A Little Business

This afternoon I worked on my labels. I made 9 of them...already printed and cut from another day. I took the two pieces, placing them back to back, and stitched them together to keep them flat and loop-free. The edges fray a little bit, but I can't use any adhesive (because of lead/fire testing), and the fabric doesn't heat-seal like ribbon, so I'll have to live with the slight fraying. The important thing is that they have my registration number, company name, etc, and are attached to my animals in a "conceivably permanent fashion," or something like that.

And there's a label all attached and ready to go! A talented seller on Etsy, Brixton Studios, is making me a custom banner and button for my shop and blog, and I'm hoping to incorporate the button image onto my tags. I got a sneak peak today and it looks AMAZING, much better than I could have imagined! I'm super excited to put it up once it's all finished. :)

Finishing up with a picture from my label application. All my little plushies lined up to be stitched.

A Productive Day that Ended Flat

After many, many days of having a horribly skewed sleep schedule, I managed to stay awake on only 4 hours of sleep...hoping that will pay off tonight! Having an early morning meant I got a lot more done today! I started out by getting my labels finished, cut out and one attached! These are required by law and must include manufacturer name, location, products used and (because I live in MA) my registration number as a licensed stuffed toy manufacturer. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that me, my sewing machine, and 11 stuffed animals equals a business, but it's official! I have a piece of paper and $300 missing from my account to prove it!

Anyhooo, after my labels got rinsed, dried, ironed and cut (while watching What Not to Wear), I sewed one onto my newest bear, then I also added some daisies around her ears and a ruffle of lace on her head. I think it makes her a little more fancy. Afterwards, I took her and the 'Roo outside to do a quick photo shoot. Outside by the flowers is always so much prettier than in the stuffy apartment.

This is my project I started this afternoon. I know...a HUGE departure from my "style" so far, as far as the facial features. I bought felt at the craft store this time instead of felt buttons...partially because the buttons were overpriced and partially because I wanted more control over the size and color. This little guy is Sari Bear...my boyfriend's pick of fabric and name. he thought it would be a funny play on words...thinking you could give a Sari Bear when you are sorry. I just really like the fabric! The fabric had a gradient of color that created an interesting look...I went from lighter on the head, getting darker on the way down, with the feet being the darkest, and a little more color on the ears. I didn't expect this to be anything more than a stylish choice, but when I sewed the ears on, the first thing I thought was "This looks like a panda!" So I chose to do matching blue panda eyes. I also added a mouth. The conception of that design was my boyfriend too...I think it turned out kinda cute. Unfortunately, I ran out of stuffing, so he is still flat and deflated. What do you think of this style?

My cat had to come investigate. ;)