prototype

Creature making isn't as easy as it looks. There have been a lot of mistakes along the way. My creatures don't often start out their lives looking all pristine and groovy. Sometimes they have to go through a rough beginning with some slow, painful transitions.

Take this wonky looking Vampire Rabbit for example. This pitiful fellow was the prototype for my popular range of plush toys. He's nearly too ghastly for Halloween!

I don't always make a prototype. Sometimes I just go for it and hope for the best. I've been pleasantly surprised by some of these creations such as Skivvy the Bra Wonder but sometimes its an experiment gone horribly wrong. In that case I throw whatever is left of the mangled creature into my Mistakes basket at my weekly market. I've got a sign on it that reads "Mistakes $1: they seemed like a good idea at the time". I've sold a lot of mistakes out of that basket!

But even though this Vampire Rabbit prototype was fairly hideous, I could see it's hidden potential. I figured out what design features needed changing and what construction techniques worked best. The next rabbit turned out to be full of Fluffy Flowers cuteness.

Now I'm pretty happy with how he looks. But I still do try to improve on the design slightly each time I make him. He's certainly come a long way! And he's being featured over at Craft Boom: marketing an Art & Craft Business online. Click on over there if you get a chance to read what I wrote about the first step to take when setting up an online shop.

Comments

[Karyn]

Great little feature Felicia! Congratulations!

I also love your honesty. Thanks for showing us how your creature evolved!

[Heather T.]

A mistakes basket sounds like such a fun idea! giggle - I like this little guy.

[Sarah]

All your stuff is so clever - even your prototypes are ADORABLE!!

[Meg]

A mistakes basket is a teriffical idea - mind if I borrow it? Lord knows I could fill two!

[Meg]

Great article you wrote - I am thinking about an Etsy shop but that is all I do - think. I am a bit scared of all the details you mentioned. I'll keep reading and thinking. Would love to get suggestions!

[jenvecc]

love the mistakes :) aren't they always the best. you should see the first clutch i ever made. its totally "special" !

[Tracy]

Your article was terrific! You put very well what many of us crafters who've set shop feel. :o) Fun to see your prototype and stories behind your creative process. Happy weekend to you ((HUGS))

[bethany]

Thanks for sharing the "process" with us! It is so encouraging to know that everything doesn't always start our perfect!

[Brandy]

Some of my prototypes were terrible, like the first Samantha-the-doorstop kitty. I learned softies have to be cut way bigger than you think! Thanks for the link to your tips. :-)

[Jennifer]

Thank you for the peek into the process! I think the mistake is pretty cute myself.

[Suzanne]

Ok, I'm really liking wonky vampire bunny. Nice work Felicia!

[Claire]

Aw...I actually think the prototype is cute, too. You're so right, though- making softies is not as easy as it may seem! (Oh, and thanks for linking to Skivvy- the Bra Wonder- she is so fantastic!) Can't wait to read your article at craft boom.

[rebecca]

thanks for the link to the how-to you wrote. i look forward to reading it later today!

[Mirre]

I love the idea of a Mistakes Basket!
The rabbit is cute :)

[Chara Michele]

I love the mistakes basket idea:) So neat to read what you wrote about setting up a shop.

[Bethany]

It's nice to know that we all make things we don't necessarily love the first time around! People are loving Beth the Macon Mutt though!!!

[sadira]

Ahhh...the bloopers of the plush world! It's not too bad...and the final product was certainly worth it!

[beachy]

heehee! I just checked out Skivvy - how adorable!!! You make the sweetest creatures! And how wonderful that you are recycling in the process!

(I have my Nov. giveaway on my blog if you'd like to leave your name.)

[Clare]

I love these vampire rabbits!
Belated Happy Halloween! I love the costume you chose!
I missed Halloween this year – but it looks like everyone had a lot of fun!!

[Cherie]

I love this rabbit!!! Adorable!!

[Jenn : )]

Thanks for sharing a bit of your creative process!

You have the best sense of humor - I just love it! I see it in every one of your adorable creatures : )

[leslie]

prototypes? you are just the coolest!!!
totally love how mr. vampire rabbit has transpired!
congrats on your article! off to read it now.

[Laume]

Partygoer here, wandering in late. That black dress on your party post is so FANTASTIC!

I like vampire bunny, he's cute. I tried to make a few monster animals recently and discovered it's not as easy as it looks!

[jen]

Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day (ok, couple weeks ago). I love all your creature creations. I aspire for my blog to eventually be a kid/crafting blog, but right now most of the crafting happens inside the confines of my head. One day...

[Karen Young]

That is amazing how by just a few tweeks he became a fluffy flower origional. Love it

Karen
Bluemuf

[stephanie]

Wonderful little article Felicia!!

[Mallow]

I love him!

[Angela]

Ooooh -- I do love when people show their "mistakes" and talk about how they get to the "good stuff" (unless they're one of THOSE types -- you know, everything always turns out perfectly no matter what? Since I'm so NOT one of those types, it's hard to relate!)