Toys and Things by Vickangaroo

Bunnies are back!

2011-08-03T15:37:00.005-05:00

Bunny Classic! Sweet as ever!

The sort of face only a mother could love... no... it probably ate it's mother.

oh bloody bunny leftovers...

"Don't worry, we've got the situation under control... Probably..."

The Hazmat/Containment Bunny still needs a bit of reworking and that'll be the official first set of Zombunnies Phase 1. Shall we look forward to Phase 2? A few ideas I've been knocking around include an infected hazmat bunny (those suits probably don't do very much anyway), a survivor bunny (with grizzled beard!), and then... well I don't know! I'll come up with something! As always these bunnies are all available on my Etsy shop!

I also hope to share some illustrations I'm working on! Sooooooon. Ish.

Back to basics.

2011-08-02T00:12:00.005-05:00

Quicker update!

After spending most of this weekend shirtless on a camping trip to Giant City State Park, I'm back home and trying to finalize the new designs of my zombunnies.

Quick! Sneak peak! Blurry!

There's three of them in the first set of this new zombunnie line, the two above are "Zombunnie" and "Bunny Remnants." The third is a "Containment Bunny." They'll be on sale soon, maybe even by tomorrow, with nice proper pictures.

There's a fair amount more embroidery work on these updated (note: bloodier) bunnies. That means more needlework practice, but it does take a bit longer to finish these.

Pink-Bellied Morbull

2011-07-27T21:38:00.005-05:00

More from the field notes of our dear Professor Morongo Faust...

“... not more than thirty feet from the shore we could no longer see camp through the dense forest. We could spend the next twenty years standing still in this very spot and we may still be unable to categorize the vast variety of florae before us! After the incident with the Fervoret nest we traveled by tree root; a great deal of them had grown quite large and granted us a steady platform above the wild grasses and flowers on the forest floor.

Despite our particularly advantageous pathway, one of the assistants slipped backward, landing terribly ungracefully upon what at first appeared to be a furry, moss pile. Unexpectedly, it let out a low grumble. It tossed Jenkins aside and darted outward; it’s escape trajectory obviously unplanned as it bumbled straight into the trunk of a smaller tree. Small as it may have been, it knocked that tree enough that we could hear the “plunk plunk” of falling nuts dropping against the roots.

I picked up the poor fellow, which had bumped itself into the tree enough times to have battered itself into a stupor. It’s purple fur meant it was easy to overlook, considering the obscene saturation of purple in all the plants in the area, however it gave itself away with it’s pink belly and a mouthful of teeth looking to burst from it’s lips. The front of it’s head was a bit over sized as well. It would seem likely this little creature was outfitted for bumping into it’s environment. After all, it’s eyes seem nearly completely covered by it’s fur! The little beast floundered in my hands, trying to get back to the ground.

The “Morbull” tottered away, flapping it’s tail in what I’d hope was a farewell gesture.”

Purple! Purple! Purple! It's not that I have an abundance of purple, I've just become quite fond of the color. Also, it's apparently become a part of the environment and the story. Imagine a purple hued forest.... wouldn't a great deal of the creatures evolve to blend into their surroundings? Certainly.

The Morbull is actually supposed to be a lady, because I had originally planned to create a whole bunch of little babies that would dangle on it's back... but I may reserve that idea for another creature the Professor is sure to encounter. I had a whole mess of trouble turning the Morbull outside-in so that I could stuff it fill of that life giving polyester. I came up with more than a few very silly anatomical analogies that I'll keep to myself.

I think my next toy will be.... a tree! What? Of course it'll have teeth. Silly.

I've gotten really excited about Morongo Faust, a character that I've used in the past for a different purpose. I really enjoy typing out his notes and building this strange world he's exploring! I'm already imagining flowers and trees, and every half doodle I come up with is finding a place within this new ecosystem. I don't have a name for the island yet, but that's sure to come soon enough.

I even have the audacity to imagine compiling all of Faust's notes, including all his drawings and sketches, and then printing and binding the entire book! It's a bit nonsensical perhaps and certainly over ambitious, but if not for my ideas who would I be?!

Finally, these last few weeks of summer before the fall semester of college begins again is going to be busy busy busy. I'll be trying to sew as much as possible and complimenting that with some screenprinting. Small runs of simple two or three layer prints which will pop up in my Etsy shop.

Writing here is fun.

Good Gosh. Here's something.

2011-07-26T21:27:00.006-05:00

I'm building a world. Professor Morongo Faust is the character that will guide us through it. During the course of his expeditions we'll review his field journal, learning all that he will discover.

More about him another time!

It's only one night after his arrival upon this chain of uncharted islands...

"...we were woken by a rustling within our campsite, upon inspection we discovered that our dried food storage had been raided. Following a trail of dried fish crumbs into the forests, we stumbled upon a small group of small mammal burrowers. Once aware of our presence they pounced! A small nuisance at first, scuttling around and gnawing on our boots, we were soon overcome by their numbers! Dozens upon dozens climbing out of every imaginable crack and chasm in the ground. They climbed upon each other I ordered a retreat to the camp and the team scampered away, more than a few of us tumbling over the growing mounds of the “Fervorets.” Fortunately we’ve observed enough of their nests to hopefully avoid any further unexpected encounters!”

Fervorets.

These guys are available in my Etsy shop!

Oh... and here's a quick peek at what I'm hoping to finish up tonight....

Squidlets!

2010-08-26T17:11:00.003-05:00

Finally something new, that's not a bunny!

Their Etsy shop description:

"Discovered in the South Pacific Ocean west of the southern tip of South America, I've collected a group of them for study! They have four arms and a squiggly top so I'm not particularly sure exactly what they are... your guess is as good as mine!

I've run preliminary tests and have concluded that they love applesauce and cherry soda. I haven't figured out how else to test them but I'm quickly realizing that my laboratory doesn't have nearly enough room for them!

I can't just let them roam the streets of course, so I'm putting them up for adoption.

Squidlets are about 10 inches tall and like all forms of life enjoy staring at shiny objects. They're friendly and looking for a good home!

Each Squidlet is unique and may not be exactly as pictured. This is a listing for 1 White Squidlet.

Squidlets will be delivered USPS Priority, but they'll be trapped inside a plastic zipper bag, get them out quick!"

Available at my Etsy shop at http://vickangaroo.etsy.com

Things are getting silly.

2010-07-28T16:34:00.002-05:00

A few classics and some originals again available in my Etsy shop.

Stay tuned though, I've said it before sure, but I still mean it! New, possibly exciting, things are on their way.

Am I still alive?!

2010-05-24T18:31:00.003-05:00

Yes.

On a slight hiatus for the moment, but there's plenty on it's way...

-Victor

New bunnies

2010-02-14T14:06:00.002-06:00

Cyborgs and giants...

Tentacleese

2010-02-14T13:58:00.003-06:00

A toy I started a long time ago, but I've finally finished it. No pattern, just a bundle of tentacles sewn together. The one and only... Tentacleese. He's quite large also... the second largest toy I've ever made.

2010-02-14T13:55:00.001-06:00

Cool Kids Never Die.

Embroidered... Stitched art? I plan to make more!

Congratulations!

2009-12-15T13:05:00.003-06:00

Helllooo everybody! It's time to announce the winners of my Antlered Bunny giveaway!

Congratulations to Wakey N!!

However, because so many people helped spread the word of my contest on Twitter (all those retweets!) I'm going to go ahead and give away a second antlered bunny.

So... Congratulations to Stephanie Hall! You also win an Antlered bunny.

But just because I'm sweet and wonderful and handsome, I've decided to give away one more bunny. Just a regular bunny, no antlers. But hey... they're still pretty cute I think.

Therefore... Congratulations to Chrisovalanta. Classic bunny headed to you!

I really want to thank everybody who entered and helped spread the word! I very much enjoyed reading all your comments and I hope all of you have an absolutely delightful holiday... season? time? event? It's all good.

ANTLERED BUNNIES Giveaway

2009-12-08T14:37:00.007-06:00

Now for sale on Etsy

Sure they're for sale, but just for fun, I'm going to give one away.

We'll keep it simple.

From now until 12AM Central standard time on December 15th, leave a comment right here about your plans for the holiday season for the chance to win ONE FREE Antlered bunny. Just like the ones pictured! Make sure to include your email, or twitter or deviantart or some way to contact you!

Please only one entry per person!

In stock.

2009-11-30T13:48:00.011-06:00

BUNNIES are back in stock at Rotofugi! Online and in the store! Regular bunnies, long eared bunnies, white and green zombunnies are all back on the shelf!

Expect them to show up at the Bluebottle Gallery in Seattle soon also!

I've got plans for all new sorts of bunnies too! Some simple... some a bit more spectacular...

AND DON'T FORGET!

The 50 Year old Bunnipede is still for sale at the Bluebottle Art Gallery in Seattle! You can also purchase it online! <-- click there. 100 legs!

Finally now! I've listed three new toys on Etsy, other more bunny related items to join them soon!

HarwoodBraidwood

The same template as Harwood and I'm considering making more and more and more of them!

Other guy?I only had the brown and yellow long pile furs so I tried to make one with a shorter fur... I don't like it as much as the longer furs, so I'll be keeping it for myself!

Oh look! It's Braidwood!

Hugging can be difficult with such short arms...

Robinson

I finish Robinson a LOOOONG time ago, but through a combination of laziness and forgetfulness today is the day that everybody everywhere gets to see him! I like his feets the best.

This is a bit late but hey! I was a fish for Halloween:

Made of cardboard, staples and colored paper. It's a bit chickeny/turkeyish I know... It took a few hours and I finished it on the morning of Halloween. Handsome devil.

Now what?

2009-11-14T22:23:00.001-06:00

It's back to work!

I've been quiet much too long. Lots of bunnies to make for Rotofugi (Chicago), The Bluebottle (Seattle), Etsy (Internet), and Christmas is coming folks!

Shhh.....

2009-10-14T11:49:00.001-05:00

It's been quiet around here... it'll stay a little quiet for just a bit more...

Plush You Giveaway, Rotofugi, What's next?

2009-09-07T07:34:00.007-05:00

Just a reminder....

That's right folks! PLUSH YOU! Time is just flying by until the openings for Plush You! It's going to be a huuuuge show happening in a bunch (five I think) different venues in Seattle in October!

I'll be a part of it! My toys are going to be shown at The Bluebottle Gallery and in preparation for the show I'm giving away TWO BUNNIES! It's the "You've got red on you" Zombunnie Survivor set!

That is correct, it is a very direct reference to one of my favorite movies, Shaun of the Dead. I think enough people got that. This isn't really super recent news since the giveaway was announced almost a week ago... I'm a slow blogger...

But there's only one day left to enter over at The Bluebottle Art Craft and Design Blog!

Next news! Super News! BUNNY NEWS.

My bunnies are now going to be appearing at ROTOFUGI! It's an awesome and fairly well known Chicago toy store! It's real cool, a necessary destination for all urban vinyl and designer plushie fans!

I believe my bunnies show up on the shelves tomorrow. There are 10 regular bunnies, 10 white zombunnies, 10 green zombunnies and 5 long-eared bunnies!

I need to build a lightbox... and I just might! I took the two pictures on different settings and tweaked them on photoshop... eehhhh.

These bunnies took longer than I had hoped, almost three weeks! But keep in mind that second week was mostly for watching Farscape Seasons 1 and 2. They were all hand sewn and up until they were stuffed I didn't realize just how many 35 bunnies was.

all together now:
I was hoping to take a mess load of pictures but that didn't happen this time around. I still love bunnies and I'm still going to make more so there will be more photo opportunities!

I've got plans for some new toys so stay tuned! But first a well deserved (more or less) day off full of laundry and yard work. Yessir-ree-bob.

I'll give you a hint at what's next.... Robots. AHAHAHAR!!

More Zombunnies!

2009-08-18T22:55:00.002-05:00

Haha, more zombunnies are up in my Etsy shop. You'll see them to the side. Meanwhile I'm working on another batch of zombunnies, except you won't be seeing them in my shop...

So... Where will they be?!?

I dunnnoooo!

Dr. Morongo Faust and Plush You!

2009-08-04T15:13:00.008-05:00

Alright! Nothing too new. I'm aware that my last entry included a picture I had already shared, forgive me it was late and I was tired.

Meanwhile! I had also included a journal entry from the illustrious Dr. Morongo Faust. We'll learn more about him eventually, but for now... here's his portrait! The World's Leading Extraterrestrial Leporidaeologist-
I've also got plans to stamp his face on bunny tags. Plans plans plans!

Better news!

I've finally mailed out my Plush You! toys, though there were only two I love them so much! I think they're gonna arrive a bit later than they should... just past the deadline but I'm hoping they'll forgive me...

Flaversham!

I was having the most ridiculous time trying to come up with a name for this cute beast, who seems to be a cross between a sewer rat, a pig and a wolf... Loveable! Flaversham is actually the name of the toymaker from the Great Mouse Detective. Awesome right?

I love him and I'm sad he left!

Then of course... there's the "50 Year Old Bunnipede"

He's an actual centipede! A hundred legs! He took a bit of time, a lot of patience, but in the end he's quite wonderful.

Now let's just see what we know about this Bunnipede...

From the journal of Dr. Morongo Faust, the world's leading extraterrestrial leporidaeologist (alien rabbit scientist):

"August:

On the planet Vitamin D there are only two seasons. The Bright Season, a perpetual spring when days never seem to end. Followed by the Storm Season, where the clouds seem frozen in the sky and torrential rains drench the landscape. At the beginning of every Bright Season those delightful Bunnipedes that have survived the rains grow a new pair of legs!

It's worth noting that if the Storm Season had been particularly harsh a Bunnipede's new legs will be a darker green than usual, whereas a less difficult Storm Season surrounded by love ones would yield a golden pair of legs! Absolutely wonderful! I can only guess at some of the stories a Bunnipede would have to tell!"

Wonderful! For the time being the Bunnipede is going to be a Plush You! 09 exclusive, because I've run out of the yellow fur... I'll have to scour the planet for more!

You'll be able to see both Flaversham and the 50 Year old Bunnipede in person starting October 10th at the Bluebottle Art Gallery located at...

415 East Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98122

View Larger Map

That's where it is! But don't you dare forget to check out the Plush You! toys at Schmancy or The Anne Bonny! Check out this Plush You blog post on all sorts of reasons why you should go check out the show!

Then! That's... that's really it for now I guess!

Quick Plush You! Update

2009-08-02T01:52:00.003-05:00

Alright!

quick quick!

I was hoping to be able to send three toys to the Plush You! show this year, but it seems as if I'll only be sending two... yarrrr.

But... here they are! Unofficial quick pictures!

I don't have a name for him yet... but I'd better figure out quick!

That's right!! A centipede (for truuue 100 legs) bunny. He's got a whole back story that I'll explain in real blog update fashion.

But for now, enjoy!

If you were following me on Twitter you would have seen these guys as I was working on them!

http://twitter.com/vickangaroo

More laaater!

They're Coming...

2009-07-27T23:40:00.005-05:00

From the diary of Dr. Morongo Faust, the world's leading extraterrestrial leporidaeologist (rabbit scientist):

"July 27-
The Telepathic Killer Bunnies From Outer Space. That's what I used to call them. But time has passed and a bit more has been revealed about them to me.

It turns out they're a brilliant alien species and for millions of years they've thrived on their home planet, Vitamin B12 (that's a rough translation). However, something's gone terribly astray. A great horror has struck their binary bunny star system and it's forced them to leave!

With their highly advanced technology and much searching, they finally discovered Earth. Our planet was one so distant and isolated that the bunnies hoped they could be safe...

They were wrong. They're trying to warn us. The horror is coming. An evil that we have never known...

The Zombunnies are coming..."

Sure it sounds a little like Zamboni... but oh well! Each zombunnie has red eyes and a mouth slathered in blood. The blood is hand embroidered so every zombunnie will be unique. I've only finished a few so far and soon I'll be listing them on my Etsy shop as well as sending them to the gallery in New Orleans. That last one is particularly creepy... he's bleeding from his eyes!

MEANWHILE!

There's other things to discuss! The deadline for the Plush You Show is rapidly approaching and I still have so much to get done!

For now, here's a peek at the first toy I'll be sending to the show!

His eye is a bit tough to see, I'm worried I should have added a bit of light color underneath first. But it is easier to see in person. I haven't made very many toys with noses but he has one! He also has fur which was fun and a pain to work with. He's real cute!

SO! PLUSH YOU!! The show is in October and I'm hoping to go but it seems very unlikely that I'll be able to afford to fly to Seattle... hahaha, but! The show should be awesome no matter what, with or without me there!

Keep an eye on the Plush You blog to for interviews with some of the artists that'll be participating in the show!

http://plushyou.blogspot.com/

Petrupo

2009-07-14T17:33:00.006-05:00

"Petrupo" It means pocket mouth (in my made up toy language). Sure, toys with mouths full of teeth are awesome and toys with silly lips are fun too! But there's something real precious about a monster with a pocket mouth!

This is Jorriee!

He's a snacker and a hugger. He may be attempting both those things in that last picture...

Hey! I haven't posted Bat pictures?!

There we go.

I've also emptied out my Etsy shop and I've FINALLY sent toys to the Made gallery in New Orleans. I'm awful at getting things done on time. But that'll have to change! There's so much happening nowadays!

Not only have I gotten started on my next shipment to the gallery, but I've also got to finish... my toys for the Plush You show, then I also want to get into the next issue of Stuffed! A toy magazine!

So much to do! Bye bye bye! See you all a bit later!

fwah!

2009-07-07T17:30:00.001-05:00

A month in between blog posts?! That means a month since I've made anything new and wonderful! blah!

June has made me fat and lazy. Back to the toys.

Update soon.

Note: Post on Blog more often.

2009-06-09T12:16:00.003-05:00

So what's new?! Not much!

I don't have anything clever to say at this particular moment so I will just share some pictures.

GREEEN BUNNNNIES. Now available on Etsy!

and some new Quadropode friends.

That is all for now. UNTIL NEXT TIME! CAPES ON!

Ingrid, Quadropode and Reginald Custom

2009-05-18T10:19:00.010-05:00

Hellooooo!

I think maybe I should start sharing toys on my blog first and then everywhere else! Otherwise I'm always playing catch up. Like now... Here are some toys!

Ingrid Unicorn:

With Ingrid I really wanted to do something different. I wanted to include some sort of texture, instead of just lots of smooth huggable fleece. Her scales turned out real well I think. Sewing two pieces of fleece together, one on top of the other to make the scales puff out a bit. It actually made her body stiff enough to keep it's shape without any stuffing!

She's also got some silly teeth huh? I like them!

Quadropode:

The Quadropode is actually based on one of my earlier toys from way back in the beginning... check it:

This blue one was sewn completely by hand and much smaller than the new green one.

I have plans to create more Quadropodes in different colors, with slightly different expressions in the future, yes I do! A Quadropode is about 17 inches tall and completely sewn on the machine. That saves me time and encourages me to give it a much more affordable price tag. Check him out on my Etsy shop.

Finally.... here is Reginald. He is a custom order for a friend who's developing a top secret board game. So shhh....

He's a roach. He's got a sort of beatnik look going on with his button glasses and cigarettes. I could certainly go into a bit of detail about how difficult it was to get the size of his body right and the ridges on his bottom half... and good golly it was tough!

Custom orders are always much more difficult than working from my own designs. With Reginald I had a couple reference pictures but it still took me a couple tries to keep all his parts in proportion. Let's not even get into his accessories! But let's.

His glasses are suppose to be buttons and I had some crazy plans involving vinyl and other materials... but those ideas never really panned out. However just sticking with black fleece and running some wire through them worked pretty well I think! His clothes took a couple tries too, but I absolutely love how his sweater turned out!

Alright that's all for now.... Although I suppose I could announce this little tidbit...

I'll be participating in the Plush You show in Seattle in October. That's right! Big fancy plush toy show and they accepted my application! More on that soon enough!

Happy Birthday Victor!

2009-05-02T10:13:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's my birthday! But there are more interesting things to share!

I finally got around to finishing Humphrey Sextapus! You'll see him in the little Etsy window to the side.

"Single purple male Cephalopod ISO fun loving six armed creature of the sea. Raised in captivity. Nearly 17 inches wide and 15 inches tall.

I enjoy long crawls up the side of the tank, clam bakes and spooking the occasional passerby with a cloud of purple ink.

My perfect match would be a little wild, possibly from the Pacific, sweet and is capable of communicating using their chromatophore skin cells.

While unable to relocate from the aquarium, neighboring tanks include Japanese spider crabs and jellyfish. They're good company. Meals arrive promptly at 8pm and then we can party the night away.

My picture is included please send yours with your reply.

Longing for love under the sea....
Humphrey."

I like him!

I'd also like to share that I've been accepted to participate in this year's Plush You toy show! It takes place in Seattle in the fall and I've got some great stuff planned! Just be patient and let me get my work done!

Finally, a quick little bit about another recent project I finished for college. We could pretty much do anything we wanted to do as long as it involved... time... I suppose... Anyway, I made a cartoon. I had tried to draw animations a couple years ago, before I started making toys. Now I'm doing it again! Wonderful!

I'm not an animation student, so it's not perfect, but it turned out pretty wonderful!

"Fish eat Fish" 2009 Remake. 275 drawings, that were done in pencil, then each of them inked, and photographed. I even managed to finish it in about a week! I'm impressed! Since I'm not studying animation I have slightly different learning curve... but I'm hoping to finish a few more cartoons by the end of the summer!

Bye bye All! It's time for meee birthday!

To the Gallery!

2009-03-30T15:29:00.008-05:00

So you probably thought I was sleeping this whole time right? Not making any toys, right?!

Well, you're wrong. Look at what I made!

2 morbishims, 1 morbisham, 8 bunnies and three new monsters! What a fun colorful bunch! Those bunnies are a gallery exclusive! Cause I do prefer to keep them white, makes things much much easier for me.

"Shreeby"
both valiant and humble. He can even stand on his own! What a guy!

"Meezles"
Four eyes... the better to see you with! and six legs... the better to steal all your nachos with!

"Nonunka"
looking sweet no matter how it's standing!

They're all going to the Made Gallery at:

2124 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130

If you're around, go see them! Buy them! So I can make more toys for you to buy!

But it wasn't all work... I was even persuaded into making a Nannerpus:

It's not as good as a real banana, and I don't like making trademarked things! (Nannerpus might not be trademarked... it's about the principle!) But she wouldn't stop asking! Plus she has pretty eyes. What could I do?!

Finished at 3am... I was sleepy.

His eyes aren't even right! Where are my cupcakes?!?!

WARSINGTON!

2009-03-16T22:33:00.004-05:00

Soon after seeing all those wonderful contest entires, I realized I really like the uncompromisingly simple, very huggable, gentle giant of a toy I call Warsington that I had made a long while ago.

The original sits on my couch, guarding it from evil spirits. I've decided I want to make more. He's around three and a half feet tall and I think everybody should have a giant plushie to hug every now and then. Especially in these tough economic times. However with a slight redesign and a bit of clean up I'd like to start selling them at your price.

That's right! I'm looking to gauge interest from people, who actually wants a Warsington and how much they'd be willing to pay. Then I'll pick the most popular price and that'll be the forever standard price of Warsington.

Of course, there are some things to keep in mind! He's pretty big which means the cost of materials (almost three lbs of stuffing) is about $20. I can't afford to give him away! So no less than 20 bucks, preferably... much more than 20 bucks...

Next, he's big and heavy. That means shipping especially outside of the USA may be kind of crazy.

Third, for a toy design, he's not complicated. Straight seams means less working time, which is one of the biggest reasons for me deciding on selling Warsington this way. It's the reason I'm willing to take a paycut!

Finally I can't do this all the time, for now this is a one shot. Every other toy in my shop in the future will only become more and more expensive (like crazy expensive!). But really, how often does an opportunity like this come along?!

$40? $60? $80? $175?? (ahaha, if only!)

In the end, I love toys. For all those people who share or will someday share that passion, I think you can certainly understand why I'm doing this. Toys help us explore our imaginations. They bring out the boundless enthusiasm we all have inside of us! So for this one time, it's not about the money, let's just have fun.

So tell me what you think. That was a lot to read, thanks!

Leave your price suggestions in the comments!

You've Won!

2009-02-26T22:55:00.015-06:00

Well, you haven't won, you haven't done anything yet! Let me catch you up. Two weeks ago I came up with a contest on Deviantart.com for deviantarters for a chance to win a free bunny!

The challenge was to browse through my Deviantart gallery and draw a picture of any of my plushie toy creations. I was surprised by the interest and there were some absolutely wonderful entries! (make sure to click on their names to see their other work on Deviantart!)

Here they are! Click them to see them up close!

"Monsta House" by Clarisse-d

by 13words

"quadropod" by pineapple123

"Jupiter Scotch" by pineapple123

"my new Warsington tattoo" by pineapple123

"Squishipon" by aerisek

"Edmond and Frank" by Deadlypancake

"Listen, Love" by gopie (you'll have to search through scraps for their work)

"Plushland Invasion" by Chivalricspook

"Squorch and Chup" by Platypi

by lizthezombiebamf

Finally, the winners. I couldn't possibly pick just one... even three was tough! But I did it!

"Evil Corporate Day" by Clarisse-d

"Sensitive" by gopie

by ethereal-abstraction

VICKANGAROO.com

2009-02-18T22:06:00.002-06:00

That's right! I now own Vickangaroo.com! Of course... it just links right to here...

I don't have a real site ready yet, but eventually it'll be up and it'll be awesome. So much awe.

Tell Your friends! http://vickangaroo.com

Tweet Tweet.

2009-02-14T18:42:00.007-06:00

Now you can follow me on Twitter!

But... it's even less exciting than this blog...

Even though I was quite excited about my super extra long weekend from classes (that's right! I'm back to being a college punk kid!), I've quickly realized I've simply got too much to do and even this extra time isn't enough! I'm already working on getting more bunnies finished, a pretty rockin custom order, and it's about time I got to filling up my etsy shop! Look! It's empty!

Then I've got two design projects and lots of drawings to catch up on! Lots and lots. Hopefully I'll manage, I might have to give up sleep for a bit.

Other exciting news, I've started a little contest to give away a FREE BUNNY. However it's only for Deviantart members! You can read more about it here. I've already got a few wonderful entries and the contest goes on for almost another two weeks.

I'll be posting all of the entries up a bit later, though you could search for them yourself in the comments list on my Deviantart journal page. I may also post a few of my college assignments.... maybe.

I also want an actual website! Everything costs money but I have none! Time to earn some...

Finally, just to round out this Valentine's day post the most recent entry in my Free Bunny Contest:

"Evil Corporate Day" by *Clarisse-d
(click to enlarge!)

Good Golly!

2009-02-08T19:39:00.003-06:00

Well I haven't been around here for a long, long while. No promises I'm staying this time! I've got things to do, see? Sort of.

But here you go, I made these guys and they ought to be adorning the shelves of the Made. Gallery in New Orleans! I'm finally getting things done so if you're nearby keep an eye out for any other fun toys that may make their way to the Big Easy.... is that a thing?

Made Gallery!

2008-12-06T21:52:00.002-06:00

Hello hello! It's been a long long time since a worthwhile post!

A little while back I was asked to send a few toys to a small, new, little gallery/ boutique in New Orleans. That's right ladies and gents! A few of my toys are now currently on display at the Made Gallery in New Orleans!

2124 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70130

View Larger Map

Haha, I'll get a picture of the place up soon enough!

So, of course if you're anywhere near the area check the place out! Not just to enjoy the splendor of my toys in person, but also check out all the other works on display (and for sale) at the gallery!

It's run by sweet sweet lady named Tracey, if you see her, say thank you for me!

So what did I send to her? I had wanted to send dozens and dozens of new toys but unfortunately my laziness and a few design difficulties meant only a few new toys and a few older ones that I really liked.

Below are the new toys I sent!

These bunnies, now nicknamed Telepathic Killer Bunnies from Outer Space, are sitting happily in the gallery! But I've also listed them in my Etsy shop! They're actually made to order, and entirely hand sewn. Those little guys take a lot more time than you'd expect.

This is Frank Costello. I liked the name! He was a simpler last minute addition to the shipment.

MONSTER BUS!
The legs aren't what I originally envisioned... but I very much like the way he turned out! But hey! Gray backdrops are ugly as hell! never again huh? On Monster Bus you might notice a few shiny bits, that's because I sewed a thin, clear pvc over the fleece in his windows! I like it.

Edmond.
I don't really have much to say about him. Except he's pretty big. I completely forget the measurements... but now he's enjoying his temporary home on a shelf in New Orleans, so I won't be able to remeasure!

Also, while working with Edmond I decided I don't want to use plastic safety joints anymore. Or at least I'll be using them differently. I may try new ways of adding joints. These plastic ones work very well, and it may also be because of the fleece, but I've become less of a fan.

Jupiter Scotch.
I love this guy. And unfortunately for those of you who love him as much as I do, he's been sold! That's right, Jupiter Scotch has found himself a new home! He may be one of my most awesomely named toys, but he's also the first of my toys to have more than one mouth! He won't be the last though, I'm sure of it!

And look! He can stand upside down too!

Super sweet huh? I agree!

Now unfortunately I wasn't able to send too many new toys in my first shipment, but I've been asked to send more since four of my toys have already been sold! I'm not terribly busy at the moment, though business has picked up during this holiday season! That means I'll be able to work full steam on some new large, hopefully crazily awesome toys to send to the gallery!

I did spend a rather ludicrous amount of money on fabric recently, so I'm all stocked and ready to go! Made Gallery... just you wait and see what I've got in store for you!

Custom Order Announcement

2008-10-22T21:41:00.006-05:00

No new toy pictures to share at the moment folks.

I've been lazy. Fat and lazy. Super fat and lazy. High speed internet has spoiled me. Ridiculous download speeds means I'm basically parked in front of the computer watching cartoons from the 90s... ahem-

So, I haven't gotten much or anything done. Very unfortunate. Plenty of doodling and if it were worth sharing, I would. But it's not. So I won't. Never.

But this of course means it's time to force my brain and the rest of me to get some work done. That means I'm taking custom orders again. That's right ladies and gents, you can commission me to create a very special, fantastic, unique toy, just for you.

I would really like a challenge. A complicated 3-d, asymmetrical design that would really put me through some loops! I'd work hard, and I'd work long and of course get paid lots.

But I understand not everyone can afford a ridiculously expensive, yet totally worth the price, complex custom toy. So if you've got an idea for a toy and aren't looking to spend last week's paycheck, we can still work together to create an awesome, simple, cute, strange, or craaaazy perfect toy for you.

I mostly work in fleece, but I'm certainly enthusiastic to work in other materials. Keeping in mind, that may affect the price.

you can reach me by sending an email to vickangaroo@yahoo.com Or send me a message through etsy or deviantart.

Mr HoneyMelon, Ollie and the world's greatest six legged whale

2008-10-07T19:03:00.003-05:00

Hello! It's been much too long since I've last updated.

Also I've been real lazy. Too lazy to spend the rest of my night crafting an absolutely perfect blogger post?! yes. Ohh well. At least I brought some new pictures for you all to look at, right?

Mr. HoneyMelon-

Zeus Capricorn!

Ollie-

And of course all three of these fellows are available on MY ETSY.

CAW! CAW! and some toys

2008-09-23T15:21:00.003-05:00

Tonight ladies and gents! In only a couple hours! Caw! Caw!'s EP release party!

September, 23 2008 at Abbey Pub EP RELEASE SHOW!
3420 W. Grace St., Chicago, Illinois 60618
Cost : $8

So check it out! 9 PM. I'm gonna be there so you can say hello to me! Or, you can say goodbye to Caw! Caw! After tonight they're heading on out to Ohio, New York and places beyond! But just in case there are some of you who won't be able to show, you can actually listen to "Wait Outside" streamed in it's entirety! as an e-card... here!

But hey also! Here are some toys.

This is a custom I finished a long while ago but have finally sent out today. It's the first toy I've ever made of faux-fur. It's the first toy I've ever made with plastic joints, so it's arms can move. It's also the first toy I've ever made to cross an ocean! It's not the first of my toys to arrive in a different country though... that distinction goes to the six legged elephant custom, Maylo. It lives in Mexico.

This yellow furry, wolf boy is headed to the UK. His snout mask comes off. His face is embroidered. And I had to hide him because my cat's too curious and wants to eat yellow fur! I gave him a scrap piece and he plays with it everyday!

Here's Jonesy!

He has a tough time sitting up. He's my first toy with lips and teeth! His mouth is the best part!

Uugobot!

Uugobot (You-Go-Bot) is a simplified version of my space octopus, essentially the same techniques and designs for both toys. The biggest difference in the sewing process is the way the legs are attached. Uugo's sort of swing around when you pick him up and spin a bit, the octopus' arms stay still.

And here's Mr. Honey Melon, I just sewed him up a lil bit ago so no fancy pictures. I like the atmosphere of the picture! Something is terrifying!

All of the last three will soon be making an appearance on Etsy in search of some new homes!

Also I'd like to write a quick letter.

Dear Taco Bell,

Your Chalupas are delicious. Please make them cheaper.

Love, Vickangaroo.

Renegade in the Rain and Cuau

2008-09-14T09:33:00.004-05:00

Well Hello Hello!!

So! Yesterday was my first ever visit to the Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago! I saw a whole bunch of real cool things, met a few real nice people but didn't take enough pictures and forgot everybody's name... sorry folks!

But! I did take a few pictures and I'm happy to share them! They're mostly of my very good friend Cuau.

You can see how wet it was out there! But me and Cuau made the trek to the Fair! Unfortunately Cuau showed without a umbrella or poncho....

He got so wet!

A quick glimpse of the rainy day fair extravaganza!

We headed toward Kmart, no umbrellas in sight, so Cuau bought this children's poncho for ages 8+. Then it stopped raining!

And here's a few wonderful ladies and gents that I got to meet and chat with for a bit! I was hoping to talk to everyone but I was pretty rained out and my legendary gift of gab floundered! Also my double apologies to folks below... I don't remember your names! But hey, I've made sure to include websites!

My Favorite Mirror

A booth filled with some amazing art... on coasters, magnets, mirrors and mousepads?! Absolutely faaantastic! Truth be told, this was the only booth I bought anything from yesterday. There was a sweet mirror I got for my little sister, and then I picked up a set of six Coasters featuring the art of AshleyG.... even though I don't have any cups...

Caseybots!

AHH! Mouthes! Mouthes, pouches and pockets! I love them. I'm quite envious since my toys are quite lacking in the mouth/pouch area. ARRH! So wonderful! And of course that is Casey Mcclurg on the left! I know because it's on her card.

And let's not forget, ETSY STREET PLUSH TEAM!

Some 35 different toymakers from the Etsy Street Plush Team were displaying some absolutely wonderful creations! Hahaha, I was in awe stepping into the booth! It's pretty cool to see lots of these artists online, but it doesn't compare to seeing their toys in person!

Oh special mention to Dust Furniture! I completely forgot to snap a quick picture of them and their absolutely amazing furniture. I want them to build and furnish a house for me! Pictured is "Stacked Cabinet No. 4" Look!! I want all my furniture to twist and bend...

So hey! If any of you see yourself in a picture and just want to remind me of your names... I'd be super happy!

And of course, I'm not above shameless self promotion. Haha. I made a little furry pouch and Junior the night before, then I very quickly painted my website onto a little poster for Junior to hold up. However! because of the rain I had to cover Junior up with some see through vinyl, it worked pretty well... Here's a closer look!

No one really got to see him out of the pouch... I was carrying him all day and I got more than a few looks. A few comments by some to others as I walked past. But maybe next time instead of being a walking advertisement I'll get to sit myself down in a nice little booth surrounded by my fun fun creations.

Then finally!! Me and Cuau headed on over to Sultan's Market... no lamb shawarmas... but the Falafel was a welcome meal after a lengthy day of walking and being soaked. Aalllthough... if that Lou Malnati's was finished and opened we could've had some delicious spinach deep dish....

So hey! The fair is still happening today, starting again at Noon! That's in less than an hour! Head on down (or up) to Division St between Damen and Hermitage. Take the train or bus, don't drive! Where would you park? Make sure to check out everybody I've mentioned here, but there's a lot more to see too! I just like toys and coasters the most I guess.

I didn't do anything today! BALRH!

2008-09-10T23:26:00.002-05:00

"recumbent"

I did paint this. It's watercolor and fairly small. My first time using watercolors since like fourth grade. I want to paint more faces. Also I didn't know what recumbent meant until after I titled it.

Meanwhile, things are moving real slow on the plushie front cause I'm fat and lazy! But something great is in the works... or maybe I'm just a big fat liar.

Juan (cause I'm lazy), Love your Sandwiches and a few reminders

2008-09-08T18:25:00.004-05:00

Juan!

Man, Juan is such a jerk!

I'm so lazy. Instead of coming up with something wondrously new and deliciously interesting... I bring you another one of these guys. At least he's awesome, if not a bit lopsided! Well I think so.

"Love and a Sandwich" on Ebay!

A young lady who happens to live far away from here is auctioning off a One of a Kind Plush Monster on Ebay! It's her first Ebay auction, though she's been making and selling plush for a good long time now.

She is Chelsea Bloxsom aka Love and a Sandwich. You can check out her blog on Livejournal and Etsy site. And of course the 13 inch tall, 18 inch wide monster below is right HERE.

This is a Teeku! A quick snippet from his Ebay description: "Teeku's are one of the most expressive creatures in the monster kingdom. Their vocals can range from cooing and purring like a kitten, to screeching like car tires, or exploding like fireworks..."

Check out those balloons! Then go bid on it! Auction ends on Septbember 14th!

The Renegade Craft Fair

It's coming it's coming! 4 days to go! You can actually browse through the front page of TheNeedle.org to see a number of different toymakers from the Plush Team and the plushie wares they'll be peddling.

CAW! CAW!

Don't forget about CAW! CAW!'s EP release show on September 23rd! Abbey Pub in Chicago! Check out their MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/cawcawmusic) for info as well as another song, "Wrapped Up Neat in the Bible."

Oh also here's my cat:

I call him Mao.

Real Quick- Sylvia

2008-09-05T11:31:00.003-05:00

I like playing matchmaker... or God...

So I made Frank a new friend, her name is Sylvia.

don't they look happy together?!

It's... beautiful... in a way...

That's all for now.

Voodoo crab magic, Frank and some stuff...

2008-09-04T16:23:00.007-05:00

Last night I felt sort of sad because I might be blinding an innocent crab somewhere with my plushie voodoo magic....

I suppose I didn't have to go for the eyes....

anyhoo.

Well here's Frank. I made him last night so I'd have a reason to update my blog real quick. I just wanted to make something simple and fairly straight forward.

Frank's mostly sewn by hand, his teeth were done on the machine, made of corduroy, fleece and this red cotton print. He's basically just a box but I like him. I might make one or two more (no promises), slightly redesigned, and done much quicker on the sewing machine.

Heh, real lazy pictures....

But here's some stuff to add to your calendar! For you Chicago folks at least.

Back in high school I was one of the real cool kids, and like all the cool kids I was part of the Engineering Club. The club hosted a cardboard Regatta. A whole bunch of different teams entered boats made of cardboard and duct tape to see which ones could go furthest in the school swimming pool. Note: Real simple cardboard rafts work real well.

I bring this up because of the upcoming Redbull Flugtag in Chicago! Basically a whole bunch of different teams enter flying machines and try to see how far they'll go before they hit the water.

http://www.redbullflugtagusa.com/Chicago2008

I was hoping to get out to The Redbull Flugtag this years since I've always wanted to go. But I won't be able to because of a weekend filled with family events. It's being held at North Avenue Beach on Saturday, September 6 2008! That's in two days! It's free to watch. Seats are first come first serve so it's best to get there early cause I think it gets craaazy crowded. The gates open at 11am with the first flight happening at 1pm. Check it out, tell me how it was.

Then of course there's the Renegade Craft Fair coming up!

(click the banner...)

September 13-14 on Division St between Damen Ave and Hermitage St. It's going to be huuuge! From Noon to 10pm on both days. Over 200 artists and crafters selling some amazing items. I actually was hoping to take part in the Renegade Craft Fair this year buuut.... excluding the fact that I sew like a snail a booth also costs $300+ for both days. I'm a poor, poor man! SOoo... Buy my toys to fund my 2009 Renegade Craft Fair Debut!

Of course I'll be attempting to visit Renegade on both days and take a ridiculous amount of pictures to share here. It's gonna be an awesome chance to meet all sorts of toymaking folks, I'll make some new friends and introduce you to them. I'm also thinking I should wear a costume.... Antler hat and cape perhaps?? A plushie monster bursting from my stomach? We'll see....

And let's not forget about Caw! Caw!'s upcoming show! Their newest EP "Wait Outside" will be available at the show on September 23, 2008. It's happening at the Abbey Pub on 3420 W. Grace St!!

I might just keep reminding all of you until it actually gets here!

What's this? A New Post?!

2008-09-02T13:03:00.007-05:00

Har har har, why yes! A new post on the King Kongery Blog. I've said it before, and I'll surely say it again but I do plan to update this blog much more frequently in the future. We'll see how that works out.

Onto matters of the plushie sort.

Here's the few toys that I've finished recently (well... a little longer than recently).

The Chupbwana

You can see he's sitting right on the side of this blog in my mini-Etsy. So you can just click on over to the posting if you'd like to purchase him and give him a wonderful home so that he can get out of the plastic bag I've tied him in.

If you don't want to click, fine! But for your convenience here's his Etsy description. It took me like half an hour to write so make sure you read it, just like how you read everything else on this page. No just skimming over the words and glancing at the pictures for you! No sir!

"Meet the Chupbwana!

A strange and wild creature that once lurked in the shadows of many forests all over the world! Long ago their population was tremendous! They were little more than stomaches with limbs and antlers! The Chupbwana were bountiful as their voracious appetites would consume any animal in their path!

As they evolved the colors on their backs became a camouflage pattern to help them hide during the hunt. However being as vicious as they were, the Chupbwana certainly enjoyed the look of fear and surprise as they lunged for their prey!

Six eyes may seem a bit much for most creatures, but these masterful predators would use their larger eyes to help find prey in the darkness. Meanwhile their four smaller eyes, almost centered on their faces would assure their clawed finger strikes to be very precise!

Because of their amazing instinctual hunting abilities a single Chupbwana could take down an animal four times it's size! Mass groups of Chupbwanas, referred to as Chupgroups, have been observed on the African plain capturing and devouring entire herds of elephants!

It's true that once their numbers were many but because of deforestation their natural habitats have shrunk throughout the years, and their populations dwindle. Though vicious, in urban areas, where many Chupbwanas have found themselves, they are unable to consume the massive amounts of food that they require.

However we at the Chupbwana Conservation Society (CCS) work tirelessly day and night to restore the Chupbwanas to a moderately sized population (if the Chupbwana were to exist today in their previous numbers they would be able to devour every animal on the planet), you can do your part!

This particularly vicious Chupbwana was discovered lost and alone, but full having eaten a dozen stray cats, in a dark back alley of a major metropolitan city. You can adopt this creature and lovingly watch over it in your home!

However, make sure to keep a very close eye on it... Seriously. We at the CCS only have a couple to watch over in our facilities... and they're quite bitey.... JEEZ! I've lost fingers!! I mean these guys will eat anything! I can't even imagine a whole group of these things in the wild! Have you seen that video online where a Chupgroup jumped into the ocean and ate a killer whale?!! What the heck?! Why are we saving these things?!

...

But all life is precious. I'm sure you and your new Chupbwana will be good friends!

Chupbwana measures about 11 inches from bottom to top of antlers and around 13 inches from arm to arm. Completely handsewn."

The Squorcharp

Now I absolutely love this guy. Not only is he evidence that I'm getting better at coming up with interesting patterns and more organic shapes, but look at him! He was suppose to be ferocious... but ferocious is sometimes hard to pull off with fleece and polyester filling. None the less!

His teeth are made of vinyl fabric, the kind you'd use to upholster a couch. Which I thought was absolutely inspired! Cause though fleece has it's merits, unfortunately it doesn't fare so well with pointy thin shapes. Also, look at his wee little arms!

Even though I love his colors, cause I'm a big orange fan, I've noticed the need for me to be a bit more creative with my color choices.

Here's his Etsy description, that's right he's for sale too!

"-Day 21.

We've attempted another jump to the present, unfortunately the Chrono Progression Agitator Valve has once again malfunctioned and we are left stranded... this time in the past!

However it's been very exciting! We've arrived in the Cretaceous period, evident of the different species of dinosaurs we've already encountered. We've also been fortunate enough to observe a number of species of creatures which we've never known to have existed!

As my partner continues to work to fix the Chrono valve I have been spending my time recording these wonderful animals! My favorite thus far is definitely something I've decided to call "The Squorcharp."

It's a strange little animal that's very reminiscent of the much larger creatures in the area. However it's his split-tail and squid-like, six eyed head that I find remarkable!

At first I was a bit worried that this fearless, little creature would be inclined to bite me because of it's obviously visible teeth. Fortunately my worries were entirely unfounded! The Squorcharp is a sweet and docile creature, undoubtedly using it's slightly ferocious appearance to scare off predators.

What I've found most wonderful about the strange-headed Squorcharp is how intelligent and curious they are! Though hard to believe this particular Squorcharp managed to untie my right boot with it's tail! More wonderful is how the Squorcharp managed to tie it back together!!

Oh my! Well, though I certainly shouldn't even consider it... but... there is that large empty compartment in the back of the time machine... In fact, it's probably large enough for several Squorcharps...

HMM...

This Squorcharp is about 14 inches tall and about 8 inches long from belly to tail. It's entirely hand sewn."

Squishipon!

"Squish-Squish-Squishipon!

Squish-Squish-Squish!

Squiiiiiiish!

Squish-Squish-Squish!

Squiiiiiiish!

Squish-Squish-Squishipon!

I have hat!

Squish-Squishipon!

One-Two-Three!

Squish-Squish-Squishipon!

Squiiiiiiish!

Squishipon! Squishipon!

Squishipon is just about 5 inches tall without his nearly 10 inch Squishipon cap. He's partly hand sewn and partly sewn on machine. His arms don't have any stuffing.

Squiiiiiiish-ipon."

Haha, Squiish. You'll note I took a very different approach to this Etsy description. I definitely set out to create a real simple toy, something that I could sew on a machine quickly. I sewed his arms and hat on the machine, but realized it was gonna be tough to sew those arms to the body.... I have my reasons! I ended up sewing those on by hand.

Like the description says there's no stuffing in those arms... I wasn't too sure how that'd work out but I like it. It wasn't cause I was lazy, but I was worried about losing that tentacleyness once stuffed.

Also, here's an interesting tidbit about the design.... he was suppose to have a real long funny legs underneath! I decided against those because I was lazy. See? This is the interesting info you're looking for! The real hard hitting newsworthy bits! He was suppose to have legs?! CRAZY.

.....

Big empty space cause I'm going to divert from the toy exhibition and move onto some other interesting things.

CRAMMED ORGANISMS! World's largest plushie show?? I mentioned it a while back, and though true I wasn't able to participate or visit I definitely still think it's awesome. A wonderful showcase of many talented people. Now the show is over, but for those of us who weren't able to visit.... David Wolk and the folks at Cranky Yellow, who put together the show, have also somehow managed to put out a book as well.

Here's my copy! And yeah, that brow of mine just adds to the craziness that is my face.

That's right, the Crammed Organisms book. 235 pages of full color awesomeness. Haha. I certainly love books that are basically just full of crazy pictures. But it's got all the toys that were on display in the show, artist websites, sketches, art, plus pages of info including their wonky advertisement campaign that led up to the announcement of the show. It's available here on Etsy. Get yours sooner than later! Only 5000 in print, when they're gone they're gone!

Now I really do like this book, but the folks at Crammed Organisms liked my review of the book so much that they added it to their blog (see me repeat what I've basically said here!). I like being mentioned by people. Hey I'm too lazy to market myself so it's nice to get a bit of publicity.

On a side note to books full of crazy odd greatness...

The fellows who watch over my living room have decided they love Aranzi Machine Gun Vol. 2.
So the picture's a bit yellow... but none the less! If you'll remember, that's 43 inch tall Warsington upfront holding the book, Francis the robot is behind him with his hulking arms. So I found Aranzi Machine Gun Vol. 2 while browsing the crafts section at Borders. It is a strange odd ridiculous little publication, full of short comics and pictures of the plushie toys created by Aranzi Aronzo. I think there are three volumes out so far but at 10 bucks a piece for these little books, I'll be waiting for a bit more cash in my pocket.

This is their site, but it hasn't been updated in a long time. But you can check out the Amazon.com for their craft books (which have patterns and things) as well as less helpful, though certainly plenty creative, literature like Aranzi Machine Gun (on Amazon).

Back to the toys yet?? Sure.

Here's the last toy I've finished, but these are no effort pictures. No backdrop, just went upstairs to the well lit kitchen.

He's a Space Octopus! An Eight legged Spaceman! From the seas to the stars! This guy is just a test for the pattern. Just a trial toy I get to keep all for myself. I plan to make more, hopefully much quicker. I sew fairly slow and this guy took reaaaal long. I'm not even going to tell you how long it was soo long.

I'm hoping to make him out of other materials besides fleece, and also give him a space helmet. By the way, there's 8 little yellow sucker circles on each leg, do you know how long that took me?!

And then just for you guys, well hopefully someone reads this thing... a quick peek at what I'm working on now. It's my first time using faux fur and it's for my last custom order... Hopefully when it's done it won't just look like a big pile of fur... we'll see. I usually prefer to keep things private till I'm done... but I'm really having a ball just snapping pictures today.

Oh jeez, so furry and fuzzy. Faux fur is great to work with... except all the fuzz starts floating down into my lungs.

Oh?? Now what?

Well, just to make this post even longer than anything ever, maybe to make up for all the lack of previous posts? I want to mention Caw! Caw! A Chicago band comprised of three fellows, one of whom... (who?) being my oldest friend Steve Kozak! (he's on the right side)

Here they are on Myspace (it's where I stole that picture) where you can hear their newest song "Organisms." Caw! Caw! is going on tour soon, heading out East through Indiana, Ohio and on toward New York.

But if you're in Chicago, definitely check out their EP Release Show at Abbey Pub on September 23rd. I'll be going of course to enjoy the show, pick up a copy of the album, say hello to the guys. If nothing else you can just show up to mingle with this chubby Asian toymaking blogger.

Their Myspace has the info under Upcoming Shows, and I'll be sure to bring it up again once the day gets closer. You can also be a fan on their Facebook page here. And of course their official site: http://www.cawcawmusic.com/

That seems like everything for today. Bye bye!

Oh that's right, I have a blog.

2008-08-10T12:44:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates ladies and gents! A whole month without anything new to share? Ridiculous. I've been quietly working on this and that and some of that and this.

I've just been super lazy about taking pictures. I'm wasting a lot of time as it is, and I always feel that bit of time I'm not wasting should be focused on creating new and different toys. It's tough trying to be original as well as challenging myself to become a better toymaker.

It's all about getting better! So there aren't any new pictures at the moment... Just making sure people know I'm still alive. I'll be uploading new pictures in the weeks to come.

Hey also there happens to be a sale going on in my Etsy shop! I haven't been making too big a deal of it so far, probably because I'm terrible at spreading news about things.

But hop on over to http://vickangaroo.etsy.com

and see what's on SALE!
Get your Morbis, roundbottoms and other odd toys before they're gone!

But what can I do? They don't shake my heart...

2008-06-24T18:37:00.002-05:00

Whooaow!

Oh jeez after a week of fun custom order designing and getting stuff done I've fallen off the horse! Or... I've fallen off the six-legged elephantisum.

So before I get to complaining lots here are my two most recent customs, while I continue to work on my current order. I think it's strange that it's so tough to sell on Etsy.com since it's so easy to fade into the background... but then within a week and a half I've already been asked to make custom toys from people on deviantart. Maybe that's not strange, but hey! I'm cool with it!

This is a Mushroom plush. I actually had some difficulty with this little fella. I started with a really simple design then decided that it wouldn't work after I had started, so I had to come up with a new pattern that just about doubled the pieces of fabric I had originally planned.

The stalk was longer than I wanted. And just as a rule when you stuff a plushie mushroom cap you can not make it umbrella like a mushroom should... without some other structure inside it.

Mushrooms love Strawberries.

At least I can't... yet.

Then a wonderful toy that I'm plenty proud of. A fellow plushie toymaker on Deviantart, Banniee (this is her Deviantart), requested something completely original. She is also one of the most enthusiastic persons who's ever liked my toys.

She said she was interested in elephants with lots of legs... so I began the task of designing a six legged elephant. I hit a few bumps when putting it all together. It really isn't too complicated a design but the challenge was sewing the legs and ears on and then turning it inside out to stuff it. I only made it harder for myself and I had to undo a good portion of work I had already started.

But it's the challenge that makes it wonderful and exciting! She's named it Maylo the Elephantisum, since I pointed out that it didn't really turn out to be a six legged elephant... but it's elephant-esque... it's elephantisum.

I'm really proud cause it's obviously a 3-d design! I haven't created so many 3-d toys and this is my favorite so far!

So anyway! I'm being lazy again. I've got to get Banniee's Maylo out the door and shipped off to her. Then I've got to get some more work done on an old fashioned kitty plush....

But then... I feel like I'm missing something. I came up with a whole bunch of little notepad pages of toy ideas and doodles. They're some fun animal designs there, but my laziness is an obstacle to overcome. What I need is a something fun, different, and original to really get me motivated. I want to be a little crazy. A little... craaaazy.

So I've got some new exciting plans I'm hoping I follow through on... I won't tell you what it is... It's a secret!

Trying to find my umbrella...

2008-06-20T18:25:00.003-05:00

Well I've really been slowing down recently. I should be making at least 1 toy a day! How hard can that be?! I dunno! Not very hard I'm sure!

Ohhh welll.

But Hey, here's my Unicorn. His name is Errol. I came up with Errol's design a long long time ago, it's all the way in the back of my doodle pad! I had wanted to make him once before but I guess I never got to it, but I've finished it now, so here he is!

Etsy info:

"I'd like you all to meet Errol! He's in search of a good home after all he's been around for a while! He was born a long time ago, hatched from an egg actually! But that was back when everyone hatched from an egg.

Errol has seen the world! He's seen the sights, smelled the smells, tasted all sorts of exotic foods! He's jumped from planes and run into burning buildings to save frightened kittens! He's done so much all he really wants now is to be back somewhere warm and comfortable.

He just wants to slow down, make a few new friends and be around when somebody just needs a hug. He's always up for a good hug!

Errol is entirely hand sewn. He's just about 12 inches tall with a 3 inch horn."

If he's still available you can find him HERE.

Anyway! I actually spent almost half an hour trying to write a poem for his description. It started out strange and there was no real order to it.... but some of it rhymed... I don't know. I'm not much of a poet sometimes... there are moments though... I once won a poetry contest at my college! But to be truthful, no offense to anyone intended, a lot of the entries were uninspired and real angsty love sort of stuff. I think I just won because mind was different.

So I bet you're wondering if I'll share this poem with you! Probably not, I don't like it anymore.

In other news here's a couple of mini crabs I've made for my very first custom order! Cause that's right! I do take custom orders and commissions!

And jeez what else! I've completely forgotten! Crammed Organisms is happening right now! I meant to mention it back when it started but not participating sort of pushed it out of my brain.

Check out Crammed Organisms for pictures and links to more pictures!

So if you're in St. Louis, and for some reason are reading my blog.... but also still haven't visited any part of the show... get to it!

Heaven is a place... it's a place where nothing... nothing ever happens...

2008-06-13T10:19:00.004-05:00

In my attempts to update more often I've found myself at a loss for interesting things to blog about!

Ah! A couple days ago I got my fourth and final wisdom tooth pulled... at least a good year and a half after my dentist pulled the first one. I know that most people... if not a lot, get all fourth wisdom teeth pulled at once. That requires surgery and costs lots of money! So instead of being put to sleep and not being able to feel anything my mother opted for me to lie in a chair conscious with local anesthetic injected into my gums and getting each tooth pulled one at a time.

It's terrifying! The Dentist lunges at you with what I can only assume to be a fancy pair of pliers and a dental screwdriver! No, no, my dentist is a great real nice guy. But still! After that first time... even though it doesn't hurt... You can certainly feel him tugging and twisting and pulling and you can hear the cracking noises as it separates from your head... augh! No wonder I had such long intervals between extractions... Ehh...

I just thought you all should know that, because who doesn't want to read about dental procedures?

Meanwhile I've just completed my very first plushie toy swap! It was part swap and part sale to my very first customer Amanda from California. I saw one of her Henryrabbits and found it absolutely adorable. But having no money I suggested a trade and now Fruit Stripe resides on my couch besides Francis the Robot and my Uglydoll.

I'm not good at taking pictures so I'll just share the nice one Amanda took for her shop.

Etsy also let's you upload thank you pictures and this is the one she took for me of my toys! Look at that guy! I need to take better pictures...

And of course I'll mention her Etsy shop. Henryrabbit Designs. She makes little plushies but also does graphic design work! She's come up with some real sweet banners and design logos and things... mostly for other Etsy users I think. She now cares for four of my plush toys! I think she's building a King Kongery collection! Hahaha.

But wait... There's more! A little while back I made a little arm plush which I simply named Arm. He was a funny little guy, just about 5 inches tall.

Big Arm is just about lifesize... from elbow to shoulder he's about18 inches. The mouth and eyes are sewed on by hand but the rest of him was finished on a machine. I knocked that fella out in less than 10 minutes! Which is great since I'll end up selling him for lots less than if it was hand sewn all the way around.

I haven't listed him or Tom Waits on my Etsy shop yet. I'm having a tough time figuring out how to take decent pictures of them.... Plus I don't have any boxes big enough to ship them yet! I'll need to find some... But I'll do that! And I'll probably include a new little Arm to send with Big Arm.

Meanwhile! I'm once again working on another Non-Sequiter toy. This time it's name is Antonio Banderes. It has nothing to do with Antonio Banderes and it looks like a flower... I dunno... Often times I when I'm ridiculously motivated I'll get to work on whatever idea is in front of me. Antonio came about during one of those moments.

Unprofessional looking pictures of him as soon as I finish!

Someday somebody's gonna ask you...

2008-06-11T18:15:00.003-05:00

Let's get straight to business!

I am now taking commissions. Wouldn't you like a custom toy from the King Kongery? Whether it's a toy I've made before which you can find on my deviantart, or elsewhere on this blog. But maybe you'd like to see it in a different color or size.

Or perhaps you'd like a completely original toy. Just let me know the size of the toy, colors, whether you'd like it to be a 2-d or 3-d design. Original 3-d toys are a bit more complicated so they'll probably cost a bit more.

I don't think anybody reads this blog, so you can direct custom orders to my Etsy shop. You can also email me at vickangaroo@yahoo.com

Prices will of course vary depending on the toy design and size. Every toy will be designed and handmade by me!

A note though... I know people like my MiMo toys a lot... but at the moment I'm messing around with their design a bit. Nothing to change the basic cuteness factor of the toy. I'm just trying to see if I can alter the plug design for the better. We'll see.

But stay tuned for another something later on.

Why don't you come and play here? I'm just sitting on the shelf...

2008-06-10T17:59:00.002-05:00

I need to update more often.

I also need to make more toys!

Currently I've been listening to one song over and over and over. "Why do you let me stay here?" It's sung by actress Zooey Deschanel who is one half of "She & Him" It's sweet, upbeat and I think quite perfect for inspiring toy makery. I haven't heard the rest of their album "Volume One" except for a few snippets.

You can download "Why do you let me stay here?" for free at music.download.com

Anyway, what have I been up to? Lots of doodling and trying to decide what I should be making next. Thanks to their popularity I actually will be making more MiMo and Noodle Lady toys. I had been concerned with MiMo for a long time because I had been wanting to redesign them. Since they were one of my earliest toy concepts I just kept thinking maybe they would need an update.

But maybe they don't. Maybe they're just fine they way they were!

Also I can't stop thinking big. I've just finished Tom Waits, and you'll get a quick glimpse of him below. I do love Tom Waits, but the name has no real connection to the toy. Just a non-sequiter. Deal with it!

Even though it's easier to see in person... my sewing on Tom Waits is quite fantastic on some parts. Not all of it... just some... for a moment I could probably fool you into thinking it was done on a sewing machine!

He's pretty big too... almost 28 inches long. I just wanted to make something real simple but kinda large.... but he ended up taking quite a bit of time. I won't tell you how much! but there were mistakes and changes... and his face embroidered all the way around twice... TWICE! if you've embroidered something... you'll know how long that should take. Then double it since i work so slow.

So I'm working something else at the moment, something else that's real simple and big. Then another thing that's a little less simple but still big. Soon Soon for another update!

I Know That You're In Love With Her

2008-05-28T22:37:00.005-05:00

So just a quick update tonight!

I've finished a couple of Morbishams and one is now listed on Etsy. The other will go up tomorrow after I take some decent pictures!

But here we go, straight from Etsy cause I'm always too lazy to describe things more than one way:

Here in the King Kongery you'll encounter many different and interesting creatures...

Having spent a frivolous childhood filled with lazy days and seemingly never ending fun a Morbishim does grow up... into a Morbisham!

Now a bit taller, a bit wiser, and with a pair of antlers the Morbisham is all ready for a grown up sort of life. No longer hiding in bushes and trees waiting on potential victims for their immature pranks, Morbishams can be found standing on beaches, river banks and over puddles of water.

They stand so still at times it makes you wonder what they're thinking about. Are they pondering the mysteries of the universe? Remembering their lives so far and contemplating their futures? No! In fact they're just checking out their reflections! Admiring that magnificent stache!

Morbishams still enjoy a good Perchubim fruit snack but they make sure to squeeze the fruit first, dabbing a bit of that sticky Perchubim juice on their mustaches to keep it slick. They've got to stay stylish right?

You might think they're self centered... or even pretentious! But that's not true! Still a fun loving bunch, they're always excited to make new friends and have a good time!

This particular Morbisham is awaiting a new home! And in search of a new friend to have fun with! As long as you don't mind the quick glance in a mirror or reflective surface from time to time.

It's just about 5 inches wide, 5 inches long, 7 inches tall (not including those 3 inch antlers), and entirely hand sewn.

Fun fun! And just for a bit more fun, I took Rockwell (that's my first Morbisham and the one I'm keeping) outside for a quick photo shoot... and then all these birds showed up... but I don't think Rockwell minded much.

I think he's named that one Rockwell Jr.

Three Two One. Let's Go.

2008-05-24T13:23:00.005-05:00

Hahaha! Well The King Kongery is back in full swing! I was hoping to make a bigger splash but that's a bit tougher than previously expected. It's alright though! Here we go!

So I would like to invite you all to see what I've been working on. If you had previously joined my Facebook group you may have noticed one of the random pictures I had uploaded a while back was a little cyclop tripod toy.

I loved it so much that I decided it was necessary to make more. And more and more. I don't have dozens yet... but a few now. You'll notice the only real difference is the eye from the first one and the final version.

Direct from my Etsy shop since I'm too lazy to type up something different:

Here in the King Kongery you'll encounter many different and interesting creatures...

However none are as friendly or as mischievous as the Morbishims. Born from the Morbishode plant but not yet fully grown into a Morbisham, the Morbishim is still an adolescent and craves attention.

They can be found all over the King Kongery, in the jungles, by the rivers, on the mountains and the beaches. They often travel in groups in search of adventure.

There's always another tree to climb and another hole to dig. They'll hide in the branches or in the bushes awaiting an unsuspecting passerby. Then the Morbishim will leap out onto the victim's head and sit very still... pretending to be a hat. It's one of their favorite games and you most likely won't even notice until you hear their hushed chuckles.

Because of all their playing the Morbishims tire themselves out quite quickly. But a short nap and a bite of a snack is just enough to get them going again! They do love the Perchubim fruit but if you don't have any... I hear Oreos do just fine.

This particular Morbishim is awaiting a new home! And in search of a new friend! I'm sure it wouldn't mind a name also. It's just about 5 inches wide, 5 inches long, 5 inches tall (not including it's horns), and entirely hand sewn.

Quick note! Some of my Morbis aren't entirely hand sewn!! That's right I've also started using a sewing machine to work on some of these guys. I'm still not a master at the sewing machine but I use it well enough to make a fine quality toy! It definitely cuts my work time down to only a couple hours instead of the 4-5 hours it takes to hand sew everything.

But still sometimes I prefer to handsew my toys. I feel like it keeps me real close to my creation. Like the sewing machine is a step away from working directly on my toys. I think anybody who's ever dedicated their time to creating something or anything knows what I mean.

Just a Morbi team building exercise...

In other news I've got plans for a slightly redesigned Roundbottom toy, every one of those is of course One of a Kind. But I'm also trying to decide what else to work on. My Noodle Ladies were popular and I still very much liked my MiMos but they're still in need for a redesign in my opinion. In case you don't remember what they look like:

Noodle Ladies

MiMo

So there's a bit of insight into my work I suppose... But just in case all this wasn't enough... For the few people who do check out my blog I'll let you all in on a quick peek at what else I'm working on. The world's very FIRST look at a very grown up sort of Morbishim.

Why it's the Morbisham of course! Check out that mighty mustache! And apparently those horns can grow into antlers! Who knew?! Hahaha, You can probably expect them to show up in my Etsy shop in about a week.... once I make some more... Cause this one's mine. I may have named him Rockwell.

Yes...

And as always check out my Flickr for more pictures!

But even more always make sure to drop by my Etsy Shop! THE KING KONGERY!

I want to fall through the clouds to some place...

2008-05-21T09:19:00.004-05:00

Still quiet around these parts. But I don't want it to be too quiet...

So here's just a little something a couple of you may have seen before. Just to keep this place chugging along. Though I will have something very new to share very soon...

they're cute no?

also, you can find pictures not in blog form at my Flickr!

It's Memories That I'm Stealing...

2008-05-13T10:58:00.007-05:00

Hello hello.

This post does not mark my official return to the King Kongery, but soon enough...

First news first, I have not been accepted to participate in Crammed Organisms. It's a bit disappointing, but I don't think I would have been up to the task. My plans for the show were quite exciting but also slightly far fetched. Then of course I got real laazy, so I probably wouldn't have anything good to contribute to the show anyway. There's always next time!

But that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep paying attention to the show! Hop on over to theneedle.org to see what many artists and toymakers are submitting to Crammed Organisms!

Now if you've joined the King Kongery Facebook group or watch my DeviantArt account or have been keeping an eye on my Etsy shop you'll have already seen these fellows.

Roundbottoms. I finished them a long while ago, but only now getting around to sharing them with everybody. Of the four, only three are available for sale. Lucha Roundbottom I'm holding onto for a number of reasons.

Also because I like them all so much I will be making more of them in the future. The design will be a bit different and most likely the Roundbottoms will end up costing a bit more.

Anyway!

Thaddeus Roundbottom

His Etsy listing:

He's a wonderful friend but I'm a bit worried about him...

"Good Morning Thaddeus!"

"rawf rawf!"

"How are you this morning? Had a good night's sleep I hope."

"rawf rawf!"

"Dreamed of chasing rabbits and kitty cats? Did you finally catch one this time my friend?"

"rawf rawf!"

"No? Oh, well that's unfortunate! Perhaps next time I suppose! There's many nights in front of us and many dreams to be dreamed! So, since it is breakfast time would you like a plate of scrambled eggs and toast? Or will a bowl full of doggie biscuits be enough?"

"rawf rawf! wag tail, wag tail!"

What worries me is that he's not really a dog... and since he doesn't have a tail, he actually spoke that last part.

Ohh Thaddeus! You might only be 11 inches tall and only five inches wide... but you sure do love doggie biscuits!

(i'm not allowed to be cute?)

Honus Roundbottom

Honus in the making!

His Etsy listing:

Now I first met Honus long, long ago. It was in the spring on a Tuesday... or a Thursday... It had just finished raining and there were puddles all over the sidewalks!

Of course like most post-spring-showers there were an abundance of worms creeping and wriggling around. They had just come out of the ground for a sip and a drink!

While most people continued with their walking-ons barely glancing at the ground, this little fellow who introduced himself to me as Honus Roundbottom was picking up as many worms as he could! Carrying them to the soft grass and making sure they would all get home safe.

How many of you have stopped to help a worm along it's merry... slimy way??

Ohh Honus! At 11 inches tall and 5 inches wide it's your outstanding friendly demeanor that makes you one heckuva friend!

Jupiter Roundbottom

His Etsy listing:

It's obvious by Jupiter's appearance that he is quite the scholar. He holds a PhD in Particulated Teletranstational Theory. It's a lot less complicated if you ask him to explain it to you.

Well, no. It actually becomes much more complicated. Really, I have no idea what he's saying half the time. I'm even starting to think he's just making things up because six syllable words make him laugh. I mean I say good morning and he comes back with, "Miranpidonipus!" I mean what is that?! Is that Latin?!

Ohh Jupiter! You might only be 11 inches tall and only five inches wide... but you're the smartest guy I've ever met!

Lucha Roundbottom

Like I mentioned he's not listed on Etsy. He didn't really turn out the way I had hoped. He was going to be called "El Sol." Then he would have an opponent named El Eclipse. And he still might someday, I think it's a great idea.

Anyway, that's all for now. So until I actually return, just sit quietly and dream of sweet King Kongery things.

The King Kongery is on a temporary hiatus.

2008-04-17T08:44:00.001-05:00

Take a nap and dream of sweet King Kongery things.

I'll be back... laterish.

Why Do We Always Collide?

2008-03-15T22:01:00.003-05:00

So! I've been away for a lengthy amount of time! Hahaha. Time to change that. So much has happened since I last updated.

like...

I have FINALLY opened up my Etsy Shop. Victor's King Kongery Shop of Enthusiastic Wonderness. It's a bit long winded but I like it! Haha. It's actually been up for more than a month now. I sold my first toy on February 14th, just a friendly little crab. Then exactly a month later I sold two more toys!

Three sales, not bad at all. Haha. Hopefully the rest of my toys start finding new homes, and I manage to keep listing more!

I'm also planning to attend The French Pastry School in Chicago. The next classes start in July though I might decide to postpone that for the December classes, so that I can save up some money and give myself lots more time making toys before beginning that ridiculously hectic Pastry School Schedule.

Check out the school here. Let me know what you think! or start lining up to enjoy the delicious baked goods and candies I will inevitably create.

What else?!

WELL! I've applied to Crammed Organisms! Definitely check that out! Crammed Organisms is a ridiculously massive Plushie toy show that's going to be happening in four different places in June in St Louis, Missouri.

The theme for the show is "Fairy, Folk and Fable." To apply you have to create a proposal with what you're planning to create for the show. At first I was going to apply with some vague general ideas, but i couldn't hit the submit button! It wasn't right. So I sat down and figured out exactly what I wanted to do. I came up with four, hopefully, original and interesting plushie ideas. I submitted like two paragraphs of ideas haha.

I'm hoping my proposal gets me extra points since my plushie gallery isn't particularly expansive. Anyway, so in preparation for my way super sweet ideas for that show I've got designs and started working on more basic versions of those ideas.

I'm working my way up!

Sorry for the lack of pictures in this post, you'll just have to click on one of the many Vickangaroo links to the right to see what toys I've been working on. My DeviantArt is the place best to look out for new stuff.

wine for the women who made the rain come...

2008-01-15T21:24:00.000-06:00

Ohhhhh... hey, it's the new year. why haven't i done anything?!

haha i'm lazy.

hey look, i LOVE Extras. that's right i do.

yeah, i'm behind the boxes.

when i learned that Ricky Gervais, that little fat man with the pug nose face, who was fantastic in BBC's The Office was writing, directing, and starring in a brand new television series.... I had to see it! unfortunately i don't live in Britain or have cable, so that meant i'd have to wait for it to arrive on dvd.

and i bought it. and i laughed, i laughed a lot. series 2 came out. and i bought it. and i laughed, i laughed a lot. but then what was next? 12 episodes... would they keep on going? no, they pulled a BBC. they finished it off with an extra long series finale, which aired back in december. but i didn't get to see it... so when i discovered it would be released on dvd i was ecstatic! however it would only be released in the Extras: The Complete Series set. it's just the exact same four discs that had been released before, the same four i already own!

am i really the sort of person who would spend 36 dollars for one episode of a tv show? for Extras, yes! i would. plus i have a crush on Maggie Jacobs (played by the wonderful Ashley Jensen). she's fantastic, especially in this finale. ohhh my... i'll tell you this, for the last parts of the finale i cried. yeah i did.

she's on the left. heheheheeee.

if anybody knows Ashley Jensen, tell her that i'm going to make her a toy... and i'll give it to her... for a kiss! ohhhh!

alright well, toys. i've sort of been in a toymaking limbo for the past couple weeks. i did manage to sit down and get one toy made. he's below, i call him Hamilton, the lazy toy. i didn't put much effort into him, i just needed to get something done.

i am in the process of preparing for the opening of my online toy shop. which will be on etsy.com, nothing fantastically spectacular. if you haven't been to etsy.com, check it out! there's some pretty stuff there.

at the moment i'm spending my time doodling, thinking up new ideas, stockpiling MiMo's (so if you're interested start saving up!), but i'll also be creating new, sort of more complicated things. so expect either unmatched original brilliance, or epic tragic failures.

anyway, these first two were finished right before new year's eve.

"Black." i don't have another name for it, though i've gotten a few suggestions. it's made of vinyl, i wanted to try out a different kind of fabric... and vinyl is ridiculously tough to sew, but it turned out swell.

he's the same on all sides

this guy is Red Lightning. he's similar to a toy i shared in the last post, Architeuthis. they're both tripods, and they've got those long flat arms with velcro at the tips. you can wear him as a scarf! i know i might...

check out those lips!

and now! here's my first toy of 2008. like i mentioned, i just wanted to make something. so he's not particularly symmetrical but he's got a cute face! again, his name is Hamilton. the lazy toy.

i was even lazy with the pictures.

i drove my sister to her university... and he came with! road trip!

so stay tuned for exciting updates! here's hoping i'm becoming the sort of man who follows through on things. and also! let's hope that Ashley Jensen gets bored sometimes and reads toy blogs by asian guys.

Annie Aime Les Sucettes

2007-12-20T22:41:00.000-06:00

hey what's new ladies and gents? new news, unfortunately i wasn't able to make it to that FluffyYukYuk release party.

Christmas is coming. turns out i somehow thought there was at least another week and a half until said holiday, and i thought i had a lot more time to get things done. i don't. i wanted to make lots of plush toys for people, but that and trying to finish some new designs and getting the toys ready to be sold online. right now it looks like i'll be setting up shop at etsy.com. i'm pretty enthusiastic about it.

i of course need to start spreading my name around, so hey, every now and then in the middle of a conversation just drop my name and say i make toys. yeah.

but here are some new ones. a couple bugs first.

this was a test bug, just to see how that way of attaching the limbs would look.

my mom thinks he looks like a crab. i guess he sorta does...

now Architeuthis. i know what you're thinking, that's not a giant squid. i didn't really have a name for him but people kept saying he looked like a tooth and then i thought about Architeuthis, and i don't think i pronounce it right... but anyway it looks like i'm getting into making more 3-d designs, not just the flat toys. they're fun, just a bit challenging.

he has velcro hands to hold things! like my pen!

and here's the Cowboy. aptly named by cuau! he was a fun little guy to make, the softest most fun to squish cow... bear... cat... thing...

i hit the city by three and the bottle by four...

2007-12-10T08:32:00.000-06:00

first thing's first! i have a new camera.

next, i've started using a sewing machine. an older sort of cruddy sewing machine that my mom pulled out of the closet. i'm not so bad at it, and it does save me time but for the smaller toys and pieces it's pretty difficult and not worth the hassle. good stuff though. there's also a bit of lag time between when i finish the toys to when i put them here. dsl didn't work out at home so posting stuff takes a ridiculous amount of time, and quite often my internet will cut me off or just won't upload anything! BLARAGH! so i'm actually posting this at my college tech lab place.

also check... this out! i remember seeing this toy a long while ago, or bits of it on some forum a long while ago. check out their site, http://www.ohnodoom.com/, though it seems right now it's basically just the flier and the forum.

click to make bigger i think.

so it seems that 5 days from now they're having their release party for that chompin critter. i'm planning on getting one (at $25!! how can i afford these things?) though i'm not a hundred percent sure i'm going to the event. i probably will. i'm not sure if that place is more of a store or if it leans toward gallery. either way it'd be cool to check out. and with my new camera i might even snap a few pictures to share.

though i think people only show up here when i give them the link.... hehahahehe.

now these Quadropods were much better in doodle form. because i like what i originally planned these guys will probably undergo a redesign. now i told will church these guys were named Aquadropods, whatever reasons i had for that have expired. so thusly, they are this.

quadropod 1

(i like this one the best, the next two suck a little bit)

quadropod 2

quadropod 3

"MyGhoul." another toy that was a fantastic doodle, but he turned out alright. he's got a pocket at his mouth so you can put stuff in there. that's where he keeps his heart. i'm not sure if he ate it or if he stole it.... you can never tell about these guys...

this picture's dark because i didn't use the flash... why? i dunno. i just want you to see that little heart. making it was difficult due to my fat fingers. i stuffed it and had to close it... jeez.

see? that heart fits right in there. i made a whole big fuss over that pocket cause for whatever reason my brain couldn't visualizing it working right, but i don't know why. it wasn't complicated at all. damn my brain!

Deux amoureux tout étourdis par la longue nuit

2007-11-29T20:21:00.000-06:00

Before i get to the toys i want to mention that i got to meet Shawn.. i wanna say Smith..., the man behind Shanimals. some of you might not be a hundred percent familiar with Shawnimals... so check out this site: http://www.shawnimals.com. i was at Rotofugi (http://www.rotofugi.com, it's a pretty sweet place to pick up fantastic, but pricey toys) for the pre-release party of the Ninjatown microplush blindbox on tuesday.

(picture from rotofugi forums)

i picked up 4 of them, and i'll probably get more... because i ended up with 3 zombie ninjas and one White Ninja. learn more about Ninjatown at http://www.ninjatown.com. So anyway, that Shawn guy's a nice fella, i chatted with him for about a minute as he signed my Zombie Ninja. it's pretty inspirational to meet a guy who just started out making toys for fun a few years ago and now he's pretty widely known... among those people who would know him. i'm hoping in a few years i'll still be making toys, just more awesome.

i think i also chatted with another toy designer... though he didn't say so. he introduced himself as James, and this morning i remembered that Mei Mei and Di di were designed by a guy named James who works at Rotofugi! coincidence?! most likely, but i'd like to think it was something crazy.

So every moment that i'm not making toys i'm coming up with new toy ideas... i've got lots of pages of stuff... some of it's even good! it's hard for me to fall asleep because i just lay in bed talking to myself thinking about toys... i'm also on route to figuring out how to sell some of these guys, once i get to a point where i stop thinking my toys are of a cruddy quality. i need constant praise damn it! haha i joke. sort of.

finally, here are some new friends. i'm not a big fan of the second one, he didn't turn out super fantastic in my opinion... oh wells. yes they're not particularly complicated, but simpler means less work time! which means more toys. i do have some more intricate toy designs in mind, but i have lots on my mind.

Seeker
(he's ridiculously squeezable, you know you want to)
Meeker
Peeker
(what a pervert, look at the eye! what's he looking at over there?)
Freeker
(he's my favorite.)

i don't really speak french, this blog title which babelfish roughly translates to "Two in love all dazed by the long night..." was taken from "Les Champs-Elysees" by Joe Dassin, from the Darjeeling Limited Soundtrack. it makes my brain think enthusiastically and whimsically. great for doodling toys.

hey also! my camera sucks, i need to get a new one. today whenever i pointed it toward the sunlight it started making clicking noises and the screen would flash. what the hell?

baby tonight, i've got a question for you...

2007-11-26T16:31:00.000-06:00

nothing spectacularly new.

Mr. Heartface
The Evolution of The EveryMan (#4 needs to be fixed, he ugly)
a redesigned MiMo (note Mo's flat outlet belly. i like it better)

MiMo red and green... you know... for the christmas.

i now have two MiMo sets not including MiMo red and green (for those of you who might be interested... heh haha). now it still takes me somewhere between 2-3 and a half hours to finish one half of MiMo, i make them together so they're made for each other.

but because of the lengthy work time on these guys and the dozens of other ideas i have that start work on, i'll be setting them aside for a bit. if you're interested in a mediocre quality (i've only been sewing for... three weeks... there are imperfections aplenty) MiMo, you'll have to let me know.

so what's next on the list of toys to be made? why... MiMo + Friends! and some simple kind of cute fellas i've nicknamed Eekers.

in the year 7510 if god's a comin he ought to make it by then

2007-11-15T13:53:00.000-06:00

toy toy toys.

a few new fellows to keep me company. the orange guys are still practice for 3-d plush toys. they're simpler versions of some designs. and while i figure out the kinks for more 3-d toys i decided to pull out some nice fleece material, which makes for fantastic plush toys. they're very soft.

medium rosefelt and something else...

an angel

mr. skullface

Mi (white) and Mo (blue)

together they are MiMo.

crab.

I believe in love, but it don't believe in me.

2007-11-04T21:30:00.000-06:00

ladies and gentleman, i'd like you to meet Winthrop Thome.

my very first three dimensional design! unlike the previous ones he's not just a back and a front piece sewed together. he's not perfect. he's got marker lines on where i traced the design and there's lots of mistakes in the sewing... lots of obvious mistakes. but i still love him plenty.

i think i'm getting better at this.

from the front
sideview!
check out those legs!
twistalicious.
closeup.

the northwest fills the lungs kills the pain in my chest

2007-11-03T23:28:00.000-05:00

another wire and clay mixup, she's got more wings instead of arms and no head... i sculpted one but it was very ugly so i'm leaving it unbaked/unfinished for the time being. the armature was pokey... also sculpting breasts? difficult.

and what's this? plush toys! well... sort of... i'm trying. the last time i sewed something was in 4th grade for a class project so i'm not a hundred percent on what i'm doing. lots of guess work. they're pretty basic. i just doodle onto a piece of fabric and cut out it out twice and sew them together. figuring out how to hide that final stitch is pretty hard, but so is not poking myself with the needle. since these guys are just practice i'm using a whole bunch of left over orange fabric from my sister... i think she said it was okay to use it, but she's away at college so ha! it's mine!!

"Hever"
i started real basic, not the most original plush toy. he's stuffed with old newspaper.

"Brant"
a little crazier design wise, long necks. since i only have orange cloth and i didn't want to sit there stitching an eye on with thread, it's just a blue sharpie. in fact, they all have blue sharpie eyes. he's got a full Parade magazine in his gut. just about 17 inches from toes to top.

"Coolidge Collage"
since this afternoon i bought a whole bunch of plush toy stuffing Coolidge here is an actual plush toy. he's modeled after a duck i once met.

all together now.

i'm working my way up to the more ridiculous stuff. practice makes perfect friends.

after scrapping with the ferals and the tabby

2007-10-31T11:14:00.000-05:00

a drawing led to a mess of wire and sculpey clay. it didn't turn out like the drawing and it's not really finished, he still needs to be sanded down smooth, plus the hands haven't been baked and i doubt i can bake them separate... so just don't touch those. also something's to be done with those wings.

i definitely spent at least an hour just sculpting his face. does that sound ridiculous to you? a little bit maybe but that clay was soft and i really only have the one sculpting tool that would work.

the figure's about 6.5 inches tall in his hunched over pose. and though i understand i should take better pictures... i'm lazy.

So cheap and Juicy.

2007-10-24T00:35:00.000-05:00

so i didn't have enough balsa-foam to begin work on Cthulhu Fullback. i didn't really want to deal with this sculpey clay when making an articulated action figure, so i flipped through my clipboard and picked something challenging but fun looking.

"with the voice of legend, he is Karaoke King."

just a bit under 4 inches he was certainly more time consuming and i actually carved one of his arms separately and attached it afterward, so i could get his collar going. he also can't stand up because i wasn't thinking balance when i was sculpting... so i had to stick him to a base with a... stick.

my reference picture. i don't do turnarounds (yet), which is just how the figure should look from every side, namely because i'm lazy... and at the moment i've got enough of the figure in my head to get it done, sorta.

i need to take better pictures. also note: left arm not up in the air! not enough foam in that direction.

i'm too lazy to get the lamp... or a new camera. try to zoom in somehow for closeup?

it hurts to see you dance so well

2007-10-22T19:56:00.000-05:00

so i'm gonna make toys for a living, huh? better get started.

quick doodle and a block of balsa foam.

Arthur.

Helen.

Derby (it's not so evident, he's a fish, didn't turn out perfect)

all together now.

they're about 3 inches tall. and like the drawing, they'll have faces, once i coat them with spray paint to keep them from dusting everywhere (by the way i inhaled like an ounce of balsa foam dust.... good thing it's non-toxic!) and then paint them proper.

just simple mockups to get an idea of what they'd look like.

what's next?

we are not two, we are one

2007-10-15T17:37:00.001-05:00

i asked for a sign and he gave me a cricket with one hind leg.

a head full of lightning and a hat full of rain

2007-10-13T22:22:00.000-05:00

picture of me by will.