New everything!

So I have been in my new job for nearly three weeks now. It has it's ups and downs but I am just thankful that I have one at the moment! So hard to find a good paying job in England these days.... I also have a moving date for a new house me and my boyfriend have applied for. It's a lovely two bedroom house in Bebington. The only down side is that we are moving in 5 days before Christmas! Stressful times ahead.... I thought I would post a few of the general things I have been working on over the past month. I had an idea for my shop to give each plush I sell their own passport to show more of their story and bring them to life. Here is an example for a monster creation I made with the idea of giving the monster character via a recognisable occupation (Pilot)...

 

Now available to buy in my shop at : 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84767978/monster-pilot-plush-with-very-own

I have also been painting again (when I get the chance after work.) It's been a strange feeling because it usually kicks in at about half 9 at night. I get sudden urges to paint something, much to my boyfriend's annoyance ^_^ lol

Here is a lion speed painting that took about an hour. I think he is quite handsome hehe

This little guy (left) was original made to be sold in my shop however I have grown quite fond of him so will keep hold of him for now...

This design of an office monster (purple guy!) will be next on the production line for my shop....

I have also watched a series on TV recently called Art Race. It shows two artists making a journey from one end of America to the other by surviving only on the money they make from their art along the way! Such an inspiring series. The artists were Ben Sargent and Kenny Harris, both amazing artists in their own right.

Sock Monster Tutorial

This is my first Sock Monster Tutorial. I finally got around to finishing it. Anyone can easily make a Sock Monster as my detailed video shows you the step by step process. Why not have a go yourself!

My monster's name is Calcifer after Stuido Ghibli's character from 'Howls Moving Castle' :D I used alot of stuffing to make him that much more rounded and cute looking...

Socks are so inexpensive and have the most variety of patterns. The best thing about Sock Monsters is that every monster usually turns out different than the last, which is the whole point. Each is original and unique, you cant go wrong! If something doesnt go to plan then it usually only adds to the character of your creation.

Enjoy x

Moving on with lots of books...

So I had a job working in a special needs school and now the funding has been cut, therefore my contract cannot be extended :( This is so sad as i will miss all of the children as well as the girls in the office that I worked with... I tried to eat throughout the day in work to break up my lunch a bit which earned me the name 'Oink' lol (as in i eat like a pig) So I made this cute little guy out of a sock as a farewell mascot to leave in the office.

I have recently purchased a book when I was shopping on Bold Street the other day and I have been inspired! It is called 'The Daily Zoo' and details two stories. On one hand it is a sketchbook packed with fantastic illustrations. And the other side to this book details the man behind these wonderful drawings battling through Cancer. During his entire recovery he focused on drawing one animal a day for a year to give himself something to focus on, rather than the pain he was feeling. Its quite touching to hear his story, not to mention his sensational work! I recommend this to everyone as it puts your life right back into perspective.
I have been a bit of a bookworm lately as I also have books on my wishlist. Keri Smith is an amazing Author how makes books to suit people with creative minds. I already own her best seller 'Wreck this Journal' where the actual book is created my the owner to experiment with. I would like to own her other works 'Living out Loud' and 'How to be an explorer of the World.' She is also inspiring and gives any creative person hope in this sometimes dull, routine existence.
Anyway, book babble aside I have been throwing myself into my work more than ever and actually have enough time to finish a painting! This painting I have done recently is of a beautiful Cheetah. So graceful but powerful at the same time. His name is Lief, which means Love in Afrikaans. It is more of an observation of a friend who reminds me of this wonderful creature. A South African born, freckled wonder :D Heres to you Allistair...

New Soft Sculpture for 2011

Here is a selection of my new work, four of them have already been sold. Christmas was very successful and I gained over £150 just from one customer in the US. My website is in the process of being made and my new logo is at the top of this blog :D I am pretty happy with it. A pufferfish is the perfect mascot because its cute but assertive and is so distinctive, one of my favourite animals as I used to own two. R.I.P Mimi and Yoshi :(

I have also made my biggest creation yet called Ghibli. Proudly named after the amazing Studio Ghibli Anime series. A huge Chinese dragon, which is also my star sign.

Affectionate Gizmos Shop

So I havent updated in a while. Neglected my blog a lot :| My online store has become a major success! With 12 sales and two more on the way... a new unicorn plush has been reserved as well as comissions for: a purple and black sleeping dragon, miniature tiger and Prince Arin doll from the 80's cartoon Teddy Ruxpin! All from one person! My plushies have increased in quality and complexity so so much! My first ever sale on the shop (small pink dragon) was handstitched and nothing compared to what I make now lol Even the photographs of the items has gone massively upgraded.

Recent Plushies (Griffin and Dinosaur)

I have now started my records of sales in a spreadsheet of all my costs, profits, shipping, buyers etc. Hopefully inserting my buisness cards into my packaging when sending an item will pay off and gain more customers. I feel quite pleased that I have listed a unicorn plush and had a buyer reserve it on the same day! Awesome :D

Exhibits, custom orders and liverpoolgallery.com

Ok so this post is way over due but ive just been too busy. I entered a photography competition/exhibition and one of my photographs was selected to go on display. I didnt win the overall competition but was delighted that I was able to add another venue to my exhibition list. The image selected is called 'Winters Playground' and was taken in Liscard, Central Park. The other photograph I entered was not choosen as there were so many applicants that most people only had one photo displayed if any. As well as this good news I also sold two more plushies from my etsy shop. Someone in California wanted two custom made pufferfish to travel around the world with as her mascot. :D More great news is that I have numerous photographs for sale on www.liverpoolgallery.com Check them out! I will be adding more soon so watch this space...

Things look positive!

Well I am so pleased as I have recently just sold my first item from my etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AffectionateGizmos) and I have also been excepted into a collabaration group for the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool for a years work experience. As well as planning my degree show I will be keeping you updated on the photography competitions I will be entering. Wish me luck!