March Calendar Download

In like a lion, out like a lamb...

Proud Unicorn Plush

My latest plush creation is a big departure from what I normally create. I was invited to participate in an upcoming show called "March of the Unicorns" at the Lichen Gallery. The Lichen is part of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. The show will run for the month of March. While I have made unicorns in my classic dome shape before, I've been waiting for a chance to break the mold and create something outside my comfort zone.

Not only does this unicorn stand up on its own, but its legs are jointed (using the hidden button joint technique expertly explained by my friend Mimi Kirchner), so it can be positioned in a variety of ways.

Closer look at the face & the top-stitching detail of the mane, beard & horn.

Front & Back view. This unicorn is very proud, indeed!

My inspiration for this design is the images of unicorns in tapestries and in architecture, primarily the bronze sculptures found on top of the Council House in Bristol, UK.

The first unicorn is going to be on display in Lincoln, Nebraska for the month of March, but I will be making the design available in my Etsy shop as well.

New Game - Memory Match

This week's free download and game is good old fashioned Memory, Zooguu style. In the PDF download, you can print out and make your own cards with different colored fish on them. In the online Flash game, you can flip over cards to find matching pairs. Play again and again to beat your own best time. Have fun!

Find this free game and more on Zooguu.com's Free Stuff page!

Cabin Fever & Toy Fair

On Sunday in the South End in Boston, I was at the Cabin Fever Show selling my handmade toys. After doing a lot of holiday shows back to back, it was nice to have some time to replenish stock. It felt great to have a large variety of animals in different sizes and colors. I loved seeing some of my SOWA regulars, and also meeting new people who just saw our work for the first time. It makes me look forward to the start of the outdoor show season in May. I'll be at the SOWA Market almost every Sunday from May-October.

After Cabin Fever on Sunday, I went to New York on Monday to participate in Toy Fair. Every year, thousands of people in the toy industry come to New York to see the latest and greatest toys. This year, Etsy partnered with a booth called the Creative Factor and invited some Etsy toy makers to give live demonstrations of their craft during the show. It was an interesting contrast to see people actually making toys in the same setting where most of the toys are manufactured in large factories overseas. We had a lot of interesting conversations with convention-goers, and met some great people along the way.

 Two of my Etsy seller neighbors were Ana & Aileen, who did crochet & needlefelting. I really enjoyed showing my step-by-step process of how the toys are made. I was also pleasantly surprised by the number of people who had already seen my toys (and were fans) either online or in person at a craft show.
Now it's time to get back to work and fill the orders I got this weekend!

Papercraft - Rabbit Lantern Box

Just in time to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit & Valentine's Day! Make a special little box for a loved one. It is small enough to be precious, but large enough to hold some small candies for a surprise treat! You can download this free papercraft project at Zooguu.com.

Year of the Rabbit!

To celebrate the year of the rabbit, February's desktop wallpaper calendar features a circle of adorable bunnies.

You can find this and other free downloads at zooguu.com in the Free Stuff section!