greengirlart

April 13, 2006

the long birds...

Here they are in the bag ready to head out the door.

Sparky outside the window of spoon...

Spoon is my most favorite place in the world for breakfast.
I love the people that work there...they make my day.
It is a ritual that even durning my poorest days I would allow myself that treat.
A cup of hot chocolate - perfect and not too sweet and a delicious buttery scone.

The long birds (so named until the Boy thinks of something more clever) and I did a photoshoot at Spoon...photos inside next week.

Posted by wendy at 08:12 AM | Comments (8)

April 11, 2006

a little all over the place...

This was the only time we had someone come up to us while we were shooting. It was early in the day, so I didn't have a spiel about what we were doing. When I said that no I wasn't in school, she gave me the weirdest look. I guess you can't do wierd things without being in school? Who knew?

This is one of the last photos, we were walking home from the diner. But I already have ideas for the next time. Plus I have some film to pick up today.

Check out Mr. Toast at Coney Island taken by the talented Anne!

I am extremely proud of the Boy. He just started his new film! Hurrah! Not only that, but he has a deadline for the video game and two short films that he is finishing up. Busy week for him! After that we have to have a little celebration.

A huge thanks to Kath for my write up about my robots in whipup! I feel so honored! You'd think I get my act together and post some of my new robots, but no such luck! I hope the birds are ok as a replacement for now.

Posted by wendy at 07:51 AM | Comments (5)

April 07, 2006

painting - I mean sketch....

Here is a couple more shots of the softies around town - I even managed to work orange into the mix today! What I did not manage to do was get my painting completed or even started, so instead here is my sketch. (my excuse - fighting off this low-grade cold thing - feeling loads better today, but just trying to take it really easy)
I still have more photos of the softies for next week and going to take some of the tall birds today. The Boy attached them to wood and I must say they look fantastic. I am totally smitten with them! So photos of them next week too.

sort of inspired by this truly amazing photo

Have a fabulous weekend.

Posted by wendy at 08:13 AM | Comments (6)

April 06, 2006

browns, blacks & whites...

All the birds enjoyed the day, it was beautiful out, such a perfect spring day. (although it snowed big huge snowflakes yesterday!)

This little owl was missing his home in the trees, so for a couple moments he was home.

I love what is happening with the reflection in the Boy's glasses.

Taking photos of this set-up (the same one from Tuesday) there was a woman taking photos of us taking the photos.

Posted by wendy at 07:48 AM | Comments (9)

April 05, 2006

at the diner...

At my favorite diner. We ended the day with a late lunch. These guys are having a burger and some fries.

Waiting for dessert.

Some cake please?

(I can't seem to find it on-line, but last night I saw the naked cowboy on a commercial for the usa network)

Posted by wendy at 08:22 AM | Comments (10)

April 04, 2006

fieldtrip with softies...

The Boy, the softies and I went on a fieldtrip this weekend to show them the city. Our first stop was Madison Square Park. We were a little too early in the morning for the Shake Shack so they just sat in the seat and chatted.

We covered a lot, captured some great moments.
I will show more this and the next couple of weeks.

Building a softie army for renegade!
Johanna and I are going to be in Brooklyn. I can't believe I forgot to say whoohooo!

Posted by wendy at 07:56 AM | Comments (9)

March 22, 2006

sea creatures...

I made a girl. Well she has hair...sort of mermaid crossed with a sea creature.

They came from a piece of this backdrop that we painted several years ago. The colors were just so beautiful I couldn't bear to throw it away. It was ungessoed so I threw it in the wash and the paint stayed.

Here are my first three creations, names from left to right :
Irma (the middle sister) Matildia (the youngest sister) and Azriel (the oldest sister).

Would love to know what you think....

Posted by wendy at 07:20 AM | Comments (9)

March 15, 2006

cornelius is a...

cornelius is a grease monkey and he loves to work on the custom cars!

This little (well not so little) guy is for a benefit (in april).
A new friend is trying to raise money for their documentary on a female racecar driver.
Seems like it is going to be a really interesting story,
so I am helping
with Softies!

Posted by wendy at 07:58 AM | Comments (4)

March 10, 2006

...painting for friday #17...

Not quite done with the painting, still have to paint in the robot with wings, you might be able to see the sketch. We are doing a major cleaning at the studio. I am dusting areas that I don't think have ever seen a dust rag. So nasty. Here is a little dust monster that I created.

Also is a new creation.
a girl that turned into a sea creature.
the Boy has named her Azriel.

She is made from recycled painted fabric. (I wash the fabric tons - to make it soft, and then I know that paint isn't going anywhere.) We cut down larger backdrops to fit in our space better and sometimes we are left with these amazing pieces. I'll make as many creatures as possible and then once the fabric is gone...well then I'll try and scavange more from the next beautiful backdrop we make.

Posted by wendy at 01:15 AM | Comments (6)

March 09, 2006

..look what I got!!...

I was able to snatch up one of Rosa's lovely creations.
Oh I love love her, little number 502.
She feels so soft and lovely. And she is made so delicately.
I love it. Totally makes me want to step up my game!

what a lovely little face.

Posted by wendy at 10:37 AM | Comments (8)

March 07, 2006

...new bird...

So this guy needs some more work.
A little stand - so he'll stand on his own.
And the body still needs some work.
But I am pretty happy with him.

The Boy named him Sparky.
He stands (well woobles) at seventeen inches.
His body is about five & a half inches.

thoughts?
(he is green of course)

Posted by wendy at 07:46 AM | Comments (15)

March 02, 2006

...juggling...

Working on all of these small projects right now. Juggling a lot of balls in the air. Maybe too many because I feel like sliding down the jar of honey (perfect description from lisa).

*brand new soft creation - another bird (still a little secret)
*brand new passport
(spent the entire weekend going through everything I own - lost in my apartment - does anyone else do that?)
*another soft creation - this time it is a girl (working out the protype)
*tuesdays - I am going to try something new
*get my butt to the post office

I applied to be in renegade so I waiting to see if I get in until I put the penguins and owls up for sale, but I'll leave you with another photo of the birds in a box after the show.

Posted by wendy at 06:57 AM | Comments (4)

February 11, 2006

...before the blizzard...

The snow (aka the blizzard) isn't supposed to start until after four pm today, which means you can still stop by and see the Love 4 Sale show at the Old Stone House. The place is soooo so cute. Warm and lovely inside. You can take the R or F train to 9th street & 4th avenue in Brooklyn. You'll be warm and cozy and you'll have a nice treat before the snow hits tonight. You can cuddle up with one of my softies tomorrow when the snow is impassible.

My cages turned into baskets and I am almost done with the finishing touches. But there is going to be so many amazing things there!! Jewelry, Clothes, Chocolate, Paper goods, fancy knickers...and I am sure there is more, but not everyone was setting up last night.

Posted by wendy at 07:36 AM | Comments (7)

February 09, 2006

...preparing for the show...

In the box and ready to go.

One of the small penguins peaking, he doesn't seem so sure.

These are the ones that need the their bottoms sew on. They sort of like standing on their heads! Who knew?!

A first look at them in the cages, totally inspired by these cagelets!

Posted by wendy at 07:19 AM | Comments (10)

January 23, 2006

...inside out penguin...

So I am testing out a new creation for the "Love for Sale" show in February.
Just wanted to get some feedback.
Love it?
Hate it?

Here are all the amazing people participating in the show. It is at The Old Stone House Saturday, February 11th 10-5 (at J. J.  Byrne Park, 5th Ave. between 3rd & 4th street in Park Slope)

Smartypants
The Chocolate Room
fofolle
Sylvia Holden
Luka Deisgns
Slope Suds
Kristen Aronsson
Foxy & Winston
Elaine Perlov

There are a couple more vendors, but I don't have websites. The cool thing is that everyone is selling something completely different than anyone else. I feel very honored to be included.
If you know anyone that is going to be in town, it is Saturday February 11th only from 10 to 5 and I'll be there,
super nervous,
so come and say hi.

Posted by wendy at 06:44 AM | Comments (13)

January 10, 2006

...Friedrich (pronounced Freedrick)...

This little guy came with me to the studio and like all the little kids that visit he was in his own personal jungle gym.
He climbed on the area where we store our really long backdrops.

He chilled on the ladder.

But mostly he just sat and watched us work in the studio.

I think all in all it was a good day.

(a note of interest, Friedrich loves that he shares the same name as the oldest boy in Sound of Music, his most favorite movie of all time)

Posted by wendy at 09:40 AM | Comments (10)

January 05, 2006

...a robot in lederhosen...

The last thing I should be doing right now is designing a robot in lederhosen,
but that is exactly what I am doing.

I really should be getting a jump,
well not even a jump,
more like a sprint to catch up, on my softies for the sale in February.

I did get a sewing machine last night, but the Boy is sick and I didn't get a chance to unpack it yet.
The sewing machine will make it sooo much faster I am sure.
As soon as I figure out my pattern!
Ohhh I am so far behind.
I am going to make tons of progress this weekend. I can take over the apartment on Saturday, because the Boy is going to the Foley house to make some sounds!

Tons of progress, or then I really should do some freaking out.

Posted by wendy at 09:03 AM | Comments (9)

December 14, 2005

...three for the road...

{From back to front - Smitty, Prudence, Melpomene}

These are all gifts and two out of the three people are getting them today, so I thought it would be safe to do a quick little post. (sorry the photo is blurry - not so much light)

Smitty was a construction worker on one of the Antarctic science stations. He was the foreman of the penguin crew.
Prudence, the ex-librarian, now turned professor, is a fussy educator. No slackers allowed in her class. She is strict, but it's only because she cares.
Melpomene is a quite, shy little thing. She likes to write stories and play games in the forest. She keeps her stories hidden because of the shyness. But it’s mainly because the stories are for her, not anyone else.
Back to Smitty - he likes hanging with the guys after a long day of work.

(**stories courtesy of the Boy)
(***most softie stories courtesy of the Boy)

Posted by wendy at 11:15 AM | Comments (6)

December 12, 2005

...new year = assembly line...

Here are my little creations in pins and needles.

I have been invited to sell my robot creatures at a pre-valentines day fair next year in Park Slope, so actually in two months. I am going to have to get my patterns on paper and have the boy start cutting fabric. He totally wants to help, but he is not about to touch my wonky sketches/patterns that I work from. I am really excited and flattered to be asked!!
Oh and I keep meaning to tell you that the Plush Rush shop is up, the penguin and pelican are still there on page five. There are so many cool creatures!!

Back to the fair. It is one day from 10 to 5.
Does anyone have any ideas on how many I should make?? And which of the designs?

On Thursday I am headed out west.
My bestest friend in the whole world is getting herself hitched on Saturday. That seems soo soon. I can't imagine how stressed she is.
I am coming soon Aiko!!

Because of the early holiday travel plans I may not update as often. We'll see what happens.

Posted by wendy at 07:22 AM | Comments (7)

December 07, 2005

...bazil the bat...

Bazil was created to be a chimneysweeper. Apparently, in London they have a big chimney problem. They were never able to clean the things effectively.
So...they came up with the idea of bat bots to do it. They figured since the bots were bats, they would not antagonize the bat populous already living in the chimneys. Unfortunately, the bat bots that came before Bazil developed mechanical problems due to the abundance of soot in their gear works. So before Bazil was sent out on duty, the program was abolished.

Here is is chilling in the Boy's little space, so he is far, far above any Trixie threat.
Bazil went to go and live with Renny one half of the LA power couple. They are the couple that brought us to the dark side with pie-tinis and cake-tails.
So we love them!! Check out his fun eyes!

My mini-obsession with clothes continues, even though on most days I look like a mess. No really its true. But this campagne is lovely. I am totally smitten.

Posted by wendy at 12:30 PM | Comments (8)

December 01, 2005

...witness protection (bring your pet to blog)...

So I made a red bird. She is very sleek and speedy. Her name is Lupe.

As I was taking photos. I was noticing some interest from Trixie.

And it was getting a little worrysome for Lupe.

After images that can't be shown on the web, we enrolled Lupe in the Witness Protection Program and Agent 'M' Hanttula speeded her away to the sunny land of California.

Posted by wendy at 06:30 AM | Comments (6)

November 16, 2005

...some advice from you webkids...

Alright, I am getting ready to work on my next robot creation (going to try for at least one a week) but I have tons of red. Is there a red creature that you all would like to see as a robot? Birds? Creatures? Simply a Robot? Anything? Nothing?

Also for all those people that don't sleep, do have a metallic taste in your mouth (yes I brushed my teeth)? Sort of another physical reminder me that I am so very tired durning the day. But then sleep and I play the same game at night. Never to be found my friend sleep.

Posted by wendy at 07:29 AM | Comments (3)

November 07, 2005

...another plush...

Stephen was built to work at the nature preserve and help study the pelicans. All his friends call him steve-o. (he doesn't always like that)

They heard about the nyc marathon and felt like they should get some fluids into their bodies before headed of to Ohio for Plush Rush. They are a little nervous because they haven't traveled outside the city, so the tea is also calming them down.

Also if you need any fabric to make stuff, or decorative pillowcases check out some stuff on flickr and I will send you your choices. It is free!

Posted by wendy at 07:07 AM | Comments (6)

October 24, 2005

...meeting & making new friends...

This weekend was quite productive, considering I had planned to sit on the couch and drink hot chocolate.
I met the amazing and wonderful Aurora, also known as the countess. (I love her name) I don’t think I have known an Aurora. But we just started talking and it felt so easy, it helped that we come from a place where we love Lisa (as everyone should). I hope to hang out with her more often. Have a bit of her royalty rub off on me.
If you ever get a change to see her work in person – Do It.
They are these labyrinths of swirls and shapes building in and out of themselves. It is quite breathtaking. Being in her space started me thinking about art and where it fit in my life and where I fit in art's life. She was participating in an open house so there is all this energy buzzing around. People excited about the space – being surrounded by each other’s creativity. They are already talking about doing floor crits, which I am totally jealous of. I know crits are hard on your ego, but I have been thinking it might be good for me. Force my hand to move differently – grow.
When I left Aurora's studio I had to find my way to the train and I felt like I did when I first moved to the city. Trying to find my way to something I recognized. I used to purposefully get myself lost, to learn how to find my way again. I loved it. Exploring the city. On Saturday it was beautiful out and drizzly rainy.

Then I went home and created the first of the bird bots. I love them, so does the Boy, he got sad when he realized that they were off to another show. Plush Rush in Ohio.

Here is Gilbert, he works in the research department of the library. He is a friend with Stuart. Which helps because Gilbert is a bit on the small side

Stuart was built to do research on the penguins. He blends in with the other penguins to collect data in the Antarctic Artic wing.

And the lovely Lavinia made her way to Martha's home, but I had no idea about her side career as a thief! Interesting...

Posted by wendy at 02:36 PM | Comments (8)

September 15, 2005

...going down under...

I finished the second robot for This Is Not Art show in Australia. I loved doing these. Having a theme to work within. I don't know it gives me extra freedom or something. Maybe I just like to know where I am headed. I think that is it. I like to know where I am headed.
Again I don't have a name or story for this little guy, but he is really cute. Well you can see for yourself:

Here is a detail of the teacup of his apron.

Checking out the city. Looking over his shoulder. I love this tower across the street. I always imagine someone up there. Silly, but true.

And I met the wonderful wonderful Lisa. She is so beautiful and amazing. I hope that the rest of her time in the city is wonderful. Seeing all the art and friends she can.

Now I can concentrate on Two Trees amazing Quilt for Katrina. I almost finished my painting for friday. I didn't show Lisa because I thought it might scare her (Johanna was scared!). You'll see tomorrow and let me know what you think!!

Posted by wendy at 02:41 PM | Comments (4)

September 06, 2005

...robot going into quarantine...

I realized that I need to get going on my robots for the This Is Not Art show down in Australia at the end of the month. So I sewed all weekend and finished the first robot. A white one that is going to be in a quarantined room with all white creations, until they pass and go to live in the outside world.
I don't have a story for him yet, not even a name. I just needed to finish. So without delay:

Posted by wendy at 02:10 PM | Comments (4)

August 08, 2005

...around the corner...

The Plush You event at Schmancy is around the corner. There are so many amazing people participating, it's wild. And this list is only the people who have websites. Kristen has a blog and here are a couple of the people without websites and here is another.

Kristen is amazing. She is putting on this great show with people all over the world participating. (Although I am proud to say I'm the only one from New York!!) Just getting everyone organized is crazy. I can't imagine what stress she must have been under. Glad it wasn't me! I only wish that I would be able to make it out to Seattle and see all of the amazing things that are going to be there.

I don't even know what inspired me to join up. I had never made any sort of plush thing before. And the great thing (for me) was that Kristen didn't ask what we would be making. When I signed up I had no idea what I would be making. And then I thought of robots. I thought robots aren't soft and I did a tiny little sketch and voila Felix came to life. Good thing I planned on making him kind of patchworky, because I was working from nothing. No pattern, no sewing machine. Just my two little hands. And I loved it. I loved the way he turned out and I love what is happening with new guys.

Although I am going to have to put them on hold for awhile, because Beck Wheeler is helping with another show down in Australia called "life’s a stitch..." and asked the Plush You people to join up. They are having a Festival in Newcastle. They are building little sets for the plush creations. One of the set is a teashop and the other is a lab with all white creatures. I started my sketches and I am excited about working with a theme!!

Check out all of the really amazing and talented creations:

• Amy Proff Lyons / Texas
• Amy Rue / Georgia
• Ariana Marinelli / California
• Beck Wheeler / Australia
• Camilla Engman / Sweden
• Claire Robertson / Australia
• Clarity Miller / Washington
• Corinne Dean / Kentucky
• David Huyck / Wisconsin
• Eireann Lorsung / Minnesota
• Emerald / London
• Erin Shafkind / Washington
• Faythe Levine / Wisconsin
• Heidi Estey / Washington
• Heidi Kenney / Pennsylvania
• Jenny Harada / Ohio
• Jeremy Read / Washington
• Jess Hutchinson / California
• Kate Sutton / U.K.
• Krissy Harris / California
• Lisa Congdon / California
• Lizette Greco / California
• Lori-Lyn Hurley / Texas
• Maria Samuelson / Indiana
• Mark Hundley / Arizona
• Melissa Lound / Washington
• Mai Le / California
• Mia Hansen / Canada
• Minoji / Japan / Two
• Monique Duke/Moki / New Mexico
• Mr. Eyeball / Taiwan
• Rebecca Kaufman / Illinois
• Renetta Sitoy / Washington
• Rhya Tamasauskas / Canada
• Rita Volpi / Ohio
• Robert Hardgrave / Washington
• Sara Lanzillotta / Washington
• Susan Kelly/Luminant Studio / California

Posted by wendy at 08:39 PM | Comments (3)

July 19, 2005

...small faces...

I worked on these faces this weekend. And I painted them at work today. I will do an entry about what my work is (were I go everyday to pay the bills) and what we really do. I have been drawing my girls lately with really wide faces and sad eyes. I would love to get some feedback on these guys. Especially the green girl.

(Oh and I am really glad to know that my new family is reading this blog. I got an email today from the Boy's middle brother. He is loving the dirt on his big brother! Thanks for reading A-! You can write comments anytime! We have to come and visit this fall, hopefully.)

Posted by wendy at 09:09 PM | Comments (5)

July 08, 2005

...off to Seattle...

Here are the three softies that are now in Seattle with Kristen at Schmancy. I am really excited to be in the Plush You event. I have so many ideas for the next robots. I was inspired by the last one I made - Maude. I am going to go with a nature robot. I have some sketches for a great robot covered with embroidered vines. Plus I have a big bag of beautiful felt that is begging to be made into robots.

Posted by wendy at 09:10 PM | Comments (4)

July 05, 2005

...meet maude...

Here is the last robot that is heading to the Plush You event at Schmancy. Her name is Maude and she is from a wealthy french family. She went to a boarding school in Switzerland. She speaks four languages and always wears flowers.

Trixie trying to see if she is competition or if she is a new play toy.

If you want to see some great dolls with a amazing stories check out Yarnstorm that I found from the amazing Naive Knitting. She is turning out these ladies very quickly. I love them.

Posted by wendy at 07:02 AM | Comments (3)

June 08, 2005

...georgi robot...

Robot number two is done and finished. His name is Georgi and he tinkers. With everything. He likes to be able to fix things and know how they work. But sometimes when he puts it all back together he is left with pieces. So he collects them and makes beautiful wind chimes.

You must check out Catia Chien. Her work is amazing and soft with great lines and emotion. I found her from the equally amazing Jamie Zollars. Jamie is also participating in the softie event at Schmancy in August. If you are going to be in Seattle in August there will be great softies from all over the world.

Here is a full body shot of Georgi. He is about half the size of Felix.

Posted by wendy at 07:13 AM | Comments (1)

May 31, 2005

...more robots...

Here is a picture of my second robot; I am not sure what his name is going to be...? But the yellow felt under him is for my girl robot. When I was first conceiving of the robots I didn't think of having girls, so I don't have a name for her yet either. But she is this beautiful yellow color called banana popsicle. (how much fun is that!) The felt that I am using is from Weeks Dye Works. The colors are amazing, and the variation is perfect for my pieced together robots. I am totally in love with the stuff. I have lots of colors to make lots of robots, Kacey wants twelve for herself?! I had to hold back because not only are the colors beautiful but they have great names. I let myself get Dungarees (blue), Collards (green), Merlot (red), Banana popsicle (yellow), and Gunmetal (gray). I'll take a photo of my colors....but until then here is the new guy...

unstuffed little guy

Posted by wendy at 12:25 PM | Comments (2)

May 20, 2005

...meet felix...

Meet Felix. He is my first robot.

Many people have inspired him. Firstly Johanna, (I am not sure if she knows quite how much of an inspiration she really is.) Also Unsound Records has a band called The Pages. They have a really great song named Robot that always gets stuck in my head, in a good way. A couple of web people I know are making really great robots. Both Lisa and wee wonderfuls(who just posted a new Robot!) (Things slipping together.)
Felix will soon be making his way across the country to Seattle to be in a show at Schmanchy with tons of other amazing people. I first found out about the event by loobylu and all the craft greats are going to be participating. Felix is a bit nervous to be in that sort of company, but he hopes he will go to a nice home. He wears his heart on his chest instead of the sleeve, because he figures it is easier that way. He is great friends with Gilroy, even though Gilroy doesn't have all his stuffing yet and his eyes aren't stitched on. But Felix's heart belongs to May, who still remains a sketch for now, but will soon be making her debut.

Mom is flying in tonight to spend a whirlwind weekend in the city. The Boy and I are heading out to pick her up from the airport. Literally walking out the door!

Posted by wendy at 06:50 PM | Comments (3)