of August) lots to plan and think about. I am too, a bit sad even though I'm going to something really great. I can't seem to shake it really.
Best of luck with your move <3
Shiny Black Shoes · July 24, 2008 at 09:32 PM
thank you so much for the write up!!! It was such a lovely surprise....and I received my amazing black apple print yesterday and have it hanging proudly. good luck with the move :)
sam (from mummysam) · July 24, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I'm moving in a month and have been having a hard time expressing what its like. But you nailed it: Exciting and also a little wistful. Have a great move!!
gaia · July 24, 2008 at 08:51 PM
i drove from orlando florida to portland a year ago to move here. it was a blast. took us 9 days because we meandered around. our puppy lylah bean loved the trip!
shanniecakes · July 24, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Good luck with the move, hope it is stress-free (well as stress free as such a thing can be!)
Chelsea · July 24, 2008 at 07:04 PM
I have made the trip from East to West and back again a few times in my life. Each trip was an adventure, being awed and amazed at how beautiful and versitile our country is. Enjoy every moment of it and TAKE LOTS OF OF PICS!!!
Mauraene · July 24, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Good luck with the move. I did a similar drive several years ago up to Vancouver, Canada. There were a lot of cool things to see. Happy trails!!
Sheri · July 24, 2008 at 05:55 PM
i love the swans & have a safe trip -
here are some more etsy softies:
olivebunny.etsy.com
ivy · July 24, 2008 at 05:43 PM
love the owl but then again I am partial to them and if you see my blog you will know why!!
ellen Crimi-Trent · July 24, 2008 at 05:21 PM
...good-bye miss emily.
Enjoy your cross-country ride, that should be SO much fun for you guys (well maybe not for miette), but he'll do just fine :)
Love your list of softies, I especially like mummysam's collections...see ya soon!
♥~your friend
michelle f.
miss.michelle · July 24, 2008 at 05:01 PM
wow!lovely softies,do you know fern animals?
you should check this shop at etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5189151
or the flickr page,lovely creatures!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleyannabrown/
Elena · July 24, 2008 at 04:27 PM
oooo i just love the last little critter. how sweet is that.
so i it that you're moving, good luck with that! hope it all goes well : ) and you'll be in crafty bliss again soon!
Creole Wisdom · July 24, 2008 at 04:07 PM
You and your lovely boy (OH! And Miette) drive safe. I think when you arrive to my fair city, you will actually miss the road a bit. That kind of trip doesn't get traveled often in a lifetime, and it's pretty rewarding, awe-inspiring sometimes. I hope you will take time to wander a little as well.
If you need anything when you arrive, all though you have a cadre of friends here already, email us, and we can assist.
Bon Voyage, Mis Em!
Domino · July 24, 2008 at 03:55 PM
I love these soft bears! It would make a great gift!
Spare Ribbon · July 24, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I love the owl. I have him in my favorites from before. He really is so cute. Good luck with your move!
AJ · July 24, 2008 at 03:23 PM
all endings and new beginnings should be such, Emily. =) To regret, just a little, indicates that you are ending a something you loved, while boding that what comes next will be even better. We should all be so lucky to navigate from blessed shore to blessed shore in our lifetimes.
wishing you safe travels and the warmest embrace of new homecoming.
sarah · July 24, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Have a safe drive and hope the move goes smoothly!
Steph · July 24, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Enjoy you sorta "vacation"...and I hope you have a safe and fun move/drive. Can't wait to see the new things Portland inspires you to create!!
Amber · July 24, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Enjoy your short etsy break, and tons of luck and good weather with the move. So many strangers are sending out warm fuzzies in your direction ♥
GirlieGirl · July 24, 2008 at 12:14 PM
great finds on etsy!!
best of luck with the move. i think you guys will have a great time driving across the country. it will be an adventure!
see you soon =)
karley · July 24, 2008 at 12:07 PM
What lovely little critters! Good luck with your move, I hope it is a grand adventure!
michelle · July 24, 2008 at 11:56 AM