Stuffed Animals… bears, beavers. A bit of taxidermy and a few puppets. Oh, and birds. Lots of birds.

The Lowly Worm

Now, with any kind of good fortune, you will already know the Lowly Worm from your childhood or from belonging to another’s childhood, having read Richard Scarry’s books. The bestchildrens’ books ever. One of my favourite characters was, and is, the Lowly Worm. And now I finally have my own. with thanks to resources provided by Lynn Carson . I am now in love with him and am considering making him a wife. Stay tuned.

ps Although I am a very independent worm, I do need help tying my shoe.

Taking a rest

About those Puffins….

We were so very lucky to have been able to visit Shetland in 2022. A truly magnificent experience to sail on the North Sea and see this unique place and incredible landscapes. One of the highlights for me was seeing the puffins up close at Sumburgh Head. Hundreds and hundreds of puffins, some just feet away. Below just a few shots of the sail in to Lerwick’s harbour, the views from Sumburgh Head on the southern tip of Shetland, the fabulous Puffins and me sitting waiting for Jimmy (if you know, you know)

MyPuffins ( they really can’t compare, but the best I can do with my meagre skills)

Seagulls for no real reason other than cuteness

It all started because I was looking for a puffin pattern. (look up) I got carried away with the seagulls. I just love them so much. While I was busy in production, one got away and went out to the bird feeder. Can’t blame him, really. They are all just hanging around the house thinking about new homes. I may make some hats for them… toques actually… with scarves for Christmas. Good idea?

And speaking of the sea……

A maritime lobster for Mya

The Party Animal

Here we are with the toy that is so fun to make and brings me happiness just to look at one. (or more) I have made several and they’ve all gone to good homes, but I think I need another just for me. The pattern is from Funky Friends Factory, tho the crowns are mine, made from card stock and my Cricut Maker 3. I lined the inside of the crowns with a narrow strip of velcro (the bumpy side) and it’s just enough to stick to the goofy hair. Here are some more poses, because, well, I just can’t get enough.

….. and speaking of partying, a felt banner and some party turtles for my great niece Ava last year. There are more party turtles on the felt page (I think). We have a set now many years old, but they always come out to sit at our dining table, and assorted other special spots, whenever anyone has a birthday at our house. In fact, I would say it isn’t really a celebration unless the turtles appear. They are tiny; only about 3” long. They get along just fine with the party animals, so that’s good news, isn’t it?

Ahhhh, the magic of the unicorn.

For a special girl on her birthday

Why have just one when you can have 2. Fur and Fleece. A versatile pattern have made many times. I think the copper horn or hooves are especially nice for a glamorous touch. (yet another Funky Friends Factory pattern)

I like the multi-coloured embroidery thread too. It makes a nice mane and tail. Name tags by Cricut

The Stacy Stick

Say hello to Stacy Stick! She is a stick figure come to life (and should really be linked to my Cricut page, because she was born on Cricut. She starts out as a vinyl (HTV) design that is added to cotton fabric, then stuffed and dressed and coiffed. I do love her. She has a cousin named Jenn who is a ginger-haired career stick. And quite happy, I am told.

I’d be remiss if I left Gordon out in his new outfit. He is a swash buckler from Poldark, outfitted specifically for his trip to the rugged shores of Cornwall this past May. He did some tin mining there too and climbed around King Arthur’s Castle. We felt safe, having him armed with this special sword, which when not in use by Gordon, we use to stab our pickles and olives at home. Sharing is caring.

The Highland Coo

Look at this sweet face! The Highland Coo (cow, if you aren’t Scottish) The pattern is one from Funky Friends Factory. I made an earlier version using shaggy fleece, but it turned into a buffalo and I’m too embarrassed to post a photo of it. This one is made of a nice masculine wool tartan. He has cork hooves. He is really quite elegant.

More Bears

Ben Bear. There are lots of bear patterns and I do have a few, but this is my new favourite. (Also FFFactory)

Just look at his face! Shadow, our cat, likes him too.

Under the Sea

A shiny seahorse and a sweet mermaid. I’ve not made a mermaid in years… scroll down and you will see many more. I love making them…. easy peasy except for the pesky tail fin. Pattern from Whileshenaps.com and seahorse from liaspace.com

Birds of a Feather

A new Eagle has landed. FFFactory pattern. I should really be on commission.

Yes, I know bees aren’t birds, but how cute is this one with wings that crinkle because they are lined with potato chip bags. The bee pattern is Abby Glassenberg’s. I added the legs and feet. He does have a singer, too, not shown because he was just oo embarrassed. The other guy sits in my workshop here like this every day, staring pensively out the window. I may let hm go free in the spring. We’ll see.

This is Bandit, who was created to remember a sweet dog who died; he has gone to live in Nova Scotia

I love making toys and animals and stuffed things of all sorts. Here are a few of the most recent. Dolls have their very own page called "Dolls are People Too" Check it out here

Memory Animals

This is Bauer, created in memory of the beloved pet of my friend Sarah. He was a gorgeous retriever and much loved by the whole family; Sarah, Mike, Luke and Emma