2010 Desk Calendar is here!

A monstrously good (see what I did there?) way to keep track of 2010. I know, as a working parent, how the days and weeks just run away from you when you’re not looking. One day it’s January, then you turn your back for a minute and suddenly it’s the Easter holidays. Outrageous. Don’t let it happen next year; with a fabulous monster (beautifully photographed by Sarah Cole) to keep each month in check, use this funky desk calendar to show 2010 who’s boss.
£8 including p+p, contact me for details (this one isn’t in the shop).

 

New monsters in da house

Looking for a fun and unusual Christmas present? Find these winged lovelies, and more, in my DaWanda shop. Or get in touch and see if I can make you a monster to order.

 

Choir of angels?

Well, maybe not. These cute little winged beasts are off to the Candy Cane Christmas Fair this weekend, and would love to see you there too. It runs for two days (Saturday and Sunday), to fit in as many wonderful handmade delights as possible. Picky Miss will be exhibiting on the Sunday. An amazing chance to stock up on fabulous and unusual gifts for Christmas – I know I will be.

 

Walking the Wild Woods

I was recently invited by the amazing and inspiring storyteller Shonaleigh to create some monsters for a residential workshop (Walking the Wild Woods) she was running for other storytellers. She said this workshop is all about change, and learning to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. She asked each participant to send, along with their payment, and paperwork, and all that gubbins, a sock, and a brief biography of themselves. I was then given these socks, and these stories, and used them to create a monster for each person, which I hope in some way reflected a little of their personality. The ordinary became the extraordinary.

'Nooo, we're not supposed to play with matches, we'll get in trouble' 'Ah come on, they'll never know. Hey, watch this...'

When the monsters were presented, halfway through the course, the reactions of their new owners just gave me the biggest buzz Everyone was amazed, and thrilled. And really, that’s what I love the most about sock monsters, their unfailing ability to make people smile.

'I want to watch Noggin the Nog' 'You chose last time!' 'Give me that'

I’d love the opportunity to do another project like this, so if you know anyone who’d be interested, you know where to send them!

I got you, babe

 

Now it’s even easier to order a sock monster!

Phew, I’m certainly better with sewing than I am with computers! But now, finally, you can view the complete guide to ordering your very own sock monster. Or even one for someone else, if you’re feeling generous. Check out the “Buy monsters” link on the right there. It’s really very simple. Go on, you know you want to. Because you know what, I think it’s high time people started giving socks for Christmas again

I never forget the last Christmas posting dates for Africa

 

The road is long

He needed to hitch a lift, and soon. There was a long way yet to go, and not least because he wasn’t entirely sure where he was headed. Holmfirth? Huddersfield? Honolulu? Someplace beginning with H… Life is never easy for a sock.

whither now?

 

Phase 1 of Monster Population Explosion complete

Yes, irresponsible though it may sound, I have been teaching people to make sock monsters – more sock monsters! – at my Craft Candy monster making workshop. I love the way everyone’s monster turned out different, even though people were working from the same pattern. You see? Every monster is unique, no matter how hard you try to make it otherwise – this is the beauty of them, and why I love sock monsters so much.

First, arm yourself with correct equipment

Then get to work!

Winner of the Most Colourful Monster award

This monster even got a hat!

Proud new mum

I’m happy to teach more workshops – frankly I think everyone should make sock monsters – so do get in touch if you’d like me to run one for your group or organisation. I am also fully CRB checked to work in schools.

 

Eat The Music

There are holes appearing in my CD collection.  I wondered if I had Music Moths, but last night I caught the culprit.  Here he is in the full glare of the flashbulb. Grr.

This greedy little sock monster has now been secured, and is in need of a new home. In this house, there are some things you just don’t mess with. With the right care, I’m sure his appetite could be managed.

£17: contact me for details. Quickly.

 

Like a fish needs a bicycle

These three reprobates are off to the South Yorkshire Wood Fair – on my daughter’s bike! Catch them if you can, please.

I thought *you* had the brakes

Although, honestly, it doesn’t look like they’ll get far.
Saturday 26th September, 10-5. That’s tomorrow folks – see you there!

 

Sock Monsters across the city!

If you’re on the lookout for some real live sock monsters, you’re in for a treat this weekend. Picky Miss monsters can be found at not one, but two (yes two!) craft fairs right here in Sheffield. At Endcliffe Park on Saturday 26th September there is the South Yorkshire Wood Fair , which runs from 11am-5pm and promises “Local produce, beer and venison.
Local woodland history. Woodcrafts, art, fascinating tree facts, an aerial rope walk and POWER TOOLS.” Oh yes. A Grand Day Out indeed, with something for all the family.

Running on both Saturday and Sunday, at St Mary’s church in Walkley, is the Woolfest. Billed as a weekend extravaganza of wool and textile crafting, this fair runs from 10am-4pm on Sat 26th and Sun 27th September. I’m intrigued by the rolling workshops, and also on the list of fabric loveliness are demonstrations of machine embroidery, felting, dyeing, spinning, weaving, knitting and crochet techniques. Wow! Are you one of those people who just has to touch soft snuggly looking jumpers in the shops, or a random collector of fabrics? Looks like this is for you Picky Miss will be present at this fair courtesy of that wonderful Craft Candy. See you there!