Closing one chapter, moving on to the next...

Hello, kittens.  It's been ages, hasn't it?  I've been quietly going through a bit of a metamorphoses over here.  Change happens slowly to me, sometimes.  It's a process.  It isn't instantaneous.  A decision isn't made and BAM, next moment all new bright, shiny things have taken hold.  Not this time, anyway.

Mrs. Pie

The crux of the matter is I was very tired of making plush.  I was so burned out, and though I love the joy these creatures bring to folks, making them felt like a chore.  And making, for me, should NEVER feel like a chore.  I kept thinking that feeling would go away, but it didn't.  I was itching to try new things, but felt torn between making what I knew people loved and what was blooming inside my brain, begging to come out.

Bockfest Beer Cozies

And so, after great thought and angst, I am here to tell you abbydid is no longer making plush.  The stuffed critters are going into retirement.  I have gathered them all together from whatever shops they were dwelling in and listed them in my etsy shop.  Now is your last chance to go give one a good home!

Snatchel

Now, I never say never.  Will a monster pop up here and there?  Probably.  There's a solo show at Fabricate in December that will almost certainly incorporate them into the art.  And I have some lovely fans I would never turn away if they had a special request.  I have truly been blessed with some amazing customers!  But the plush chapter has come to a close.

Baked Biddy

I'm embarking on a new frontier, one that is wholly foreign to me.  I'm moving away from the craft world, a place where I have lots of friends and have had wonderful experiences, to the art world, which is a wee bit daunting to this little art school drop out.  I'm working on building my portfolio, entering open calls to group shows, and seeing where things take me.  I'm trying not to get too worried about the future and just focus on the present.  Make the art, see what comes.

Wibbly Woo - Shagadellic!

So, we shall see!  I am excited and nervous and a little unsure.  I have butterflies in my stomach as this new page turns.  I dragged my feet on this decision for such a long time, the decision finally made itself in a rather dramatic fashion.  I could no longer ignore that I was meant to be doing something else.

Nailbiters

This means I won't be vending at craft shows any longer.  Working shows had just stopped being fun for me ages ago.  I still love going as a "civilian" and shopping at them.  It's been a joy watching Cincinnati really come into its own with a vibrant indie craft scene.  I've met the most incredible people through those shows, and witnessed such creativity and inspiration and ingenuity.  I will forever support handmade with all my heart and soul, and you should, too.

Whipper Slappers

I've also pulled my work from any brick and mortar stores for now.  The new work will be available through my etsy shop, my art studio at Essex during Art Walks or by appointment, and at the various art shows my I am featured in.  I'll announce those as they come along.  My facebook page is the best way to get the latest information, as I think we've learned my blogging is sporadic at best.  But who knows - that may change, too!  A revised website is in the works, and an email newsletter is a possibility.  I'll keep you posted.  

Wibbly Woo - Frosted Black Fur

But enough of that.  For now, let's bid a fond farewell to the critters!  Please adopt them all up.  Their happy little faces look up at me, so hopeful, asking if today's the day they get some new people.  You are those people, I just know it.  So go on, look around in the shop.  I made something just for you.  Go find it:)

MerWoo

Prodigal Daughter

It has been a year since I posted.  A lot can happen in a year, and a lot more seemed to get crammed into this one than most.  I had some fabulous successes, some scary dips downward, and throughout the roller coaster ride I learned some valuable lessons and grew as a person.  

Primarily what happened was a little something named Broadhope Art Collective.  Last summer I started working towards getting it from the zygote of an idea to a brick and mortar store filled with art and the people who make it.  I'm pleased to report Broadhope is about to celebrate it's first birthday in October!  This little "art collective that could" is an extraordinary and eclectic mix of handmade goods from Cincinnati artists, primarily those from the West Side.  We teach workshops, too, so you can come get your creative juices flowing, tap that inner artist, even if you swear up down and all around you can't so much as draw a stick figure.  (Yes.  You can.  I hear this all the time and I'm going to tell you your WRONG).

So, that's where I've been.  I've basically been eating, breathing, sleeping Broadhope since last July.  Other things happened, too!  I had a fun exhibit up at the University of Cincinnati's DAAP library.  My kids are bigger and smarter and more gorgeous than before, and they continually amaze me.  The husband has had a crazy, life-consuming project all his own, which I'll tell you about next time.  We did some traveling, had some adventures, kept up with old friends, made lots of new friends, and time just soared by.
But something happened this summer.  I came home from our family road trip to Wisconsin (which was extraordinary and unlike anything we've done before).  But I returned to a crossroads, realizing very quickly that I needed to make some changes.  I had become an administrator and manager, I was making less and less of my own work, and I was really starting to feel the repercussions.  I had assumed roles in life I was not meant for, and it was waring on me.

It turns out Broadhope is not my baby.  This baby, who is now taking steps on its own and wobbling forward without my propping it up, has lots of other wonderful, capable artists to help it on its way.  I have no doubt it will continue to grow and thrive.  But I will be sitting in the background, enjoying the show, instead of at the helm, steering the ship.

I learned one very big, very important lesson.  It can be simplified down to one sentence:

When I am no longer making art, something is wrong, and something must go.

That something cannot be my family, which is a danger for over-busy mamas.  It is all too easy for us to sacrifice the very thing that is most precious to us.  But anything else is fair game.  Because here is what I am truly ready to realize, what I'm gonna own, what I can hold dear in my heart: I am an artist, and I've always shied away from stepping into that role 100%.  I've allowed myself to get distracted with enormous projects like a West Side art collective, which are certainly worthy and wonderful in their own rites, but not at the expense of my own art.

The solution?  I'm handing over the reins.  Slowly and surely, other folks are taking up my duties at Broadhope.  I am moving into an artist studio at Essex in October.  I know I need a community of artists around me and that I cannot work isolated in my home.

I've had so many amazing ideas coming at me.  They've especially started flooding in since I made the decision to step back from Broadhope.  When you open yourself up to what the universe has to offer you, that receptivity is rewarded.  I know I'm on the right track, because those creative juices are flowing.  They are powerful, and they are not going to be ignored.  I'm so ready for this next chapter in my life!  I'm ready to really step in and own who I am and why I'm on this planet.  There will still be monsters, oh yes indeedy, but there will be so much more, too.  Just wait and see:)

Westwood Art Show - come see me!

While I have been a busy little bee making things and getting involved in wonderful projects, the one area I have pulled way back on is the craft show scene.  This is likely the one and only show you will find me at this year!  So if you plan on perusing the plush live and in person at a hip outdoor event THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!

Look!  There I am, working away at my colorful little booth.  

Why this show?  Because I LOVE this show.  Westwood is a sweet neighborhood with beautiful, historical buildings like the Westwood Town Hall, where we will be holding the show.  The grounds around the Hall are grassy and green, trees creating a dappled screen from the sun.  It will be a beautiful day in the mid 70s, live music will be playing, artists will be displaying their wares, good food will be had, and crafts with the kiddos will be created.

See?  Look how cute this show is!  Older couples strolling together.  PRECIOUS.

I've been to a lot of shows in my day, both as a spectator and as a vendor.  This is one of my favorites.  The atmosphere is relaxed and happy.  There is plenty of space to move around, you aren't funneled through crowded pathways like cattle as is the case with other events.  I get so claustrophobic at things like that.  Not here!   Also, you tend to see the same artists again and again regardless of which show you attend.  But at the Westwood Art Show, most if not all of the folks working this show are from Western Hills or grew up here, and they typically are not working the craft show circuit.  So this is often the only art or craft show they will appear at.  It's a genuinely lovely neighborhood event with folks genuinely happy to see each other.

Kalli basically lived at the craft booth last year.  It was pretty great.

As Broadhope Art Collective will be opening just down the road in neighboring Cheviot, this is our home base, and many of the artists involved in that will be vending here as well.  So come hang out with us, won't you?  We'll be happy to tell you all about the new center.

And be sure to be there around 11am when Tara, also known as the stitching guru from Robot Inside, plays with her band The Mitchells.  Really, what can't that girl do?  (hint: nothing)

Best of both worlds - my monster banner and one of Tara's owl bags.  SWEET!

A glimpse of my booth from last year.  

See you soon!  Specifically, at the Westwood Art Show, this Saturday the 15th from 11am-5pm around Westwood Town Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio.

OH!  And have you contributed to the Broadhope Art Collective yet?

You have?  GREAT!  I love you and you are my favorite.

You HAVE NOT???  Well, hurry up!  We can't do this without you, you know.

Broadhope Art Collective - Help Make It Happen!

Broadhope Art Collective, our new art center in Cheviot, Ohio

Exciting news!  Remember how I've been hoping and dreaming for an art space where I can teach classes , exhibit  my work, and work amongst a community of artists?

You don't?  Well I have.  And doesn't that sound wonderful?  Doesn't it just sound like a DREAM?  

Well, it's time to make that dream a reality, kittens!  Check it out:

Yes, indeed, we have a building picked out, we have artists signed up, and we are ready and willing and able.  But we need your help.  The deposit for the space, the stools we'll sit on during workshops, the extra gallery walls where we'll hang pictures, the toilet paper in the bathroom...these things all cost cash dollars!  And kittens, we are starving artists, you know.  So won't you help a talented group of creative folk make their dreams come true?  There are all sorts of goodies available if you do!

I strongly encourage you to browse through the dozen support levels and see what rewards appeal to you.  We have all sorts of fun ways to say thank you for your support.  

I'll tell you about the two of my reward levels.  Let's start with the biggest one, shall we?  

Make your own!  I'll show you how.

At the $250 level we have the most fabulous MONSTER MAKING PARTY!!!  

Haven't you always wanted to sit down with your own, personal textile artists for a few hours, creating your own monster? And wouldn't that be so much more fun with FIVE OF YOUR FRIENDS???

Copious amounts of fun would be had, I can tell you.  There's only one of these parties being offered so jump on it right away!  Your party will be tailored to your sewing abilities and age level.  So if it's half a dozen kids walking in the door, we will be completely prepared.  All supplies are included, as is the use of our flock of sewing machines.  

And by the way, the most awesome Tara of Robot Inside fame is in cahoots with me on this.  We are partners in crime, my friends, and a package deal.  What's better than one critter maker?  

TWO CRITTER MAKERS!!! 

*******

OR....you can opt in for the $75 dollar level and have me, your dear darling plush artist, make any stuffed creation you can dream up.  Have a drawing your child created?  Have a design of your own you're dying to see become soft and 3 dimensional?  Or maybe you are just in love with a certain character or image.  Turn me loose on it and soon it will be in your arms, ripe for the cuddling.  

I've done this sort of thing for awhile now on a custom order basis.  My wonderful customers come to me with the most amazing ideas and I have a great time with them.  Here are a few examples:

I made the NKU mascot Victor the Viking into a puppet.  That was REALLY FUN.

I made Roland of I Only Like Monsters a big brother based on his likeness.  

Dudley got a plush version of himself made, Wibbly Woo style.  

This was a very open request for some sort of giraffe or lion.  Naturally I saw an opportunity to make both - a hybrid beast we refer to as the LoRaffe!

Zebra Talker is a character concocted by my friend's son.  To surprise him one Christmas, she asked me to turn him into a plush.  

A custom assortment of Christmas stockings went to a very special customer last year.  Yes, that's a transformer, zombie, Wibbly Woo, and the Nutcracker.  

 So please, please, please consider digging in those couch cushions, breaking up the kids' piggy banks, or sorting through the junk drawer to gather up some contribution to send to us.  This is a wonderful opportunity for us, the artists involved, but also for the community at large.  This is your chance to be a part of that!  Help make this happen, own a piece of Broadhope's coming into existence.  Thank you!

The fundraiser is right here:
www.indiegogo.com/broadhope

Come sew with me - One Night, One Craft at the CAC

Hi, kittens!  I have something exciting to tell you.  In one week, on Monday, July 30th from 6:00-8:00pm, I will be teaching a class at the Contemporary Arts Center's One Night One Craft series of DIY sessions for grown ups.  The class is $5, unless you are a member in which case it is totally FREE.  There's a cash bar, which enhances any craft, and admission to the museum is free to everyone for the evening as well.

  

But, Abby, what shall we make together?  

I'm glad you asked!  

We will hand-sew our very own monster gadget cozies, what I lovingly refer to as knucklebiters (because that's how far you get before they bite).  I've made about a zillion of these in my day, they are popular critters, and now I'll show YOU how to make one of your very own.  

Everything you need is included in the rock bottom price of $5.  This includes a darling felt needlebook I made just for you.  I'm so thoughtful!  

Because we are hand sewing, the knucklebiters will be made of felt instead of my usual choice of velvety-soft microfiber fur.  But TRUST ME when I say this is the easier choice for hand sewing.  Felt is fun and easy to work with, it won't move around on you like the fur would.  We will use a bamboo blend of wool that's more sustainable to the planet, and I have at least a dozen colors to choose from. You will also have your choice of hand-painted safety eyes and a fun, furry tail.  

Doesn't this sound FANTASTIC?  Can't you hardly wait?  GREAT!  I'll see you there:)

Here are the links to the event:

CAC One Night One Craft 

Gadget Pockets: Watch Out, it bites! (facebook event page)

Feel free to email me any questions you may have or leave them for me on the abbydid facebook page. This is a popular series and they often fill up quickly, so be sure to get there on time!  

How I Sent the Boy to Camp -or- How to Mortify the Boy

Right, so, my son turned 10, that went fine, and THEN we turn around and leave him at sleep-away camp for a whole entire week.  He was completely ready and willing to go, but me LETTING go has proved to be another story.  I am missing him like crazy, constantly wondering what he's doing and if he's having a great time and looking forward to picking him up Saturday morning.

I took special delight in packing him for camp and thought I'd share.  It should be noted that the boy is NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL, and is in fact probably thoroughly humiliated, but little does he realize that what I have done is COMPLETELY AWESOME and is sure to only make him MORE POPULAR with his fellow campers.  I am so convinced of this that I am CERTAIN I will get some sort of award when I pick him up in two days time.  

There is a small, logical, reasonable part of me that knows that is delusional.  Luckily, it is outvoted by the rest of me and I'm relishing in my daydream of being celebrated.  On we go:

  

I labeled the bags containing his underwear and socks.  Oh, I labelled them, all right!  I labelled them with mom humor and unnecessary advice.  Picturing the appreciative smile on his face is all the thanks I need.  

The campers were advised to pack all of their belongings in a big plastic bin.  Your average parent would look at that bin and simply see an empty bin.  Luckily, our son does not have AVERAGE PARENTS!!!  No siree!  I only saw an EMPTY CANVAS, and rectified this situation immediately.  I also employed the help of my baby daddy/marital partner and also my daughter who is going through her "monster phase" much like Picasso went through his "blue phase."  

I did clear this with the boy first.  Here's how that conversation went:

Me: I'm going to write your name on the bin, okay?

Boy: Okay

-fast forward to the "big reveal"-

Boy: *long silent stare*

Me: *beaming with pride, giant dopey grin on face*

Boy: I thought you were just going to write my name on it.

Me: I DID!!! SEE????  RIGHT THERE!!!  

You also have to label all of their stuff.  Presumably because they just toss their belongings willy nilly into the woods and into the lake and onto the ground and then stir them all up in one big stinky belongings stew to be sorted out at the end of the week.  I chose to approach this with machine embroidered labels.  On the towels, these labels double as loops with which to neatly hook the towels so they may dry and stay clean and orderly.  Like that's going to happen, not the aforementioned stew business.  

Lastly, just to sweeten the deal, I mailed him stuff.  There's a care package containing cupcakes and party hats and streamers to throw a party with his cabin.  That one I just bought from the camp, that's something they offer and hence is totally kosher and not 

embarrassing, right?

But THEN I also wrote him.  I wrote him this AMAZING letter filled with helpful dos and don'ts.  

I think we can all agree this letter is the MOST AWESOME LETTER EVER!!!  It's really helpful and informative and funny.  He is one lucky kid!  I am really looking forward to that trophy, I know just where I'm going to put it.

It may surprise you to learn the boy has not written to us, despite the pre-addressed and pre-stamped stationary I lovingly included in his kick ass bin-o-belongings.  This despite me pining for him as I sit by the mailbox.  Luckily, his camp has this amazing service where they upload photos from camp each day so you can see what your kid is up to.  I have been checking it several hundred times a day and can report he has done many fun activities except for on Tuesday when he somehow alluded the camera the whole entire day.  I assumed he had been eaten by a bear, and I felt had stayed reasonably calm despite this, but then today I spotted him in the pool and sitting on a bench so all is well.  He was even SMILING in one of them!  I'm going to have to ask how they got him to do that because all I get are disapproving glares and the shaking of the head.  

If you want to send your kid to a really awesome camp, by the way, may I heartily recommend to you Camp Ernst in Burlington, Kentucky.  They have been amazing, I've never heard anything but fantastic things about them, and this really is my kid's dream come true.  You can watch lots of other kids having the times of their young lives at the Camp Ernst YouTube channel, it's also really rad.  

Bleaching Skulls -or- We Make Party Favors!

My son has the audacity to turn 10 years old tomorrow.  TEN!  That is an entire decade since I gave birth to him, people, and I do not like the implications.  On the one hand, I've kept him alive all this time.  He's thrived, even.  On the other hand I am not all young and bouncy like I once was.  Instead, I am the mother of a tween.  He is almost as tall as I am, keeps his door closed a lot, is prone to moods, and has started to wear deodorant.  It is shocking.

That's my kid, the punk.

What this also means is that party planning has taken on some new twists.  Gone are the days of dinosaur excavations in the sandbox and Bob the Builder collective shouts of "YES, WE CAN!"  No, these days we play laser tag with a group of our best buds.  When asked what sort of party favor he'd like, I was told skull bandanas.

 Macabre?  Sure.  But my compulsively crafty brain immediately started spinning, and I concocted a plan to make our own bandanas with skulls bleached into them.

And guess what?  It WORKED!  Added bonuses: it was a fun activity to do with the kids, no one bleached themselves or their own clothing, and the patio got a little cleaner.   Check it out:

My patio is in rough shape.  Don't judge.

Brody did a lot of this himself.  Here he is rinsing like a washer woman.

We used blue and brown bandanas, with different results.
The brown changed really quickly, while the blue took longer and had a more ghostly effect.

Arr!  

Here's a quick how to if your nutty enough to do this yourself:
1.) Cut a stencil.  I had some sort of Martha Stewart brand stencil film that I did not love.  It kept curling up on me.  But I had it so I used it.  You could use a different kind of heavy duty plastic sheeting, a non-curling kind, or some thin, heavy duty cardboard or mat board.
2.) I framed the stencil out inside of a large piece of cardboard for stability, then I "floated" the eyes and nose using string that was anchored along the sides and strung across the skull in sort of a web-type method.
3.)  I mixed a solution of 1/2 bleach, 1/2 water in a spray bottle.
4.) We laid the stencil over the bandana, sprayed the bleach solution onto them, removed the stencil, then watched as the color changed.
5.) When we liked where the color transformation was, we quickly transferred the bandana into a tub of water we had on standby to stop the bleaching process.
6.) I rinsed them all out again and plan on giving them a go in the washing machine before tucking them into the gift bags for the party tomorrow.

And there you have it.  Bonding with the boy and getting my craft on.  Happy Friday!