Monday, March 16, 2009

the owls

So I got a little time in my studio this weekend, and I was able to finish up these owl softies that I've been working on. They're for Ben and Faith in their Easter baskets. Do teens need a stuffed owl in their baskets? I don't know, but I agonize these days over not getting them useless junk but still wanting to do a basket (or Christmas stocking, or trail of hearts goodies . . . you get the idea). I think handmade is a good middle ground. They'll get some candy too, of course. I'm not anti-candy in the least. I would feel even better about these if they were totally natural fiber. But they're not--they're stuffed with poly-fil, which I love because it's cheap and widely available, but then we can't really say these "go back to the earth" can we. Ditto with the interfacing. I have a big bag of wool stuffing but always think it's "too good" to use. Silly, I know. I need to find some cotton stuffing.
Now about the owls. I made these up on my own, based on some others I had seen. This is basically how I draw an owl--the pattern was drawn freehand, as were the individual feet. I like that they're are kind of quirky. I love the Ikea fabric I used for the boy owl.
And since I do have one daughter, it was fun to go all pink for the girl.
I like that the boy's back is totally different from his front, since the Ikea print is so large.
And here are the feet. I'd like to do more owls, maybe on shirts for the little boys. Up next, felt bunnies for the little boys' baskets.

19 comments:

Our Green Nest said...

They are so cute! I order organic cotton fill from here and it's wonderful: http://www.organiccottonplus.com/notions.html
Have a great week!

Joy said...

Those owls are super cute! Did you follow a tutorial from somewhere or did you make them up? My older kids would LOVE those. :)

Carrie said...

I love these. I think they will be much loved. Though maybe not until they are in their 20s!

Michaela said...

They are super cute and a perfect idea for Easter.

Melissa said...

Awesome! We love owls around here, too. I would love to make some little ones for my little ones.

Mary Beth said...

Our Green Nest--thank you so much! I'll make the transition to cotton happily.

Joy--they're all my own. It feels good just to make something up (and have it work out). Usually I'm a tutorial follower.

Carrie--I hope you are right!

Sarah said...

Very fun. I know that Hels would like something "more modern" in her Easter basket.... It will be here before I know it. Hope things go well at the hospital today.

ames said...

*Love* the owls!!

Anonymous said...

So sweet!

You could start using your scraps(or old clothes) as stuffing or with the stuffing to cut down how much you need.

Theo-Ann said...

absolutely adorable! great job!:)

christina said...

Oh those owls are very cute!!

tawnya said...

Those are so, so, so cute. I'm 35, but I think I may need an owl in my basket this year!

Arrica said...

As I have been blog hoppin' I have seen some wonderful fabrics.
I was wondering, where do you get your fabric from?

BTY- Your Owls are sweet.
Arrica

Jessica said...

Those owls are great...I've been searching for some organic filler recently, too.

Anonymous said...

cute owls - Ikea is really good for fabric isn't it
lisa x

Anonymous said...

I like the owls! I have an idea for a bunny I am working on for a shower gift for a friend. Your owls somewhat remind me of what I was going for. Very cute!

Gretchen said...

so cute!

Gift of Green said...

Okay, place a few of those on Etsy and I will be your first sale! :) Adorable!

Natalie said...

They owls are fab. Who wouldn't love one of these in their Easter basket?

For me, the best thing about Christmas morning was the stocking. It was always the first thing we opened, even when there was a dazzling new bike standing in front of the tree. I am 42 years old and my mom still stuffs my old, faded Christmas stocking. It is still one of the best things about Christmas and I look forward to it every year.

Would I have known and appreciated that as a teenager? Definitely not but it is the love that counts. Your Easter baskets will be full of love and owls. That's a winning combination in my book.