lalootka's attic

(sniff) I'm touched

2010-10-27T12:55:00.004+01:00

Lowcy Dizajnu expanding site about design, run by a tallented Pawel Rosner and associates, mentioned us, means Lalootka, saing that if only they had children, they would play with lalootka toys - isn't it cute? Lovely, Thank you very much! it's so nice to see lalootka little creatures among professional designers - that's more than a casual compliment :)

Swinging moods of blogspot... For comforting - Fishcakes

2010-10-26T21:59:00.010+01:00

Today my blog is trojan free.... fuffiness of blogspot amazes me, indeed. One day it's fine - another - it's not. But - who cares. I visit here once in a while (for this heck trojan thing that none of my computer scientists friends and family members understands and can stop).

To comfort myself in face of capricious blog space, I want to recall one of my favourites: Fishcakes by uber-tallented and endowed with a peculiar sense of humour Voz Perkins . I like her doodles since I saw them, quite some years ago, on flickr (yes, there was a time, when I was doing doodles myself....) Kid's Kitchen Set with an apron embroidered with her "I Cook" and "I Bake" monsters, and coordinated set of recipe cards is still the coolest cooking/ baking set ever.
(And I LOVE Mahar Drygoods for great taste for children's toys, accessories and costumes - I've taken the photo of Voz's kitchen set from their site - thank you)
The sketcheress produced a lot of goods for last two years - you can see them (and buy them) here and many other places, too.

"Stay for Lunch" series with her whimsical monsters looks delicious - I can't wait to see them in person.

elephants that entertain

2010-08-25T23:35:00.007+01:00

Can environmentally friendly clothing be beautiful? Can earth-friendly toy be cute? But of course. And can it be affordable? Absolutely. Maybe not in Poland, but some other places, it can.
I like Entertaining Elephants for the simplicity of the outfits they offer.

Peasant dress is one of their long time hits (I've seen this company about 5 years ago) - large paisley on black background is my favourite, and would LOVE to have such a tunic with puff sleve for myself (I fancied myself riding a bike in this tunic and leggins, with a shawl waving -, no, maybe this shawl isn't great idea for I have no intention to be another Isadora Duncan. But the tunic stays.)

Or dress with decorative hem - maybe it would be great as a tunic too - made of double layer of silk printed in birds. What is the best: this dress is not cute - it's just beutiful dress also a mother would want to have.
Maybe that's the key for my choice for children's clothes - I like only those clothes I wouldn't mind wearing.

And their have an excellent logo - putting it in front of each item, with no woven labels was excellent idea. And it's also environmentally friendly.

Among toys my favourite is this set of tableware - all made of recycled milk jugs!
It seems that the quality of outfits haven't changed but their website have and now it's much more sophisticated than it used to be - from a shabby chic to modern chic, cool.

Instead of morning coffee...

2010-08-12T07:55:00.009+01:00

I just love ruffles and frills, and luckily I have a mini-me so I can dress her! In a tunic like that every preschooler will look lovely.
Waking in an early morning I should focus on work - but what do I do? I browse through girl's clothes - and I found this warm taupe dress - adorable! If only I was flat chest I would wear it myself! With stripey longsleeves t-shirt and ballerinas. Well, maybe for stripey tee it would be better to have an alluminium version - it's gorgeous.

Re-modelling

2010-07-22T21:43:00.001+01:00

Pink Polka Dotted Vintage School Desk, originally uploaded by niftythriftygirl.

What a day - hot and sweaty. To refresh myself I've just watched How About Orange blog again, as usual full of inspirational posts - and this photo (uploaded by niftythriftgitl) reminds me it's high time to show my re-modelled furniture and lamps! As soon as I get home, I promise (myself :) ) Re-modelling is fun, sustainable, and - as long as you don't destroy the stuff only to show how skilled painter you are, it's a real gift and respectful attitude towards our past, and good craftsmanship.

Summer holidays and I think about education....

2010-07-10T18:07:00.002+01:00

I've been thinking about the education system lately very often - my daughter is 4,5 years and the time to go to school is approaching fast - but what kind of school? I want her not to be just educated - but to learn about herself. Producing automatons seems to be the only result of current education system - I know how angsty it sounds and though I exaggerate a bit, it is only a bit.... I remember myself as a child and I was planning to transform education system (thank goodness, I wasn't allowed) - I planed that decent education should content more sport, more dance, arts, music, than it was in curriculum these days (it was in early 80ties)
So when I came across this guy and his short lecture at TED, I was moved to tears - he was speaking about the same idea I had that many years ago - but luckily, he managed to implement it in UK, and now Sir Ken Robertson is popularizing the idea across the world. Profound but still hillarious speach.

And another interesting voice adding something to my research about alternative education - immense education. As far as I know, this type of education exists in UK, Wales, and works especially good among bilingual societies, like Welsh. Inspirational, isn't it?

I remember the face of Russel Means from movies (playing Native American, of course...) but I haven't known that he's activist for Lakota independence and promotor of immense education.

A miracle? This too, but also fresh air

2010-07-09T08:59:00.004+01:00

I hardly believe my eyes - after almost a year my blog is free from trojan - how come? How come it was unavailable in the first place that I couldn't even open the site? And now this miraculous thing happen, hah - it must be for important purpose, I want to believe....
Well, let's celebrate this auspicious event thenm with writing about something useful - year ago I was writing about Fresh Air Fund - and they still exist! :) (I am very sorry Sara I couldn't write about the Fund earlier) - and maybe You would help somehow? They are still looking for host families :) so don't be shy and if you live in US, apply and become a host family for children who hardly or never experienced summer holidays outside the city.
Blessed be everyone
Aloutka

It's still Summer - support Fresh Air Children!

2009-08-10T18:08:00.006+01:00

Last week I've received a letter from Sara Wilson, and she was kind enough to tell me about Fresh Air Fund - I'm interested in lots of thing connected with children and parenting - and, what was surprising and flattering in a way, to write about it.
So I checked the Wikipedia and their site, and what I've read amazed me: this fund exists for more than 130 years, and serves few thousand of children every year. What is the purpose: to help the inner-city children to experience summer holidays in the country, anyway - outside the Big Apple.

The most important news after my survey is - it is still time to host a child!!!

Volunteer host families open their homes to inner-city children for two weeks or more in the summertime.
There is no such thing as a "typical" host family. If you have room in your home - and your heart - to host a child, you could be one too.
Host families are not paid. The fund has also a program for placing children who have special physical or emotional needs.

But one of the most impressive element of this organization is Career Awareness Programm. As a scholar myself, I know the value of education. The innovative Career Awareness Program is designed to help New York City youngsters understand the relationship between school and work and how to make choices that will determine their futures. Youngsters aged twelve to fourteen participate in job shadowing that offers a close-up view of business, and a career fair. The year-round program includes weekend camping trips and an intensive three-and-a-half week summer session at the Career Awareness Camp – Camp Mariah. The career camp is named in honor of Board member/singer Mariah Carey for her dedication, support and commitment to Fresh Air youngsters. Career awareness graduates continue to receive support through the PreOccupations Club and benefit from the guidance of volunteer mentors.

There is still time to host in 2009! Call (800) 367-0003 or click here to fill out a host inquiry form.

The Fresh Air Fund has a site at Twitter and Facebook so you may check yourselves. As for me it is hearwarming initiative and I feel grateful that Sara wrote me about it.
All the best :)

Holiday search - just a starter

2008-12-09T23:33:00.013+01:00

Well, during last few months I've almost forgoten that I have a blog.... But I feel that finaly I am back in the game - it's high time to write about plushes and interior design for children when it comes to Xmas, isn't it?
Today, as I am having a fresh start, I'm happy to present some of my favourite characters among handcrafted plushes - coy, unpretentious yet ingenious little friends: Junco, Ludic, Reddy, Ozard and Fluke .

The thing I like the most about them all are their dreamy faces - and Ludic remains my absolutely favorite and beyond competition - with his nosy ears lifted up, eyes blurred. In seasonal headdress he's looking even more handsome than ever (sigh).

Now all of us have very special opportunity to grasp one of Woollyhoodwinks (or all of them at once!) for till the Chrismas the Black Forrest staff offers a sale from 20% to 25% off of all their merchandise including new full-color story book "The Woollyhoodwinks vs. The Dark Patch" - you better take a look at it before the end of the cut - price.

Each Woollyhoodwink comes brilliantly packaged in it’s own pillow-box ‘tree’ complete with a few special surprises inside - sounds delicious!

young lynx girl - Pola

2008-05-01T13:25:00.002+01:00

young lynx girl, originally uploaded by lalootka.

As I haven't make too much plushie for two months I can only write about my last realizations: this young lynx girlie. Now I know I should chose differnet background for the photo, but it's done, and toy\d reached her destiny in Canada some time ago.
It was made for The Needle swap - and was meant to reflect somehow the country of origin. In Poland we have few species of very special animals but lynx are one of the most special - they are on the best way to be extinct. And recently there is a WWF campaign to save some wild terrains especially for lynx. My beauty has panda - an icon of wildlife campaigns as a memo. Made of grey polar fleece, has a little beard (she's a girl and usually males have beards but I just wanted her to resemble lynx, not a kitty), ear brushes. Dressed in reversible pinafore.
Her name is after Poland, that's obvious, but also after Pola Negri - famous actress and Rudolf Valentino fiance :) (who - but complete coincidence ;) had Polish origin)
She went to weirdbuglady - and I'm glad she's in such a good company.

Peter Pan

2008-04-28T17:34:00.007+01:00

It's spring at last - everything is young and beautiful again, finally. It gives me new strenght - and I know I'm not the only one.
I haven't been here for soooo long, blogging I mean. Too much things to do here and there - even making softies was neglected, as well as writing about it. Well, almost neglected - exept few custom orders (one lady with a magpie asked for my magpie decorations! thank you - I love these toys) and some knitted toys for friends I haven't make any. And any photo - that's worse. Yes, making toys is an important vein of my soul, but I had to chose between some other works and adventures (like renovating). I'll be back soon.
And among all this work and adventure I've came across the book Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie again - this time in English, not in translation, and in the same time - a movie from 2003 and I must say I'm enchanted by both. The novel is much more sarcastic, and bitter, magic and touching in the same time, and though the movie has some good parts too - it's just an adaptation. But I love it! Peter Pan in a movie is not an archetype of youth and joy, but much less demonic than in a book when it's heartless, gay and innocent child who meets joy, and loneliness, and death, and loss. Thank goodnes for good casting - at least it has few qualities of an original: he has gorgeous smile that lights stronger than 100W lightbulb and is corky. I do not quite agree with current tendency to turn every story into romance - there's so much more in a book. On the other hand - maybe it's actually the most important thing under the sun and those children are great. Anyway - I'm enchanted.
The story about Peter Pan still has the power to captivate children: Ada wanted me to tell her at goodnight few times about Peter Pan, flying girl Wendy, Captain Hook and - the most of all - Crocodile!

doll and Zuleikha

2008-03-04T23:57:00.002+01:00

doll and Zuleikha, originally uploaded by lalootka.

I'm planning (still only as a project) to make a serie of simple dolls. Template should be very similiar to this one for sheep but the size larger. This one doll is made of jersey - grey one, her body of orange jersey and hair of felt. On this photo she's accompanied by Zuleikha bunny - another production of mine. For next month propably I won't be making softies (sigh) - I have another plans....RENOVATION of the flat!

new dress and old toys

2008-03-04T23:52:00.003+01:00

new dress and old toys, originally uploaded by lalootka.

It's my first attempt to sewing pillow dress - and even though it's fairly simple, hand sewing took me some time :) Pillow was cheap, thrifted in Jysk store, but I love this pattern - it's simple but beautiful, and pockets are made of Japanes MiuMiu fabric (I still think it's worth it's prize but not the shippment) and have a lining of turquoise cotton. And I know that I have to change straps - these ribbons are not too good.

Toys are also handmade - kitty made by Trinlayk and sheep - made by moi.

And - for many reasons - I've changed privacy settings at my flickr - I've decided not to show everybody the photos of Ada. Family and friends only. It doesn't mean that I will not pop her photos anymore - I will, sometimes, and only after careful consideration :) Now I'm away-mother, making renovation of our new flat, longing for her little baby and frightened of imaginary dangers.....

random things

2008-03-04T18:25:00.007+01:00

Random Things meme is shorter now - it used to be 8 things but now it's 7 :), funny,m isn't it? I've been tagged by Net of Area Thrifty One to take part in 7RT meme - thank you! I never know what to write in such things, but I'll try...
The rules of this meme are:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So these are my 7 random things:
1. Aloutka Kazawa is my artistic alias - Aloutka IS a form of my real name Alice though, Kazawa is a bit altered surname of Adam, my boyfriend. I feel MUCH better with this name than with my real one and propably I will try to make it official.
2. When I was 6 my dream occupation when I would be grown up was "house wife" - and actually I still dream about being WAHM. Or fine artist.
3. My beloved place in Poland is Cieszyn - on the Czech-Polish border at the banks of Olza river, small - only 40 thousands of inhabitants - but very beautiful town. I lived there few years and I met Adam there - (xoxo Big Foot anyway). On the other hand my dream city is London - and I do not know what to do with such contradiction in myself.
4. I draw, paint, make softies since I was 7 (which means almost 30 years). The only thing I've never tryed was sculpture. My biggest success as an illustrator was -just once - a catalogue for a puppet theatre. Being social anthropologist has good sides too, but I like drawing :)
5. I love black and white in everything - interior design, graphics, furniture, clothing. Orange and turquoise are very necessary additions to this base.
6. I cry watching cartoon movies: "Lilo and Stitch" "Lion King" "Nemo" and - worst to stay calm of all - "Bambi". (Now I've noticed that all these stories are about orphaned children, that explains a lot) Ada will be surprised seeing me sobbing....Adam, while we were watching "Nemo"together, had been VERY surprised - I was weeping!
7. I'm addicted to flickr , reading my favourite bloggers (see my blogroll) and watching sites dedicated to softies.

I hope they won't have anything against being tagged:
Sion from cuteable and ubiki
Sara from saracolorido
Florence from "Windbag and Thunder
lowekrowe alias Maciek Blazniak
Hodowcy Zabawek
Ewa and Michal from Konsorcjum Rapacholin
Geninne from Geninne's Art Blog

from the father's point of view

2008-02-12T16:52:00.000+01:00

Today I found The Pokey Pup site run by Bryan Townsend. As he sais - he has worked in the music industry in some form (including promotions for MCA/Geffen Records, marketing for Interscope Records, music licensing, owning a record store since 1997) for most of his working life, so while expecting together with his wife their first child, he decided to challenge this expertise in a new direction, providing great music and other media for kids and parents. Very interesting idea, and - as for me - good choice.

Music one can find at The Pokey Pup has nothing, or almost nothing to do with multi-colored alien babies or annoying kid's music, but lots with the classic 20th century gems. Or modern versions of gems, like The Beatles, Love

or favourite creatures of few generations already - on both sides of the ocean - Muppets like Kids' Favorite Songs" with my hero, Big Bird,

or a hero of my daughter's sleeping time - Elmo

The site is nicely organized that everone can easily find books, or CDs or DVDs. You can find there really variety of music areas: from lullabies to pop or rock, from music for babies and preschoolers, some classics for the whole family. And also interesting, nice, or just funny gifts for the baby showers or any other occasion. The most hilarious for me is this pastiche of famous mob story -
. Reading the story you realize it's not the movie "for the whole family" but very special gift for the hip father-to-be who needs some entertainment and professional knowledge before his baby arrival.
I like the sentence at the "about us" page, that sounds like cool motto: "If music is the soundtrack to your life, why not share it with your kids?" and I must say - I agree!

Henio doggie softie and his collection

2008-02-10T19:56:00.001+01:00

Henio doggie softie and his collection, originally uploaded by lalootka.

Finally I borrowed a camera to upload my photos. They've beem waiting for this for more than a month.
Henio is ready to play. He's my own pattern and made especially for Bartuchna, friend of ours as a custom order for his nephew. It was meant to be an Alsatian shepherd, hehe.
Now I think next time I should make similiar doggie larger - children like large toys. And those tiny, too, but medium size is rather for larger children (read: grownups)
P.S. I've realized that Henio is very much in style of my wolf finger puppet

home inspirations again

2008-02-08T11:40:00.001+01:00

Rice is one of those Scandinavian interior design companies that seem to have the largest impact on the fashion designing, and promote something bigger than just earning money - social awareness. Of course, one may say that it's just marketing - but I want to believe that it's worldwide movement (inspired and promoted by women mostly!) that everyone should help the others - in this way or the other, but even buying can be helpful for someone. Maybe this is one of the reasons why Scandinavian design becomes more and more popular, especially among young people who are fed up with pure consumption and want some undefined "more". This is definately more. More color, for instance. I like the eruption of color in their catalogue. And white floors. And pillows that catch your eyes with vivacity.

But as a toy maker, I could not to notice that doll has absolutely superb doll house - it's a package also, I believe. And I just love it.

How does it come that Scandinavs make great design? Is it just the matter of publicity, or something else? I suppose that the poverty of Sweden of Norway - I mean 19th century and earlier -made them focused on the simplest things. And as less means more - simplicity works even nowadays. This advent calendar I found at Angelattable, An Angel at my Table blog of photographer Mari Eriksson. I think her blog'd become one of my favourites. Colourful photos of interior and b&w photos of children and family - this style appeals to me.

Decorated IKEA blanket looks great but I'm affraid the simplicity of this trim is delusive. Maybe making pompoms is not that difficult (with a tool especially) but the rest - well, you better buy such a folk inspired trim than make it. Photo via uncomparabledecor8

Consortium Rapacholin maybe are new at etsy but as a artistic and merchandising team they work for some time. And I'm happy to know them (Ewa is ethnologis like me! and Michal is tallented graphic designer, one of my mother's best students) - but I haven't known untill recently they make such great things you can see here . Finally I know, and I'm really glad to find these two - they made, among other things, beautiful tables, painted in my favourite folk motif. This time Opoczno region with beautiful "pigeons" in white. Yum. Very inspirational. And I know when to knock when I'll be in desperate need of renovation of my furniture and repainting in in folk way :)Cute tables - who could say that black and white can be cute too?

Takeshi Iwasaki is illustrator and painter who makes collages that could decorate any nursery or children room. But his creations are not just for children. Many people love Japanese artists and arts for the illusion of children naivety and use of simple modes of expression. And maybe for the subjects - like this Lighthouse.
I feel awfull but I lost the name of the company that makes these beautiful furniture for children. This little table, rocking chair and shelf are on the top of my wish list when I think about beautiful objects for my daughter.

scandinavian design for children, originally uploaded by lalootka.

And yes, I'm still into it - planning what to do, and how much (or rather how little) money spend. But white and simplicity is really my choise, not the result of limited budget, heheh.

home inspirations

2008-02-03T02:28:00.000+01:00

I'm still looking for home inspirations: in Flickr and other sources, like Apartment Therapy or decor8 and lots of other beautiful sites about making your space as harmonious and beautiful as you wish (and as cheap as needed). And my wish - one of many wishes in the issue of flat - is to have a room for Ada. Our current flat is wonderful but rather for couple without kids - no room is suitable for a child. The only room that could do has no window! She's two now and I need some rest at nights - and I want to end breastfeeding, and to have my personal life in the nights (which means ...work, for instance). She'll have room just for herself soon and now, though the decision of removal was hard for me to make, I enjoy, in a way, planning and imagining what kind of room it should be. I choose simple, white background. White is perfect for the new beginning - perfect for us, when we have to start a new.

This room is fantastic for the monastery-like simplicity and almost severe atmosphere. it's not pastel, cozy and cute. No cuteness . I found it at my favourite interior designer site - and instantly felt in love with this pure and simple style.

Aunty Cookie despite of her sweet fabrics , presents also her special approach to decorating childen's room. And I love it. She puts only unique things there, and makes a space for children that educates in taste and modern design since the youngest years.

The authoress of these beautiful photos and arrangements is Mari Eriksson. She authors a beautiful blog called An Angel at my Table and though it's in Swedish her more recent posts contain a bit of English so you can follow along. The most envy I feel for her gorgeus white wood floors, but other thing also are inspirational. She is a photographer, but as I've read among the lines, she also makes children clothings and runs a house boutique. Kind spirit? Obviously. decor8 was the source of these pictures, as many others.

Hiding places are always welcomed by children. My Ada loves to hide in a wall closet. But sooner or later she'd want me to give her a cardboard house, or blanket hiding place of such a beautiful table house like this one above - made by sunnydayshere aka One Crafty Mommy .
**********
And I love this idea, quite Paolo Coelho style, that when you want something deeply and long enough, all the Universe is helping you to achieve your goal. Since I decided to move to my old flat - and new flat in a way, cause I haven't lived there for 8 years, I come across some coincidental situaltion that only encourge me to move - including money to make a renovation, or constuction team! These days professional construction teams are more precious than gold and - voila - my own cousin offered me help of his employees. He's studying architecture, and for some years he's working on huge constructions or renovation projects! Blessed be, Martin :)

paper goods - for children too

2008-02-03T02:15:00.001+01:00

gift boxes template available, originally uploaded by A Little Hut.

These pretty gift boxes are designed and templates made by A Little Hut" and are just lovely examples of detailed and sophisticated work. Not just for children, I believe, or rather - propably also for children. These days borders and boundaries between goods and design for children and for adults are so blurred and uncertain... (really deap though, sigh)

design wish list

2008-02-03T01:55:00.000+01:00

Reading How About Orange - one of my favourite design blogs, I followed link to PictoBrowser handy tool that lets you display a Flickr photo set in a blog post, like this one below. I like it! Cool. This time something that corresponds with my craving for arranging new flat. Of course, there is MUCH more objects, inspirations and fantastic rooms I'd love to put here. And maybe I will.

home inspirations wanted

2008-01-30T02:38:00.001+01:00

dia!!, originally uploaded by hippyxic.

As I'm moving soon to another flat, and to another city, actually, I'm looking for lots of inspiration. Theoretically I know for some time what I like and what I want: the more white the better; wallpapers - black and white preferred; Scandinavian design; transparent furniture; simplicity; light floor; some thrifted things to spice up - renovated and repainted, well - white; maybe some orange and turquoise spots of pillows or lamp shade here and there; black and white photography; my folk-inspired stripe paintings; my mother's paintings also; as well as my brother's (o, I love his childhood paintings when he wanted to be a plumber or a railwayman and all he was painting was railway or hydroinstallations :) ).

O, my goodness, I almost forgot - my brother George has his 24 anniversary! happy birthday, little brother - luv you.

In the late hours of the night I'm searching internet in inspirations and sources of information about renovating houses - sometimes internet can be helpful too :)

Fresh finds

2008-01-30T02:11:00.000+01:00

Some works of those tallented Etsyians I've known before - like Mariska who designs and makes Fluffels. Or morninglori who makes hilarious-awfully sad critters called Chimians. They are not my only faves. You better look and check yourself, it's worth it.

otter - pattern altered

2008-01-23T12:34:00.001+01:00

otter, originally uploaded by lalootka.

In last July I've made a pattern for an otter - simple, but the result plush was cute and funny. Yesterday, I've altered a bit this pattern, added different ears and paws, different features and long pink tongue, and I've made an Alsatian shepherd. Grey one. It looked like dog ready to aport - ready to play with a child, of course. As still without camera I can only present this old one STUFF :) and wish to have my camera asap to show this cute little doggie.
Without possibility to pop any photo of my newest toys I feel handicaped.... But, even without it, lalootka brand is improving. Slowly but constantly.
And, last thing, I was wandering about registering trade mark and any copyrights to my toys. Both otter and doggie are rather unique, (at least I believe them to be unique) and as I've recently seen some bears that were OBVIOUSLY "inspired" by my bears, I'd like to know that my other toys won't be treated this way.

On the other hand - maybe I misjudge the situation - internet pushes us to multiple the forms, not to make any originals. But we just love the illusion of originality and uniqueness. And so do I.

And, ah - I've almost forgot - doggie was sold in an instant!

poupee more and more each day

2008-01-21T20:49:00.001+01:00

21-01-2008, originally uploaded by lalootka.

I like it more and more each day. The most misfortunate thing is - I still have my camera damaged (USB cable was not the problem) and I can not post any items. Which means - I can't improve my closet! Poor me, sniff, sniff :)

Noferin

2008-01-18T15:07:00.000+01:00

Few days ago I was happy to acquaint (not in person, yet :) ) with Noferin and I've been enchanted by their toys and paintings since then. I can not help writing about them.

Under this misterious name of Noferin's been hidden tallented duo of Australian artists, Candy and Nico.

They make wood characters, called Pecanpals, from the name of the most important one: Pecan the Story-teller. Words other than "cute", "lovely", "sweet" don't make the justice to Pecanpals. These wood figurines are handmade and painted with high gloss enamell paint.
But I also like their paintings and graphics: paintings for the skillful use of plywood as a base, and graphics (glicee) for showing all the beauty of plywood.
Their website is all pleasure to watch and browse, so are their bios to read - check yourself here

grrrrrrr....

2008-01-16T01:22:00.000+01:00

I still don't have my camera USB cable! It's horrible especially when you have three new plushies completed and new doll finished and all of them ready to admire! I also have three new tote bags and some photographs of Ada to upload and publish.... These tote bags are my first attempts to sew with sewing machine - and, as I propably mentioned before Christmas, I'd felt in love with sewing machine. I know that having one would help me A LOT.
Well, maybe tommorrow would be the day of my going to the photo equipment shop to purchase this valuable tool. AThe more pictures I take of sweet and well done toys, the closer I am to my goal - to have my own style, footprint, or whatever it's called. I mean both: illustration and making toys.

And I want to make a new post at The Needle.org when the number of plushies makers increases every day. I don't want to be missed.

Imagini Visual Profile

2008-01-13T00:15:00.000+01:00

Instead of uploading my toys or illustrations, I had this innocent indulgment. Look and try yourself - I found this quite interesting:

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

taking advantages of driving by train

2008-01-11T00:40:00.000+01:00

Last night, while travelling by train in the night, I completed two toys: tiny lamb with a coordinated mini tote bag (clove and ladybug pattern of Japanese fabric for decoration ears, and for a tote bag), decorated with elegant black, and a grey bunny with yellow pandas decorating her ears, and knitted turquoise a-shape dress. Completing these three (or even four things, including dress) took me about 4 hours - and it's not bad. Not bad at all! Do I become more and more skilled in hand sewing? No, I just could not sleep. Of course, I could not take any photo either - not for the blur, but for the no chance to upload my photos later, before I'd buy a new upload cable to my camera. Maybe tommorrow I will take some pictures with Kasia's camera.

To tell the truth, I wonder which one of the toys is better to go to very special and brave little girl - daughter of Adam's friends. The girl is 3 year old and is struggling with a tumor for a year. I hardly imagine her and her parents sufferings. I though about giving her this black lamb set, but maybe such a little girl would prefer real huggable bunny? I don't know - maybe it's not the most important issue of all, but I make my toys to bring some joy and smile to little ones.
Thinking about this particular little girl, and some other children I know that suffer from some terminall illnesses, made me realize how much I fear to lose my baby. Well, that's nothing new to any mother, but I used to think about myself as rather not fearing death person. But now I do.
I'better change the subject - I was planning to write just few words about travelling with a propable crazy guy, while sewing softies! And about my softies, that I can not post! Not about life and death...

So, returning to my lambs, I forgot, I have a new mobile cozy - made of black wool felt, lined with white subtle black floral printed cotton, with a white embroidered sheep and a shape of the Moon (waxing) on front. Pearl flat button closure with black ribbon. And black hanger stripe. I have it for a half of week, made with my own two hands. I'm planning to prepare some of such cozies for my shop soon.
And I should explain why I couldnt' sleep because of the company - amazing (and a bit weird) guy, sitting in the same compartment was trying to amuze me telling jokes and stories about quantum phisics, Sunday schools, transplantology, thanatopraxy, spiritual development, euthanasy, Roman-catholic Church, God, and jokes again... It was strange actually, but I decided to listen to him and talk to him because it's quite rare for me to discuss to real nuts (well maybe the word is not a nice one, but such people are beyond - normal). The thing I was occupied with a needle and fleece made me a better listener, I believe, and as I said, it was quite interesting to go for it: to listen to someone who has an opinion about EVERYTHING... Tiresome, but interesting.

As I see, The Needle.org is growing very fast into something very interesting. I can not wait to have a chance to post there again.

Camera problems - some fun instead

2008-01-09T20:11:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately, something's wrong with my camera's upload cable and I can not post ANY of my recently made photos!!! Ooooo, unhappy me.
And as I'm on the run to pack (unpacked yet) and move to T. everyweek travel - I must complete THIS post. But today is not wasted for the toys making and blogging - I arranged an appointment with a lady that runs wonderful Elf BookStore in Bielsko - Biała to make an interview. I'm planning to start a new blog - in Polish - about toys, books and things made for children especially. Not about my toys, this time.
And I've made some improvents in my poupeegirl account, when I'm logged as Alis. It's very funny site, with wonderfull cute illustrations and design, that brings real fun (so far I can not find any other reasons than fun, but that's ok).

Hard work night

2008-01-08T20:14:00.000+01:00

I have hard work night everyday, actually. I have lots of folk paintings to scan (and some lectures to prepare) but still I have plans not to give up with sewing toys. But any photos - tommorrow. I've made a mobile cozy, mini tote bag, bunny and another bunny is on it's way. But the light was awfull today, and now I have some other plans (to bath Ada, for instance :) )
Today I just wanted to check if i can manage my blog daily, heheh.

Happy New Year! to everyone

2008-01-06T18:54:00.000+01:00

It's been very long time since my last post and - in a way - I'm starting anew. Mostly about softies, but I wouldn't be me if I resign of writing few words about my family and family affairs. Today few things:

1. Last time I had a chance to post here I was planning to go to Poznań to large crafts and handmade goods fair. But I got cold and it was much much better just to leave all the items (Adam's earrings and my toys) to Maja, friend of ours, who is artist working in glass herself (she makes beautiful glass earrings!) and entrust her selling them. Few of my toys were sold. Maybe next year I'll be much more determine to participate in this event - I believe it's worth. But now I know that I need to be prepared much better and take part in it right from the beginning till the very end.

The worst thing about toys that were left in Poznań was - I haven't taken ANY photo of them! I'm affraid they are lost forever for my documentary - snif, snif...

2. Ada had her 2nd birthday! I can't believe how quickly these two years passed! Lucky girl could celebrate her anniversary for couple of days and had two parties: one for the family elders and the second - for parent's friends and her own friends. The most attractive thing for her was blowing the candles! She wanted me to light them up again and again - and she enjoyed herself blowing. Grandgrandmother'd made her raspberry cake and I - apple pie.
Here is my apple pie - unfortunately the photo can not give a justice to all the beautity of spice smelling apple pie with a wonderful crust (I'm not especially modest when it comes to my apple pie).
3. Unexpectadly - and I still burst with joy - I've received a letter from Kristen of Schmancy and PlushYou! that she'd seen my toys and liked them enought to mention about them in her blog! . I was (and I am still) so thrilled and flattered by this - she's a well known toys seller, toys shows organizer and blogger. Her kind opinion about my plushies encouraged me to send an application for PlushYou2008 exhibition. And now I keep my thumbs up for my application!

4. I added new cathegories to my shop : bears, bunnies and magpies. As usual all the toys are based on my sketches - so is magpie decoration. I chose magpies for the mix of my favourite colours: black and white. I prefer toys in these two colours. To make this cute bird, I've used 100% wool felt that I'd bought in Poznań, and I'm extremely happy for that purchase. I decided to make a limited edition of 18 of these cuties and tra-la! my dear trinlayk - my kitty swap partner (the reminder of my swap - here) had bought her! Hope it'll bring me luck :)
Zuleikha can be proud of her family - here is family picture before departure. Toys look funny together, I believe.
For Renate and her baby Michael I've made a custom order - baby blanket and bear - all in white with blue decorations. The eyes of a bear (I called him Ignatz) are hand embroidered for baby's safety.
This toy is quite satisfactory, had been bought already but recently I've designed another bear and I'm going to make it very soon. This next one will look more mature, and - what's more important - will be larger. I still want to buy growlers someday to add real beary touch to my plushies. But "someday" is a keyword for now.
And here is Iphigenia bunny - or I should rather call her - a hare (haress?). Iphigenia had been adopted, just before Christmas, and is on her way to USA for some time. I just worry that problems in postal service in Poland can cause her huge delay. Usually it takes about 10-14 business days for priority mail to get there, but now - they say that it can take twice more! But she's brave bunny, and has her softie with her so little S. girl will have her plushie in good condition., I believe.
5. Last but definately not least - I've been invited to the group the needle.org and blog under the title the needle.org the art of plush" by Claire from absolutely small ! Lucky me to be noticed by tallented flickrians. I love Claire's explanation for the reasons of founding the needle - read about it here , and join us. And now I just have to write something short but intelligent about my newest creations :) - I hope that this new collaborative circle will encourage me to be more systematical in posting!

new friends of ours - Zuleikha and Important-things Pouch

2007-11-21T15:46:00.001+01:00

Zuleikha in her dress
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

Zuleikha - brand new bunny, in her brand new dress. Knitwear, actually, very modern.
She's a prototype of my new type of bunnies, and I think her flexible legs and arms can be even better that those short for chubby and small ones. She's large, about 30 cm tall (including ears).

All made of polarfleece in trendy grey :) but the insides of ears are made of soft and beautiful Japanese cotton bought in superbuzzy

(expencive shippment but fabrics are sooo worth it).
I made her eyes of 7mm safety eyes, smaller than usually my recent toys have, but I like this look. Or maybe I like HER look because her eyes sparkle with intelligence :)
She loves to chat - I don't mean "small talk", I mean nice conversation and friendly company - her arms suggest that she protects against something, or someone, but it's just a pose - maybe she was a bit shy of posing a photo... She also likes sports - yoga and hanging head down. And skipping - but that's quite ordinary with bunnies. Yesterday - when I finished her - they were jumping and skipping together with Ada and I hardly persuaded them for bath.
Well, Zuleikha sais that hanging body down stimulates the brain . But to what? I will have to observe her and her achievements and then I will find out. As a prototype she goes to Ada, but I must say, I'd love to kidnap this toy to Torun today - she looks so cute! (Maybe I should be constantly unsatisfied with my sewing abilities and skills of making softies, but I like my plushies! Very much!)

Soon I will have new sheep and new drawstring bags to present. The Day of Hadmade Fair in Poznan is coming closer and closer. I do not know if I'd be ready. Maybe if I don't sleep - at all!

I have to make some more photos of Zuleikha in her beautiful knitted dress in the snow - we have lovely snowy here. And to make a bag for her, too.

**************

AAAA, I've got a mail today: parcel with a "thank you" - in POLISH! How sweet and touching! From Xin and Enqi from Maki Squarepatch. Thank you, girls.
I bought their Important-things Pouch and I simple love it. It's even more sweet and lovely "in person" then at the photo. It's a good lesson of merchendising also, for they add some postcards made especially for Christmas, with their softies displayed (this time"xmas hoho brothers" series of seasonal Maki Squarepatch softies). Everything so nice and thoughful - they are both gifted artists.
My only worry is that this Important-things Pouch won't be mine - my Very Important Person is very interested in having this beautiful "doll" as she calls is.

b-day and travelling with sheep

2007-11-11T04:12:00.001+01:00

November 7 was my b-day. I turned 34! Amazing. And it was my b - like busy-day, as every Wednesday during the academic year. day of leaving home to travel Torun. Fortunately I had few minutes to upload new photos :) and to add new plushies to my shop : Hania and Hyacinth. Hyacinth is a girl who loves to dress up. She believes herself to be the best dressed sheep ever lived, well - you decide if she's right. And she tells everybody to clean their shoes before entering the house. She loves to keep all the house clean and tidy - perfect housewife, I suppose. But exept this little idiosyncrasy she's very nice and friendly creature. All she needs is ten compliments a day (at least!), some delicious hay and piece of salt once a week, and strong tea each morning and afternoon.
Her best friend is teddy bear named Lizette.
Hania was another sheep added this day. She's not completely newbie here for I posted photos of her in a witch dress . She is fine artist, her field is painting and graphics. As many artist she loves to wear black - this colour helps to concentrate and to focus on your goals. But her everyday suit is rather casual - like this white shawl - handmade by her. Hania's goal is to have a one-man show in MOMA and to have as large family as possible - she can adopt you too!
She's a master cook: you have to taste her leek soup, or tomato sause, or apple pie.... wonderful!
Together they look lovely, too. This time I took sheep with me for Kasia aka stasinina to chose one of them. Luckily, the tram was not crouded and they had a bench for themselves. Almost - our companion was travelling to Torun too, to join the army and sheep were listening his story with astonishment - they wouldn't join army for any reason!To make our long trip shorter, we chatted with co-traveller, and girls were posing me - instead of getting bored :) it gave us some occupation for a while. They were very sweet while travelling all night long: Hyacinth , Biba , Hermione , Fanny and Hania

I couldn't take them for lectures, unfortunately - I think my students would think that I'm crazy and it's not the communicate I'd like. So they were spending their time together in hotel at first, but in the evening we went out - to meet my friends. They liked the company very much, but didn't want me to photograph them in a venue decorated with a sheep head (sic!) and other animal heads... Friday afternoon, after two days of work, we had some time to chat and to have fun together (well, maybe it was not the greatest fun they had, but the only fun possible in university study :) ). Biba was quite interested how my students are working and she was checking one student's book. But she won't say a word about it - I'm confident about her discretion.
For having some spare time before leaving Torun, we decided to look how are our favourite bloggers and what's new at blogs. And we've found a touching, based on true incident, story about lost Little Cotton Rabbit . All sheep were moved to tears - they were sniffing and sobbing quietly actually - I haven't known they have so soft hearts! At first they cryed for scare that the same could happen to them, but at the end - for the happy ending!
In the end they declared they want to be heroines of a book and they want me to write it. Sooon! Hm... I have to think about it - I said, but they said - beeeeh, beeeh, do not think - act!

last kisses and hugs for goodbye
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

But soon we had to hug and kiss for goodbye. The girls knew why I took them to Torun - that one of them will go for adoption. And I shed a tear actually, thinking about separating with any one them. I though that Hyacinth would be the one. And she was! Knowing she has great fun with a new little girl who adopted her doesn't change a thing that I miss her. Good bye and take care, darling!

I had too many things in my tote bag - books, notebooks, and this small flock. But I knew there will be less sheep in my tote very soon...

My countrymen

2007-11-06T23:09:00.000+01:00

After the Parliament voting I fell so much warmer feelings for my countrymen than before and proud of my countrymen again. And that reminds me that I haven't dedicate any room here for my flickr friends yet! And some Polish Etsyians too! So let's start - today few samples of talents from Poland . They are mostly involved in soft toys making, and other applied arts.
As for the voting - Maciek Blaźniak alias lowekrowe - have made a great banner advertising citizen's duty to vote. The motto is: "it's cool to have a voice"
Maciek's illustrations, inspired - according to his very own words - by Czech and Slovak old school pictures and old American children magazines, show very special sence of humour, like in this one - the clue is (information for foreigners only) that "Mr Kitty was sick" is an illustration to old fashioned Polish nursery rhyme...or this one - with a carrot monster. I hope more such illustrations would be edited in books for children currently! Ania Jedrzychowska aka mumka is on of my favourite soft pals makers. And this is Guillermo,
one of mumka's most recent creations. Ania is one of my countrymen (countrygirl?), very tallented, young teddy bear artist. I think her works stand any comparison with decided fames among teddy bears artists.
This cute teddy bear named Sprinkle in obviously Christmas outfit is her entry for 2007 Holiday Softie Awards and you can vote for it in Top 5 Animals Dressed for Holidays category More of her works you can find here .
Olga Kost and Krakart though she's not a toy maker she creates fairlytale paintings, like this fish and many others.
Asia Gromek aka tofu.girl is crochet toys artist from the Baltic coast. Her works are funny, witty,
little bit contrary, and ironic
but most of all - they are good craft toys. I can not decide which one of her critters I like the most - they all have very unique personalities.

Ania Polaczek aka Ida Borejko makes jewellery that is available at her here - I love turqoise! so I picked these earrings
Pasiasty Ludz - another flickr friend, is a girl who makes sweet and lovely ATC cards - some of them are still available ! My random selection are these:
and beautiful goodies like this notecard that she makes
Although we have a November, we can expect snow anytime - actually, snow in November is very common and does not mean it's gonna stay whole winter. For I LOVE White Christmas, I hope to put the spell on the weather to be like this on Janusz Leszczyński's photograph of winter What would advertise Poland better than nature, landscapes and Baltic gold! Amber is not just beautiful, it's very unique, healthy and has some magic inside (and I do not mean inclusions). Keram is an Etsy art gallery specialized in amber and tiffany stained glass. This necklase looks gorgeous - especially for those loving bold neck decoration . For those who love more traditionally looking jewellery this amber pendant would be even better.And to finish Polish post with international accent - I've found funny, simple and intriguing piece of paper art (one of my favourite subjects during my cooperation with World Crafts Council Polska) that shows Cracow Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) scuplted in 10 zloty -Polish bill - by nickolya . The author is not Polish unfortunately, but this item corresponds with my today post theme well. Does it look like beautiful adverstisement? For me it does.

Halloween and All Saints Day

2007-10-31T15:54:00.001+01:00

witch sheep and crow jack'o'lantern
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

Usually I do not celebrate Halloween - I like this old feast, of Celtic origin, to honour our deceased beloved ones. And to celebrate the begginning of New Year. I like the idea of masquerade, though the mask is a visualisation of our faults. and used to be burn in the evening. To start anew. And I like similiar Polish, or even more - Slavian tradition - to burn the lights on the graves, to visit the cementaries, to make a feast for the dead. All this is very important for the community - to remember ancestors and to honour them, to burn our faults in the fire: greed, hatress, revange, envy, guilt.

But today I want to present SOFT version of such celebrations: my cuddly flock members in Halloween costumes. They belong to Nightmares before Christmas pool - as my entries in the 2007 Holiday Softie Awards .

The witch sheep is Hania is fine artist, her fields are painting and graphics. She loves to cook - today she cooks some magic poisions, of course, for all those who need a big change in their lives.
As many artist she loves to wear black so today she's very happy - this colour helps to concentrate and to focus on your goals. (Actually, it's not just a costume, what she 's wearing today - she's initiated witch, and she has the right to wear her cone of power). Hania's goal is to have a one-man show in MOMA in next two years, and to have as large family as possible - she can adopt you too!
She's a master cook: you have to taste her leek soup, or tomato sause, or apple pie.... yummy, wonderful!

This black creature is a RAVEN (thank you Sari for your observation and a hint!!!!) - it's not a cousin of Phantom of Opera, for sure.
This little raven is addition to my cuddly flock, too. My first attempt to make a birdie - I love corvids ingeneral, despite their bad opinion. They are brightly intelligent, as for animals. And magical :) His name is Herbert - that's the name that raven can pronounce easily. Herbert is a school teacher, very innovative and fun-looking guy. He loves cheese.
He has safety eyes that sparkle intelligence above the masque - and his jack'o'lantern smile is "painted", which means - appliqued felt. Young age of that crow one can recognize by the size of his beak.

P.S. Take a peek at 2007 Holiday Softie Awards to see all the creatures that are part of this contest - they are really great!
p.p.s. we had fun in the eavning cutting our pumpkin - bit blurry photo, unfortunately

Custom Order - Uma Meditating Toy Sheep

2007-10-28T18:24:00.000+01:00

I decided to make some improvements in the drawstring bags - to add a "lalootka" label. As usual, even the label is handmade - drawn with a laundry marker.
But I also had to make Uma - Meditating Sheep Toy. It was a custom order from my old friend, Kasia, who was my classmate in secondary school and now, absolutely coincidently, lives and works in Torun (!), preparing her PhD dissertation. She wanted a special birthday gift for a special young lady, her children's friend. We discussed about New Age type of a sheep, then I've made Uma -
But Uma is nice and warm sheep - typical child of the Age of Aquarius. She wants everyone to be happy and to search inner self. For this she meditates (so far, the beginner) together with her bunny, Ferdinand. I've made a pillow for her, using my newest Japanese fabric with a sheepherder. Pillow is very useful for the beginners in meditating, to sit on, or to take a nap afterwords. She's a rentier - inherited lots of money - so she's not interested in job, so far.
For Uma is also interested in New Age religions, she's became an apprentice in Wicca . Pentagram and the shower of blessings above the embroidered sheep is for that reason.Kasia, who seems to like things hanmade (she's art historian) and connected with feminine power also, decided to buy my toy . And she did! Thank you, my second customer :)

thank you, flickr friends, for suggestions :)

2007-10-23T14:31:00.001+01:00

Following some advise and suggestions from my flickr friends I've made some (according to me) improvements into my my shop banner and promotional square banner. I just changed the font and the size for more visible, I hope. For me it looks much better now - so thank you, all supportive gals :)
When it has the word "toys" writen in simple, and modern look (no sherifs) it's much, much better.
And when I develop myself in this businness - I'll change the banner each month, hahah, joking.
But I'm still wainting Indie Designer Labels to publish my banner - they say it can take a month. If I made it all right - I mean the size of a banner, I should be there in November, I hope! Among MaharDry Goods , Fluffels and But We Love You toys.

my first etsy sell!

2007-10-23T13:45:00.000+01:00

I am so happy recently - I've been voting, and for the party who won, and I have my first item at Etsy sold! It tastes great, I must say. Thank you Beeper Bebe who makes wonderful toys herself - look at this chicken in a toque.

I hope her lil boy will like Stas! And his companions also.
For Stas is the lucky one to be the first of my Etsy adopted toys.

lalootka promo

2007-10-16T11:13:00.000+01:00

For some occasions, which means some promotion, I need a square banner, so I took a challenge, and made an orange version that corresponds with my my shop and handmade revolution in general, and that's the result. I love orange - it's so vibrant , young, and warm colour. It matches perfectly with the colour of my hair :) and I use it for the lalootka tags and - together with blue - trim of gift wrapped toys. (I'vejust realized I have to make a new photograph of the tags - for now my logo looks more like a peacock feather than a flower, like it used to look) But please remember I am not a graphic designer! I just wanted to make as funny and bright banner as possible for me in these circumstances (I don't have a tablet, for instance and I made few of the characters above with a mouse in my hand...) to present lalootka softies - did I succeed? This black "something" that looks like a chandelier is not just a decoration - it reflects my folk inpirations, heheh :) But version with a chandelier is fine, too :) OK, it can stand for the draft, I agree :(

When few months ago I was discussing with my mother (who has been the dean of graphic department at private academy then) which graphic designer we know would make a banner for me, logo, business cards and so on, and she'd said that I could make it all by myself for sure. Well, it seems that parents are always right :P

And, what is even more important than the former conclusion: propably I'll need some promotional materials and SOFTIES soon. Adam, my kazawaproject husband in spe asked me to participate in December Craft Fair, in Poznan. And to take my toys and his ear-rings, of course. I have to think about it - opportunity to promote my stuff is perfect, but will I have enough supply? Well, today is Tuesday already, and in the early evening I will go to Lodz by train - which means few hours of undisturbed (apart from missing Ada) bliss of sewing, let's hope. And I'll think about it.

Too much apetite for toys

2007-10-15T16:11:00.000+01:00

I want to spend more time with my baby, I want to improve my lectures, I want to write TWO articles, I want to be prepared for the anthropological conference in December, I want to make editing job for a book, I want to have some sleep and rest, I want to make more softies - I have so many ideas that blow my head.... Too much apetite for all these things makes me frustrated almost, ehm. And, oh yes, I want to have more toys in my etsy shop and beautiful, eyecatching banner (that's the newest version, and I've changed my avatar also) and I want my shop to be popular (thank you all dear souls who add my to your "favourite shop" selection :) ). But all these things need time, and commintment and hard work. OMG, so much work! I should quit university! But I won't.

Ok, stop complaining: Ada and work are my priorities :) the rest has to wait.

So, during my last travel North (which is my only time I can spend on sewing without any remorse) I've made another plushie: Hermione, the puppeter.
And her puppet - the dragon, and her toy - panda. Panda's name is Arnold, because he's rather chubby and looks strong enough to fight anybody - just like Arnold S. :) For humans, the puppet is rather finger puppet. Don't understimate his power - he just looks shy and silly, but watch carefully his big nostrils - any moment can blow fire, and fangs... Do I have to remind you what dragon fangs are for? Of course, drawstring bag needed an improvement also (am I perfectionist?) - I changed red ribbon into decorating black string and it looks much better, and classy. Embroidery with a black cotton thread, chain stitch.
More sheeps are to come soon.
I baught safety eyes recently, because I've noticed that some toys need to have their eyes opened and blinking some intelligence. And you know what - I found only one- O N E safety eyes producer! For now I'll make softies in two versions: with eyes embroidered - for the small people, and with safety eyes - for grownups.
And, yoohooo, I can't wait for the parcel from superbuzzy ! I bought some wonderful fabrics to trim my softies ears and drawstring bags, and I pitty this cute shoppe with adorable Japanese fabrics, accessories and fun stuff is located in USA which means far from here and extremely expensive shippment :(
They should have their shop in Europe, too! :)

new stock in the shop

2007-10-08T18:57:00.000+01:00

Stas is a new addition to the Cuddly Flock ("new stock in cuddly flock sounds like rhyme, doesn't it?)
Stas is black, as well as his teddy bear Fritz (the pink background makes it a bit brownish). Made of fleece, wool shawl knitted by me. Toy's toys are made of felt, both app. 5 cm tall.

Stas is a young ram, who wants to study computer sciences, but so far works for a living as a baby-sitter: this time The Gingerbreads hired him to take care of their son. Wool shawl can be used as sling - very nice and compfortable way to carry little ones. Even for sheeps. Fritz, Stas' teddy bear helps him a lot in this task.

To pack my toys I've made cotton drawstring bags, nicely embroidered with a sheep. Two strings make a bag portable.
Stas is available in my shop together with other sheeps.

Puppet Show

2007-09-22T03:39:00.001+01:00

Puppet Show
Originally uploaded by SuperOrangeDesigner.

This should be my inspiration to make finger puppets - what a wonderful idea: to make characters from "Alice in Wonderland". This book is very close to my heart for we are namesake with Alice Lidell. (The author - that's completely different thing). I love this book for the langauage and unlimited imagination od a dreamer. A little bit scary imagination.
But I like this photograph very much - the author made a fantastic job. Well, octopus has an advantage of eight "hands" but who sais I can not make 8 puppets? Funny that all "humans" have green octopus-like faces (I've notice it at second glance, I must admit).

And I found great group of finger puppeter on flickr . Great source of inspiration. As usual.

do two sheep make a flock?

2007-09-21T09:57:00.001+01:00

two sheep make a flock?
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

At last I'm starting an etsy shop. CUDDLY FLOCK to present various creatures that are part of it. Not just sheep, actually. Though I have really large flock of sheep and lambs - they are still WIP (registration of new students, and exams do not help in preparing stock). But I'm happy to start at all! Slowly I will add new items. And add new photographs to show my flock better. Lots of work to do! I'm starting to look forward my every week travelling to Torun, hahah. For first three buyers - shippment free - does it sound interesting? All items will go with a cotton bag (I saw once such a bag in Japanese pattern book and I love it) and with a certificate of origin. And with tags. Now I see that the idea of the shop and me making softies looks more and more detailed. I'm working on a mascot that will represent me.
And I made a banner.

The banner is small and simple, maybe too simple, but I can always improve it! Or remove and make another one! But I made it myself, and for I am not experienced in Photoshop, I should be satisfied for my first time graphic design - the original version looked like this:
It was too large (mx. 750 x 100 pixels) photography of catroons cut out of paper on cardboard, so I replaced monkey and moved deer into the gap. And then it started - I thought it should be brighter, and then more contrast.... It was fun!
I took the manual and did my best - for now. Well, anyway it's lighter :D

But few words about my sheep. They both belong to the group: "Sheep of the world, unite!". The white sheep is Fanny. She is very independent individual. She accentuates her individuality by decision of homeschooling (whomever will adopt her - be prepared then!) and keeping silence every Thursday (don't ask me why Thursdays). She'd like to have smaller nose.
She loves everything traditional Japanese: from food to design, from theatre to amigurumi. Don't be surprised if you see her late at night watching "Ghost in the Shell" or "Spirited Away", and eating soba noodles with broccoli (well, broccoli are fine and she won't resign of them). Her companion's name is Jules.

She was trying to cover her nose with a teddy bear.... The black sheep is Biba, named after 60ties fashion designer. Biba is a preschooler sheep with a strong desire to become a pilot when she grows up. She's already started learning meteorology and astronomy.
She likes to eat spinach, and tofu. And chocolate candies. Biba loves everything black and more possible is that she'll become a fashion victim or designer herself than a pilot. But who knows? I need to be more supportive for her, I believe.

Sheep are made of polar fleece and cotton, 17 cm (6,6" ) and almost the same size from ear to ear. Their teddy bears are made of wool felt - 5 cm (2" ) tall.
And the last photograph - it's the only photo of my recent custom order - a quilt/tapestry for a baptized child (it was meant to be a gift from his godmother). It was definately LAST MINUTE order, so I made this quilt in such a hurry that I forgot to take a picture! Anyway - on the cotton printed in clouds I made felt letters (seen below, the child is half Canadian half Polish so the names reflect it), and all the edges were decorated with felt angels, children and animals. Cream cotton fabric on back, red thread trim on the edges. I put ribbons on the corners to hang it. Packaged nicely in a box decorated with my characters. As I heard everybody loved it - it was so nice to hear!
I hope I will have an opportunity to take a photograph of this work.
P.S. I had a funny thought: two years ago I made a PhD about the names and tradition of naming (among the other things), and now I make tapestry with names. Second thought was: bringing up the child is worth PhD also :)

fresh finds - design for children

2007-09-12T15:03:00.001+01:00

Tissue pom-poms remind me peonies - one of my favourite flowers and I believe they can amazingly decorate any nursery room - or any room. Children would love these fluffy pom-poms on their birthday parties. I've learned recently that Martha Stewart is almost an institution - she knows everything about the housekeeping and decorating, or if she doesn't she know who does. Then full instruction is here . These flowers are a little bit kitchy but all charm lies there.

Though it is not design - or very strange one - it was funny thing to Spell with flickr - the word about this programm is spreading the world. (As always - one can find ANYTHING in flickr!) Word "lalootka" seems to be much too long (for a blog) but looks interesting anyway. If you don't like the shape of the letter chosen by programm, you can click for another one, and another, untill you like it. More or less, I like "lalootka" in this shape.
But I was going to write something about my fresh finds. They are few Polish toy companies. Like Gepetto - toys with soul, as they describe themselves. They have a lot of kinds wooden vehicles and rocking horses (not always horses, actually, sometimes sheep), all nicely designed, meeting children safety standards, are painted with watersoluble paints, all with CE and TUV certificates.

My favourite item is zebra vehicle, but there are many others: pigs, dragons, dogs, ducks - all collected in pdf catalogue.
If you want to see toys other than wooden - puppets, spinning tops, pushing toys, toys on wheels, turning houses, theatres and lots more - you must visit Kalimba an online shop of Natka Luniak. She founded toy company, now expanding, with a caffeterie Kofifi, and children friendly ideology. She also designes children furniture. If you visit this site, you can listen to the sounds of kalimba - an African instrument that brought name to the company.
If you speak (or read) Polish, visiting Wy!twórnia is your must-do. It's one of the most interesting publishers of children books currently. They re-published "Baśń o królu Dardanelu"
(Tale of King Dardanel) - with Janusz Stanny illustrations - and it's children's book evergreen. The company was established by two women not satisfied with common children books production. And, as for me, it was the perfect step. They publish books with beautiful illustrations, classic illustrations, modern also, finely designed, wise and - well, these books teach children what a good design means. The more such companies, the better.
Another children friendly company is endo . Originality of this clothing company lies in the quality of materials, good finishing, detailed prints of funny characters
and the variety of products: clothes for children, wonderful teddy bears

- and clothes for them also,

books (they publish books about Maisy ! - Ada and I we are great fans of Maisy)
And if we are speaking of Maisy - the simplicity of the outlines, brighness of colours and humour of this character are very very special. I'm not surprised that Lucy Cousins has her books printed in millions of copies around the world.
And now - Polish design of furniture for children. Meblik is a producer of quite pleasant furniture for any toddler or children. Various designs, friendly colours, quality. They are not especially sophisticated, modern of posh but look pleasantly.
Baby Vox present a wide range of furniture for children. Most of them are rather classic designs, like this presented below - Alice (which I chose for its name)
This collection was cooproduced with Pottery Barn Kids , well known for their beddings, accessories, furniture, decor and many more items - all inspiring for parents, children, and furniture designers. Pottery Barn Kids are not Polish company, of course. I like the fabric dolls they present. Very much in my fashion.
And I'm back with soft toys! As always - it's (exept my daughter ) my favourite subject recently. I even though of buying Ada a Maisy in softie form
but for now - while I am away, in Torun, she is quite happy with her twin sheep. Production - lalootka. Photographs of sheep - soon.

World of toys and blogging

2007-08-30T05:18:00.001+01:00

For few days I'm in a strange mood - trying to make supply for an my etsy shop and having so little time to do it. So it's still empty! I regret I'm rather a lausy graphic designer to make a simple and beautiful banner. And when I'm sleepless at night I'm looking for something new among my favourite blogs to cheer me up (take a look at my blogroll). The more I search the more I find interesting finds and the more I think that blogs of crafting people are the world themselseves. And lots of crafters love to describe their lifes - so I like reading those blogs more than any others: they are frankly without too much effusiveness, they are sweet without too much sweetness and they are - just about life! Great! Well, maybe it's not a very profound thought, but I like blogs and bloggin' more each day.
So this funny toy I found at Rosa Pomar's site and she did find it at This Next site. I'm all for slings, (those made by Rosa herself are beautiful), but not for the bottle - breastfeeding rules :) . On the other hand, I can not imagine breastfeeding toy... This toy is fashionista, I must say - slings are so in fashion now! When Ada was smaller I carrier her in a sling myself and still remember a funny situation - an old lady in the park seeing me with a newborn in a sling, offered to buy me a prom! I'm sure she had though miserable of me, hahahah. To end advertising slings - it's a perfect for breastfeeding also.
So, that's it. Let's back to toys.
But innovative toys are perfect for children of any age, and I found this "Let's Play Mail" at I'm Still Me site, while searching exhibitors of Bubble Press (I used to like it more, currently there is no so many toy makers exhibiting there). As authors describe this toy: "Provides hours of pretend play which encourages self-expression, and reading and writing readiness. Send pretend mail, postcards or parcels to Mom, Dad, kitty, doggie, boy/girl/brother/sister. Stamps, messages, etc. stick to mail pieces with easy to use Velcro for years of fun and learning".

Toys have their independent life, I suppose looking at the photos that softies makers do. We all know they do have. Like littlecottonrabbits rabbits, for instance.
Or monstrous monsters you can see among nifty stuff handmade by vozz - which means fishcakes . Monsters seem to be favorites of her creativity and creations: in this cozies
some small decorations
or even they can be a theme of bento box for her prescholer:
On her site you can see more monsters - I like the features of this monster - grumpy face, rosy cheaks and these beautiful horns make him very special.

Jennifer Murphy Bears moved her shop to ebay now, but she still makes gorgeous jointed bears in precise outfits. They are not children toys for sure for their safety eyes, tiny pieces, mohair furs and joints, but who wouldn't want such a sweet face?
And I like some banners - actually I could not choose which one is my favourite. They are all very special. Most of them are saved in .gif propably so I could not upload them here, but some - lucky for me - were not.
I like Marisa Maia's for showing the content of her blog and her sweet toys all at once
So Marylin Patrizio - her crochet creatures are great and I like her stuff very much. I hope she won't mind me mentioning about her here.
Or Claire Robertson with her sweet toys and illustrations. I don't know what I like more - the illustrations or the toys.
I've noticed I love banners with an sketch of the author and his (or rather her) creations. Like those girls above. On one of my previous blog banners (I had few already: banners, not blogs) I put this
But I decided to put my little girl among the softies - instead of me. And even now it's changed. Of course, some day I will improve my little banner here, but - just some day! Being full-time mother is more than full-time job!

Finished at last

2007-08-26T03:04:00.001+01:00

Lady of the Lake
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

When I made this doll A YEAR AGO for my friend's daughter I made her dress of embroidered (by myself) silk cloth.
But it was yellow and actually, this colour doesnt' look good on me. So it did not on this doll. She was somehow incomplete, with no soul. She dusted in the attic, not forgotten but useless. And I was lucky to meet Trinlayk who asked me for a Japanese outfit for a kitty . And Japanese outfit that was it!
I made her proper slippers of black and grey felt - then she was bearfoot. And it looked ugly.
And now her magic moon of the forehead shines brighter. But it is my longest time made doll ever.

Another doll was waiting for her moment also. At first I wanted her to be dreadlocked, rasta - style girl. But she was not this kind of girl, I believe so she didn't want me to make her untrue. I liked this big green cap - it looked like a sack for potatoes and was funny. I still keep an orange screenprinted orange cloth to make her dress but maybe another doll will wear it.
She prefers to wear black turtlenecks, leggins and loves skirts. And ribbons. And dancing - look at her slippers.

With her arms open wide Georgie would become a perfect friend for any girl - self confident, not too talkative, openminded and wit.

cute, frightening and others - but soft!

2007-08-23T05:42:00.001+01:00

. himnôfeda!'s present .
Originally uploaded by seniorita polyester.

I've made a real search and found lots of fantastic sites and designers of softies and what's the use to keep them for myself? I'll better share.
At first seniorita polyester's creation. She makes cute but macabre characters and propably this innocently looking softie also has some dark and cruel thoughts in its mind... Pitty it was made as the only one object. She should make some more.
Spooky Daddy - as he describes himself - is "a stay at home dad and am now devoting all of my energy to being the best dad and plush mad scientist i can be.i spend most of my time crafting the cutest and creepiest little creatures that as days go on take up more of my house lol.but i don't make them for me i make them for the world". His softies seem to want to conquer the world right now - for all cost, like this very determined toothie one.
Haasbroek - a young artist from the South Africa seems to be dedicated to the art for children, painting funny pictures like this one - going together with a squareshaped softie
or making Happy Products like this Popsicle Pete . The variety of colours presented also.

Jess Hutch. made a new addition to her amazing collection of sweet and modestly looking down creatures. This time she made residents for the doll house - of course the doll house was remodelled and painted in her own unique style.
Among her older works I cherish dolls made of screenprinted fabric - taking a closer look shows all the details of her sketches.
and this beautiful knitted work called simply "Landscape" - witty and cute.
Maki Squarepatch is a duo of superbly tallented sisters who make wonderfully fresh and funny softies and accessories of pre-loved fabrics and clothes.
MaharDrygoods is full of beautifull creatures for small and big people. Like this Ludic of Woollyhoodwinks . I love his ears, I must say!
The site is after re-construction now, and if you want you can hear these creatures very own theme song and watch cartoon . Junco, Ludic, Reddy, Ozard and Fluke are handcrafted from high quality, vintage-inspired wool fabrics, detailed with sweet embroidered faces and bright plastic safety eyes. When baught in MaharDrygoods they can be girfwrapped in such a lovely green case.
I am a great admirer of woodcrafted toys, and those of Peter Dziulak's Blocksmith are amazing. All those arches, castles, towers, and fortifications make me wanting to be 6 again. Any Waldorf doll would suit to such a castles, actually - any doll would love to live here .

Fresh finds

2007-08-22T10:37:00.002+01:00

mobilrhome
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

Kidsonroof mobile home - play house by modernmini . Gorgeous blue house with a dashing red inside - I love cardboard. For it's texture, flexibility, modest look and enviromental friendliness. And mapleboard - like this, found on KidO when one can find smart and beautiful things for children of various age, all inspired by Maria Montessori or Reggion Emila's educational philosophy, ecologically aware, stylish and beautiful.

When you have such beautiful doll houses you can not leave them empty - settle a doll by hopskipjump
or a bunny by hopskipjump
or such a bunny by Julie of little cotton rabbits to play with. Each softie is unique, made of new and high quality materials, cuddly. And - what's most important - handmade.
And I found few other interesting things - blogs, stores and craftsmen. Like MyMy art + craft with a nice template and great things to buy - toys among them.

and Sion called Ubiki , an artist who makes funny modern looking and simple prints of wonderful monsters for nursery (this one below is my favourite, escadr of bird-U-boots :) )
and, what also important the same person founded and is running still growing Indiepublic large site for bloggers, designers, shoppers interested in things indie.

At babygeared I found this lovely piece of Fine Art for Children by Alison Jay, called Circus Parade and though the subject is rather not pleasing to me, I must say, the picture IS lovely and friendly looking. And for sure it would decorat the nursery beautifully.
Candy Factory Wall Stickers from modernnursery are trendy and funny, as wall stickers in general are now. Not just for children actually. Each kit contains 18 feet of lush green lawn to plant your 12 lollipops wherever you like. There are also 12 deluctable peppermint roses, 24 gumdrop bushes and 68 decorating gumballs!

Serching MILK - one of the best European magazines dedicated to design for children - I found many cute things for toddlers (like my Ada). Like this tableware decorated in pink with pink and orange girl sketch. Stylish and cool. Made by Made by oots! . Nice find.

When your baby has its room decorated, some wonderful toys to play with, then it should be dressed nicely - for girls we suggest today a picnic dress in SPRING BIRDS .
Its a small size version of women picnic dress made by Winter Water Factory . Spring Birds is one of their most popular prints.
For boys tees like this by Dandy , Cornwall clothing company specialized in t-shirts, run by Charlotte Day and Rose Bamford who produces a range of tees for babies, kids and ladies. or with a pattern like this - it's made by Droopy Knickers , modern design New York company with interesting approach to American design heritage. I like this oldfashioned Western nursery and funny look of their t-shirt print.

Softies in Poland and everything inspiring

2007-08-13T02:12:00.001+01:00

Latex For Fun (THE BOOK)
Originally uploaded by ☁ Maybe ☁.

I found it on my unreplaceable flickr - and have to read about Latex For Fun (THE BOOK) project - looks quite inspiring for me actually, especially now. I love any projects connected with toys designing and exhibiting, and though I know some amazing initiatives like Month of Softies or Plush You, but anything new can that would help me in organizing my event would be appreciated.

Well, then it's official - I'm working on organizing an exhibition. Almost all participants invited, almost all accepted my invitation. But the term will be not September 2007, as I was suggested to make, but 15 May 2008, as I had planned. I hope they'll like it! There is plenty of thisng to organize. Fortunately I have wonderful venues and almost everything completed to organize it. Though I know I should be writing some articles about Medical Anthropology or anything connected with my field but I'll better make something to make me happy - an exhibition to present in Poland my flickr friends and their wonderful creations. And, actually -not just flickr friends because some Polish artist want me to participate in this project also! And I love their works!!!!

The key for choise of the participants is their artistic activity: I wanted them to be artists of various fields AND softies makers.

P.S. I wanted to make a button - kind of preview of the banner I'm working at, and I made a button in Button Maker at first and I was really happy how it looked (though it was very small) but then I found CoolText and I think it's even more usefull tool. Lots of free fonts to downloads - some of them are great. So far no button yet - I want to make it real good (unitl Greek calendas, propably...)

indie emporium

2007-08-10T03:22:00.003+01:00

Being home again (and having some time while Ada and Adam were visiting greatgrandmother, I've started to search internet in everything connected with indie: design, enterpreneuship, craft, blogging. And I found this - advertising one Fall craft event in Tulsa, OK. Pitty, there is no such event in Poland. Yet. I like this banner (on the website Indie Emporium one can find more banners to doanload.

I also like Fishcake Nifty Stuff Made by Vozz and though I still can not install its banner, I have it on my site roll among "Sites I like" :)

Generally, I've noticed I prefer indie designers, and women bloggers and crafters - if I think about the reasons I find the girl power the most appropriate and interesting. And, to tell the truth - in the field of softies making men are in minority.

I find it pitty that in Poland tradition of handcrafting is dying and just few young people craft - even in social anthropology or evern ethnography my collegues scholars seem to avoid the subject - maybe it's too oldfashioned for them? But I'vwe learned that such movement - worldwide movement - like softies making is really interesting and important to survey - that's us, in the first decade of new millenium!

diary 2008 project

2007-07-30T20:28:00.001+01:00

diary 2008
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

I participated in diary2008 project - also in flickr group - and it was real pleasure and great fun to make a page for this diary. Lucy B from Fantazya Fantazies who was the manager and initiator of this project accepted my drawing, and I'm happy for it. Actually I'm very happy! Now I have new motivation to make supply to my etsy shop - though it's not opened yet. Grand opening soon, I believe, as soon as I have a banner, but so far visiting relatives and family doesn't go well with sewing and drawing. I don't know why but I seem to be more busy here than while at home! Ada goes to sleep rather late, wake up early mornings, wanting almost constant care - too much exciting things happen to her everyday - too many children, new people, fun, new words she learns, new territories she explores - and she can hardly bear it! I quite understand her.

But speeking of diary again: I like the idea of a diary when lots crafters and artist can draw a page or few - to advertise, to show their style. Many interesting people took part in this project and I'm priviledged to be among them, excellent! I wanted my page to be as simple as possible. Of course, the main character on this page is Ada, accompanied by her softies. Some are already existing, some are not. But they will.

dragons rule! And Harry Potter!

2007-07-21T01:04:00.001+01:00

Dragons rule. One of the most mysterious creatures of imagination. I always wonder why in the West they became so feareful, merciless, greedy, anyway - evil creatures while in the Far East they are blessed and blessings bringing, generous - well, mostly they are. Whatever the reason is I love the art whose subject were dragons.

plush dragons on display
Originally uploaded by nicole s.

And I love dragons - that's quite common, I know. But I collect St. George's images to have more dragons. Dragon and dragon slayer bond to eachother for eternity influence my imagination. I love Ursula K. LeGuin's "Tehanu" for the wonderful character of baby dragon in human form. And for Kaliesin - she rocks! (Kaliesin, not just Ursula K. LeGuin). And now dragons - or one of them - became again important character in the last of Harry Potter sag - great! I saw an amazing illustration of a dragon rode by Harry and his friends by Madame GrandPre (I adore her illustrations in "Narnia"s books and Tolkiend's stories also) and wonder how to get the special edition of HP... (Reading comments of Potteromaniacs was wonderful and touching - most of them wants to believe that Snapes is good at heart and Ms Rowlings had some mercy for Harry. So do I!)

I decided to make my own version of a dragon - lalootka's style - soon.

Feng shui corner of my house

2007-07-11T23:41:00.001+01:00

rhino and birds
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

I like feng shui as an art of creating our environment, and treat all the symbols that anchor our imagination. That's why, from time to time, I make something new to my "feng shui corner": now it's a blue rhinoceros for protection of the house, birds that bring lucky chances and pi yao - a dog clown.

Rhinoceros is inspired by Saracoloridos' - one of my Inspiring Cre8tives - beautiful rhinaldinha or rather rhinosalsicha as Sara called it. I kept the shape, material - felt, though changed the size and resigned of those unbelievable stripes she had made. My rhino has blushes - I like blushes very much in all my softies.

And I made pi yao - flying dog. Pi yao is the ugliest and the funniest creature at the same time - he's role is to uppease angry Duke Jupiter and pi yao is the only one who can make it. I'm not surprised - it's so comic. Pi yao is made of polymer clay and painted with acrilics. it has wings to fly to the heavens bringing our requests. I like this creature and it's friendly snout. I keep it in my study.
It has auspicious birds painting in a background. I like this picture very much - I made it just before last Christmas, as a kind of a gift for the house. Now it welcomes everybody in the entrance of our house. Maybe I should make another one for my mother - she said it's beautiful.
Recently I've found a great Feng Shui course - Feng Shui For Cats (with instructions) funny, smart and illustrated with great photographies of amazing cat with gorgeos eyes (Rudolph would be angry hearing my complimenting another cat, so would Adam, but as the cat has now another life of his 9 lifes, I hope they forgive me). I like this course very, very much. I took all these advise and want to find a good paper box for Rudolph - now I know why he doesn't like his carrier to sleep in and prefers our bed.

Otter and baby blanket

2007-07-10T18:20:00.001+01:00

Finally, that's the otter became rattle. I resigned of making another mascot - kitty when I realized how time consuming baby blanket was. So to help the situation, I put one rattle into otter's belly, and second - in a tail. It jingles softly. It's wonderfully cuddly, because I didn't stuff it too much - just for the 6 months old baby girl Ula, I hope. I made all stitches extra carefully to protect from busy fingers ripping the sews. I'm especially proud of its tail, I must say, not just because of jungle, but in general - it's long, firm, just otter's tail - perfect while swimming. Mr Otter has no paws - Adam's noticed that it looks more like swimming like that. And as I quite agree with it, I took his advise not to sew the paws. It diverse much from the first sketch: it has no whiskers, but blushes, it's longer and slimmer and has more rounder head - but I like it even more.

I like to pose my softies with a folk stripes painting in a background - it's so colourful and joyful. I'm glad I made that painting. It brings fresh look into our study.

I completed all the work today - about 3 p.m! Just before customer's arrival, which means Malwina. Baby blanket was finished at 5.30 a.m.
This baby blanket took soo much time and, frankly, effort that next time I'll think twice before I take such an order having such a short time! Though now I have an idea how to make it better. Originally the pocket of the white (cream) side of blanket was for kirry - but Mr Otter fits also. As well as pacifier or any other baby good.
It was fun, of course, as my first attempt to make a baby blanket and applique, but on the other hand - it's been a big challenge. I like the idea of embroidered characters appliqued on, and that can be useful in my next project, but I see that as always less means more: less fabrics means more effect.
And though I like it, I can not be sure if the customer was satisfied till Malwina reaches her family, baby niece Ula and nephew Mauni, 3 years old (what a nice name, I forgot to ask if it's Hawaiian or Polynesian name). Malwina seemed to like it -I hope she really did!!! We are friends and I don't want to make any misunderstandings because she bought something from me and it was not satisfactory. But if she likes it, she can be the best trendsetter ever!
Forest set of finger puppets needed some improvement. So I changed it a bit - monster has been replaced by a tree with a sky background. Animals didn't need any change, but I made a bear much bigger than before. In such a comparison wolf looks rather a cub than adult one.
I made also a nice, orange felt envelope decorated with blue blanket stitch. Puppets can be packed nicely to protect them from dust, for instance. I hope they won't dust anyway! They need to be used as a theatre for children! Now I need to make such a set for Ada, at last!
And I had a chance to improve my tags slightly. I added ribbons and thanks to eyelets set I made a nice little whole :)
As usually, as a package I use my favourite brown paper.

I'm happy with the result. But my family is not happy with me so busy for few days! After a week absence, mother and wife still out of reach, that's too much. Now I'll have to make an effort to sooth them.

baby blanket WIP

2007-07-08T17:55:00.001+01:00

I'm working on Malwina's custom order. I changed it a bit: it's more decorated actually than a first sketch. To tell the truth, it's completely different. Exept the swimming otter, which I put here also. Here are embroidered figures of an otter and kitty, playing together in a moonlight. There is a moon embroidered also with a chain stitch, and felt cloud. I used two kinds of polka dots fabrics: navy blue with white and warm brown and beige. I like polka dots, especially on satin textures, I must say.
Malwina wanted me to make this baby blanket of various textures and it is multi-textured: many kinds of fabrics, embroidery, ribbons, polar fleece, denim, cotton, felt and frotte (kitty has a pink frotte towel). Many textures to touch and activate child's curiousity. I hope "story" I'm telling with this blanket will look friendly and nice.

In addition I'm gonna make two heroes of this story: Mr Otter and Miss Kitty. Kitty will be mascot with a rattle, and otter will be much larger - a big pal for the kitty. And for the baby.
Or vice versa - maybe it would be more fun when it would be Miss Otter and Mr Cat? Anyway kitty will be black and otter - white. My two favourite colours - my base.
It's my first attempt to make an appliqued blanket and I'm very curious how it's gonna work out. And also first time when I use my sewing machine! It's too large for me to handsewn it so I needed some machine help. My "genius personal sewer" is not a machine, but a toy, but it can help anyway.

tralala

2007-07-04T09:04:00.000+01:00

I got a custom order - from Malwina. I'm so happy about it! It's for her 6 months old little niece and 3 year old nephew.

She wants me to make a forest set of finger puppets for him and mascot with a baby blanket and rattle for her. I assume she saw lalootka's photos on flickr because she said that black kitty Izumi was super-duper :) Well, at first she wanted me to make something unusual so I made sketches for a beaver and an otter - for a change from bears and kitties. But it seems kitties like Izumi, rule anyway. Or maybe I would make kitty - rattle? It's small - perfect for a rattle.

I chose otter because they are brightly looking, smart and pleasant creatures will "smiling" cute faces. And my grandmother called me "King Sobieski's otter" when I was a kid. And a beaver, bacause it was my sister's nickname.

And Hildegarde is going to Italy to girl Federica! I knew she'll be loved. Hildegarde - Federica is loved for sure! Federica has a mother that collects handmade softies. I just need to come back home to pack Hildegarde with all her accessories and make a tag. I hope they'll like her music also.

Only Sophie-bear will stay with Ada these days. No, how could I forget about cats - still in my attic, waiting for some remodelling, embellishment, and more stuffing. They have their place in Ada's old safety-chair, shared with Rudolph. It looks funny, but I can not make any photo of them together - Rudolph doesn't want me to show his laziness and always runs away seeing me with a camera.

sheep of the world, unite!

2007-07-03T20:49:00.000+01:00

After making Amelia, and Sinead, I decided to make a whole herd - sheep don't like to live alone, prefer to flock together. I also thought that "sheep of the world, unite!" would be a great motto of such a production. So I thought that such a flock could be a good toy for any child - and even better present for an auction! Going to Lodz last Friday, with all my suitcase full of softies, I took my "moving studio" with me, few WIP sheep, threads, needles and so on. During couple of hours of travelling I made Pola, white fluffy sheep with scarlet legs, and embroidered heart on her "arm" for embellishment. People in compartment were rather surprised by seeing anybody with a needle work - it's so oldfashioned! - and asked me if I had any work finished to present them. And I did. They all agreed that Hildegarde was the sweetest monkey ever, and couldn't decide if Hadrian or Leelee was cuter. But I will never publish Pola's photo - one nice girl bought it. OK, she did not - I gave Pola to her father, because little Nicola asked him to buy her such a beautiful sheep (and I was flattered to hear it). I thought she was exact person to have it - she showed her good taste pointing the most beautiful of my toys - fox, Florence. Florence is especially dear to my heart. And so I just asked Nicola's father to sent the amount of money he thought Pola was worth to Gajusz Foundation. Well, I believe he will do it :)
When I came to Lodz, and I told my mother what I did, and what slogan I have, she asked me to make these sheep for her - to take them to Israel!!! She has the idea to present them at artistic symposium, as a metaphore of currency - masses treated as an easy pray, herds of unprotected sheep against the pack of wolfs - politicians and corporacies. I don't actually like this dichotomy: Us - Them, Sheep - Wolfs, it's too simple as an analyze of reality, but sheep and lambs indeed evoke many religious and mythological associations. Most of them connected with naivety, easy character, offering, innocence, pray, cuddly nice creatures of small reason. Though I'd prefer them to stay, I liked the idea they will make a journey to the Promised Land :) (actually, not so promised when some sheep are equal, and some sheep more equal there...) So, mother took three sheep and a lamb: Sinead, Amelia, Vincent and Bobby to Israel and promised me to take lots of photos in interesting surroundings. Good start. If it's still actual with summer_pickles, Amelia will go to Australia afterwords. Or maybe all of them? (My mother's safety is more important for me than any photo and I hope she won't make photos in any dangerous zone, and don't want to even discuss it). And then, I think that mother was right: slogan "sheep of the world, unite!" is not just a joke and travesty of communist slogan, but can be a statement, and motto for all those, whose good intentions, charity, trust, attachment for family is taken as a stupidity, herd instinct or target for misuse by anyone.

Every child is precious

2007-07-01T23:20:00.000+01:00

Today I've been in an orphans house "House in a Boat" runned by Gajusz Foundation (I do not know whay I can not make a html for linking it), a NGO foundation that's running also a hospice for children. (I put their banner on my site. There is also auction site of the foundation at allegro.pl with their nick "Hospicjum_Dzieci").
So when I went to this house, I took Leelee and Hadrian and fox Florence for the children - residents. I made a purse and miniature Puka I had made as a toy for Florence.
But speaking of children: so far there are only three of them there, but it's gonna be 9 - all of them are more or less disabled. I feel shame that I didn's go there earlier and that I feared this visit. Because I did. Unnecessary. These children are so cute, vivid and funny! They deserve to be loved and cared. Not just by social workers and employed nurses, but by parents - adopted, if not by parents by blood. Or families - adopted also. Unfortunately, our social care system is not helpful to arrange adopted families for those children, or family houses. And that's a pitty. No, actually, more than a pitty. So far I do not know how to help to solve this problem.
But the best thing will be circle of friends - and I believe in this I can help. Actually EVERYONE can help.
I like the name of this house "House in a Boat" - for it's double meaning: the city it's located is Lodz, which means Boat also. They have quite lovely place, with a small backyard and garden, with a kindergarden as the closest neighbour. I hope they'll settle there nicely as soon as possible. They just have to familiarize the neighbours with their presence. With the presence of Strange Strangers, in many ways.
1o% of every sold toy item, I want to give them. That's a pledge. I think it will be better to focus of one charity - until I'm very reach :)

new creations

2007-06-28T02:35:00.001+01:00

My posts are going in packs, so my creations.
After sniffing of touch for newborn baby, as I told myself, I came back to finishing forest set of finger puppets. Made especially for Kinga, Ada's elder friend.
As always, I loved making it. Deer is my favourite item right now, though I love wolf, bear and hare also. Creature in the middle is a ghost of the forest, mini version of my monsters - guardians. So is this one - taking care of all the forest and all creatures living there.

Speaking of a deer - at Trinlay Khadro flickr site one can see a poststamp from Lalootka-land (that's how she called it and I like it very much). There is a deer there to show the associations with a city Trinlay lives in.
I'll better go to sleep and postpone making a purse for finger puppets till the early noon - it's dawn, birds are starting to sing, and for me - sleep time.

matrix got me!!!!!! silly Aloutka! and children of the silence

2007-06-28T01:03:00.001+01:00

After checking Krista's blog as almost every day (I wrote few blogs ago that I like her without actually knowing her in person), I've learned that her Hillary is already on our side of the reality. She named her baby Hillary Marie - good name. Have I mentioned that I'm an expert (in a way) in names and tradition of christening? Well, my PhD is all about it, heheheh :)
And - silly me - I was moved to tears by the information and beautiful photo of happy mother and daughter. CONGRATULATIONS, KRISTA AND HILLARY MARIE!"
Sniff, sniff...
I know the reason - though Ada is the most wonderful daughter in the world, she's not a newborn anymore. She is a big toddler, running around, speaking words that are not just her private language but each day more understandable, loudly singing, laughing, putting nappies on her head for fun, wanting to draw in my notecard, to be giggled, posing before the mirror, etc. She is growing fast, imitating grownups, almost grownup herself! I'd just like to feel this feeling of having newborn again! It was such a great thing to birth her and to have her in my arms. Well, I see that labor and storm of hormones made a gap in my memory and I don't remeber any discomfort or pain of pregnancy, heheheh. Besides, and that's another thing, Ada was very silent and calm baby from the beginning, and even midwifes in hospital were surprised by her zen meditative mood. So were our neighbours and landlords - everybody expected rush and loud. She just had her eyes opened but spoke a little. Child of the silence.
Omph, I'm back to myself - that's better. I'll better go finish birthday present for our young neighbour!
And I wouldn't be me if I hadn't noticed the information that Krista is already home! I have to check the information but it seems in Canada women come back homes after just labor! Or a one day. In Poland women are kept at least 3 days in any case. Very interesting.... I'll use it in my medical anthropology lecture. Next semester, of course :)

busy day

2007-06-27T23:46:00.000+01:00

I found again the Paperpod creative and ecologically aware company using cardboard as a material to design toys and furniture. It's brilliant, indeed! I checked the price of this cupboard house and though it's not costless, 30 pounds is not exaggerated price for such an item.
It's fantastic - simple, decorative, beautiful and helps to teach children creativity. I feel like becoming fanatic of this idea.... Hm - poor Ada ;) (My parents are still disbelieving we want to raise her at least untill her 3 years without a constant contact with a tv. Actually we don't have a tv at all)

I'm preparing a gift for the first friend Ada has - Kinga is 9 years old neighbour of ours and likes to play with Ada. Tommorrow is Kinga's birthday as she herself told me, pretending she was just interested in a day of Ada's birthday :) . I'm making a set of finger puppets for Kinga - forest set. She doesn't look acustomed to handmade goods and toys, rather for plastic toys and lots of tv, but I hope she'll like it.

Today I received another custom order - thank Goddess!. Our friend Bartus wants me to make a dog - Alsace type - for his little nephew who loves his pet dog. I have an idea how to make it - propably wolf fingerpuppet will be my inspiration.

It seems I'll have a nice website! SOON! Even very soon. DD Paul designed a nice site for Kazawa Project : bright, with funny sketches and friendly colours and, what's the most interesting for me, with beautiful stripes as a decoration. But Adam doesn't want it - he preferes to keep the old layout. I don't quite understant him, but on the other hand, I can not compain - I love stripes! Especially in such brigh colours, like my favourite folk stripes. And I need a banner (and typography) as soon as possible. To start etsy shop, among the other thing. Poor DD - he doesn't have an easy life with a partner like Adam...

Sinead, Hildegarde and friends

2007-06-25T17:43:00.001+01:00

Sinead, Hildegarde and friends
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

My new flatmates: lamb Sinead, and monkey Hildegarde. They are both young musicians: Hildegarde is composer (nomen omen), Sinead (nomen omen) is studying opera singing - one of her favourite artists is Bianca Casady They are very young so still keep their softies :)
After introducing lamb Amelia into a flickr world I realized that lambs hate to live in solitude - they need a company - the more sheep the merrier. Sinead warned me that few her cousins more are coming soon. And they are not silent for sure. (Her legs and arms are made of pure rustic linen. Next time I'll take thinner linen for this purpose).

We are expecting a concert soon - though Midsummer Night passed but there'll be another occassion soon: the end of term, exams and beginning of the Summer holidays :) - composer and conductor Hildegarde, solo vocal - Sinead. Though I love Hildegarde von Bingen , I hope that our Hildegarde won't imitate her fully.

Another addition to our growing lalootkas' company are vaderas, female wolf pack. I treat them as a modest contribution or rather hommage to the idea of The Mom Pack (it should be such an organization here in Poland).
I love wolfs and their perfect family organization. They are more loyal than musketeers, and more devoted to their children, and their mates than humans (in general). I still remeber wonderful book "Not so terrifing wolf" about researches among Alaskan wolfes by a young Canadian biologist who even ate mice to immitate wolf's diet and proove few of his thesis. Receipe for mice with bacon and cream is still in my memory.
But speaking about wolfs - I have to make some more of them for few sets of finger puppets and two of them will be a couple for custom order: the Noah's Arc.

And good news - Trinlay received Izumi today. At last, I worried a bit about it - it took so long! Trinlay is an expert in Japanese outfits, she has few kimonos and knows perfectly the difference between yukata and kimono. I wonder how she judges my production of kitty, her outfits and packages (I wanted to make it as simple and anasumed as possible - to follow the Japanes art of packaging, of course).

night at computer, hmmm

2007-06-20T03:05:00.000+01:00

It's a 4.a.m. and I'm still at computer, searching and browsing other blogs - goodness, what am I doing? Isn't it time-wasting? I should be sleeping! By the way - Ada hasn't woke up even once till now! Or when she did she just said: "tata" and "ongo" which is her word for a tail and fell asleep again. Usually she wakes up twice. And want to eat. So I have to breastfeed and sooth her. And I usually fall asleep then. Leaving computer running.... Strange - but her sleeping so calmly shows that our Cape Canaveral-size bed is not spacious enough for the three of us. How to make her sleeping in her own bed? I'm a lauzy mother. When I come back after a half of a week absence to tell the truth I want her by my side! That's the main reason. She is 1,5 year and still breastfed, because it's good for her and lovelyfor me.

Tommorrow night will be sleepless as well - I'm going to Torun by train! Sigh.

Yesterday I was trying to upload the result of a personality DNA but I couldn't so here it is - it's confirmed - I have a personality!!! :)

Visiting other blogs I found such a quiz - what colour I am. Hm. well well

You Are A Blue Girl

Relationships and feelings are the most important things to you.

You are empathetic and accepting - and good at avoiding conflict.

If someone close to you is in pain, it makes you hurt as well.

You try to heal the ones you love with your kind and open heart.

What Color Girl Are You?

But the most of fun I had with this quiz - what American English I speak - hehhehe,

Your Linguistic Profile:

40% Yankee

30% General American English

20% Dixie

5% Upper Midwestern

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

I can not analyse the results of this one, so I do not know if my English is understandable or not, I sound like a countrygirl of educated person. (Lack of data and impossibility to analaze makes me feel uncomfortable!). That's the only bad side of writing in English when it's your second language. 20% Dixie means that I use words from Luisiana? Or countryside girl's? Goodness...

OMG - speaking of language: right now I've noticed that comments and information on blog layout are in Polish! It used to be in English, so it's fresh new! Good! Very good. Propably I switch it unconciously. Unconciously - exact word for me. If I want to write in English and to manage without Polish, it's not useful. Or it is? But that's my mother's tongue. (it's interesting that in English you call it that way, when in other European languages it's a rather connected with a father, which is not proper: maybe fathers are inspiring for children but they are mothers who teach children to speak, I believe). No, no, no - too late for sitting and time-wasting.

Respect habitats. Knut.

2007-06-14T17:12:00.001+01:00

polar bear in the sea
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

Well, it seems I started making polar bear just in time - Dec. 5, 2006 Knut, first polar bear in Berlin zoo, was born. Sad story actually, because, after the death of his twin brother, mother rejected him and poor baby is raised by humans. And zoo workers use his cuteness to promote Berlin zoo, at first, and the idea of environemt and habitats preservation - this very Respect habitats. Knut . Excellent idea, of course. But I haven't been to zoo for ages - I have mixed emotions about it. I'd like Ada to know bio-diversity of earth but I pitty those animals living in cages (though they are not cages).
And I pitty Knut - I know that I anthropomorphise the cub of the polar bear, but - 6 months cub is a tiny baby, isn't it? And he lives without mama. His mama is 3 meters tall predator, but it's a mama!
I accessed Design Can Change programm and made a pledge: to do my best to design with a least effort for nature. Which means using pre-loved materials (I love this word pre-loved, I saw it at Maki Squarepatch site), maybe natural cotton or wool stuffing. That's a challenge. But actually, even dishwashing or morning shower can be a challenge. Or diet!
Life is not easy.
My students are funny - they were writing esseys at the Medical anthropology seminar about various types of alternative medical treatment. And they did it fine - quite fine. But just few of them had real anthropological conclusions and showed me the context of such phenomenons. On the other hand I apprieciate their point of view, way of thinking which is so different than mine. I'm quite satisfied with the seminar programm and result - "quite" means that we should have more time for such project than just one semester.

I envy Tony - on this picture - he can swimm all day long. Today is unBEARable heat and swimming in such a cool blue water like he does would be relief for everyone.
(...Maybe I should make larger bears - polar bears are the largest bears in the world. I'll think about it....)

lamb Amelia dreaming 'bout Australia

2007-06-13T15:52:00.001+01:00

lamb Amelia dreaming 'bout Australia
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

Yesterday night I made this pal(m) creature - it's rather tiny, bit less than my palm's size. The shape of her body is the simplest possible - just oval. As a black sheep of the family I chose my favourite colour - but her mother withh be larger, for sure. Because I want to make mother-sheep. White. They'll suit to my story about Lucinda. But this lamb is not Lucinda, it's Amelia.
(I'm not especially satisfied with a photo, but so far I don't want to make another one).

Ms Malgosia called to offer us a kitty, the real one - two months old, grey and black kitty, and to say that Tony and Franky bear brothers are fine and kids like them. Though she was frankly enough to say, that all four parents of boys like them even more! Well, it happens. But she said, she loves them - I apprieciate her taste and opinion.

When Ada was napping and I had an hour for myself, I got a brilliant idea - how to connect my social anthropology with my artistic ambitions and soft toys making. Today I won't say a word about it, first I have it thought detailed. And to make sure I can make it. And that I will.

If this idea won't work maybe I'll follow Amelia....

indie business and VR

2007-06-13T00:10:00.000+01:00

Blog managment is not an easy thing, I've noticed. After some hours of other blogs survey I think that generally people put a lot of effort to achieve popularity. And that's ok. So should do I. Let's call it investement: of time, work and attention.

Speaking of investment: so far I have to stop my flickr activity because I almost have the amount of 200 photos I could use. It would be better not to buy a pro account before I don't have some more stuff in stock. And that means some fabric stashes, felt and polyfil to buy. Besides, gazing at other's works took my precious time - though I loved it!!! I met so many wonderful artist there, so many tallented people. Thank goodness for internet. On the other hand: I've even dressed my yahoo avatar in t-shirt of the ONE campaign. And today I was watching if Krista published any new photos on flickr - why? To know if she's OK! Her labor day is soon. Then I realized that's the Matrix - the reality I just believe in. I know Krista only as a flickr tallented photographer and sensitive pregnant blogger and what - I want to know if she'd delivered already or not! Slight contact and exchange of comments made me feel like knowing her very well. Strange thing, internet.

But - to contunue my first subject - I still have my goal in my mind: to make plushies and to draw for children. And some day to make clothing for children. Label "lalootka's attic" sounds good for me. Anyway - to be an indie designer, not a mass producer, of course. The reason is simple for me: I believe in educational and socializing role of handcrafts. Mass production does not have "soul" - handcrafted objects do. Generally people rather suffer from being just one of the mass and want to be unique and special. Handcrafted objects give you an opportunity to feel that not everything is produced in China yet. Popularity of any object with a tag "one-of-the-kind" is clear then. I don't see any other way of learning children the R-E-S-P-E-C-T :) for work of others, for their own work than to offer them beautiful, good quality, handmade objects: furniture, clothing, toys. And books of course - even books should escape from mass production. Idee fix? Maybe - but I just want to take my chance. Educating grownups in crafts is another thing worth thinking.

Well, I've noticed also that I collected a lot of interesting labels here - representing women's initiatives mostly! Good - I believe in girl's power. One of my faves is "the Moms pack" - I chose this button because as the only one it showed no too sweet and cute face of motherhood. Now I'm alpha female and can do anything to bring up my cub. My both cubs actually: Ada and "lalotka's attic". I'm so curious and excited if it's gonna work out! Goddess, help me.

I knew that something will start with a business - we moved into the house no 36 and in feng shui it's a number of investments and growing business.... :) We should live here some time longer and then move to home no 28 - "easy money", hehehe.

On the other hand - my survey through websites and blogs of indie designers will help Adam and DD to start with KazawaProject also. I believe that Adam will use my knowledge! Information is priceless, isn't it? I wanted KazawaProject to be a label gathering young Silesian artisans and designers of various fields, but so far Adam is interested only in jewelry. Summer will be test for us both (ot rather the three of us, counting DD) if what we do finds an interest and customers.

By the way: I received a custom order, tralalala. To make tiny animals for Noah's arc, fox plushie and blanket for a baby. Fortunately my "genius personal sewer" which means petite sewing machine works. Making blanket in hands only would take too much time.

Tommorrow I go to Toruń for final lectures with my students. And to start exams - I'll test them of ethnography of Poland and ethnography of Slavs. The worst thing for me is to give them notes - I want to be justice. Afterwords they will have a chance to give me a note - evaluation questionnaire, hm. I don't think I like it, but I understand the neccessity of such responce.

geisha? no, swap

2007-06-07T18:22:00.000+01:00

After making another kimono for swap kitty I'm sure - I'm perfectionist. I love to do things right. And when I get a manual of kimono making (I am ethnographer, aren't I? So I searched for it among ethnographic archives - an article about kimonos collection in ethnographical museum)
I decided to make another one - better one, of course. It has double layers, as it should have, both made of cotton - so it's rather summer casual dress, with linen obi, Yukata more than kimono, which we associate rather with silk. I couldn't make a bottom white dress - it would be too much even for me. I was trying to make seams as invisible as possible. I'm quite satisfied now, at last. Poor Sari had to wait so long, I have remorse. I cut a photo of tea house from my favourite Elle Decoration :) to arrange the scenery, though I suppose (or I know) cotton kimono doesn't suit cha ceremony - it should be silk. I picked a black outer cotton with flowers that make an impression of plum blossoms - havin' five petals each, and white bottom cotton with twigs.

I prepared an ID of a kitty - her name is Izumi, Izumi Kazawa, and she is half Polish. Kazawa name is not a coincidence - it's my alias, Aloutka Kazawa, after Adam's name which is Kazała - and that sounds exactly the same. But Izumi again: she loves cha celebrations, peonies, midsummer and bluebirds. And red purses. (I decided to add red purses to every toy I make now - when Twinky Winky is suspected by gov. to be gay just because having purse, adding red purse is a joke and statement).And now - just to compare - a photo of Izumi. I called her after friend of ours, lovely girl, half Polish also. I hope that THIS Izumi will be as good kendo fighter, drawer and translator like this human one.

Another thing I made was my "business card" - I enjoyed making it, but actually I'm not sure if it's gonna work out. It's lovely to make handmade business cards but it's wasting time, isn't it? I can keep it also as a tag, or use an illustration. Anyway - drawing makes my day. I love aquarell pencils - and mix technique: some colours wet, some dry, pencil, PILOT V 5, and the result is quite satisfactory.
Few days without Adam here was very busy - Ada wanted my constant care and attention, and cryed loudly "dad" running around the house. And we made a lot of house work. I love my home clean and neat. We visited kindergadens, playing, having fun, building castles, reading books - for Ada pictures mostly. We had an walk to the forrest and saw goats and chickens - Ada was fascinated with feeding goats. While we were working hard, daddy amused himself in Prague - our beloved Prague. Amusement was not complete, he sais, without us, but I suppose he meant his pupils were not that sweet as Ada, though also very nice and intelligent. I'm sure they had had wonderful time together.
Ada still likes turquoise kitty. But she's fair enough to share her underarms and love between her and white teddy bear.

Children's Day part 2

2007-06-02T01:39:00.000+01:00

When I get my parent's house on Lodz - I'm their twice a month visitor - we had a nice chat with Justyna and her boyfriend Johnny and mother late at night. Mostly about our unpleasant adventures with insects - Justyna and Johnny both have arachnophobia... :) and even discussing about spiders, fleas and other monsters made them thrilled. It's so nice to see them safe, happy (well, quite happy, Johnny has exams on his studies, and Justyna is waiting impatiently for the results of her high school final exams. But anyway - I love to meet them).

Sitting in a restaurant today I made a few sketches of Ada and me. When I'm longing work helps, especially sketching, sewing and inventing new toys. So here there are mother and daughter. Ada is keeping her toys - turqoise Kitty and girlie - bear Sophie (no night gown anymore) under her underarms - very fair. That's the way she really is keeping them while playing or going for a walk. Someday I will redo these sketches - they look interesting as drafts and I want them to be more detailed and clean. Sketching in restaurant is rather dangerous for paper, as I see now.
The below one is very rough but shows the most favourite place of Ada to sit. Hall stairs leading to our studio and my attic are fantastic and she loves to climb up there (with a help of our hands, of course)
I had some problems with posing "my" legs and feet, funny.

It's 3 a.m. right now - I suppose it's late enough to go to sleep.

International Children's Day

2007-06-01T13:04:00.000+01:00

Another occasion for celebrations - everybody likes to have holiday and lots of fun with children today (o my, what rhymes, hehe). Beautifull weather helps to have outdoors activities. I'm in Torun, at the university, and next few hours will spend in train, travelling to Lodz. Since I just woke up this morning, I've been thinking about Ada and, poor me, children with parents are everywhere, and that's increasing my longing. I just received a sms from Adam with an information that Ada, after awakening, told him (which means she took his hand and lead him) to the kitchen to feed the cat. Charming! He was happy - he loves the cat and believes his daughter is special. But I have a contact with my special child just by a phone... Quite sad, actually.

By the way: the cat. That's an old photo of Kitty in cheongsam. I put it here because I hope to put another kitty's photo very soon. One-of-the-kind black kitty, name Izumi. And I want to have a fresh view for this one. To compare.

To chear up and to comfort myself I made some drawings of baby Ada and me but scanner doesn't function properly and I can not upload them, hrrrr. Well, I will do it later. Now I have to go, but maybe I'll add few words later today (when I get Lodz and a scanner).

new monsters

2007-05-30T11:30:00.000+01:00

I made two new monsters - or I should say guardian spirits: one is the monster of plum tree and the second - of the forrest. Of course, they look like monsters anyway. But it's fun to make them. Will they be liked as Lucky? Lucky was lucky enough to make lots of friends, but how about them?
If everything goes well today I will take them - in brand new packages - to the Elf Bookstore, my favourite bookstore with children books. The owner, who selects really good books with awesome artistc illustrations, not just average mass production, is interested in handmade softies and wants some supply. Good for me.
They are both decorated with ribbons and felt. And some embroidery - like this little bird saying "chearp". It's a Polish forrest monster so even birds are saying in Polish - well, patriots. This monster is protector of wild animals, like this hare and wolf - finger puppet. And the other, the smaller one - is protector of orchard.
I believe they are nice. Adam was frankly and said that my kitties and bear are much better, but anyway I'll take my chance and take them to the Elf.
I have to hurry untill Ada's having a nap - in the evening I'm going to Torun. What a luck that next week I won't - on Thursday is Corpus Christi and two days holiday! In such occasions I think it's great to live in the country domineered by Roman-Catholicism. I should be happy to meet my students, and I am, but all that travelling and leaving to raise my child to someone else ... - no use to say it again.

crochet, knitting and woven

2007-05-29T16:09:00.001+01:00

Today I have to write about the recieved part of swap with Trinlay Khadro (flickr friend, of course). Last Wednesday our postman delivered me a parcel and in this I found such things: beautiful Japanese style piece of fabric, funny trims and yarns for decoration, selectection of vintage buttons - thank you! two gorgeous crochet pins, some yogo sweets.......... amazing origami - it's a griffon!!! I've never seen anything like that. Beautiful, actually for me - awesome. Trinlay is a great admirer of Japanese stuff. And even her cats Japanese names.
The largest parcel was filled with - tra la! The kitty - crochet, turquoise kitty! I saw this kitty once among her photos and liked it very much. When she offered a swap we chose "kitty" theme at once. (I hope she'll like my kitty too).

I love the features of this kitty - it's so cute and funny. Usually I'm not fond of safety eyes - actually do not believe in their safety, but these are big and look stable, and we don't have a dog to bite them. And those eyes give the kitty so bright look! If Ada was not interested in having it, I would keep it for myself - it's soft and cuddly, yum. :)
But I hadn't had much time to enjoy to full those beautiful gifts when the time of my every week trip came. This time I was on my way to Sandomierz, for a conference for change, with a stop for the night in Krakow, at Grazyna Brylewska's place. Ms Brylewska is fantastic person, professor at the Academy of Fine Arts, she used to be an assistent of Magdalena Abakanowicz then, and now she has unique collection of toys. Crochet mostly, but she has also some jewels like Peruvian doll representing mother and child, dressed in original Maya woven fabric. Perfect gift for somebody who dedicated one's artistic life to textile, as she does (she was not Abakanowicz' assistant for nothing). As Grazyna told me, it had been a gift, otherwise she wouldn't keep a doll made of such a precious antique fabric. But the doll is beautiful. I like such images of motherhood.
Among her collection of crochet dolls and goods Grazyna has also crochet "wig with pigtails". This "wig" is for her cat! We couldn't stop laughing watching blue Persian lady with a head decorated with pigtails. Cat stood our silly laughter with dignity.

I should be going to sleep early then, so did Grazyna, but we were both talkative and discussed a lot about dolls. I made plenty of shots, and then I got a knitted teddy bear as a gift! Perfect companion for a trip, I must say! Maybe he's not the most handsome teddy bear I've ever seen but he's very curious in everything and open minded enough to make friends. Good for me, I have to refresh my experience with a field work, which means talking to strangers and interviewing. Communication skills are asset in my profession, so Sigfrid can be excellent social anthropologist.
When I woke up the next morning he was sitting on my chest, waiting for my awakening, ready for adventure!
So we went to Sandomierz by bus, took lots of photos, meet some new people, participated in great conference and had wonderful time then. (Sigfrid had even better time than me - longing for my baby girl). But about that - next time. Today I have to upload photos of Trinlay's gifts on flickr.

P.S. The freshest news: I have writen my first html code - to connect BUST's button with a link. I've NEVER did it before but it works! Well - I'm scholar in humanities....
P.P.S. Trinlay sais that this griffon is not a griffon but a dragon. For me it's even more auspicious because I just love dragons and this one is perfect. I can only make cranes - flying or nesting, and hats, but such a creation is beyond my experience. First I wanted to make in my part of swap an origami for her (crane, of course), but I'll better resign - she's too good in making origami herself. Well, when I mention swap: making kimono outfit for kitty for her was a challenge for me, actually. And took long. Trinlay has some kimonos herself - as I could see on her photostream, so will be judge. I hope not too severe.

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-26T14:11:00.000+01:00

Today is Mother's Day in Poland. I should be writing about the conference I participated in last few days, in Sandomierz ("Praise of the Province" - wonderful), short visit to Krakow friend's (hillarious), swap (I received from Trinlay a kitty!!!!) or about my softies (some new and some news), but since Wednesday I missed my baby so much I want to write about her only.

That's her. - 17 month now, 10 teeth, some words, talkativeness and vivid expression, high spirit, running and playing all days long.
Tonight, when I came home after 7 hours trip, Adam opened the door for me, saying "do not be angry, but i've found something strange and beautiful, and could not help myself taking it with me". He loves to joke this way. We both were looking at her sleeping calmly in our bed with silly smiles of people in love. Though she should'n sleep in our bed! But after few days of longing I just had to smell her pure, innocent smell, feel her fluffy hair and to hear her saying "AM" which means "my milk source came at last and I want her to breastfeed me; where have you been mama?".

In the down left and down right corners of the photo below - Ada while 1 month. She was so fragile, and small.... I pitty I hadn't made some more documentary, foot or hands prints. I just keep some onesies of her first days. (Beside photos of Ada on the wall there are some photos of me and Adam, my parents and black cow of my production).
I know it is not connected with the subject, but I still keep a drawing by my sister Justyna that she'd made at 6 for mother - it was... 13 years ago!!! Gosh... No, there's a connection - Justyna was my baby then. I was 15 when she was born and I took care of her a lot! I feel this connection even now, but I know she has a mother. And so do I :) And now my little sister is finishing her high school.
Children's drawings are wonderful - it seems like all children are artist, and growing (or adults) take their talents from them. Justyna is not drawing or painting anymore though she made many EXCELLENT paintings, drawings (even some tiles in my parent's bathroom are decorated by her drawings). I hope Ada will follow her mother's way and keep drawing - she started recently from some sketches in dictionary....
Ada and her hero - the father. Beloved daddy, heehee. Sometimes I envy him - he's still with her when I'm away, travelling to work.... I should say - he is with her, but taking care of her lat in the evenings. His mother is taking care of her that days when I'm absent. And THAT makes me angry - recently Ada've learned to use chamber-pot regularly and to communicate her needs - and I was not here! She went to the shop to buy new booties - and she gave money to the shop-girl - and I was not here to see it! I can not resign from my position of lecturer at the university, I can't, when I want to be associate professor soon. But I can move to Torun with her...

I love to photograph her while sleeping. Calmness, cuteness, silence, and beauty. All children are like that, I know, but Ada seems to be the love of my life :)
I like her teeth - it looks so funny. I love her laughter - fortunately she'a laughing a lot.

I'm glad that I'm her mother - for sure. I do not want to remeber that I disliked children or rather were saying that: "I love children - with bacon and onion especially" :D Maybe someday I will have some more children (when I was teenager I wanted to have at least four children, sons, today - I changed my mind, girls are just as fine).

And Happy Mother's Day - mama!!!! I remember about you, dear and sent you all my spare love and lots of hugs and kisses.

But if I want any change in my life and in the world it's for Ada. That's the reason I get involved in charity or want to tribute someway in The One Campaigne. For One Race - Human Race.

Some good design or wish list

2007-05-22T09:48:00.000+01:00

Recently I've been thinking that Ada needs a special place to play hide and seek, to store her toys without danger of messing all the house and that we break our legs stepping on them. And actually, I think about cardboard house for her. My favourite one is the last one - I picked this photo from here From the same site of juniorsociety.com I took the above set of knife, fork and spoon by Alessi - that's something to satisfy parent by the label and to stimulate child to eat - with such pals eating can be fun! I like Alessi - especially Stark's designs.... ehm.
Here there is a dogshark taken from blobby farm. Very pleasant critter. The uglier the better :)

And again - some photographs from < href="http://www.juniorsociety.com"> hear - but picked especially for the middle picture of hangings by the Eames couple. And the beutiful chair. I hate that I'm not computer experienced and I know NOT how to apply link into text - it's far too complicated for me now. So far I've learned how to change template, add links, photos and such. I'll learn - I promise myself. But all hangers are great - IKEA are cute also.
Winter Water Factory is company I like - I like the site for its friendly design, prints, accessories and outfits they make for children. Onesie with car is cool. Screenprint is cool, actually.
Toys made of paper are fantastic - Japans are real masters in such designs. The idea and presicion of this creation amazes me.
One of my favourite sites is Italian : they have marvellous furniture for children, wit and sophisticated but eco-friendly also. And I share their idea that good design and handcraft are very socializing and children should have beautiful object of their everydaylife to grow in awareness of beauty, sensitiveness and responsibility. Oh, it sounds like a statement.
I love Entertaining Elephants for their vintage style reversible A-shape dresses, yummy and retro-style web design.
Recently they have some new skirts and dresses and cargo pants - everything looking good.

Starting toys making I've made a real survey through internet to know GOOD examples of design for children. Worldwide. Always modern never trendy. I need to write an article about it - when I'll be free from preparing lectures, laboratories and free from everyweek 500 km travels to work and then back!

My sister's birthday

2007-05-22T02:28:00.000+01:00

Today is 19th anniversary of my sister - Justyna. She's passing her final exams in high school. Poor her, she had to resign of kendo national team to focus on her maturity exams and next-to-be-studies. Hope, everything will be fine. I'm sure, everything will be fine. She wants to study graphic design and computer science, lol. I prefer humanities, any ingeneering studies are amazing for me :). Actually, 3:30 a.m. when I'm writing these very words is about the time she was born! I could sent her sms if she wasn't asleep already. Happy birthday, sis!!!!! xxx

I learned today about Eduardo Recife, Brazilian designer who designed some astonishing typefaces. Some of them are available for free, some - for commercial use. It's pitty but I couldn't install them on my computer - I need some computer science lessons propably! But fonts are great and I like it very much. I decided to put link to his website on my blog among other very inspiring and creative "cre8ives". I like Max Rhode font inspired by his very own handwriting.

All the moments Ada was with her father I was trying to spend developing my work - about modern design and it's folklore influences. I want to be prepared for conference in Sandomierz. There will be Zbigniew Benedyktowicz who is one of my favourite social anthropologists and ethnographers - I admire his keen eye for modern art and gentle personality as well. Besides being interesting scholar and good writing publisher, he's a wise person and it's not a common thing. Either his gentleness - in our scholar circles especially. I've never heard him speaking ill of anybody. If I will speak at all, I will speak about Piatek - the village which is geographical centre of Poland but in any way can be centre of enything. It's margin of life, province, woop-woop land... - and I know some artists who want to awake this strange neighbourhood by some artistic events and founding Museum of the Middle of Poland. I'm very curious of the results.

Japanese dress for kitty is beautiful. trinlayk - I hope - will like it. Her idea about making black cat with green eyes was good - kitty looks fine. I wonder what she did. For a swap which i s American word for an exchange, heheheh. I want to make some more kitties of that kind (limited edition, of course) to present them at indie babies - as soon as possible. I count on Adam's help in everyday care for Ada during summer vacations - as a teacher he'll have almost two months holidays. And then I can learn for my next semester lectures by days and sew by nights :)

Finger puppets

2007-05-21T09:53:00.000+01:00

The best thing is to think a little without stress. So did I and solved my "problem" with signing into the blog. It was not a problem, of course. But first I had to change a subject of thinking for a while - it's easy when your child wants something to eat or to change a nappy. And Ada wanted both.

My princess likes new finger puppets a lot - to eat especially. She is 17 months now and still wants to put everything into her mouth. 8 teeth have to work. They are not for babies like her, rather toddlers or kids, or parents to make a theatre. The reason is very simple - felt is not chewing resistant.

The hare is one of Ada's favourite productions of mine - it has handle ears and that's good. And girlie-bear Sophie I want to keep for Ada. The others will go for adoptions.

Propably Miss June (or her clone) will go for an auction. I believe in giving back and I've received so much good that I want to share. With Hospice for children, for instance,
www.gajusz.org.pl - when I first saw those children I couldn't stop crying. I hope someone reach will buy her!

I'm still glad for making little makeover for June the Hare - now she's pretty and cute as I wanted her to be. Of course, she was charming and pretty even before. But I don't regret.

Finger puppets are good - maybe it doesn't sound modest but in my opinion they are cute. And I can make some more of them easily. I want to put them into my etsy shop. Soon.

Ada was soooo happy to see me yesterday that I was breastfeeding about 5 hours..... Propably she wants beastfeeding not as a food but as a warm contact and socializing with mother. Anyway it takes hours after my few days absence. We need to move to Torun - it's 1000 km then and back, it takes too much time. I do not want to be separated from her for half a week every week! I miss her the moment I close the door!

Pyza reminded me how cute and funny hamsters are. I used to have hamsters - as I remeber, once I had even 11 hamsters and it was too much of cuteness ;) But generally, though they are not easy animals, they look sweet and can be nice pets. And they don't smell like guinea pigs....

I like the idea that this year is a year of the Pig. My bother George is Chinese Pig. I am an Ox. My Ada is Rooster and her father is Dragon - oh, yes, he is. I gathered pig and hamster together in a photo, because they are both rather chubby. I like chubby :)I wanted pig's little hoofs to look as natural as possible.
I like little fangs of this wolf. I wanted him to be funny but still dangerous.
And little lamb hidden in mother's fur. Next time I'll make it better and I know what to improve. Photo especially. Lamb has to have its ears visible. And I want to make labs in a shape of softies. Maybe even this idea - mother with a lamb in 3D.
I have an idea how to make them keychains. That will be my next work.
I finally finished my kitty for swap. In few days I will sent it.
And afterwords go to Sandomierz for ethnological - anthropological conference!!!! Hurrah!

finger puppets - set.

2007-05-21T09:18:00.001+01:00

finger puppets - set.
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

O, excellent - I wanted to do good and to add banner ot one.org and propably I stucked my blog! It would be pitty, indeed for me because I've just started having fun with blogging... Well, we'll see.
These are my newest creations - photographed not just scanned, as recently :) I like hamster and I made inspired by photographs of pyza and her hamster on leash. Other creatures are rather obvious: cats and dog are popular, black sheep is always black sheep of the family, and pigglet is a sign of current year: the Year of the Pig. So it is a auspicious mascot. Making themn was fun and I want to make some some.
And not to change my blog again!!!! What to do with it?

finger puppets.....

2007-05-20T01:38:00.001+01:00

finger puppets
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

Travelling last night from about 500 km by train, I did this set. If I can not sleep I sew. Set is not complete yet, if I want to have 10 puppets. Well, actually I did make complete set, but I gave a frog, another cat and bird - die Elster (I forgot the English name...) - I gave as gifts to my friends. The only pitty that I didn't photographed them before! :) Those little ones are not photographed either - I scanned them. Tommorrow I will make some photos to show details. Next thing is to make nice packages.

Or I won't make any photos tommorrow - usually, when I come back home Ada wants my constant attention and care and caresses for a day or two (or three). I understand that and I pitty her for every week lack of mother. But she has her daddy with her! (Will she be spoiled because of my felling guilty I leave her?)

Such gloomy mood I have because longing for Ada and after watching "Munich" movie by Spielberg. Eric Bana is really cute but story told in the film is completely unbelievable and ... insane! I really worry about the Middle East situation and how it influences us. Janusz Kaminski is great photographer - it's obvious especially in battle scenes.

Today there is a second day of photo festival here in Lodz and I saw some interesting exhibitions: "Piatek w centrum uwagi" about village of Piatek (Friday) - geographical centre of Poland. Very much anthropological project - mother asked me to write about it. It's great idea.
And I saw photos by Yann Arthus-Berthrand "The Earth from the sky". Beautiful photos, of course, but for me descriptions were even better - contras between the text and illustration was huge. But they should be shoking if they are going to awaken us. So much beauty in the world made me touched and sad, of course. What can I do to save it for Ada and other children? Uhm, I thing that this and the movie it was too much for me for one day....

Ok, I'll better go to sleep - I have a train to Bielsko-Biala at 6:07 a.m.

ambush makeover

2007-05-15T16:49:00.000+01:00

Miss June, one of our pets-friends, was suggested to take part in "ambush makeover". And she took part in it! I was not very excited by the idea, but result amazed me. So did her. And at result inflenced a big change in her life: now she is more optimistic than ever. Many creatures become to like her. Now she is changed - her appeal improved just a little bit, but what's more important, she doesn't have such a gloomy look as she used to have! Thanks goodness! :) It worke out great!!! Bit of lipstick and gloss, some more blush on her chicks, and new outfit, of course - and her we have a new girl! She still loves gardening, fortunately. But her new mood, smile and new self-confidence make her friends. And right after her blossoming into beautiful HARE (not bunny, hare) she has new aquitances: kitty, pigglet and butterfly. Now she seems to be happy at last, I'm happy for her! Miss June after little makeover - with her companions she is very active now, working all days and having fun in the evenigs. Now she has a social diary full.

I decided to change a bit my beloved June because I realized her look was rather gloomy, and not friendly. Then I stuffed her more (yes!), and resewed her arms, made a new apron with a large pocket for utensils or friends. She seems more kitchy, but Ada likes her more now and for me it's a sign that children prefer more smiling creatures than not.

Kitty for swap is almost ready.... But my banner for etsy shop is not. And I'm working on some stock for my new shop, actually. kazawaproject.com has new intro - DD made it clear that site is under construction. Better this than nothing.

Ada's learned new word "cytryna" - "lemon" and she speaks "ceenya". And she calls "babe" every child and young person she sees.

24 h of Flickr and new stuffies

2007-05-08T15:27:00.000+01:00

I joined the group "24 h of Flickr". The idea seemed funny and interesing for me: to make "a photo diary" of worldwide group just for this one day. Kinda flash mob. People have strong inclinations to such communities, I know. On May 5th I was travelling from Bielsko to Lodz, so I decided to make some photos connected with this travelling. When I came to my parent's house at 1.a.m. everybody were sleeping. Justyna's room was light up by Christmas-tree lamps, so I decided to fix this scene: Justyna sleeping, her cat by her side, and those little lamps over her head. She looks like Sleeping Beaty, holy image in the chapell - all together.

But it was few days ago. Yesterday, after coming back home, I started making new black plushie kitty for swap and finishing white bear. Girlie - bear. Her name is Sophie. She loves her nap time - she could sleep 12 h per day. I caught her in her night gown at 1 p.m.!
I should be blessing my travelling by train from Bielsko - Biala to Torun and back, because on my way back home I could finish this softie. She has pink ears and I'm planning to make a matching A-shape dress. Fabric comes from my skirt. For now she is wearing vintage baby shirt - 30 years old! - as a night gown.

Tony and Franky finally get new labels and went to their new houses. Two boys - 2 and 3 years old - are awaiting them. I hope bears will get acustomed to new environments soon and will be good. I'm quite satisfied with their labels. I like blue and orange together, so I made it in my favourite colours with a ribbon trim.

And today we went - with Ada - to our friend and former neighbour, Pani Malgosia. Ada enjoyed running in her garden and sniffing flowers. Pani Malgosia likes her very much since Ada was 3 days newborn - we lived in the same house then.

We bought a new computer at last. Adam and I we'll spent a little bit less time waiting in front of monitor for progress in work. But, I'm sure, a bit more time in flickr and ebay... hm...

Some ideas

2007-05-04T10:20:00.000+01:00

I "made" a calendar with one of my photos - I like this polar bear, Tony, very much. Really, flickr isn't bad. But then I recall myself that, without such facilities, I'd made a lot of quite good drawings and skethces. Like these:

They are sketches for new plushies, of course. I hope, they will work out .

Some of my favourite photos 2 and final exams

2007-05-04T09:33:00.001+01:00

Some of my favourite photos 2
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

And another set of my faves. All toys and photos are so inspirational. Even the portraits of sheep and a lamb - their snouts are so cute and CUTENESS is a keyword for most of the toys I observe :)

Today Adam went to school to watch over student at their final exams. My sister, Justyna, is writeing her exams, too!!! Good luck, little sis!!!! I'm with her in my thoughts - she was working so hard ti pass it, and pass it well. I don't quite understand her idea to go to technical university and study computer sciences instead of graphic design, but maybe that's she who has right.

And today, as every week, I'll go to Lodz by train... Students are awaiting me tommorrow. My baby will have to manage all night long without soothing breastfeeding - recently she has some problems with sleeping. She seems to fights a lot: crawling , turning, placing her legs on me or her daddy. That's not funny actually, but -what to do? And after her breakfast she wants to nap for a while - like right now she's sleeping downstairs...

Some of my favourite photos

2007-05-04T09:18:00.001+01:00

Some of my favourite photos
Originally uploaded by lalootka.

Since the beginning of April I select my favourite photos on flickr. There are plenty of fantastic photos, but here I chose just some of them. Fortunately fd flickr toys gave me utensil to make such a mosaic. I'm becomming really addicted to such things - I mean internet, and graphic programms... I've noticed that I choose plushies and children mostly - well, it should not be surprise - thexse are subjects the closest to my heart! Despite of social anthropology, of course!

Matchbox Swap

2007-05-04T02:19:00.001+01:00

Matchbox Swap
Originally uploaded by mooosh.

Hm, that's a swap! huh, huh - so I'll have an EXCHANGE and that's a differnce, though not so big। When I see so many CUTE thing I know that I could not find them easyly. For me it's even better to make a softie and exchange it with trinlayk than to look for such truc. (I hope trinlayk won't be dissaponted that what we do is not a swap॥?)

Today Ada and I spent some time together with our friends on Dembowiec Hill. Beside four moms (one mom-to-be), there were three boys from 2 to 13 years and my little lady. She seemed to really enjoy it, especially when she was kissed by Voytek - unfortunately I took a picture a second later! Anyway, too late. Ada was thrilled by the presence of so many kids - she really wants to socialize and to imitate elders. To throw little stones in the hole - just like Voytek.

While children were having fun I was discussing with Malwina and Kate about the craddle. Once, in 1981 they both found a folk craddle - ready to be burn - saved it and now this very, very old cradle is traveling around Poland to serve new children. My Ada was 27th child since the rescue day. Every child's name is writen on side of undercarriage. People seem to love this piece of furniture and say "there is a legend in this craddle". I want to write an article about the second life of folk objects - that's ethnography for me!

Fofys Package 1

2007-05-02T14:17:00.001+01:00

Fofys Package 1
Originally uploaded by Carol Grilo.

Here ther is a photo of ordinary paper bags - at first sight. But Fofys Factory is Brasilian crafter, very talented and so dilligent! Unbelievalble. She is very inspiring for me... As many other artist and crafters on flickr, actually. On the other hand - she invests and she earns for new investments.
I already have a sketch for rubber - stamps. I love plain paper bags, and ordinary brown paper to stamp it, to draw on it, for making packages. It's so simple - and brings so many possibilities! It's even better than paper in colourful prints. All my softies I want to pack in such a paper - decorated or not.
Ok, I'll better finish writing and go to make some soup for my family and myself (I'm SOOO hungry!), they'll be going soon and then I'll prepare some sketches of kimono outfit. And make a schedule. It's gonna be busy month - at university: end of term, exams, students, I have to finish an article. And to teach Ada some new dumb show signs - untill she is too small to speak full sentences, dumb show helps her to communicate precisely. That's a "foreign" language, in a way.

Lucky

2007-05-02T13:20:00.000+01:00

I'm very happy - first, I did this softie fast, second - he's adopted already, third - his photograph is quite popular and my favourite plush toys makers say nice word about its cuteness :) There is some other reasons for my happiness - making this critter really brought me joy. And smile. Lucky me! I do not know what name the child who has it now will give him, but he should be definately "Lucky - Lakshman, Lakshman - Lucky - that how it goes" :) (I'm fan of "Kal hoo na hoo" - the Bollywood movie).

And I'm very happy because for the first time I will take part in swap - trinlayk asked me to make a black kitty, similiar to Sara (her pictures are on flickr, of course) in kimono outfit. I think the most difficult think will be this outfit - but for now I already know what fabrics I will choose. And - lucky me again - I have my studio to work. And if I'm lucky again - Adam will take care of Ada to give me some spare time :)

And - luckily: today is holiday still and it's beautifull weather and after sleepless night (work and Ada...) I feel almost perfectly well. So many reasons to thank :)

1st of May, picnic and adoptions

2007-05-02T04:40:00.000+01:00

Today I've changed my blog - from "soft toys - social anthropology" into this one. The reason is silly: I forgot both username and password! And decided to start anew. So I'm starting.

Since yesterday we have "the longest weekend in modern Europe" which means celebrations connected with 1st and the 3rd of May. Everybody is celebrating in its own way - Adam, Ada and I we decided to visit family and friends. Oma - actually grandmother's garden made me astonished and happy: it was so beautifull!

Plenty of flowers, birds singing aloud, apples blossoming - I took my camera and shot pictures like mad.

Actually, I have more pictures on my flickr! lalootka profile.... but here is a place to write something I can not place there.

Yes, plants, flowers and birds singing in quite silent countryside made me happy as I haven't been for quite a time.

Going by train every week twice from BB to Torun is tirering. And being apart from my family - desperate!. Anyway - there is no point of complaining. Worse thing is that I'm almost up to my flickr limit of 200 photographs! And I will have to buy pro account to share there some more photographs. I'm becomming an addicted to photography: both making and sharing, and watching! I frame every scene: view from my window, sleeping child, clouds (actually, right now) in sunrise...

But I almost forgot to write about picnic and adoptrions!!! Today, we went for country picnic - something connected with Polish - Czech - Slovak macroregional cooperation, friendship and so on. It took place in Jaworze, beautiful countryside. And it was really fun. I made some funny pictures.
I've noticed a mass production of exotic brunettes - it's funny because all those girls are abvious Slavian blonds. Fashion victims? But what fashion is this?
Ada was extremely happy playing with elder children nad we, grumpy adults, had some fun with their parents.

For me, such picnics are always reminiscences of folk culture:
playtime, music, decorations, food - plenty of it, decorations are rather kitchy, but maybe there's a point in it. Anyway, we had fun.

And - for me as a softies maker today was lucky day: two of my creations had been adopted today. Kitty Sara and monster 70. Making this monster really was fun because he's my old pattern - I had it since my elementary school, and today (I made it today, before lunch) added some improvements and voila! here he was: happy monster in appeal that suit to 70ties: era of disco music, with his stripes and circles on the body. And I made labels, for the first time - to advertise my creations, od cource.
I think that 6:14 is high time to go to sleep... .