sketch
April 5th, 2008
I always appreciate it when other plush artists post about their creative process. And though I am far from an artist and my process is quite random, I did make a few drawings for some animals I want to make. Since I saw this bear, I’ve been thinking about making a doll from a pair of pants. I think this elephant looks a little like an old timey strong man from the circus, except for his puny arms I guess (I’m not very good at limbs). But we’ll see how he turns out because I’m still new to pattern making. The idea of making toys from clothes is really exciting–not just using the fabric, but integrating the look of the shirt or dress or hell the whole outfit into the finished doll. It would be like the feature Domino magazine had where they took an outfit and turned it into a room, do they still do that? I always thought that was such a clever idea, but they never seemed to get it right somehow.
I’m rambling. Here is an actual artist who makes some mighty fine plush stuff: sien keegan.
Oh, these are darling even at their conception stage. Have fun both sewing and thrifting for garments to make them from.
Tee-hee an elephant with a mustache, that is so cute it makes me giggle. But seriously don’t be telling yourself you’re not an artist, you clearly deserve the title.
That elephant sketch is wonderful-That moustache cracks me up.I’m always amused/surprised at how far my inital concept is to the finished product. yes, recycled clothes would add a great deal to the softie personality. I can imagine your elephant made of a floral 70’s bodyshirt.
I really like the idea of softies made from clothing. I went through my wardrobe this weekend and usually I donate all my old clothes but something this year made me save everything — I had visions of revamping old clothes a la wardrobe refashion (http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/) or something.
BACKCLOTH!!!! I can see him with backcloth & denim ! You may want to look at the old Babar books, they have a great old -timely style for there elephants. Can’t wait to see the real thing.
I like this idea! I’ve been wanting to use some thrifted clothes for projects but just haven’t done it yet. Incorporating the shirt into the bear was a great idea. I can’t wait to see what you create. I recently made my own plush for my daughter. I found it was harder than I thought to go from my drawing on paper to a 3-D plush. Attaching body parts was a bit frustrating but it was still fun.
That is sooooo cute! Your sketch is great…it helps to get the ideas out of your head hey?
I’ve been checking into your blog now for a while & watching your etsy site from early days….I fell in love with your little diggers! oooh I sound like a stalker….mmmmm
Anyway, I’ve tagged you over on my blog….so when you get a “spare” minute or 2 it’s a bit of fun :)