The Makerie

Here's somewhere I really wish I could be: The Makerie, a creative retreat in Boulder Colorado! A beautiful, peaceful place, so many classes I wish I could go to, to learn new skills and techniques taught by amazing teachers - giant stenciled floor pillows, painting, pattern design, embroidery, pajaki paper chandeliers. All these and more: wake-up yoga and hiking; healthy, local, organic delicious meals, too! Could be the perfect weekend! If you can't go, be sure to check out these cool video classes.

Shana Tova

Sweet and happy new Jewish year!

Weaving and Bouzouki Making

A couple of inspiring craftsmen I ran into in a shot trip to island of Crete:

The bouzouki maker:

The weaver:

and a branch weaving project from the new issue of 3191 Quarterly:

Let's Make Puppets

I found it quite difficult to stop looking at these:h

Images from "Let's Make Puppets" by A. R. Philpott, and "Creative Masks for Stage and School", by Joan Peters and Anna Sutcliffe, via Between Channels.f

More Deer

New finger puppets and a new print available here!d

Finger Deer

New at the shop, special edition for the coming holidays! H

Paper Magic

I've been working on some new paper items for my shop, and recalled how much I love paper. Here are some great paper works I found on etsy:k

These amazing cardboard objects are made by Mark O'brian. h

Some of them are for sale here.j

Also check out these beautiful origami koi fish by Sipho Mabona:z

 

More Etsy Finds

These delicate and clever creatures were created by Royal Mint.h

And these sleeping beauties by Sonja Ahlers of  Makeitawsome.h

The Complete Finger Puppets Series

Finally the finger puppets project is complete! Bears, rabbits, kangaroos, foxes and cammels, five of each! The fun part is mixing them up and creating all kinds of families. Here are a few:l

 

More families and combinations on Lazy Animals Etsy shop, that will hopefully open soon. Look up for updates and discounts on Lazy Animals facebook page.g

Finger Zoo

Introducing the first complete finger zoo set! h

Second from the right is the newest member - the camel, another animal that is very dear to my heart. I think this specific one bears a certain resemblance to a tiger or a panther, at least the animated ones like the pink panther. Let's say this is my tribute to all of you protesters all over the Middle East - I'm sure you're reading my blog right now. Please look deeply into the eyes of this tiger-camel and let your hearts fill up with courage and motivation!n

Also a first appearance on this blog of Mr. Rabbit, second from the left, dedicated to my little friend Yanai, whose finger got bit by a terrible rabbit!h

i

Dancing Fox

Next on the finger puppets series - Mr. Fox! I prepared a little stop-motion clip for him, inspired by these adorable clips by Eva of Misako Mimoko, the coolest craft-maker and blogger ever(!), whose work has always been an endless source of inspiration.j

Here are some images of her delicious dalls: j

Hebrew readers, please check out this post by another very-cool-artist-and-blogger Galia Pasternak, featuring a portrait of me! f