Dinosaur?

Hello...First, I should start my story by telling you that I have been asked to come to Japan for a signing this  July . Once again...I am honored and thrilled to be going back. They have requested some special editions...which I always do. One of the suggestions was to make a "dinosaur"...at first I thought..."No Way"...then I started to think..."How on earth would you make a dinosaur?" I like challenges...so I started to think about it ...How did I do?

Little Tommy Rex is wired and poseable. I don't make menacing creatures...so Tommy is very gentle...so don't be afraid.

Since I am writing today about challenges...I started to think about my Pinocchio. In 2005 I was approached to design and make a special edition for Disney Japan. I could make whatever Disney character I chose...Well...I was quite honored to be asked but I was so nervous because I had to submit it to a Disney jurying committee.  Since my favorite saying is "If you aim at nothing...you hit your target every time"...I tried my best.

The next year I was once again asked to contribute to the Disney Japan Convention...Jiminy Cricket...my favorite Disney character...seemed an obvious choice. Yet another design challenge.

The third time I decided to make Donald Duck...but I wanted to make the 1930's version, You can't tell from this photo that he has a wobbly bottom because I wanted him to have those shaky hips...after several attempts I felt that I had done him justice. I am sharing this today as a reminder that it does a heart good to step out of your comfortable box every once in a while. I will sign off before I break into song!

Have silly "Always let your conscience be your guide" fun,   Jody

Story Time...

Hello....I have have been visiting my family in Chicago for the last week...so consequently, I haven't written a new post for a while. While there...I found some fun old children's books....my favorite things. For those of you who are familiar with my work...you already know that I am inspired by charming old colorful books and the characters that dwell within the pages. This one is a "doozy."

Little Jimmy teaches a group of well-dressed animals to make some snappy music...This was written in 1932.

I found this book at the same antique mall...a lucky day indeed.

Brother Crow is one of the many 'Jolly Animals"...this book was published in 1930.

This a pop-up book that was written in 1935...I seem to love the books from the 1930's the most.

Imagine my delight when I opened this book up. A Toy Shop...I definitely got my money's worth.

Lastly...This is a reprint...the original is from 1938. Lois Lenski was an award winning children's book author. This is from her series of "Mr. Small" books.

These pages are so enchanting.

So...like Mr. Small I will bid you farewell. I will be returning to my sewing room tomorrow and I will keep you posted about the adventures that we have in FunTown.

Have silly "Read Me a Story" fun,   Jody, the children's librarian

April Showers...

Hello...I have been very busy in the garden. I have been tending to some blooms for Earth Angels...Jen O'Connor is having a Spring Show. So, here are the exclusives that I have created just for Jen.

This is "Miss May Flowers"....Luckily, for her... there were bountiful April Showers...this is why she is smiling. Her little HoneyBee thinks that she is extra sweet.

This is "Little Petunia"... She has been soaking up lots of sunshine...so she smells just like fancy French perfume...Ooh-Lah-Lah! Her little jitterbug has a crush on her.

"Patty-Cake" is a little party girl. She loves to celebrate her birthday....Actually...she will celebrate any occasion as long as there is a tasty party cake.

Plus...she has a rainbow selection of fanciful party hats.

So all are invited to The Earth Angels Spring Fling...So go and bring a friend...as you will have a wonderful time.

If you attend...make sure that you say hello to my little friends. They are very friendly.

Have silly "Spring Fling" Fun,   Jody, the gardener