Today a lot of pre-production purchasing of materials was done.  A bolt of 10 yards of Old Gold Woolfelt, 40 "A Treasure Forever" labels and 200 "Handmade by" labels.  I'm planning on using the treasure ones for dolls and the handmade ones for the croissants, baguettes, sandwiches, etc....

While in the midst of my purchasing decisions, I realized that for every single example the name Marjorie Bruce was used.  I found it weird that they didn't use something a little plainer (something more around Jane Smith).  So, after a quick wiki search I learned about the tragic life of Marjorie Bruce.  I wonder if it's just a coincidence.  Either way, I learned something today!

Munich, Germany carnival + a pretzel the size of my head (so much salt!).

Vienna, Austria.  Saw an opera (2 euro standing seats), bought 5 books for their amazing covers only, fell in love with this cannibalistic ice cream mascot, and  supported the cutest little lady craft store ever by picking up this x-stitching pattern (fishing for ducks?)... too cute.

Krakow, Poland was falling apart, literally, but in such a charming way.  I especially enjoyed this chipping-away sewing machine advertisement...

If I spoke german I'd be living in Berlin!  We took the most amazing free bike tour and saw so much wonderful graffiti / art.  Also, if you're ever in Berlin on a Sunday be well-prepared for thrift shopping--there are tons of flea markets on Sundays.  Just walking around we ran into a really small (but plentiful) one where I picked up this yellow sweater and purse you see me sporting here.  Oh, and that's part of the wall behind me.

Amsterdam was as crazy as it was cute--still unsure as to if that's good or not, but I wish I would have gotten out to some of the smaller towns.  Anyway, yes I ate that entire strawberry-frosted, sprinkled waffle and yes that flower shop is not only filled with flowers on the ground but the entire ceiling was covered in hanging, dried flowers--it smelled so, so pretty.

And finally, Dublin.  Where we spent the last few days of our trip.  Here we have an amazingly detailed SAND sculpture--note the button, it had so much detail it was amazing.  Then the intertube with the disclaimer that this could save YOUR life so not to vandalize (sort of gloomy), and finally a packet of vintage plush patterns I picked up in a bargain bin!  It's not complete, but I think it was worth it just for the photo on the front!

All safe and sound back in Montpellier, France... but very much exhausted. 

Today I packaged up the plush for the Crammed Organisms show that I'm going to get into the mail tomorrow, hopefully they'll get there in time for the making of the book!!!

Also, these photos are close-ups and the complete image of the birthday embroidery (or broderie in French) that I made for a nice little former roommate of mine who just celebrated her 21st birthday while I was traveling...

During my travels I did pick up some craft-related excitement but the sun is already setting so the photo shoot is postponed for later, but they'll be posted as soon as I find time (which I suppose truthfully might be a little bit since I have a total of 20 pages of French papers due by next Wednesday, ew).

Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday!

Leaving Krakow, Poland tonight, which marks the official half-way point in our Europe trip!  I miss France more than I thought I would....

 
Krakow is so charming though, highly recommended!  There are lots of wooden dolls everywhere, although I'll admit the one pictured here is not Polish (I don't think), but it's within the relm of wooden dolls (found at this antique site).  Quite inspiring I think, might have to test my wood-working skills...


ALSO, as posted on the homepage, the etsy store is set to officially open it's virtual doors on June 15!  So, I'll have a busy few weeks once I get back but I'm very excited!

WOW! I also recommend visiting this Sara Cole Studios if you're as intrigued by wooden dolls as I am now.

The results are in and if you're around the midwest you can see my works and the works of many of my "plush idols" at the first ever Crammed Organisms - The World's Largest Plush Show in St. Louis, Missouri! (or by looking at the amazing artist list!).

More details by clicking their poster!

Dearest Readers,

Currently I'm sitting in a hostel in Munich, Germany after a day of walking with sore feet and a surreal evening of "sleep" in some part of the twilight zone.  Anyway, I'm in the midst of many travels but I do want to announce that I will be making minor updates and I do have some exciting plush-related news that I'll be posting in the next few days so, take care and I'm sorry for the lack of excitement but I'll be back!

Ciao,
Lindsay

I finally finished the last of the set of dolls for this show that is taking it's time to respond to applicants, but oh well. 

For the rest of this lovely day I plan on going back to the train station to continue straightening out little bumps in our spring break travel plans, and doing some school work--only 3 weeks of classes left, with a 2.5 week break in the middle, I have a feeling starting tomorrow time is really going to pick up!

On the other hand, I've already put in a few applications to a couple craft shows in the upcoming months so it seems that this summer has lots of potential!

I thought I was getting a head start with birthday presents since there are 5 - 6 in the months of April and May--but I already feel behind, and probably none of them are going to be home in time....

Oh well.  Here's a little sneak peek (about 1/5 of the final product) that I stitched up last night for a little someone having a birthday back home very soon.  Pretty cute knee-dimples, huh?

After a morning of laundry adventures, I'm going to head to the train station with a friend and try to ensure our spring break train adventure isn't going to be a disaster, and then hopefully grab a honey crêpe or some café and sit in the Esplanade. 

In addition I believe I'm hosting a "sewing party" at my place tonight, so expect some entertaining creations very soon.  Luckily it's been plenty warm enough that even though they close the internet café over the weekends, I can sit outside without a time limit (besides my battery), and update as often as I have entertaining snippets to share.

Here's the second of the three dollies I've been working on.  I admit I'm saving my favorite for last, although they're all turning out darling.  It's so different to hand sew and entire doll, but good practice I suppose, and also I already have a few minor adjustments to make on the pattern so I'm glad I'm learning that here before I start working on the first "late spring collection" when I get home.

Not much other news today, spent the night pouring chemicals down my lavabo (sink) to get it to drain--I didn't see any chemical clouds but I wouldn't be surprised, I had a pretty killer headache when I was going to bed... Apparently I'm quite the chemist.

Did I mention today's date is probably my favorite of the entire year?  4 is my favorite number.

So, have a good 4th day of the 4th month of a year that starts with 2 and ends with 8, which are both pretty relevant numbers to 4, if you ask me.