Gorilla, Gorilla.....

Whew!  This guy really gave me a challenge.  The challenge was to keep him simple enough to be easily done and detailed enough to make him resemble a gorilla.  I repeated the pattern in full twice to be sure my pattern was correct, and repeated different parts of the gorilla several times before I was satisfied with the result.  The giggle criteria was finally met.  He has all the whimsy of my original 'Giggles' and the features of the wild that we expect in a jungle animal.  And with his silly grin, we couldn't help but smile.  'We' refers to my hubby (Mr. Loving) and I.  Mr. Loving is my main 'Giggle' critic and advisor.  His specialty is the 'cuteness factor', and no Giggle pattern get's published without his final approval.  He also helps with the pictures, as photography is not my gift.   Oh, and did I say he is also my main admirer?! Thanks, Loving, for your help and encouragement.   I don't know what I would do without you!

A Mischievous Menagerie...

     The invasion of zoo animals continues!  My goal is to design a new amigurumi pattern each week.  Is that too lofty?  Perhaps, but I think I'll still give it a try.

     The stripes on this little guy make him quite handsome!   I hope his friends don't tease him too much for looking a bit like a bumble bee.  ;-)    He looks so cute and innocent, but I do believe he has a mischievous streak.  And I know some of his friends are little pranksters!  I hear strange noises in the night and I suspect this gang may be responsible.

     I'm not sure I trust that Lion and Elephant to behave themselves.  Things may get interesting around here!

Licorice!!!!

Lately I've been in a mood to create my own designs when I crochet.   Usually I use a cute pattern designed by someone who is wildly creative,  and I have loved making almost every item I have ever completed.  But creating my own is a new challenge that I am beginning to enjoy just as much.

This is Licorice!  When I began working with this lovely variegated yarn I wasn't sure what would come out of it.  The more I worked, the more the finished product formed in my mind.    A goat!  What perfect yarn for a crochet goat!  When he was completed  I asked my grandson Paul what his name should be.  "Licorice" was his reply.  Of course he knows another goat named Licorice and I was delighted to name my creation after the original Licorice who happens to be a pet belonging to a friend of the family with a heart to rescue animals.

So, what do you think?  I see lots of things I can improve on, but I do think he is kinda cute!  I hope Licorice inspires you to try your hand at creating some original items too.   

Clyde....

Everybody's got a water buffalo
Yours is fast but mine is slow
Oh, where do you get them I don't know
But everyone's got a water buffaloooooo.................

This is what kept going through my mind as I crocheted this little critter.  As usual, I had no idea what I was making when I started out, but the VeggieTales song just kind of guided my hook and Clyde came into being.   He is OOAK and just as cute as he can be.    I may create other water buffalos in the future, but there will never be another one exactly like Clyde.

Lovable Little Critter!

After 3 1/2 years, I'm back.  Life gets busy sometimes and people get sidetracked.  Well, I get sidetracked for sure.  But things are good and now as a retiree I have more time to do all the things I love!

Lately that thing is crocheting, and here is one of my latest critters.  I say 'critter' because he is totally a one of a kind creation.  His name is Frankie and he was crafted randomly and without a pattern.  There will never be another just like him.  Part bear, part fox, part cat?  Use your imagination!

Leave a comment and tell me if you think he is as cute as I do!

Blessings!

ACEO's in Polymer Clay

Well, after much musing, I have finally decided to list one of my polymer clay art cards on Etsy. Creating an art card from clay is a unique process. It is abstract in a way, but turns out to have a definite, identifiable subject. This is done by mixing 2 or 3 colors of clay to make a ball with swirls of the colors visible throughout. The ball is then flattened and shaped into a rectangle about the size of a baseball trading card. The next step is to examine this 'card' from all angles and both sides to see if an image becomes visible. This may take a bit of imagination. Once you are able to discern an image you will want to outline it. Any sharp tool or toothpick will do. Adding a bit of texture to the background will help bring out the lines of the image. I do this by making thin lines, poking with a needle or perhaps using the end of a small paint brush to make little craters. Just choose a texture that will bring out the lines of the image so it will stand out from the rest of the card. I also enhance the features when I can by using a needle to 'draw' hair or beard, or making small lines to show up facial features if the image is a person.
Making these is so much fun! I hope you will give it a try. Check out my rendition of 'Jarius', the Roman centurion of the Bible.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14757803