Cute Craft Tutorials, Handmade Toys, Printable Crafts, Kawaii Plush by Fantastic Toys

Paris Fantastique ~ Printable Paper Crafts

2013-04-08T08:57:00.000-05:00

My visit to Paris in 2011 inspired this printable paper craft collection that celebrates the spirit of this magical city as seen from a child's perspective. With a rich pastel palette reminiscent of French macarons, and images of carousels, hot air balloons and the Eiffel Tower this collection will delight the imagination of anyone who loves Paris. The collection features a Paris neighborhood playset, hot air balloon mobile, stationery set and a free French macaron gift box.

Paris Neighborhood Paper Playset

Paris Hot Air Balloon Mobile

Paris Stationery Set

Paris greeting cards and envelopes with suitcase box.

Paris macaron gift box available as free download.

Download here

Plush carousel horse not available.

A sewing box for someone special ...♥

2013-01-27T17:14:00.000-06:00

This is one of those projects that sat unfinished for years. Sometimes I get to a point of making something and I don't know how to finish it. I just have to wait until I discover something that will give me the answer to forge ahead. Until then I'm stuck and the project sits on the shelf. Originally I planned to wrap the box in felt and embroider the door, windows and flowers with my machine but then I found the magic of iron-on appliques. This was much easier and the perfect solution to finish this cute heirloom sewing box.

The wooden box itself can be found at any craft store in a variety of sizes and styles. I removed the hardware, sanded and painted the box with white craft paint. For the roof I constructed a wood base made in balsa in the shape of a triangle. The roof base is about a 1/2" shorter on each side to accommodate the foam to hold the pins. 1/2" green rubber foam is cut to size and placed on each side of the wood roof base. I finished the roof with a pink felt covering and scallop shingles cut with my rotary blade for additional charm.

The doors and windows are ironed on with an applique product called Lite Steam-A-Steam 2. The die cut flowers, ric-rac and trim were glued on. The topiary pin cushions were needled felted and placed in a tiny wood barrel on a stick.

I made the adorable spool mice with a wood ball for the head and the body is a painted thread spool wrapped in my favorite ribbon. The face was painted on with craft paint and sprayed with a clear varnish. I finished the head with felt ears glued onto the head.

The pin box and button box are a simpler version of the larger box and fit nicely in the sewing box above. The pin cushion was made with a piece of rubber foam cut to size to fit the box. I placed a piece of chipboard underneath the foam, wrapped it like a present with a piece of polka dot cloth and glued it to the top of the painted box. For the button box I again used the applique paper to adhere the gingham cloth to the box. The buttons and trim detail were glued to the box.

The pin topper flowers were made with two diecut flowers with a pin pushed through the center and a small circle of felt underneath to keep the petals from sliding off the pin.

Sew Fun! Cut and Sew Soft Toy Patterns

2013-01-26T17:29:00.000-06:00

Its been my goal to start releasing some of my sewing patterns this year and I thought I'd start with this brand new collection of printed soft toys available exclusively at my Spoonflower shop. I designed these soft toys with the beginner sewer in mind. They would be a great first sewing project for a craft party or beginning sewing class. Kids could even make them! Each cut and sew project is formatted to fit a fat quarter and can also be printed on a full yard or more for sewing classes. I have plans for more if this group is successful.

This charming gnome traveling set was designed with the young traveler in mind. Imagine snapping pictures of gnomes at your favorite vacation spot. You could even use the log pouch as a camera case with all the softies to cushion your camera.

Monkey doll inspired by vintage sock monkeys.

Who doesn't love a cute hamster softie!

You'll be the envy of all your friends when you pull out these kawaii sewing accessories at your next sewing group.

Darling little nesting dolls that would make a lovely addition to any young girls room.

Jack in the Box Ornament Freebie

2012-12-22T11:42:00.000-06:00

This happy elf was inspired by one I made long ago for my first craft show when I was kid. The original was made as a soft sculpture in nylons and plastic canvas. Those were the popular crafts at the time.. gives you an idea how long ago it was. :) This one however can be printed from your home computer on heavy cardstock. Enjoy and Merry Wishes!

Download Jack in the Box Ornamen t

Merry Wishes - Printable Christmas Crafts Collection

2012-11-26T16:05:00.000-06:00

So glad to expand my Christmas line with this collection of kitschy printable crafts. The collection features 12 classic toy ornaments, treat boxes, mini sleigh and don't forget the decorations. This is by far my most substantial collection to date! Merry Wishes!

A Jolly Good Halloween

2012-10-07T13:43:00.001-05:00

I've expanded my Halloween collection to include 5 new printable sets. Inspired by old timey Halloween graphics with a Fantastic Toys twist, the collection includes a haunted house, party favor toys, treat containers, award ribbons and rosette decorations. Have a jolly good Halloween!

Halloween Party Favors

Halloween Treat Containers

Halloween Award Ribbons

Halloween Decorations

Fall Inspired Paper Crafts

2012-10-01T12:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Fall y'all! Been working on this mushroom dollhouse playset for quite awhile and happy to share it with you. Meet Lucky the gnome! She loves to spin wool and knit items from the yarn she makes. She even has her own craft cart to sell her goods to the other gnomes in the neighborhood. Twin foxes keep her company as well as her friend Red who runs the windmill and plays the ukulele.

I also designed this awesome gnome log race car playset with car that really can zip around.

Free Zombie Paper Toy

2012-09-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

Autopsy Zombie with Removable Brain featured at Night of the Exquisite Corpse show is now available for free. I hope hes not to scary or gross ..maybe a little cute but gross... anyways hes inspired by two of my favorite shows the Walking Dead and Dexter. Body parts are removable for autopsy fun!

Download Autopsy Zombie

Zombie Paper Toy Show

2012-08-29T14:49:00.000-05:00

Just a few more days left of the awesome Night of the Living Corpse show at the Light Grey Art Lab. Show runs through September 7 and the paper zombie prints can be purchased online through the gallery shop. Also check out the really fun interactive mix and match zombie parts website featuring the crazy talented artists in the show.

WisePet Toy Review and Giveaway

2012-08-29T09:59:00.000-05:00

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Wise-Pet is a new app that turns these cute monster plush into talking jabber jaws. Slip your smart phone or tablet into the protective sleeve and your kiddo will have hours of fun talking, singing and playing with their new plush friend. You can even record your own bedtime stories, so when you’re away, your kids can listen to their Wise-Pet tuck them in with your own voice! Pretty clever, huh? View Wise-Pets in action here.

Be the first to receive Stripy.. my personal favorite... before they hit store shelves. Stripy is compatible with an iPhone or iPod Touch. Stripy and a secret bonus gift will be given away free with this giveaway. Shipping and handling fees apply and smart phone is not included. USA residents only. A winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Sept. 5. 2012.

To participate in this giveaway.

1. Follow my blog and leave a comment with your email address.

2. Like my facebook page.

What do you think of Wise-Pet?

Download the free app at iTunes. Search WisePet in the iTunes shop.

Little Birds, Mushrooms and Strawberries

2012-06-07T11:49:00.001-05:00

Three new adorable printable paper toy collections are in the shop. Little Bird Dwellings includes a cuckoo clock, bird house and bird cage with two darling love birds. This paper craft collection would look so cute in a child's room as room decor.

Also new is the Mushrooms and Tree Stump Treat Boxes. They would be perfect for that woodland or fairy themed inspired party.

Lastly Strawberry, Beehive and Acorn Favor Boxes that includes characters to be be used as a playset.

Happy Mothers Day Mom!

2012-05-13T16:13:00.000-05:00

Mothers Day 1986 - Me, Grandma and Mom

Mom, THANK YOU!!!

... for believing in me and my business.

... for all your support over the years and being my biggest fan by buying so much of my stuff.

... for helping me at shows and being so nice to my customers.

... for doing something silly to make us laugh hysterically all day. Like loosing your tooth!

... for helping me set up and take down in the heat, wind, rain and snow.

... for helping me make all that stuff for that huge wholesale order and recruiting others to help finish.

... for all your advice and listening to me yammer on about my dreams for the future.

... for being so generous!

... for being a good Mom!

Thank you for letting me be ME!

Happy Mothers Day!

Love ya

(((hugs))) Goodsie

2012-04-22T09:25:00.000-05:00

Can't say it enough how much I love my Goodsie website. If you're looking to build your own custom website with affordable pricing, Goodsie is your best bet. Thanks Goodsie for including me on your home page of shop examples. Receive 60 days free with this referral code!

Voted in the Top Ten Toy Blogs!

2012-04-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

Yay! Fantastic Toys is honored to be named Top Ten Toys Blog by Frugaldad.com.

View Frugal Dad's complete list of 48 blogs here.

New Alice in Wonderland Printables

2012-01-30T22:03:00.002-06:00

I just couldn't stop with the Alice Kawaii Playset I designed. My mind kept racing with other ideas to expand the Alice in Wonderland Collection. I thought my head would pop with all the ideas ... kinda like this little Alice animation I did. :) What if I had a paper tea set with a topiary place card where you could turn the roses red! How about some tea cups that held cupcakes!! And I have to have some puppet favors to go with the party!! Maybe a googly eyed Chesire Cat and a Door Mouse that peeks out tea pot. Well I designed in ALL! Plus a few other goodies for the most fantastic Alice Paper Printable Craft Collection ever! The entire collection can now be purchased at a reduced price bundled together exclusively in my shop!

Pocket watch invitation with hearts envelope.

New Printables for 2012

2012-01-08T10:46:00.000-06:00

As I look at my 2011 list of goals I realize I did pretty good. Didn't quite get to all of them but I did finish my main goal, a professional website with a cart. For 2012 I plan to focus on printables. Above is an addition to my Alice in Wonderland collection. This Alice Party Set will feature a very fun paper tea set and wonderful pocket watch invitation.

I'm also working on a cute bird collection. I just finished the paper shape of the little bird below. The collection will include a cuckoo clock, birdcage and bird house.

Alice in Wonderland Kawaii Printable Playset

2011-12-02T08:57:00.001-06:00

This is such a wonderful playset. I don't know what I like best, Alice growing out of Rabbit's house, the caterpillar and mushroom or maybe the tiny dining set with the cupcake spread. All your favorites are here! Alice, the Mad Hatter, Caterpillar and even the grumpy Queen of Hearts. Now you can play out all of Alice's adventures with this kawaii inspired paper playset! I bet Alice never thought she would stumble upon a delicious cupcake tea party in her exciting journey through Wonderland.

Fantastic Toys printables are now available immediately after purchase. That's right, no more waiting for a PDF to emailed to you. If you purchase a printable from my new online shop the link to download will be sent right after payment is made. How nifty is that! Just think you can start making right away and playing isn't far behind.

~ Alice ~

2011-11-30T10:30:00.001-06:00

Over the years I've revisited the the story of Alice in Wonderland and have done my best to capture the spirit of the book in my artistic style at the time. Here is an interesting look at how my style has changed the past 15 years. With each period I have learned something new and evolved as an artist.

I created this depiction of the "Mad Tea Party" at the time I was making miniature dolls. My intention was to pay homage to Tenniel's original illustrations. I made this set around 2005. I wasn't doing much illustration at the time, my focus was on sculpting. The clothing is hand sewn by me.

In the 90's I was into the Tim Burton style. My style was a bit darker and more frenetic. This is a mixed media illustration I did in water color, ink and color pencil.

Shortly after I created the illustration above I made these working marionettes out of polymer clay. I checked out a vintage book from the library and learned how to make marionettes. I couldn't even sew at the time. A friend made the clothing for me. I have since taught myself how to sew.

Finally in my current kawaii style I have combined my illustration and sculpting skills to make this vibrant depiction of Alice and the characters she meets in Wonderland. I have gone back to my original illustration roots when my drawings were sweet and simple. More details of this playset will be revealed in a few days.

Fantastic Toys Brand New Website!!!

2011-11-10T14:02:00.001-06:00

I'm over the moon with my much improved website! I fell instantly in love with Goodsie! The name - so cute! The format so simple, clean and modern. Goodsie allows you to make your own branded shop online. Plus, the fact that it accepts digital content with instant downloads, I was head over heels. Goodsies integration with Fetch allows me to send my PDF printables immediately upon purchase. No more waiting for printables! I have been waiting years for this. Finally a professional website with a cart! I can't recommend Goodsie enough. Here are some of the benefits of having a shop with Goodsie.

• Fun and easy to use!
• Create your OWN custom website.
• Use your own custom domain.
• Great price with unlimited products. $15.00 only!
• Accepts digital downloads including PDFs.
• Embed portfolio or videos.
• Paypal and 3 other ways for your customer to pay.
• A shop on your Facebook page!
• Great customer service!!!

I was also able to combine my blog seamlessly with my shop. My blog as you may know has cute crafty tutorials. In a mad dash to find storage for my free PDFs I discovered Google Docs. My tutorial documents can now be previewed before printing. How convenient is that!

In addition to shopping at my website, Goodsie has a Facebook app. That's right an app that allows the customer to shop directly on my Facebook page. How cool is that!

Walker Art Center Shop!!!

2011-11-08T09:05:00.000-06:00

I have to say I was beyond thrilled and a little emotional when I was invited to sell my toys at the Walker Art Center Shop. It had been a goal for me for to have my work there and now my fawns will be available in the gift shop starting November 17.

As part of a collaboration with mnartists.org a handful of local artists were selected to sell there art at the Walker Shop and website shop. Mnartists.marketplace will be an ongoing event and I'm proud to be part of the launch for this curated series.

I love the direction the Walker is taking and accepting the local handmade community into the world of fine art. As someone who likes to browse gift shops, the Walker Shop is one of my favorites!

Amazing Works of Art!

2011-11-08T08:26:00.000-06:00

Artist Devorah Sperber has the ability to take common craft objects such as thread spools and pipe cleaners and turn them into works of art fit for galleries. Check out her website to see her take on The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa made with thousands of thread spools. Its no surprise that some of her work is funded by Coats and Clark.

You may need to step back from your computer screen or squint your eyes for this iconic image made with pipe cleaners to come into focus.

New Etsy Mini Shop Now Open!

2011-10-26T23:18:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to announce Fantastic Miniatures is now open. The shop features handcrafted 1:12 scale miniature animal dolls. Heres a couple of my favorite photos of the dolls available.

Giraffe Family Portrait

2011-10-16T12:25:00.001-05:00

Meet the Giraffe Family. Mr. Giraffe is an inventor/artist who rides a penny farthing to his office. Mrs. Giraffe loves her husband and adores her son. Their son takes after his father and likes to tag along and help him with his inventions.

Before Fantastic Toys is what it is today I used to make 1/12 scale miniature animal dolls. I imagined a world with fanciful dressed animals who would gather in a formal garden to relax, be entertained, play and socialize about the days events. After much delay I'm finally up to the task of taking new photos and start listing the dolls in a NEW Etsy shop. Stay tuned for upcoming details.

Digs Studio ~ Best craft shop in town!

2011-10-10T09:11:00.000-05:00

I love Digs Studio! Combine a little bit of Minneapolis shops Crafty Planet and I like You with the interior design aesthetic of Hunt and Gather and you have the best craft + handmade + gift shop in South Minneapolis. Located at the corner of 38th and Grand this independent craft studio has loads of charm and personality reminiscent of an ol' timey trim & notions shop from a bygone era. Wander around the shop to find handmade goodies made by local artists as well as unique crafting supplies. Everything from cards, fabric, buttons and yarn can be found attractively displayed among the vintage decor. Its great to have a shop like this in the area and I can't wait to see how it grows in the community. Support handmade and your local Mom and Pop shops, check it out when you're in the area. Sugar, sugar an independent candy shop is located right across the street to entice you even more to visit.

Fellow Minnesota toymaker Tara LaChance (aka little BIG pants) soft toys are some of the handmade goodies that can be found at Digs.

New Craft Book ~ Kids Crafternoon Felting

2011-10-09T10:58:00.000-05:00

This was a great side project I did last winter. I was asked to create a tutorial in a felting craft book. Its part of series of craft books called Kids Crafternoon published in Australia. My assignment was to construct a money bank out of a mailing tube. Hmmm, well it seemed like a challenge until I decided to take advantage of the shape and make a cute wiener dog. His doggy coat is easily removed to reveal a hidden money slot to save your coins for a rainy day.

I'm very pleased with the way the book turned out and glad to be a part of it. The editor was a dream to work with! The colorful and beautifully photographed book features 25 felt projects for a crafty afternoon. Robots, ipod animals, zombie critters and of course the dachshund money bank I designed are just a few of the items featured. Check it out!