rustic bear

Here's a little teddy I made over the weekend for a friend's baby daughter. He's made from natural linen, and green vintage wool viyella. Soft toy-making is not my strength, I'll admit that. Somehow the ideas I have for toys never quite turn out as they should, but I do enjoy making these little bears, and don't mind that they have a very 'rustic' look to them. I just tell myself it encourages more creativity and imagination in the child who plays with them. Yeeees, that's what it does.

My favourite soft-toy makers can all be found online. I really admire the work of soto softies, Kate at two little banshees, plush-a-holic, and while she naps (especially her birds!) If you need some inspiration for creature-making and/or buying, they're a great place to start.

I found a wonderful gift guide at beautiful blog the glass doorknob yesterday. Shari has interviewed some crafters, writers and artists and included links to their blogs and shops, so there is a lot of inspiration for gift-giving there. And for your own creativity in general- it's a really lovely series.

 

Comments

[Kim]

Melissa, I think this is wonderful! But then again, simple is totally my style and taste. This is absolutely the kind of stuffie I'd buy if I saw it on Etsy. And make, if only I had a sewing machine...

[tiffany]

hi melissa:
that is a really cool little teddy. you did an awesome job though i understand what you mean about the transfer from head to hand. have you ever watched the interview with lauri faggioni on "science of sleep"? she discussed how her creations are never what she envisions. i agree with you on shari's series. it has been very inspiring. i do so enjoy reading about others' creative process. hope you and yours are well. take care.
xo,
tiffany

[Lissilulu]

love the bear...i am realizing that the type of softie you made and a few others i have seen in my handmade blog surfing are so much more appealing to me than the fluffy ones.
there seems to be a character in the ones like you make....very sweet.
thanks for yet another journey to wonderful women who make handmade things and are proud to live their lives that way.
very encouraging for me ...
lori

[Ruth]

It's a beautiful little bear full of personality!

[Kris]

Aaaah! Vintage wool viyella!!! That takes me back. To the 70's when my Mum used to make me warm wool viyella dresses which were always just a little scratchy (so I'm allergic to wool!), but I never said anything because the prints were always so sweet!!! I love your teddy too. Simple, full of personality, however you say it your guy is different. Different in a world full of sameness and copycatting is charming!!!

[lucykatecrafts]

well, considering you say softie making isn't your strong point he's pretty darn cute!

[Louise]

Sweet, sweet bear - I'm sure he'll be well loved!

[heidi]

i think he is darling melissa!! so very sweet. and thanks for the links!

[isoinpapu]

A bear to my taste for sure. Love him.

[Zelia]

That bear is adorable!!!

[Jennifer]

A darling of a bear, very sweet - love the texture, could almost rub my cheek against the computer screen. And thanks for the links, made for some interesting, and very late reading. Brilliant stuff.

[celine]

Well, I think this little man i gorgeous!

[amisha]

i love the little teddy's expression... simple is better i think! and the fabrics are beautiful.
i always admire the work of soft-toy makers so much... thank you for the great links!
xox

[Chara Michele]

This little bear is so cute!