New Colorful Knit Dragon Joins the Menagerie at CreativeCritters

This colorful knit dragon is the latest addition to the menagerie of critters available from CreativeCritters.

I challenged myself to create a knitting pattern from scratch for a cute and brightly colored dragon.  I made it up as I went along, writing down what worked, and trying again when something didn't turn out quite as I wanted.  I learned how to follow a sewing pattern many years ago, and using that knowledge (and a lot of trial and error) I figured out how to make my own original patterns.  That's essentially how I made this guy.  I thought of the shapes I would need if I were to create a sewing pattern for a creature like this, then I figured out how to knit those shapes and sew them together.  It wasn't easy- that's for sure!  But I do enjoy a challenge, and I like testing and improving my artistic skills, so although it took a lot of time, I really had fun bringing this fantasy dragon to life,  I used bright purple (my favorite color) for his body, which I knit in a garter stitch.  I used a stockinette stitch and bright yellow yarn for the dragon's belly and the underside of his tail.

I gave him triangular spikes that were knit in bright red yarn.  I sewed all the various parts onto the dragon very securely and stuffed him with polyester fiberfill.  The wings were a bit of a challenge.  I considered creating knit wings, but really wanted them to be more lightweight.  I didn't want to have to use wires to help them hold their shape, as I've done with plush dragons in the past.  I wanted this to be a toy that kids could hugs and cuddle, without any sharp or hard parts.  So I decided to use red and purple felt (I just happened to have exactly the right colors in my fabric stash).  I drew out a wing pattern on paper and used that as my guide.  Then I sewed veins into the wings to give them more stability.

This cute stuffed animal measures about 15 inches long and 15 inches tall.  This guy's pretty special, and I hope when he sells he goes to a loving home.  Until then he can hang out here and make me smile =)  If you want to purchase this dragon, or read more details about him, just click on any of the pictures to be taken to the listing in my shop.
Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Michelle of CreativeCritters

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Knit Blue Kangaroo now available at CreativeCritters

Over the last few years I've knit several different blue kangaroos for a variety of customers, but haven't had one listed in my shop as a regular item.  Most customers learned about my blue kangaroos from my Gallery of past work.  The last knit kangaroo I created was headed all the way to Australia!  I developed my own knitting pattern for these kangaroos and have adapted it several times over as I found new ways to improve the design.  I just listed this cute kangaroo in CreativeCritters today.  I'm not sure how long she'll last- they seem to sell pretty quickly!

I used soft and silky Homespun yarn in Montana Sky Blue for the body and Waterfall for the belly.  I really love Homespun yarn because it's so soft and has such a nice texture when you knit with it.  Anyone who does a lot of knitting or crocheting knows that it's a real pleasure to work with a good quality yarn, and of course it creates a very soft and cuddly stuffed animal.

For this particular kangaroo I completely revamped my old pattern and got pretty creative as I knit.  This is one of the reasons most of the items in my shop are one of a kind creations- I always seem to end up changing how I make them, even if I start out following a pattern.  I guess it's just the artist in me- LOL. 

This particular kangaroo ended up with a lot of personality!  Sometimes these things just sort of seem to happen on their own.  I had a general idea of how I wanted her to look, but really didn't know how she would turn out until I had most of the parts sewn on.  And as always, the true personality really came out once I added her eyes, nose, and ears. 

I used gray fleece fabric for the nose, which is lightly stuffed and securely sewn on.  I used the same fleece behind the eyes, which are black plastic safety eyes, making this safe for children.  I stuffed the kangaroo softly with polyester fiberfill, with the goal of keeping her very soft and cuddly.  Adults and children will both love giving this cute stuffed animal a big hug!  I may be all grown up myself, but I still love to cuddle up with a soft stuffed animal.  I think there are some things we just never grow out of!
If you're interested in purchasing this blue kangaroo just click on any of the pictures to be taken to the listing in my shop.  And if you're looking for something in a different size or color combination, just email me at macreativecritters@gmail.com with your request.  I can also create a variety of other stuffed animals.  If fact, I'm currently working on a knit dragon right now (and this is definitely a challenging project!).
Thanks for sharing the creative cuteness once again!

~Michelle of CreativeCritters

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Stuffed Animals from CreativeCritters

I never really did outgrow my childhood love of stuffed animals, and once I learned how to sew my own stuffed toys I created my own little zoo.  I have a wide variety of stuffed animals available at CreativeCritters, and continue to add new critters on a regular basis.  Some are plush and sewn from soft fur fabrics, fun prints, and soft chenille,  and some are knit in different types of yarn.  My most recent addition is my knit penguin.

I created my own pattern for this funny penguin and even sculpted the eyes from polymer clay.  I like having the ability to completly customize my creations.  I've used polymer clay to make my own eyes, teeth, claws, noses, and other parts for my stuffed animals.

I also make plush teddy bears with jointed arms and legs.  These bears are just full of personality, and each is a one of a kind creation.  I use high quality fur fabric and sew the bears by hand.  Right now I have bears in blue, pink, brown, purple and white.  They range in size from my tiny 7 inch bear up to my big 18 inch tall bear.

And for Easter I've got an adorable knit purple and white bunny rabbit.  The variegated purple yarn inspired this rabbit.  The color made me think of Easter, and Easter bunnies.  When I was little Gramma would always hide a stuffed animal with my Easter basket, and I just loved those bunnies!

And to indulge my love of fantasy I've sewn stuffed dragons as well.  This one was created using some of Gramma's floral print dresses.  The bold bright colors make this a very happy dragon!  This  large dragon is 22 inches tall and she took many hours to sew.  Her wings, claws, and tail are wired so they can be positioned into different poses.

My love of animals certainly shows up in my creations.  I've got everything from little ladybugs, to hedgehogs, cats, dogs, walruses, to fish and birds.  From cute and cuddly to wild and whimsical, you just never know what kind of animals might show up at CreativeCritters! ;-)

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Amy Lilley creates adorable stuffed animals, jewelry, and accessories

Amy Lilley on ArtFire.com creates handmade OOAK miniature bears and animals, jewelry, accessories and more.  Her biography reads "My name is Amy Lilley and I can honestly say that I adore making all of the little creations that you will find in my shop. Creating them is always a fun and exciting experience that leaves me reminiscent of my childhood. It was here that my love for these creations began.
It was my mother who first introduced me to the jointed (artist's) bear. She owned a little lion (Leo) and a bear (Bruno), whom she had acquired during her childhood. They were both charmingly tatty and fragile. I looked on them with envy as I knew they were one childhood posession that my mother would not relinquish to my pleading. I settled for having them visit my bedside every time that I was unwell or scared at night: they both had excellent bedside manner. Failing to inherit Leo and Bruno as I grew older, I sought after a little jointed companion of my own. They were annoyingly hard to come by! The completion of this search was anticipated on every beachside-holiday (as a result of my mother explaining that the 'quirky' shops by the seafront may sell them). I did make several purchases, but none were quite the same as the little lion and bear whom I loved. It was not until I discovered Etsy (at the age of 21), that I realised that these creatures were available to 'adopt'! They were called 'Artist's Bears,' and were handmade, OOAK (one of a kind) creations (most of which had little moveable joints-the feature I loved best about Leo and Bruno). I rang my mum and asked her to buy me a little jointed elephant from one Etsy shop as a Christmas gift. I was delighted that I could finally have a little jointed companion of my own! I began researching 'Teddy Bear art,' and started to make my own little bears and animals. I have always loved making things and I had loved these critters for so long that it seemed the perfect art-form for me to pursue. I have done so ever since."

Below are just a few of the wonderful creations that can be found in Amy's shop.

 

You can follow Amy's blog at www.teacupsandteddies.blogspot.com/.  And be sure to check out the rest of her wonderful creations at AmyLilley on ArtFire.com!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Handmade Bunnies of all types from CreativeCritters

Easter's on it's way, and I've been inspired to create all sorts of bunny rabbits lately.    This knit stuffed bunny was created using my own original pattern.  I had some variegated pink and purple yarn that seemed just perfect for creating a cuddly Easter Bunny.  This cute and cuddly stuffed animal is 18 inches tall and has no small parts, making him safe for children.

Then I have this whimsical Easter Bunny with his basket of colorful eggs.  This piece was sculpted by hand from polymer clay and would make a fun Easter decoration.  This sculpture is 3 inches tall and 4 inches long.  This one's cute enough to leave out all year long!

And I even have jewelry with Easter Bunnies.  This pretty blue necklace and earring set features polymer clay rabbits and glass butterfly beads, along with blue and white marbled glass beads.  The earrings feature bunnies in two different poses and have surgical steel posts.  The necklace is 19 inches long and is perfect for Spring and Easter.

And those are just a few of the bunnies hopping around CreativeCritters right now.  Stop by and see what other critters I've added to my shop!  Thanks for visiting! =)

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

All I want for Christmas...

Shop handmade this holiday season and give a gift crafted with love! At CreativeCritters you can find everything from Christmas ornaments, dolls, stuffed animals, plush World of Warcraft characters, sculptures, jewelry, catnip toys, and more. Everything I create is made by hand, and most items are one of a kind creations. So celebrate the season with a handcrafted gift from CreativeCritters on ArtFire.com.
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Holiday sale at CreativeCritters

Black Friday Cyber Monday sale at CreativeCritters

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from CreativeCritters!

CreativeCritters is having a holiday sale!  From Monday 11/22/10 through Tuesday 11/30/10 I'm offering 25% off orders over US $25.00!  Just use coupon code CYBERSALE at checkout to receive your discount.  Hurry in for unique handcrafted gifts that are sure to delight everyone on your Christmas gift list!  Here's just a sample of what I have to offer.

A few on the many and various items avai...

   Curated By: CreativeCritt...

ArtFire.com

Indie Design

 And there's much, much more!  My shop categories include Holiday Themed Gifts, Polymer Clay Sculptures, Fantasy Sculptures,  Animal Sculptures, Miniature House Sculptures, Pen Sculptures, Trinket Boxes, Stuffed and Knit Animals and Toys, Cloth Dolls, Plush World of Warcraft Characters, Organic Catnip and Cat Toys and Jewelry and Magnets.  Truly something for everyone!  Since most of my creations are one of a kind pieces, once they're gone- they're gone.  I can create pieces similar to those I've sold, however, so please feel free to message me if your favorite piece is sold out. 
Have a happy holiday, and thanks for stopping by!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

An adorable collection of stuffed animals

I never really did outgrow my love of stuffed animals (and pretty much anything soft and furry- LOL).  So putting together this collection was a lot of fun.  I'm amazed at the variety and quality of the stuffed toys (for kids and adults) being made by artists on ArtFire.  Be sure to click on the pictures and visit the shops- they're full of great items!

Soft and cuddly stuffed animals for kids...

   Curated By: CreativeCritt...

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

Hope you enjoyed this fuzzy collection! :-)
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Stuffed Critters from CreativeCritters

Just a sample of the handcrafted stuffed animals, teddy bears, and knit toys created by CreativeCritters on ArtFire.com. Click on any of the pictures to go directly to the listing, or if you'd like, simply view my entire Stuffed Animals category to see all the stuffed toys available. Thanks so much for stopping by!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Give your sweetheart a handmade teddy bear for Valentine's day

I've been having a lot of fun creating handmade, one of a kind teddy bears lately.  Bears like Throckmorton (with the long teal blue fur) and Perdita (with the purple fur) are made from high quality faux fur fabric and stuffed with polyester fiberfill.  In the case of Throckmorton, I also added plastic pellets to add weight and "floppiness".  Throckmorton is 17 inches tall and his sister, Perdita is 18 inches tall.  Both have plastic safety joints in their arms, legs, and head.  They also have plastic safety eyes and embroidered mouths.

Then there are my knit bears, which were created with acrylic yarn and stuffed with polyester fiberfill.  The little purple bear measures 6 1/2 inches tall, the pink, red, and white bear measures 11 1/2 inches tall, and the cream and gold bear measures 18 inches tall.  I embroidered the eyes, mouth and nose for the small purple bear.  The larger knit bears have plastic safety eyes and noses, and embroidered mouths.

 

All of the pictures are linked, and will take you directly to the listings.  Thanks so much for checking out my sweet and cuddly handmade teddy bears!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters