Unicorns are here

I finally figured out how to put together a decent horn for a unicorn. I got a few of them made and they are now in my Etsy store. I've also added a few dragons and another Nessie. I got a wonderful idea for some witch and wizard dolls. I'm working on those this week along with some paperwork I have to catch up on. Over all it's been fun the last week. I finally feel like I'm back in my groove. I just love my studio space for creating. I think it's working very well.





I've started adding inspiration to my bulletin board above the desk. One of the images is the word "play". When I'm in the studio, it does feel like playing. In fact I feel rather guilty that I am playing and not working. Even tho' this is now my work. I have always heard the saying about doing what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. I always thought that was a bit unrealistic. And, to be fair, it is. After all, just because one has found joy and yes, play, in their work doesn't mean that you don't have to deal with mundane stuff. There are always chores that have to be done, that don't appeal. However, I'm finding that when I'm really involved in creating something in my studio space, I still need to take breaks. When I take that break, I'm perfectly willing to do a bit of the mundane stuff before coming back to play. I'm really thinking that play is an essential part of being human.

Until next time...

West wind

Finally feeling like I'm getting back into the swing of working again this last week. Seemed like the last 6 weeks were not very productive on the toy end of things. Tho' I did make a lot of candy, do the craft show, and prior to that went to a wedding.

The fellow pictured to the left is the newest Pegasus. His name is Seferino, it means "west wind". This is the first time I've not used beads for eyes. I embroidered the eyes so it's a safer toy. The Pegasus is made of 100% wool felt, wool stuffing and cotton embroidery floss. I think it turned out rather well. I've got several unicorns and a dragon in process in the studio. They will all be created using the same materials. I liked the beads for eyes because it had that shine factor. But, as I mentioned, these are safer.

I've been thinking more about "play". It's amazing how much of play is hard wired into us. And, not just us, but other mammals too. Cats, dogs, bears and dolphins all play. The professionals will tell you that the animals are practicing their survival skills when they play. Thinking about that, since we are mammals too, wouldn't that make playing on our part a survival skill also? But, where a cat is practicing attacking prey, what is it we are practicing? If you look at playing team games, it makes sense. Humans need each other, to be able to work together for a common goal, in order to survive. But what about other things that we play? Card games, board games, musical instruments or even video games. How do they add to our survival? Something to think about.

Until next time...

Showtime

To start today, I realized about mid-week last week, that I didn't post last Friday. Things happen.

The picture today is from the Art in the Park craft show I was at on July 4th. I've been wanting to see the castle used as I imagined back in January when I started painting it.

It was a success. It drew people's attention. The children loved it and dragged parents or grandparents over to see it. The critters and dolls were well loved. I really didn't expect to sell many toys at this show. And, I only sold one dragon. But, come time for Christmas shows, I'm sure there will be sales. One little boy was so cute. He very seriously asked me if I played with the castle and the toys. I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't play with them. And I guess technically, I did "play" with them when I was arranging the display. (And re-arranged the display after others played with them. *smile*)

I've been noticing lately how I use the word "play" in my everyday language. I refer to gardening as "playing in the dirt". I play my flute. When I get tense when learning how to draw and paint, hubby reminds me that I'm playing with the colors. It does put a more relaxing spin on things. I even realized that I refer to my sewing of the toys as playing with thread. Talking with my son the other day, I was reminded that back when he was in high school I would advise him to "play the game" of class work as a way to motivate him to do his homework and to keep up his attendance. Another common phrase, though I don't use it much, is "playing the game of life".

This has led me to give some thought as to what "play" really means. The word implies fun and games and children. Yet, as adults we still refer to things we enjoy as play. We also try to psych ourselves up by referring to work, life and school as play. Playing seems to be serious business.

Until next time...