Featured Artist ~ Ella from Dolls and Bunnies

I recently found these enchanting felt mice from dollsandbunnies while being featured in one of Ella's treasuries. I love the vintage, Beatrix Potter inspired collection of animals she creates. The way she photographs them with cottage photos in the background really adds to the charm of her handmade characters. If you have ever made miniature dolls you can appreciate Ella's work. I've seen tiny felt dolls in the past and I know how difficult it can be to turn those tiny arms and legs. It takes a special kind of patience to do so and Ella never cuts any corners while making her dolls. They are perfect!

MANUFACTORY - Handmade Collectible Toy Shop

Back in 2006 when I was setting up my Etsy shop looking for inspiration I found fellow Minneapolis artist Curster. I've been quietly following her growing success over the years and now she has her own B&M on 27th and Lyndale where her wonderful creations are available for sale.

Manufactory which resides in the space of former occupant Robot Love is filled with Erin Currie's fantastical beings along with other collectible toys and gifts. I was amazed at the amount of work that Erin herself has handmade and is available in the shop. I asked her if she ever slept or drank lots of coffee to accomplish so much. Besides collectible toys she also designs clothing and paints which is evident in some of the dolls she makes. Below are some of the frilly dolls that carry over her fashion sense.

Being a second generation shop owner Erin shared her experience of working in her mothers Scandinavian handicraft shop painting faces on gnomes. Her goal for Manufactory is to have a shop where other artists can sell their work and provide a space for them to create as well. Erin's passion is evident and work ethic incomparable. With those two attributes I'm sure her shop will be a smashing success. If you're in the area check it out!

Mushroom Forest Collection

Favorite Artist ~ Myko Bocek

Feast your eyes upon Myko Bocek sweet pom-pom critters. When I first saw Myko's adorable treasures I must of let out a couple of squeals because they are soooo CUTE. Her meticulous sculpted pom pom animals have a vintage charm that makes them highly collectible. In fact she sells out right after she lists her cuties. Check out her blog, shes currently having a giveaway for a Valentines Day mouse.

Favorite Artist ~ Lucky Nielsen

I thought I'd start the new year gushing about some of my favorite artists. I love it when I find a new artist that makes me jump up and down with excitement. Lucky Nielsen's exquisite needle felted sculptures are truly works of art. She likes all the things I like... little deer, mushroom houses, ric rac trim and gnomes. Whats not to love about her work! Check out the details of the mushroom house and gnome girl. Shes fairly new to the crafty scene so make sure to check out her Flickr for her other needle felted treasures. Best thing yet she lives in my hometown which means I get to buy some of her creations in person. Consider me a future collector of her work! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! Visit this crafty gal's etsy shop here.

Ann Wood and Dean Lucker

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Dean Lucker and Ann Woods private studio during a St. Paul open studio tour. I have been an admirer for a couple of years now and it was a thrill to view their new work of mechanical sculptures, pictures and dexterity games. Both artists use a complimentary soft color palette and visit themes of nature and whimsy. Their work is truly a marriage of art. I'm hoping they start a new collection of work and have it available on Etsy. I'm sure the Etsy crowd will love their work as much as the fine art world!

www.woodlucker.com

Bill Baird Marionettes

"High on a hill lived a lonely goatherd, Lay-ee ode lay-ee ode lay-hee hoo." Whenever the Sound of Music was on TV when I was a kid I had to sit through all that singing just to watch the best part of the movie ... the marionette show. The actual puppets made by Bill Baird are on exhibit at the Charles H. Macnider Museum in Mason City Iowa. The museum has an awesome collection of his work including Winne the Pooh and the Wizard of Oz. This is just a small sample of his work. If you're in the area its a must see just so you can say, "I saw those!" when the Sound of Music comes on during the holidays.

Christopher Robin and friends.

Follow the yellow brick road.