Third Collection of Progress Shots Critter Craft Swap S2.1

The craft swap has been so exciting! Everyone has their own unique talents and their individual takes on characters. I'm impressed by the creativity displayed by each participant, and I am looking forward to seeing how the packages arrive at their intended destinations.

Oh! There was a question that came into the email after the most recent email was sent out. And I think it may be beneficial to everyone. The question was concerning shipping and how to go about it.

I personally never even thought about addressing that. But it may be useful to some of you to hear how I ship mine out.

 I usually ship my packages in one of the prepaid shipping boxes, because then I don't have any surprises cost wise.  Usually it goes out in a medium box, and it costs around $14 to ship. BUT if you have something you prefer to ship by weight, and add on the tracking (tracking itself here in the us usually costs about $7 in my experience.) You can do it that way. The only reason I am recommending the tracking, is because I have had packages go rogue in the past, and it is very disappointing to not get one. ( I spent 3 months making a package for a craft swap only to get blown off and never get my incoming package :( )

By having tracking you have a way to know your package arrived at its destination, as well as an option to use if it doesn't. Mine are covered to $50 for just using the generic pre priced boxes. ^_^ Which while it doesn't cover the time spent on the project and tracking down the extras I put in, it does cover the supplies and being able to remake a package. (which so far I haven't had to thank heavens)

For inner care, I frequently wrap things in tissue paper, so if the box tears things at least stay together inside the box.

Admittedly I'm not sure if there are prepaid boxes overseas, but if someone who lives there can answer with their recommendation I'll happily add it as well because the more information we all have, the easier these things are. ^_^

If you're looking to add to your package... I've currently added candies, two books, and incense to my package. Not because I feel my doll is going to be disappointing, but because I enjoy the gifting aspect of a craft swap.

Please remember if you have any questions or concerns, we would be happy to help you address and get them answered. If you haven't heard from your partner, again please contact us because we're getting to the shorter time aspect of the swap and we want to make sure no one is left behind. Thank you for reading and keep it crafty!

Critter Crafts Swap S2.1 Package Progress #3 (by K)

Alright, I know that it may seem like it's been a while since I wrote an update about my progress. But I have had personal reasons for that. But in the last 5 days I've had the chance to catch up some on my progress and take some photographs to show you where I am.

 So one of the most important things about making a toy(in my experience anyway) is coming up with a pattern that will get your idea across, while still making sense to the recipient. I made a few different attempts, but this one is the one I settled on. It's about 12 inches high.

What you'll probably note about my version of Nott for this doll is that each of her limbs only has 2 fingers or toes. I know it seems odd, but in order to keep her size manageable, and keep the details from becoming too finicky and delicate, sometimes it's better to simplify your source material.

Also, by making the pattern in this sort of shape, it becomes 2 pieces (at least for the main body) Simplifying construction and leaving more room for detailing and adding to the piece.

Then came deciding on how to lay out her face. This I didn't do using a pattern, although I had intended to do this whole project creating a pattern along the way to post it at the end for others to use. But instead I'm free cutting. Not sure if that's what other people call it. But it's basically cutting out shapes haphazardly to create what you're envisioning.

I personally feel her large yellow eyes are one of her most endearing details. Since they're one of the few facial features most people would be able to see over her china doll half mask I decided to make her eyes large.

They're probably about...2 inches wide? Maybe a little bigger.

Her mouth has 2 little teeth hanging out of her smile, since a number of people are frightened by her mouth when her mask hangs down, or maybe that's just because she's a goblin.

Then came the true test...After doing all the facework, and blanket stitching around the outside of the doll, it was time to stuff her.

Now for those who are curious about material choices, I chose fleece for her body because it is soft and washable. It also doesn't need to be seemed on the outer edge, meaning using a blanket stitch around the edges helps to give the doll a more artsy feel, yet doesn't trouble the integrity of keeping her together.

Her ears each got a small amount of stuffing to help them keep their shape and be a bit more stable. But she also had her nose hand stitched onto her face, it's kind of a charlie brown nose, an upside down u.

Before she got sewn together, I also stitched some details on her ears so they would look more like ears. But after she got stitched she got a little more work near her ears to keep them defined and help prevent stuffing from straying from her face into her ears and making her look bloated.

Then came adding her bandages. You will note that I only wrapped them around her ears, arms, and legs with a few bands around her forehead. The reason for this is simplicity, but I also want to keep the character details chibi. I don't believe that she looks like a mummy, because npc's react to her and know she is a goblin.

So the next update I will talk about her clothes and let you see how that is going.

I've added another book and some incense to my swap package, to add some entertainment that hopefully my partner will enjoy.

I'm looking forward to seeing how your packages are coming along, remember the shipping date for Critter Craft Swap S2.1 is April 20th. We will be checking in to make sure everyone has shipped or making sure you've checked in with your partners.

Keep it Crafty!