TheNeedle.org - Collaborative Plush Art Blog & Plush Artist Resources

Summertime at plushplex!

noreply@blogger.com (plushplex) — Fri, 10 May 2013 21:29:00 +0000

Its summertime at plushplex! In preparation for all the brand-new plushies that will be rolling out this season, were are offering a 20% DISCOUNT on ALL $25+ ORDERS in the shop (INCLUDING CUSTOMS) this weekend only! With every initial purchase will come a second coupon good for free shipping on your next order!

Coupon code: MAYFLOWERS

PASS IT ON!

little fabien handmade dolls: cute ever after!

noreply@blogger.com (Little Fabien) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 08:57:00 +0000

When Tugce was 5, her mother gifted a kitten to her. Tugce named the cat ''Yosi'' because of it's eyes were moss-like. They were having great time together playing games all the time. Even one day Tugce took Yosi to her kindergarten, but you know what, Yosi the ''curious'' just disappeared when it tours around. Tugce felt so sad and started to crying, what a cry! She cried her eyes out. Noboady managed to cease her tears. And then the day become evening. Tugce took the road to her school bus while she was holding a handkerchief with one hand because of she has snuffles and the other hand full with the pages of the coloring book has given as a homework. At that very moment ''the boy playing in sandpit'' showed up and said:

here is the link for more !

I just had to make it

noreply@blogger.com (BoRo) — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 18:11:00 +0000

More pics on my website www.boroofficial.com

Valentines day Plush Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (BoRo) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 03:04:00 +0000

This month’s giveaway is a little hand sewn plush bird just in time for valentines day! This little sweetie is about 3 inches long (7.5 cm) and made of felt. If you win, it will be at your door by Valentines day. (If it’s being shipped within the US)
All YOU have to do is email me at Boro[at]boroofficial[dot]com with Valentines giveaway in the subject line. I will then put your email address in a hat and pull a random one out and that will be the winner. (I will not use your email for mass emails or anything like that, unless you specifically state you want to know when I post more items.)
This Giveaway goes from Jan 12th 2013 to Feb 4th 2013. I will draw 1 name on the 5th and email the winner.

Valentine Heart Box for your Sweetheart!

noreply@blogger.com (Nean the Bean) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:50:00 +0000

Here's a fun, knitted/felted heart box ... just perfect for hiding a special surprise this Valentine's Day! For more information, check out Mummble-Jummble2! I hope you like it!

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny Smith) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 19:06:00 +0000

Ferdinand the Pink Bear, Sherman the Blue Bear and myself myself are wishing you amazing holidays and a wonderful new year! Jenny Smith Plush Artist 2012

new doudoupop poulpy golgoth

noreply@blogger.com (James Lassey) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 08:33:00 +0000

new poulpy golgoth
available on doudoupop.com

More nerdy-ness. StarCraft 2 Zealot plush

noreply@blogger.com (BoRo) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:08:00 +0000

Made this little guy over the weekend. He is based off a Zealot character in StarCraft 2. He is about 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall and is made of fleece, felt, yard, and beads. My favorite part is his little toes. I included the concept sketch as well. I don't normally do bi-peddle plush, but this turned out better than I though it would. Larger images on my site. www.boroofficial.com.

Plush Toy Art Sales Galore!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 16:38:00 +0000

It's the time of year when things go on sale, and the plush world is no different. Here, for your shopping enjoyment is a list of plush artists who are holding sales/offering coupon codes. Waiting in lines and trying to find parking spaces at over crowded malls is nuts. Hang out at home and get some amazing stuff the easy (and cheap) way!
Note: I'll be updating this post as new information comes in. Check the bottom of the post for new info!

12PUNT3 is having a plush clearance sale. 30 - 40% OFF on all plush Oneyes. Prices shown are the prices including discount so no need for a coupon code.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/12punt3?section_id=12093848

Absolutely Small - 25% off your order with code WhateverNovember - good until Nov. 27
AND free button packs will be included with the first 3 sales on Friday!
http://absolutelysmall.etsy.com

Flaky Friends is offering 30% off with the coupon code "BlackFridayFest". Apply coupon code at checkout. The code is good from today through Nov. 30th.
www.flakyfriends.com

JS Artist is offering an 11% discount with the coupon code "CUTEANDCOZYSALE"
http://www.etsy.com/shop/JSartist

Lana Crooks is offering 15% off with code BUYHANDMADE until Tuesday 11/27
http://www.etsy.com/shop/plushinator

Moon's Creations' has SEVERAL amazing deals:
She's offering a choice of discounts coupons through Monday (12/26):
15% off purchase using - GOBBLEGOBBLE
free domestic shipping with - JINGLEBELLS

Deeply discounted Moon Buns will be arriving Thursday and will available through Monday. If any are left, they will be removed from the shop.

Purchases over $100 will receive a free tote bag.

A free gift will be given to first 3 customers on Friday, the first 6 customers on Saturday and Sunday, and the first 3 customers on Monday.
http://moonscreations.etsy.com/

Barbara Prime is offering 20% off selected patterns with the code "happyholidays"
Visit http://blog.fuzzymitten.com/2012/11/happy-holidays-sale.html for all the details.

Yummy Pancake is offering 10% off your purchase with offer code CROWDSMAKEMEGRUMPY
Good through Cyber Monday - Nov 26th.
www.yummypancake.com

~~~~~UPDATE 11/22:~~~~

Mystic Forest Dwellers - take 10%-25% off the entire store (prices already reduced, no coupon needed) + free US shipping/$5 off international shipping for orders over $50 (refund issued after purchase). AND mention The Needle in the notes for seller for a free gift with purchase!
http://forestdwellers.etsy.com

~~~~UPDATE 11/23:~~~~

Fluffy Flowers' whole shop is on sale!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FluffyFlowers

(Needle artists: did I miss your sale? If you'd like to be included in the list, please leave your sale info in the comments, or email it over to claire at theneedle dot org.)

Unicorns Are REAL!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:32:00 +0000

This is by far my largest plush creation yet! It was a custom order for a local company. They have commissioned 25 mega-sized plushies of my choosing so I'm looking forward to making the rest of the mammoth crew.

The unicorn is made from plush fur with tulle mane and tail. I used wooden poles wrapped in thick layers of felt to support the legs and neck. The rest is stuffed with polyfill. His name is Larry and he doesn't exist.

www.flakyfriends.com

Plush in Style

noreply@blogger.com (INTIMIDNATION) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 19:11:00 +0000

This is Barlow. He's my latest creation and is now showing at FOE Store & Gallery in Northampton, MA. He's a dapper young gent with a furrowed brow and custom Burberry-inspired coat.

www.intimidnation.com

Metroid larva plush

noreply@blogger.com (BoRo) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:54:00 +0000

Commission piece I made, it's a Metroid larva from the game Metroid. It was a beast to construct. Vinyl and me are not friends, even though I seem to insist on using it. haha The insides are cut up ribbons and puff balls sewn together to make bigger balls. I'm not a fan of the supports I had to use in the dome, but it's very sturdy. I used threaded metal rods i got from the Home depot, ideally i wanted something like tiny tent rods, but no one sells tiny tent rods.

Chickenpants 600!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 22:07:00 +0000

I find myself at somewhat of a loss for words. Six. Hundred. SIX. HUNDRED. Sixhundred?

That's I've made 600 of anything still kind of amazes me.
I feel a little bad that I don't have more fanfare to throw at this little guy. He's a wee bit fancier than a normal CP, sure. But he's not wearing a special outfit. I haven't put together prize packs. I don't even have a celebratory sale. (Not YET, anyway...) There's kind of a lot going on right now.
On the other hand, I feel like he's sort of a return to my Chickenpants roots. No fancy outfit. Just chickeny goodness.

You can check him out here if you're so inclined.

Hello Cutie winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:37:00 +0000

Hello everyone! I have consulted the great and somewhat knowing Random.org, which has presented me with this:

Commenter #2, BoRo - you're it! Expect an email from me shortly.

Boris the cat pattern

noreply@blogger.com (Fluffels) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 07:52:00 +0000

Meet Boris the cat. He is a very naughty cat, but he always gets away with his acts because of his innocent looks. Who could stay mad at such a cute face? But watch him, before you know it he will steal all your candy! For he loves candy, especially strawberry flavored jellybeans.

I made Boris a few years ago. I sold him many times, but now that I have two boys that need my attention I just don't have the time to make him anymore. So I decided to turn him into a sewing toy pattern so you can make one yourself!

He is not that hard to make, the tutorial that is included will tell you how to!
You can get faux fur in fabric stores or online, just search for: faux fur fabric.

You can find Boris the cat pattern here:

diyfluffies.etsy.com
toy patterns on www.mariskavos.nl
mariska.dawanda.com

Hello Cutie Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Hello, Needle readers. I've got yet another book for you!
I was thrilled to review Hello, Cutie!: Adventures in Cute Culture by Pamela Klaffke. This book covers pretty much everything in the world of cute: from plushies to dolls to fake cupcakes. It is positively jam packed with adorable photos. It's also jam packed with interesting tidbits about the background of many a cuteness icon, and insightful commentary. As someone who is interested in the science and culture of cute, I really enjoyed this book. I think you will, too. The publisher has generously offered me one copy to give away.

So, how can you win this awesome book? Easy! Leave a comment below, and make sure I have your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Want MORE chances to win? That's easy, too! You can do any of the following:

LIKE us on Facebook

Boom, click right there! That literally could not be any easier.

TWEET this (or something similar)
Hey, @TheNeedleBlog is giving away two free copies of Craft-A-Day! Check it out! http://goo.gl/W72FR

MENTION this on your Facebook feed, or blog

Be sure to leave an additional comment for each one of these things that you did!
The comments will be closed on Thursday, NOVEMBER 15th. The winner will be chosen by the random number generator, and contacted by email. (This giveaway is limited to residents of USA & Canada - sorry about that, worldwide readers. We still love you!)

James Kochalka plushies!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 20:05:00 +0000

Cartoonist Laureate of Vermont James Kochalka has some fun news. His Johnny Boo and Squiggle characters have been turned into handmade amigurumi by the plush artist Erin Simon. Check it out!

(photo by Sam Simon - Sam Simon Imaging)
You can check them out on her Etsy page. They are a very limited run of just 25.

It's noteworthy that these are licensed by Top Shelf, a publisher of Mr. Kochalka's work. How great is that! A collaboration between a small publisher, an independent plush artist, and a comics rock star. Makes one happy to live in a world where awesome stuff like this is coming together!

Winners of the Craft-A-Day Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 21:58:00 +0000

Numbers 2 and 7 - Rabbit & Bumble and Jennifer - you're it! Expect an email from me shortly.

I'd like to introduce myself...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny Smith) — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:03:00 +0000

Hi Everyone!
My name is Jenny Smith and I am a Plush Artist from Los Angeles. I have been making plush for over a year and before that I was making traditional teddy bears for a long time! I found that as a teddy bear artist, I was one of the youngest(read hippest) and I never quite fit into their subculture, so I took my teddy bear skills and now I am designing and handmaking my own plush.

I am originally from Canada(Vancouver, B.C.) but I have been in West Hollywood for almost two years now and I am loving it. I don't have to shovel my driveway anymore!

My plush are currently for sale at the L.A. MOCA and at Crompton Collective in Worcester, MA. I also do big craft shows here in L.A. and I have an online shop.

I love making plush and I feel that it was something that I am meant to do, as it fulfills my creative spirit. If I am not crafting, I don't feel like I am fully living. My friends that have known me since I was a child are not surprised at this path that I have taken. They know that it suits me.

Today, I am dealing with the rejection of not getting into the holiday craft show that I wanted to be in. I got into one, but not both of the ones that I had chosen. I keep telling myself that it's their loss and that it's a reason to pursue other avenues this holiday season, such as a few retail shops that would like to sell my softies, and some smaller craft sales.

Here are a few photos of my softies. Thanks for reading! teddybearrepublic.wordpress.com (blog)

Softies for Mirabel

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Hi Plush Artists! It's time again for Softies For Mirabel! What is Softies For Mirabel, you ask? Why it's:

In other words, it's a chance to use your mad plush making skills for good. For full information and to sign up, visit http://meetmeatmikes.com/2012/10/our-handmade-toy-drive-softies-for-mirabel/

***In other news: There's still time to enter the Craft-A-Day giveaway! Deadline is Nov. 1st.***

Giveaway! Craft-A-Day by Sarah Goldschadt

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:13:00 +0000

I've got a treat for you, dear readers! Quirk Books has generously provided two copies of the super cute new book Craft-A-Day by Sarah Goldschadt! I've really enjoyed looking through this book, and I think you will too. It's huge, as you'd expect something with 365 craft projects to be. There are tons of cute plush projects, as well as lots of other media. In other words, if making one sort of craft isn't your thing, this book has you covered with tons of other options.

So, how can you win one of the copies? Easy! Leave a comment below, and make sure I have your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Want MORE chances to win? That's easy, too! You can do any of the following:

LIKE us on Facebook

Boom, click right there! That literally could not be any easier.

TWEET this (or something similar)
Hey, @TheNeedleBlog is giving away two free copies of Craft-A-Day! Check it out! http://goo.gl/W72FR

MENTION this on your Facebook feed, or blog

Be sure to leave an additional comment for each one of these things that you did!
The comments will be closed on Thursday, NOVEMBER 1st. The winners will be chosen by the random number generator, and contacted by email. (This giveaway is limited to residents of USA & Canada - sorry about that, worldwide readers. We still love you!)

Recent Custom Chickenpants

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:45:00 +0000

I make a lot of custom Chickenpants. I have this tendency to forget all about them once they're packed up and shipped off, though. Anyway, I thought you might enjoy a peek at two of my recent favorites: Maleficent Chickenpants and Audrey Hepburnpants. For Maleficent here, I used the most luxurious velvet I could find, and then slashed and burned it to make the ends all ragged. Also, I had to expand my skill set to figure how to spell "Maleficent". Audrey here was SO much fun to make, partially because of all the tiny accessories, which we all know I have a weakness for. Fun fact! Tiny poly clay sunglasses are very hard to make!

Hi!

noreply@blogger.com (Absolutely Small) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:29:00 +0000

Claire here, founder of The Needle. Although you may know me as Absolutely Small, or maybe just the crazy lady who makes Chickenpants. The Needle has been in the very capable hands of Ms. Felicia, of Felicia's Fluffy Flowers for well over a year now. Felicia was gracious and awesome enough to step up and take the reigns for me while I went on what turned out to be an extended maternity leave. Waaay extended. She has done a wonderful job, and I am very grateful to her for keeping things going. I am thrilled to say that I am now back, and happy to be admin of The Needle once more. And I have some very fun things planned! I also want to say thank you to everyone who continues to post their wonderful work here. You guys ARE The Needle. It would literally be nothing at all without you. So, thank you. Keep up the amazing work! Also, we are now accepting NEW members. Would you like to post your plush work here? Email me, and let's make it happen!

Axolotl plush - prototype

noreply@blogger.com (BoRo) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Top is initial sketch, bottom is actual plush design.

The Silence Plush for Plush You Show

noreply@blogger.com (Suzannah Ashley) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:09:00 +0000

Silence Plush
This year I was accepted into the Plush You 2012 Show. I decided to attempt to make my favorite monsters from the BBC show, Doctor Who. With being so busy, I only was able to complete one of these in time for the show, The Silence. I'm glad though, as while searching the internet I saw that there have been very few attempts from crafters to capture The Silence in a plush form.

Here he is completed:

I'll admit, this was a challenge for me. It involved learning some new skills to get him just right. Oh that head, that head I though would be the death of me. There may have been a tantrum or two trying to figure out how to get it to work. I've never used gussets or darts in my plush work before, and once I figured out that these would be the magic tricks to get him just right, it was smooth sailing. Also, having learned these skills now, it opens up more ways to create future plushies, which I'm quite happy about.

He stands about 15 inches tall. I originally was going to make a full body in a sort of "chibi", short form, but during the sketching process I really liked how he looked with just a tapered half body and no arms. It made it look like he was looming over something. Also, this way, the the help of some poly beads, he is able to stand up by himself. His face is a separate piece of fleece, hand sewn to the head and stuffed slightly to give it some depth. I enhanced the depth by shading some areas with some prisma color markers, which I had on hand. There are a few tweaks I'd make if I did him again, but overall I'm pretty pleased with how he came out. He's been shipped off to the show, and you can next see him at Schmancy in Seattle.