Poppalina

Now this...this is definitely a bear

No two ways about it.

By Shula. Recycled blanket wool, silk. 55cm.

Okay, so that's it, I'm off. I have an overwhelming urge to head north, to wear a polyester tracksuit and sing 'Every sperm is sacred' on station platforms, sporting a beatific smile and one of those dear little mini-backpacks.

Not.

Who in their Non-Christian Right Mind would travel to Sydney during World Youth Week?

I s'pose it could be worse. Could be World Youth Crack Week.

However, if I don't post by next Friday, someone send out a search party. I may need de-briefing.

Even the bear looks worried.

It's a Bear! ... no, hang on, it's a rabbit

Hard to tell, really.

One thing is certain: she does look like she's holding a pie.

But she's 100% childproof, and that makes me happy. Call me old fashioned, but I'm trying to produce toys, here, that aren't potentially deadly for Really Little Children.

43cm. Recycled blanket wool, silk, hand embroidery. By Shula. Face design by Mym.

Close, But No Cigar

The Bear needs More Work.

He has a number of Technical Problems, not the least of which is a nose that looks like a fungus growth.

Never mind. Mym likes him, so now he belongs to her.

Emergency Surgery

What to do when the dog eats the eyes off your toy puppy, unwittingly removing its entire face in the process?

No worries. Just build him a new one.

Proving, once and for all, that skin graft rejections can be effectively minimised by the liberal application of navy blue wool

T Minus 3

 

T Minus 6

Anyone in Melbourne trying to buy a Wii for a Loved One?

Forgeddabowdit.

They're not to be had for love nor money.

Communication will be Churlish and Brief, until after Boxing Day

But there will be photos.

And I did warn you about the starfish. I have a Great Many to make.

 

Thus Spake Poppalina

I've had these guys for weeks, and so badly wanted to show them off,

But my head has been full of Other Things.

So Florence, my apologies.

Those poor, lost souls who are still unfamiliar with the work of Florence Forrest will find whatever they need to know about Toys, the Universe, and Everything here.

I am a earnest admirer of Florence's work. Her designs are considered, soulful, tactile, unmistakably Australian and, above all, beautifully executed.

Just look how neat these babies are:

Stitching to make your mum proud, that is.

So.

Keep an eye on this girl.

She's Going Places.

   

Kooky Little Dudes

I was talking with my friend, Sandra, yesterday about the way we swing between 'serious' work and toy-making.

I couldn't tell you why we do this, exactly, but I do know that the urge to create a toy comes upon me suddenly, from somewhere deep and instinctual. To ignore it would be not only counter-intuitive but, quite conceivably, perilous.

[A bit like throwing salt over my left shoulder- does anybody else do that? I simply have to.]

And, you get some kooky little dude at the end of it.

Or somebody does, anyway.

Yael Frankel

No drawings today. Staring at my sketch pad for the last 4 days without blinking has messed up my eyes. Now I look a bit like this:

A short break would be prudent.

On a lighter note, I got a parcel in the mail today. Is everyone a fan of Yael Frankel, or is it just me? I love everything she makes. She lives in Buenos Aires, and has her Etsy shop here :

Such a distinctive style. Her images speak to me. I'd like one of everything.

Ok, that's it. I'm trying to stay away from screens tonight.