6th September, 2012


Gingham Woman

Brenton Heath-Kerr was a Visual Performance Artist whom I never actually met, but whom I had the great pleasure of seeing some of his creations in the flesh. Apparently quite shy by nature, but once he donned his costume he came to life, totally going into character (much like an actor). I do remember Gingham Woman as one of the stand-outs..she was quite confronting and scary initially, but after some observation, quite cheeky and naughty, slinky around like a cat, clutching her matching handbag.

There are some other shots and I will add a link at the bottom.

Recently a friend whom stayed with us for a few days, Paul Andrew an amazing Film Maker, Writer and so much more..who incidentally made a Short Film about Brendan Heath Kerr many years back - which I so loved.

Seeing Paul brought back memories of the visual splendour of 'Gingham Woman'. So as a tribute to Brenton Heath-Kerr, I give you Gingham Girl. Obviously paired down, and not donning the conical bra.

Gorgeous box-pleat skirt

I loved the way Brenton used both bias and straight grain with the gingham,particularly around the hair, shoes and handbag. His attention to detail was amazing, I recommend link below.

Handbag in the making

Kinda thought she fits in with the Halloween theme!

Hope you like her...visit link below for more images

http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=137896

28th august, 2012

Babyology - Eclectic Critters Article

Eclectic Critters – soft toys that aren’t like all the others

Have you been searching for a cuddly new friend for your little person that’s unique and not like the others? Call the search off, we think we’ve found just what you’re looking for!

The characters that hail from Eclectic Critters are most definitely not like all the others, these soft toys are gorgeously unique and are destined to become great friends with their owners.

Toys are made using both new and vintage cotton prints, felt and embellishments including dainty ric-rac and fun coloured buttons. My Eclectic Critters favourite is the stunning Milly. She stands a statuesque forty-five centimeters tall and is beautiful with cherry coloured cheeks, a brunette bob  and a flash pair of Mary-Jane shoes.

Eclectic Critters have plenty of handmade toys to choose from, with the line-up including dolls like Milly, bears named Beatrice, Marlon Monkeys and even seahorses and elephants.

Find unique and handmade Eclectic Critters priced from $49.95 at Blue Caravan.

http://babyology.com.au/toys/eclectic-critters-soft-toys-that-arent-like-all-the-others.html

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Posted by Lexi Klaebe on August 27, 2012 in Toys

Tagged animals, doll, soft toys

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14th august, 2012

Mini Betty's

Each week I thoroughly enjoy coming up with new colour combinations and hairdo's...  While I do repeat hairstyles and prints, I love tweaking the leggings and so forth.  Hope you enoy the very expanding Mini Range.

Lovely day to All!

31st july, 2012

Penny Evans

I had the great pleasure of meeting and befriending Penny Evans, when I amongst many others volunteered to assist on a local Indigenous art exhibition called 'Art of the Bundjalung'   Of course I could not resist buying one of her pieces and have subsequently purchased more over the years.

Ceramics is one of many mediums Penny uses to create her signature style art.  Her colour sensibility has a retro inspired feel, and layered in meaning.  There is so much passion and fire within Penny's work and reflects her strong political views not only on current issues, but also pays homage to her own ancestors.  

There are so many more images and a detailed profile on Penny Evans over at her website, it would be well worth a visit to her website listed below, and definitely recommend collecting Penny's gorgeous work!

Each time we visit one another's homes, we not only go into visual overload - looking through what the other is currently working on, but we are fortunate enough that her boys and my girls play beautifully together.  

As Penny looks forward to her next toy from me, I too am planning which bowl is next on the list!

Currently, the school my children attend have the privilege of being involved with an Artists in School Project - which co-incidently Penny along side Luke are 'Exploring our Local Indigenous Culture'.  With Penny and Luke's guidance the children have made things such as:- bush dolls, dot painting fish (mullet) templets cut from plywood and a built a Gunyah shelter just to name a few.  Collecting sticks, seed pods, leaves and recycled materials and incorporating these into their work..  

I highly recommend you visit:-  http://pennyevansart.com/

22nd july, 2012

New Mini Betty Range

from left to right we have mini betty (blue), mini frida and mini ginger

from left to right we have philippe and pierre

this wee lassie is mini milly

thought I best re-cap the past couple of weeks!  Have two gorgeous girls I will realease tomorrow!

9th july, 2012

Owlet Sequence

this is my interpretation of an image I came across on Inspire's facebook page which I recently shared on my Eclectic Critters facebook page!  It seems to have attracted much attention, and some of you ask for instructions.  so whilst I put craft together for kiddies over school holidays, I have photographed the process, as there was no source or instructions with the original image.

as you can see there are quite a few pieces to cut, and as I mentioned above I made template from scratch, using some japanese print paper and coloured cardboard for owlet.  recycled wrapping paper and old tissue boxes would suffice.  with one set of eyes we cut the black circle using crinkle cut scissors, just to give some variation.

with rectangular piece of card, create a fold line - starting at centre and tapering out to corners. repeat this process top and bottom.   this creates the owls peaks on top of head and base.  then open this out flat for next process.

next glue the smaller black circles inside the larger white circle for eyes.  

on the rectangular card, position and glue the feet first.  I found when attaching cardboard to cardboard, double sided tape holds much better.

attaching wings at this stage optional, or if preferable leave till last.  be creative with eyes and wings, give owlet individual expression.

next the scolloped pieces are attached, starting from the base and working upwards. I worked with four rows.  glue thin strip across top only.  if you prefer stiffer look, use patterned cardboard instead of paper

next attach eyes using double sided tape

double side beak into position

we created a tiny owlet out of scraps, so varying size an option.  remember to be creative and add your own personal stamp.

rather than googly eyes we opted for small round stickers, try different placement with eyes.  and so as the feathers stick out, slightly bend out bottom of scollop on each piece.  this create a 3D effect.   

I do hope this helps, feel free to share this blog (would appreciate it when sharing, if you can credit my page).  if you feel you need more help, let me know and maybe when I have a moment between playdates, sewing, printing and trying to make my keep, I can put together a template and scan it in.


I have also put together my own owlet softie kit & robot kit, which includes everything you need to sew a soft toy including instructions.  there is an image of an owlet which has been handprinted, backing, toy fill, embroidery yarn and trimmings.  If interested in ordering one of these just email me at eclecticcritters@gmail.com

Enjoy!