Petzi, a little animal I made for my own collection from an Eileen Seifert pattern

I really admire the designs of Eileen Seifert.  Over time I have bought and hoarded quite a few of her patterns.  Oh, to find the time to make all the things that inspire me!
A few years ago I was practising making faces with a press mold.  Most of them turned out awful and were thrown away, but I kept a few that I felt had potential for an altered art project in future.  Recently I came across one of these and thought it looked rather like a cat.  It gave me the idea that I could adapt Eileen's Petzi pattern and make one.  This is the result.

I rescaled the pattern to make an 8cm (3 inch) animal, turned the teddy ears into pointy ears, and made a tail.  My cat-Petzi turned out like a rather well stuffed sausage.  I love the old fashioned look. 
Here is the original pattern.  Also have a look at Eileen's other patterns.  You will be inspired!

Teddy Manufaktur

 

Care Packages for the Elderly - Handed Over!

Yesterday Frikkie and his Lifemed team handed over the care packages that we put together at Tin Soldiers to a group of elderly people in Pretoria.  Here's a picture of the happy conclusion to this year's project.  A big round of applause to everyone who participated!

Birthday Tiger

It's a birthday tiger, and it's mine!  This little cutie amigurumi tiger with his birthday cake was made by Tania.  Isn't he just gorgeous?

 

Monday again

This is me today.  Must be because it's Monday.  I have dates for workshops to share with you.  Will do it as soon as there's a calm moment.

Little dolls in my attic workroom

As the end of the year approaches, time seems to run faster and faster. Right now I would like to start slowing down, spend time with family and friends, and browse through all the delectable Christmas goodies on offer in the shops. Instead I’m trying to meet the demand for workshops, trying to fill orders, trying to get the calendar out for the first weeks of next year before all my customers disappear away on holiday. Sometimes in the evening I feel as though all I’ve been doing is trying to get things done all day! Such is the lot of the self-employed.

One can also see the state of ‘business’ when you look at my attic work room. Right now there’s no space for a new project on my painting table, and little dolls are scattered as though it’s Santa’s workshop. All I need is a few elves to help. What will help is that a friend is coming to visit for a few days next week. Nothing like an important visitor to encourage frantic activity, putting things back in their places and tidying away the late night sweetie wrappers!

Wishing you a creative and productive weekend.