Friday, September 25, 2009

Kawaii Koalas!

Aloha everyone!

I know, I know . . . I've been M.I.A lately, but I have a really good excuse this time! I had an influx of custom orders to do so it was hard to get any fresh crafting done. The custom orders were all amigurumi so by the time I was finished, I felt a need to put my crochet needle down and do something completely different.

I delved into my box of old project ideas and patterns and rediscovered my tried and true koala softie. The koala pattern was the very first softie pattern I ever drafted. I still remember the delight of having an idea in my head slowly come to life in my hands. It felt magical. And it was the spark that ignited my cute and crafty obsession.

I was a wee bit apprehensive when I started the koalas because it has literally been years since I've made one. I was afraid I wouldn't embroider the faces right, that I couldn't re-capture their "spirit". These softies are so different from my amigurumi, whose faces are quiet and humble. With my koalas, the personalities are more lively, their expressions more developed and detailed . . . and I have to render it all with a needle and thread.

Well, here they are:


Here's a close up look of one of their faces along with the crochet twin cherries by her ear:

It wasn't the easiest thing, but I managed alright, I think. :)

Since we spoke last I also managed to whip up some new cards for my blog/ shop. I was getting low on MOO cards, and I was going to order more, but then I thought, "I have this nifty, new laser printer . . . " So I gave it a go with some basic printable blank business cards.

Well, they're nowhere as nice as my former MOO cards, but I think they came out alright just the same, and they were fun to design and a lot less pricey. Here's a tip if you are going to try these at home: The cards I purchased came in perforated sheets. I recommend not tearing them apart. Instead, hold a ruler along the perforated edge and use an exacto knife to cut them apart. The edges just look neater and sharper that way.

Lastly, I've been woefully horrid at keeping up with my monthly giveaway, haven't I? I really am trying. It's just been so difficult to keep up with my blogging lately. I'll definitely try to pick up the pace from now on. Anyway, I have two Reader Appreciation Giveaways this month (an extra to make up for missing last month). My pal P pointed out these super kawaii Hello Kitty mini candy boxes at a local store. Hawaiian Host chocolate covered macadamia nuts are a yummy-licious staple here in the islands and I was surprised to see the character endorsements they have now -- Hello Kitty and Lilo & Stitch just to name a few. P said they'd make the perfect giveaway for my blog and I think he's absolutely right! So you know how it goes -- I will pick two people at random from the comment pool at this post.

Thanks again for dropping by! :)

20 comments:

Tizzalicious said...

They are cuuuuuuuuuuute! I love how they turned out!

QUILT AND PATCH said...

They are so so cute!! I really love them!!!

Evie said...

Those are painfully adorable! I am so impressed by the embroidered eyes!

Carrie Me! said...

Oh my gosh, I haven't had a hawaiian host chocolate in sooo long. Yummy!
I love your koalas! When I was little my Dad brought back a plush koala from Australia for me, yours brought back fond memories =)

Leonor said...

yay!!!
i'm so glad to see again your super cute koalas, i really love them! <3
and thanks again for another giveaway!

Bumpkin Hill said...

I'm so happy to have just found your blog through the enchanted pumpkin. LOVE your koalas, their faces are perfect :)

- Kathy - said...

Just read your ENTIRE blog and I realy love your crafting-skills! You have inspired me to start crafting again and with this post I want to thank you for it.

Your koala's came out very good, their faces are amazing!

Please keep on crafting and posting!

Piston said...

Oh my gosh, I want to snuggle one! They look so quiet and cuddly, but so adorable! You really have a great style at softies, I kinda wanna see more of them haha.

Marce said...

your new cards are so cute! and i´m very happy for your orders, i hope you get more and more! the koala is amazing! i love his face have so many details!

ikkinlala said...

They're adorable!

Double Double Happiness said...

Your softie koalas are too cute! I have been lurking on your blog since I saw your cute cupcakes and was anxiously awaiting your return.

tatiana said...

que rico esoso chocolates kitty
y que lindo koala

Unknown said...

How adorable!!! I am so glad that I found your blog!

a little something... said...

oh those koalas are super cute, especially being an australian they are extra special! :)

Unknown said...

hi rima! hope you are well! i think they look wonderful! and very much like the one i have. you did great! i love your cards too! don't enter me in the give away.. i would be able to chew the candies with these braces!

Jessica Lonard (The Crafty Librarian) said...

I just found your blog looking for something else on Google Images. Find of the day! I love your koalas, they're adorable. I am going to post about you on my blog, I'm THAT impressed. Also, I have subscribed to you straight away :o) Yay!

Unknown said...

Hawaii has the best macadamia nuts but I never tried macadamia chocolates! The packaging is so cute too. Your Koalas are ADORABLE and I love how your cards turned out!!

Sandy xox

Anonymous said...

Do you have the pattern for those adorable little koalas? Seriously, I WANT THE PATTERN!

The Hushgirl said...

i love hawaiian host!!! my fave choc.. but i only eat those annually to keep me missing them hehe i heart your blog!

James Paige said...

What about Mrscavanaughs.com? Have you tried there before?