Wonderpup to the Rescue!

Wonderpup toy poodle plush

Inspired by Richy, the beloved toy poodle of Leanna Lin of Leanna Lin's Wonderland , here is the cutest of toy poodle plush, made especially for her Wonderpup show beginning the second week of March. Come by and check him out! Proceeds to benefit ACVIM, a foundation for animal disease research.

I Heart Kokeshi's!

Little Hina kokeshi doll pendant 

If you knew me, you'd know that I absolutely ADORE kokeshi's!! When the Japanese American National Museum had their Kokeshi exhibit some time ago, I was so in love with all the kokeshi's, both new and vintage, and my heart was aching to make some of my own. So I did some handpainted versions on wood, a couple of which sold on etsy, but I was really wanting to hand craft my own shapes instead of using the premade wood forms that you can get at the craft store. What a state of complete happiness I was in when I finally found a medium that I could hand carve my own little miniature kokeshi doll without going near a power tool! (I have a slight phobia of power tools.) Here's my version of a kokeshi doll, in miniature and with a cute umbrella! I love her. (Sigh!) Hope you love her too. She's a little bit modern, a little bit vintage, and all kawaii lovely. If I had a little girl I'd give this to her.

The Pokemon Generation

Totodile Pokemon character

My dragon plush bears an uncanny resemblance to the above Totodile Pokemon character.

Today was the last session of the teen workshop to make a Chinese dragon plush, and the teens schooled me on the fine subtleties of Pokemon characters. They kept mentioning how they were going to turn their plush into Totodiles, and I really thought they were speaking another language, until they showed me the Totodile character, and I gasped at how it was almost an exact replica of my dragon character that I designed without ever knowing about or looking at a Totodile ever before! The funny thing was that I was going to add a yellow belly to mine, and the Totodile has a yellow belly! I don't know whether I should be pleased that I'm on the same wavelength as the Pokemon generation or a little troubled. But no wonder there was an inordinate number of boys compared to girls there....usually there are all girls in my workshops, but this time there were just as many boys as girls! They did really well, too. Next workshop will be June 28....get ready for some cute zombie plush dolls!

Teen Sewing Workshop

First day of the teen sewing workshop at Alhambra Library. We're making this cute dragon plush. The teens were great...some had taken my previous workshop and were already up to speed. Deb reminded me that it's been one year since I first started working with them and teaching workshops at the library, and I couldn't believe it...it doesn't seem like it's been a year! Time flies when you're having fun! Am so appreciative of Deb and Adriana for making it possible for me to share my love of sewing and plush toys with the teens! Can't wait for the summer....Deb gave me a heads up to come up with a zombie plush idea....Cool!!

Ninja Fondue for Two

Kimi and Kenji ninja deer 

Cute ninja deer couple sharing fondue for two, throwing stars and all. So sweet. Happy Valentine's Day!!

Love is My Drug

Valentine's day couple Nurse Aimi and her BF Akira 

Who doesn't love cute couples? This adorable pair are a true dose of kawaii cuteness! Get them before they're gone! Perfect to give one to your loved one and keep one for yourself!

Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon!

Happi Ryu the Chinese New Year Dragon deer 

Tiny dragons are happy dragons. At least, that's what Happi Ryu is... the tiniest and happiest little dragon deer ever! Here to help usher in the year 2012, Happi Ryu is more than happy to help welcome in this fierce new year with a tiny roar and a big toothy grin! And to all my favorite Dragon Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish you a Happy Dragon Year filled with good fortune and success!