Monday, June 28, 2021

Three Small Things


Do you remember when I told you about the The Tray in March? This weekend I closed my eyes, put out my hand, and grabbed something to finish. As luck would have it, the something had a brother so I figured it  might as well be two.

 

These little critters are called Ouch! and Carol Casey of CAZ bears designed them. Way back in 2006, as it turns out. She taught a workshop to make them here in the studio. The students had the option to accessorize their lizard/bird/bear hybrid animals with porcupine quills and Guinea fowl feathers to make a uniquely African creation. You can see from the templates that the original animal was significantly larger. Since I prefer miniatures, I reduced the pattern.

 

At the time, I tested the pattern and started making two little animals so that I could advise students if they needed help with their pre-sewing for the class. My Achilles heel is that once I have figured something out, I often lose interest and move on to the next thing without finishing it. I think here it might rather have been a lack of time. I know I was always very busy serving refreshments and assisting the teacher when there was a workshop on. Having a look at my mini-Ouchies, I decided that only three things were needed to finish them.

How can one breathe fire without a nose?

 

Unlike teddy bears, bunnies and dragons, as well as many other soft sculpture animals often look good with just an outline for a nose. Adding those few simple stitches gave these two a mischievous look and pranksters should not be flying around without fair warning.

 

I gave them each a collar with a bell. 

The third, and final, thing that remained to be done was to use coloured ink to add some shadows and definition to nose, toes, belly, and wings.


Aren't they two distinguished looking fellows? 

 

The Ouchies are available for adoption on my website.

Wishing you all a wonderful week!





 

 


10 comments:

  1. A nice finish for a couple of mischievous little Ouches. Who couldn't love them! Now, I think I will close my eyes and reach in to see what comes out.

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  2. OMG! Those are just the cutest little creatures. I’ve always said finishing is over rated, but they are well worth finishing.

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  3. Ooooh Megan, how have you ever hide these adorable critters away from us who love to see them..?? They look so cute, made with love, they have great looks!!!
    I'm looking forward to see more things/projects from your tray, finished by you ;).
    Stay well!
    Hugs, Ilona

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  4. Totally adorable. Love these little guys :)

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  5. Los dos son encantadores, has logrado unas caras muy traviesas; lo mejor también que los hayas terminado. Besos

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  6. The difference three little things can make... I'm glad that the Ouchies made it from "The Tray" to your talented hands now (although I should better say "FINALLY!!!" *LOL*). What a pity these cuties with so much character and personality had to wait for so long although it took just three little things - and one of them being the alarm bell. *LOL* I really enjoyed to meet these funny, special critters.

    Hugs
    Birgit

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  7. These fellows are absolutely precious! It was a great grab from the basket!

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  8. Adorable little creatures!
    Hugs, Drora

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