June 5th: Family Inspiration?

Before I started writing today's entry, I was looking at facebook and I noticed that I had a message from a friend. I opened it and she suggested looking at my family tree for inspiration. Creativity runs back a few generations, this is not a bad idea. My mother, as many of you know, is Jane Monroe of C. Riffenberg Bear Co. My grandmother has sewn for nearly all of her life and not just practical items. I remember geese made from cutter quilts, the Swoozie Sisters, this was a one of a kind duo, and any number of other projects. Next time I visit her I will make a point to take a picture of the sisters to share.

My grandfather constructed beautiful items from wood and metal. Then my great-grandma Russell was always writing stories. After doing some research on my family tree, I discovered that my great-great-grandfather was a watchmaker and jeweler. He was the one in the family that was a stickler for perfection. One would have to be when creating jewelry and watches. Striving for perfection and making a well finished product come not only from my grandfather's side, but my grandmother taught my mother that the inside of a garment or the back side of a piece of needle work should look just as nice as the right side.

Hoppy Hare & Bear Hugs,

Jared

June 4th: More Inspiration

I was back at work today. I am still waiting for inspiration to hit for my special 20^th anniversary piece. I hope it hits soon or the year will be gone. Sometimes it does strike. It did here last spring with Bernie Bunny. I had recently pulled out my Big Head bunny pattern, but this one was the smallest version. For most of the last 5 years, it sat in the pattern drawer. I had this wonderful mohair that mom had hand dyed to a lovely shade of spring blue. I knew that I would make this rabbit with wire in his ears, something that I normally don't do in my big head pattern. I could see him holding a little sign that read, "Think Spring!" In the end, mom and I attached the sign to the stem of a felt flower and put him in a hand decorated spring box.

I think he is great, but then again I am biased.

Hoppy Hare & Bear Hugs,

Jared

June 3rd: Inspiration Continued

jcaroline creative! has a great collection of ribbons, along with a great selection of other items including zippers, D-rings, and buttons you can cover yourself. Make or enhance any number of items with ribbons. Hand bags in modern prints or solid colors trimmed in a funky ribbon can be a real statement. When I was a child, I learned to make ribbon roses by folding ribbon together and then pulling on the tail. Then a few stitches to hold the flower and then it was ready to set in place.
The collection of Andalucia Ribbons by Patty Young could easily trim a sundress for a bear or rabbit. Many times, I have used ribbons to make straps or belts for bears, they are usually the right size, with finished edges, and it is much easier to complete a look. Anyone that has ever made doll clothing or done small-scale sewing knows what a time saver it can be to use a trim with a finished edge. It can be frustrating making a small belt from scratch and turning under tiny hems. I have a presser foot for my sewing machine that will help me making narrow rolled hems but it take practice to get it right. In the time it takes me to make a narrow rolled hem, I can find a ribbon that will do the same job with quarter of the effort.

Hoppy Hare & Bear Hugs,

Jared

June 2nd: Finding Inspiration

Finding inspiration for new designs can be a difficult challenge after 20 years. As I said yesterday, I find inspiration and creative drive by visiting web sites and reading magazines. I have decided that for the next few days I will be picking web sites that inspire me and explore the creative energy that I develop from these sites.
Super Buzzy is a wonderful web site that is full of fun fabrics, trims, and notions. I came across this site while reading a blog post from Jennifer Murphy. They carry a line of fabrics and supplies from Japan in addition to American designs. I find creative energy from the designs that I see in the fabrics that they market.

Picture provided by superbuzzy.com

"Pink elephants" is just one of the many fabrics. I could see this print turned into a little ruffled skirt to go around an antique pink elephant or as a hair bow in a little brown bear with a matching pair of shorts. Perhaps on a larger bear as a vest or a conical hat dressed like a clown.

Picture provided by supperbuzzy.com

"Tiny Flowers – Gold" is just a wonderful floral print. This could line a little jacket or vest made of vintage velvet. Make it into a ruffled collar for a small grey rabbit with big blue eyes and a white belly.

Hoppy Hare & Bear Hugs,

Jared

June 1st

It was warm and sunny and I spent it inside at work all day. It was nice to get out for lunch, but it was a bit warm. However, I will take 90-degree weather any day of the week over cold winter weather.
I was hopeful this week that I would finish an order and not need to make any Purrvis for a while. When I arrived home, I discovered an additional three Purrvis had been ordered. This is not a problem. After my normal evening routine, I sat down and cut another Purrvis. I did manage to get him sewn and turned before heading off to bed for the evening.
I am still working on creating a special design for my 20^th anniversary. When one is in need of a special design, one's mind goes blank. I have begun searching the collection of web sites that I visit on a semi-regular basis, waiting for inspiration to strike. This could take awhile.

Hoppy Hare & Bear Hugs,

Jared