De-Monstrative Amigurumi Bears and Friends

Abandoning this blog :P

2009-12-27T12:56:00.001-08:00

Hi All :D

Some exciting news !!
Please visit Us now at DemonstrativeBears.com

I am very excited to tell you all that Demonstrative Bears now has it's own Domain.
I will be posting Often, offering new Designs, Kits and Patterns we will also be offering Amigurumi Lessons in the Portland Oregon area and Video lessons as well.

Re learning Good photography :P

2009-09-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Ok I promised myself I would post BEFORE I go this weekend. I am showing Samson who is as ready as he will get in Carson City this weekend. We will be driving 8 hrs one way to attend this event. I am excited and Nervous :D

I did take pics of the bears I finished and as the title says.... I have some work to do :P but here is my Favorite of the little guys....

New Bears :D

2009-09-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

I've been busy these last 2 days... Finishing. Which I dread, not for anything more than I have to think.

Crocheting once you memorize the pattern is mind numbing, simple, repetitive. VERY easy and can be interrupted at will to help a child, cleanup a mishap, answer the phone etc.

Finishing on the other hand takes concentration... like giving birth I must focus on bringing the personality out... create an imaginative... loving.. creature. This can hurt my head. Dinner NEVER happens on these days... and Quite honestly I can Crochet a LOT quicker than Create.

I finished 8 fellows in these last 2 days my favorite being held out for last... I will get pics tomorrow see if you can guess who it is ?

Till then :D

The fun of Juried shows... oh my tummy hurts

2009-09-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

I've chosen to apply to enter this Art show.... http://www.portlandartsbazaar.com/ This is a first for me. A I have never gone through the jurying process. B this show is in a very large community compared to my country quaint hometown :D

I am excited !!! Oh I hope I get in.... I hope I can get enough stock completed to make this reasonable..... Portland is nearly a 4 hr drive for me so I will have to go up the night before and then spend the night after too.

I am SCARED.... What if no one likes my guys ???? What if I get laughed at.... The other vendors are probably old pros at this :P

Well that is that I've entered and I will have to dive in Feet first !!! Wish me luck and if you are in the area.... Come Visit :D I will need all the moral support you can muster !!

http://www.portlandartsbazaar.com/ for more detail :D

Revisiting some old Favorites :D

2009-09-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Special orders of these guys are welcome.... Most items are $50 US and Though none will ever be exactly the same they will have their own personalitys :D This is Sapphire Crocheted from a wonderful Rayon Chenille he measures just around 3 inches, Fully jointed with Onyx bead eyes his face is needle felted in a wonderful soft wool.

A heart felt apology...

2009-09-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have just realized my Etsy account has been suspended. I am not sure what has happened but I am guessing that items were purchased that never got shipped.

I am very Sorry to anyone this happened to. Though this is nothing but an excuse... because I feel there are no reasons for any bad behavior. I should have been checking with Etsy especially when I no longer received bills from them.

My computer was attacked by a virus and it took me quite a while to get it fixed by then I just gave up.... I did not even crochet, I was pretty depressed for a good part of this year. Escaping into other potentials and reading an awful lot :P

This last year has been a very big turning point for my family.... My husband who is self employed but his only Contract is with the County.... NOT the one we live in. Has felt the economic turn very hard. We have been through many ups and downs and my health has seen the worst of it. I am a diabetic and stress is a large factor for my health. High Blood pressure and Kidney Failure being a few of the problems I have been dealing with....

I am at a point where I think the situation has settled... NOT what we had planned not even close. BUT I believe we are at a place that the pieces can start being picked up... I can start feeling good about myself again. I can start creating not destroying and avoiding.

To find the humor in life again.... I don't think we can go any lower.... BUT it has taught me to appreciate the simpler things.

Introducing a Micro Squirell

2009-09-17T19:03:00.001-07:00

Though it is obvious I need a better macro lens and I must mount my camera on a tri pod. This little darlin is TINY... It is sitting on my thumb nail :D Made from this great Wool Silk blend lace weight yarn that I really enjoy working with. I had a lot of fun designing this and the Acorn bag he will reside in. Better pictures soon :D I promise !!!

Howl will be moving to Israel :D

2009-09-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

Very Exciting news for me.... Howl will be moving to Israel. Where he will be Shown to his Best Abilities :D He will be a happy boy with a few quality Girl friends ;P

Though I will miss him he will be well loved and very special to his new owners.... I wish him Gods Speed and MANY Prizes !!!

A few more additions :D

2009-09-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

New Additions :D and 2 more girls due...

Another of my Distractions :D

2009-09-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

This guy is Samson he is the same breeding as Howl and ohhhhh.... the coat and personality :P I will be showing him in Carson City Nevada at the end of this month and today was his first day on the lead....

Today has been full of phone calls and possibilities a few disappointments and a Tragedy.... that is unfortunately one of the downfalls of being a breeder.. not all babys make it and no matter what I will never get used to it. My heart is saddened.

The exciting Possibilitie is that Howl may be going to either Isreal or Cannada to become a great Show dog..... I will keep you updated !!!

A Few of the things that occupy my time :D

2009-09-12T17:28:00.000-07:00

I train and Show AKC Pomeranians.... This is Howl he is just over a year and about ready to start his show career. He will be handled professionally, due to his extremely Competitive Confirmation, I have very high hopes for his career :D

I promise to myself and any one else out there that might care ?

2009-09-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

I know I am an Irregular Bear Artist and an even more irregular Blogger. But.... That is changing !!! Turning over a new leaf and I WILL Cross my heart Blog every other day at the least and I WILL Complete one Project a week... promise cross my heart hope to burn my yarn stash. You know that is a good promise no crocheter in their right mind would do that !!!

I did finish a Bear. This little Black Bears name is Kanji.

Button eyed Bunny Kit

2009-03-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah !! I got her done :D
This is a limited edition kit and I've limited this particular bunny to 10.

She is available in My Etsy store.
Remember free shipping to all Blog Followers !! Just note your order with MINE

You will need 1.75mm crochet hook, darning needle

Kit includes

Detailed instructions
Cotton Chenille
wool for Dress
Buttons for eyes
button decorations
Flower
Poly fill

All this comes in an adorable Lilac take out box finished with a Brown and Black Gingham Bow.

2009-03-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Do you want a side business or an empire?

I have an empire haven't you seen my shop.... It is full of gorgeous Snails... Happy Turtles... Button eyed Bunnies...To mention a few.

To tell the truth my Empire is over flowing and I need to place some of the subjects who reproduce ohhhh... Like.. I don't know Bunnies...

To me this is a creative outlet :P It keeps me sane... keeps me from yelling at the kids. Gives me a sense of purpose.

I am a stay at home mom and being from the generation of SUPER MOMS.... you know who you are.

Doing this makes me feel like it is OK!! not being a Corporate Lawyer who does not miss a single recital or Ball game.

I am special... not just special needs XD and my kids don't play ball or dance.... They squabble and give me hugs !

Today I made a Bunny for my son.

Tomorrow I will work on shipping my orders

A Few wonderful thigs :D

2009-03-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

A few Wonderful things have been happening here at Demonstrative.

First I was Featured on I Made That http://madethat.blogspot.com/ a Wonderful experience and a True joy to be appreciated. If you would like to learn more about me and my motivation. Check out the interview. My Heartfelt Thanks goes out to the incredible team that runs this Blog !!

I also received my first wholesale order !! Brilliant Stranger will be carrying my Button Crochet kits in there real life Brick and Mortar Store http://www.brilliantstranger.com/ So if you happen to be visiting Fish Creek Wisconsin.. Check them out !! and Thank you for this opportunity Dawn.

Funny how a little appreciation can make you feel so great !!

On a Personal Note XD

2009-03-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today is my Anniversary. 17 years to be precise :D
Funny that we got married on the Ides of March. Did not plan it that way but it just happen to be the weekend Date that we could book for the hall.

The Ides of March (Latin: Idus Martias) is the name of the date 15 March in the Roman calendar. The term ides was used for the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of the other eight months.^[1] In Roman times, the Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars and a military parade was usually held. In modern times, the term Ides of March is best known as the date that Julius Caesar was assassinated, in 44 BC, the story of which was famously dramatized in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar.^[2]

I was SO Pregnant that 2 weeks before the wedding I all of a sudden did not fit in my wedding dress LOL... Allison was born to the day 3 months later.
It was a good wedding. Simple.... Planned by myself with friends help. A very good friend played piano for us. He passed away months later.

I should have known then what I was getting into. We had lived together for 5 years Prior. When we found out I was pregnant, He proposed "I think we have to get married now"

I love my husband very much and he is a good guy. Does not cheat, drink, etc. Really no bad vices. The only thing I can fault him for is not being attentive. He nearly missed the birth of all three of our children. Because he had something else to do. Mind you he was there most of the time but when it really counted. His attention was somewhere else.

AND of Course today he is off taking the Trailer to the Dump.... It needs to be done... it has needed to be done for 10 months now :P LOL... The Burden of having an Attention Deficit Husband.... is you are left needing attention.

Happy Anniversary to me :D I wonder if he will even remember?

Blushing your crocheted Beauty

2009-03-12T17:57:00.001-07:00

When I started making amigurumi I noticed that some not all had very cute blush. I also studied Artist Anime bears and they all were shaded to some degree. Loved the look but could not fathom how it was accomplished. High end Artist bears are airbrushed, giving fantastic 3 dimensional texture and I wanted to carry this technique over to Amis.. After much trial and error I've finally fond a application that is consistent and attractive. Most Importantly it is Simple.

You will need a Fabric paint pen in the color you desire, water and a q tip. I like to apply before I attach eyes. Simply wet your area that you want blushed then rub the pen lightly in the area. It will bleed so keep the color inside the center of the damp spot. You can also Smudge the area with you finger, but remember you now have paint on you finger :D

This Bunny is blushed only on the cheeks. In a more detailed piece with more facial detail I will darken behind the eyes and add blush above the nose and on the chin. I will also darken a little at the top of the embroidered nose to create a harder looking stop.

Play around with this technique and see what you like best. Your personal preferences will drive you to the best blushed Ami.

Where did the day go?

2009-03-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

A Pile of Amigurumi body parts all ready to have ends put in and sewn together. This picture was taken at 9 am. Ok.... now ask the question :D how much did I get done ? 2 of the little girls are done.

It totally amazes me how much of my day is spent in other things. I ran movies back, helped my husband get tires for the tractor and took my son to Boy Scouts. Of course this was three different trips and we live 10 miles out of town.

I made Dinner, watered the seedlings in the green house. Fed the goats, chickens and Ducks. Groomed and took pictures of 2 of my Pomeranians that are going to new Show homes Over seas. It is now 7:30 and I have to pick up my son still.

The kids will go to bed at 9 and then MAYBE I will be able to work :D

Socktpus Kit available

2009-03-07T16:05:00.000-08:00

I found this great raglan wool and first thought was Sock Animals, Micro Sock animals.

So I came up with this little guy to start with. I think an elephant and maybe a Monkey but I mean Sock monkeys are kind of chic cool.... I just don't like to follow that Geekery pop.

My guys are from my heart I don't do them because they will sell. I do them because they tickle my fancy. When they tickle someone else too... That is just amazing !!

I seem to be stuck on button eyes though... for some reason ;D

My Socktopus is available in either my Etsy shop, or you can make purchases directly from my webpage.

Chibi Bunnies

2009-03-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Well here they come :D

This girl is a little taller than her sister. She Loves to dress up and wears a Blue bell dress. Notice the leafs at her neck. She delights in doing hand stands on the blue bell stems and her yellow stockings make it so she blends in perfectly.

So.... when you hear that fainting tinkling when you walk by the blue bell patch followed by what you think is a tiny dainty giggle. It very likely could be this little darling.

Button Eyed Mermaid Bunny

2009-03-05T18:37:00.000-08:00

Ok... I am horrible :D

I did not get Button eyed Bunnies Siblings completed today. Though I did get all the crocheting on them done !!

I had a horrible headache. I get them occasionally but today's was triggered by a candle that fell off the mantel and melted onto my wood stove. My husband cleaned up as much as he could get but it had melted into every nook and cranny.

Don't get me wrong I LOVE candles but 13 hours of very strong paraffin .... I have a deep respect to all those Candle makers out there.

SO.... Instead I made this little girl. I will get better pictures tomorrow and post them . I love the concept of a mermaid with a belly button. I makes them so magically. Those of us practical think people who think..... HMMM how are they born ?? I do think a smaller button next time though ...

Guppies give live birth so I think these MerRabbits are very Prolific :D

Soon to come the Button eye Bunch

2009-03-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

SOON !! Today I hope to finish this girls siblings.... I tend to want to crochet and finishing is hard to get to... I often have to force myself to work on finishing. I tell myself you can get a Soda when you've sewn all the bodies together. LOL...

BUT this project is different... very different... I actually find myself saying I want to get this done and then I will go get a shower.

Button Eye Bunny is a very simple design but I think that gives her, her character. I find it is so endearing. What do you think ?

SPRING SPECIAL :D Mention you follow my blog and get Free shipping on any of my Etsy Shop items. Great way to try out one of my Wildly Popular Crochet Kits !!

2009-03-03T13:53:00.001-08:00

Finally !! I have got some pictures of Button eye Bunny Done :D

Though I did not get my photo area clean.

I had my husband build me a table top photo table. I am not really happy with the shadows in the shot but I think with an independent flash It should improve.

I am working on a video and Pdf formatted Pattern for this little girl.

If you are interested please feel free to Post a comment and I will let you know when the pattern is available.

Meanwhile this Sweet little girl and some friends will be available in my Etsy shop. Link is to your right :D

2009-02-26T20:50:00.000-08:00

I Know not THE Button eyed doll.... But I found these cute little Tins today and Just had to make something. She is SO Cute :D

I will get more shots of her tomorrow. When I actually get the photo studio area cleaned.

Kids have the day off from school and I have a few chores to get done. I have to call the Pear Orchard about the trees they are taking out. My husband Greg does Lathe work and Fruit wood is always wonderful for tureen work.

I will also take advantage of the day and get the cold frames started.... I know Lettuce and Spinach in 2 of them but.... I don't know about the third maybe a succession of Green onions and Cilantro that way I will always have them for Fried rice right there at hand.

I also would really like to get to organizing my finishing cart... hmmmm....

It's Tuesday???? I think ????

2009-02-24T18:12:00.000-08:00

I just Realized that Tuesday... Wednesday and Thursdays always get me confused :P

I think those that go to a nine to five job may understand this better than I do.... But my life is simpler to some extinct much more confusing. ESPECIALLY since I am a very flighty person :D

Some of us have wings for different reasons.... Mine are for chasing my fancys LOL....

I did get a few things on my list done

My desk is CLEAN !!

NEW improved Webpage did get loaded though there are many unfinished areas. If you are so inclined go check it out.

http://redhotpoms.com/Demonstrativewebsite/

Button Doll is still unfinished but tomorrow she is first on the list..... well maybe seconds puppies need a bath :D

I REALLY want to make another Felted Face Rabbit !!!

and Squid with one eye needs Tentacles

My Montera for today is my favorite line from Coraline said by her other houses toy Squid

"I want to Hug your Face "

It just makes me happy :D

What to write on your blog ?

2009-02-24T07:22:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a few ways to approach this. You can make a to do list, a what I've accomplished, What wonders I've discovered on the internet.....

I don't think any of these really fits me..... SO I've decided that my blog will be the Daily ramblings of the Crazy Crocheting girl.

Today I will be revisiting one of my favorite pieces. This is Bok Choy not only do I LOVE the name for this little chocolate rabbit but his little jungle bell Lettuce toy just intrigues me.

Bok Choys face is needle felted and he stands just about 3.5 inches his feet and arms are wired for great possibility..... Down to his whiskers just a fun Amigurumi.....

I think I will make another soon...........

Todays to do list includes finishing the button eye doll... She need a foot and her eyes sewn on. Complete and upload Demontrative new improved website.
Clean my desk.... YUCK.... But I can barely find the Keyboard LOL
hmmmmm.... Maybe time to make a Rabbit :D

Hmmmmm.... What do you think ?

2009-02-22T21:44:00.001-08:00

I know I am suppose to be confident and assured with my Blog but truth is I have NO CLUE what I am doing.....

What I do know is when I crochet I feel right at home.... Even on new items I rarely have to rip out unless it is a porportion issue.... I do need to start writing instructions down for myself at least. Since sometimes it is difficult to revisit a design by reading the stitches from a picture LOL....

I also know I have things I need to improve on BLOGS Being one..... Actually completeing a design from beginning to end..... The new kits are on the back burner while I finish a Button eyed Doll.... YES.... we went and watched Coraline at the theaters... OF COURSE.... I rushed home to make my own version....

she is nearly done..... she needs one Yellow Wellied covered foot and 1/2 her hair done. Then her face and last her button eyes.

I think I will offer a Custom Self Button Eye Doll on my website.... you know email me a picture and I will make a doll in yours or your loved ones image....What do you guys think ??

A new Beginning :D

2009-02-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

I would like to Introduce ~JoJo~ HE stands 5.5 inches tall and is crocheted from a Cotton Chenille I really love the Quilter effect it creates.

~JoJo~ is up for Auction on Ebay

Just follow the link or search DB&F...

Amigurumi Baby Bear :)

2007-10-09T19:46:00.001-07:00

Baby Bear doesn't have much to say :) and is SO........ Quite !!!!!!!!!

New Kit Baby Bear :)

2007-10-09T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all here is the new kit :) This guy works up in a matter of hours and just is precious !!!! Baby Bear stands 4 inches tall and is so soft :)

Check out my Etsy Shop at the bottom of this page !!

More Amigurumi still too come :)

2007-10-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

Plain Jane a sweet gray bunny Dressed to Tricker Treat in her Witches costume.

Then there is Amu and Nuigurumi Panda Sister and Brother both wearing Powder blue.

We also have a Pocket Pal design in the works patterns almost done :)

Really too tired this evening :P

So here is a definition from Wikipedia of Amigurumi

Amigurumi (編み包み, Amigurumi^? lit. Knitting a stuffed toy) is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. Amigurumi are typically cute animals (such as bears, rabbits, cats, dogs, etc.), but can include inanimate objects endowed with anthropomorphic features. Amigurumi can be knitted, but the vast majority of amigurumi are crocheted.

Amigurumi are usually crocheted out of yarn. The simplest designs are worked in spirals. In contrast to typical Western crochet the rounds are not usually joined. They are also worked with a smaller size needle in proportion to the weight of the yarn in order to create a very tight-looking fabric without any gaps through which the stuffing might escape. Amigurumi are usually worked in sections and then joined (some amigurumi have no limbs whatsoever and the body and head is worked as one piece). The extremities are often stuffed with plastic pellets to give them a life-like weight, while the rest of the body is stuffed with fiber stuffing.

The pervading aesthetic of amigurumi is cuteness. To this end, typical amigurumi animals have an over-sized spherical head on a cylindrical body with undersized extremities.

Amigurumi Pansy the Purple Pussy Cat

2007-10-06T18:23:00.001-07:00

Here is Pansy she is ready to go on a nice crisp Fall walk :) Pansy likes to walk it burns off her energy that other wise may not have been used for the best.

Our First Amigurumi Kit !!!

2007-10-04T00:20:00.001-07:00

This is an Amigurumi kit for Louis in his Red Devil Halloween costume...
We provide Pattern, Yarn, Embroidery Cotton, eyes, Poly fill and Poly beads.
All you need but your C/2-2.75 Crochet hook, Tapestry and Darning needles.
Packed in a Chinese Take out box so you even have a handle :)

New Amigurumi to come !!

2007-10-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

As you all can see I am enjoying this New found Doll making form :) I hope to be able to offer a Kit for Meowriec and Cupcake later this week ... and now... 3 new girls standing just about 12 inches. Pictures to come later this week.

Pansy, a purple Kitty Cat sporting a lime green hooded dress, The cutest Mary Janes and my FAVORITE striped stockings. the detail of lace on her undies is so precious.

Rose, a Black cat in a warm red hooded dress. Laced bobbie socks and Mary Janes.

And Millie the Monkey she is Blonde beautiful and sporting a cute little short sleeve dress.

Amigurumi Kitty Monster " Vanda "

2007-09-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Vanda is SO CUTE !!! just love the Bob Haircut and Tiny little fangs .....

BUT don't tell her !!! I am not sure how she would react...

Amigurumi " Louis " Wearing Devil Costume

2007-09-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

This is Louis !! He has so much fun on Halloween trick or treating we can't get him OUT of his costume !!!

Louis's little horned hoodie slips off over his ears and the Draw cords are finished with wonderful Black Bone beads.

Louis is so Ready for Halloween !!!

Amigurumi Bunny Rabbit " Ruby "

2007-09-30T15:56:00.001-07:00

Ruby is a Sweet little girl Bunny Rabbit.

Her hoodie can come up and down. The Hoodies Draw Strings are finished with Clear glass oval beads and Faux Pearls button her little Pink Sleeper up.

Meowriec Calls a friend to join him !!

2007-09-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

Daisy went to join Meowriec faster than her tail could spin !!! But pictures of the rest of the gang will be done tomorrow... I swear !! We have Meowry, Melvin, the Twins and So... so ... Sweet Cup cake. Louis in his little Devil Costume and Vanda who we aren't quite sure if she is in costume or not???? She is a little strange ??? Unpredictable is probably the better word...

Sapphire also has a few friends Topaz and Ruby.... Lilith is still in progress but she has a budding personality :P

We will miss Meowriec

2007-09-22T19:06:00.001-07:00

Though I doubt he will miss us :) Meowriec found his family and adopted them..... I think he saw the bird on her back and plans to pounce it the first opportunity he gets !!!He always had that demeanor..... Alas no pictures but I do see a doppelgänger in my future.

Sapphire Bunny

2007-09-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

This is Sapphire Bunny doesn't she look Delicious ??? No wonder Lil Mom wants to EAT her !!!

Busy little monster day !!!

2007-09-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

The monsters had me busy today !! Voodoo Him and Her are nearly complete :) Lil Mom is done and hungry !!!! If she doesn't get some love soon she is going to eat Sapphire the bunny........ Bunting and all :P Meowriec the Black cat just indignantly sits there and cleans his paws like nothing is going on and well me???? I am trying desperately to get a few helpers made !!! I think Lilith will be a big help once she has arms and legs to catch the terrors with LOL....

Here is a Picture of Lil mom wouldn't think she was so needy but she is !!

De-Monsterative Amigurumi

2007-09-19T09:24:00.001-07:00

Not really sure where to start. I am a 37 year old Homemaker. Married with 4 kids. I Have been doing Needle Art since I was 5 years old and made toys at that time :) I spent 3 years in Art School only to discover I can be a poor starving artist with out a degree.....

I spent 2 years in my early twenties as a Commercial Furrier... This lead to Designing and making High end Fur animals. My eldest Daughter enjoys and Draws Anima. Recently I've combined my talents to create some of her images in 3 d !! Come to find out it is called Amigurumi..... I will soon post some pictures of these nifty little guys !!