minu's arts and crafts projects and blog
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Sneak Peak – New Art Toys

October 25th, 2011 | Add your Feedback (0) share on twitter share on facebook ^_^...

Raccoon new work by minu

I am working on artwork for a group exhibition in a couple of weeks. I usually hate these fake photo effects, however, in this case it supports the story.

It took me weeks of trial and error to find a way to turn the “Afternoon Tea” prints into toys. This is the first one that kind of works, I still need way more practice with the joints… the raccoon is my first “traditionally joined” toy, meaning you can turn the head and move the arms. I am still not 100% happy with the toy. But after spending countless hours in the studio – and loads of money on parts and  fabric – and wanting to give up around 1000 times in the last 3 weeks I feel like this could go somewhere nice…

… and it would be boring to do things one actually knows how to do anyway…

would it not?

Hey there! Not so short! Ouch…

September 29th, 2011 | Add your Feedback (0) share on twitter share on facebook ^_^...

Hey there! Not so short! Ouch...

Manicure for a new Viech ^_^… You should not have pity with them, but with me. I always get an earful from the little monsters… and I wont get into the details of dental work!

I started to prewash the plush fabric. Since the manufacture changed a year ago the cotton pile is denser, softer and “fluffier”. I can see that other toymaker might prefer this but it doses not work with the Schlaf, the Viech or the Bear. With the pre-washing the fabric is back its old slight scruffy look and feel! One worry less ^_^…

Back in the studio…

September 22nd, 2011 | Add your Feedback (0) share on twitter share on facebook ^_^...

I am finally back in the studio where I catch up with my toy making. The online shops are back online and the first new prints from the New Zealand Art Show are available online ^_^. The first new set of bears will be shipped later this week. Thank you for your patience ….again.

I had a good time in Germany and I enjoyed my stay in Berlin immensely. I took many, many images of street art. This one of my favorites…

Berlin Day 3

There are many more pictures on Flickr.

 

‘Bear’ First Prototype

March 11th, 2010 | Add your Feedback (0) share on twitter share on facebook ^_^...

'the bear' first prototype.

This was on my list for ages! On Monday I finally made the first prototype of the third character of the ‘der Hase, das Viech und der Bär’ …I know, all of this still needs translation ^_^, I am working on it!

Der Hase, das Viech und der Bär.

Reusing, Recycling, Avoiding Waste

February 5th, 2010 | Add your Feedback (0) share on twitter share on facebook ^_^...

When I started minu, one of my aims was to be sustainable – in a economical and ecological sense. I always look at ways to improve the manufacture of my little toys. Since the wool stuffing did not turn out to be feasible, I turned to the common polyester stuffing. It is washable, keeps ‘in shape’, and is easy the get and use. However it is still quite expensive and not easy to recycle.

Reusing Fabric Scraps for Filling

Using your Leftovers

While cutting out parts for soft toys, a big heap of fabric scraps is left over. So rather than throwing these away (and adding to the mountains of waste), I cut the leftovers into really small pieces using a rotary cutter. These small pieces are mixed with the Polyfill and tada… Less new material, waste is recycled, money is saved!

The mixture has other advantages as well. The filling is stiffer, stays in better shape. A little weight is added as well so that the Bouses are even more cuddly and durable.

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