Zombie Paper Toy Show

Just a few more days left of the awesome Night of the Living Corpse show at the Light Grey Art Lab. Show runs through September 7 and the paper zombie prints can be purchased online through the gallery shop. Also check out the really fun interactive mix and match zombie parts website featuring the crazy talented artists in the show.

Walker Art Center Shop!!!

I have to say I was beyond thrilled and a little emotional when I was invited to sell my toys at the Walker Art Center Shop. It had been a goal for me for to have my work there and now my fawns will be available in the gift shop starting November 17. 

As part of a collaboration with mnartists.org a handful of local artists were selected to sell there art at the Walker Shop and website shop. Mnartists.marketplace will be an ongoing event and I'm proud to be part of the launch for this curated series.

I love the direction the Walker is taking and accepting the local handmade community into the world of fine art. As someone who likes to browse gift shops, the Walker Shop is one of my favorites!

Digs Studio ~ Best craft shop in town!

I love Digs Studio! Combine a little bit of Minneapolis shops Crafty Planet and I like You with the interior design aesthetic of Hunt and Gather and you have the best craft + handmade + gift shop in South Minneapolis. Located at the corner of 38th and Grand this independent craft studio has loads of charm and personality reminiscent of an ol' timey trim & notions shop from a bygone era. Wander around the shop to find handmade goodies made by local artists as well as unique crafting supplies. Everything from cards, fabric, buttons and yarn can be found attractively displayed among the vintage decor. Its great to have a shop like this in the area and I can't wait to see how it grows in the community. Support handmade and your local Mom and Pop shops, check it out when you're in the area. Sugar, sugar an independent candy shop is located right across the street to entice you even more to visit.

Fellow Minnesota toymaker Tara LaChance (aka little BIG pants) soft toys are some of the handmade goodies that can be found at Digs.

Fantastic Toys now available at Manufactory!

Manufactory is carrying a small selection of my toys including fawns, keychains, magnets and even paper toys. Located in South Minneapolis the shop features the work of Erin Currie and a few other local artists.

MANUFACTORY - Handmade Collectible Toy Shop

Back in 2006 when I was setting up my Etsy shop looking for inspiration I found fellow Minneapolis artist Curster. I've been quietly following her growing success over the years and now she has her own B&M on 27th and Lyndale where her wonderful creations are available for sale.

Manufactory which resides in the space of former occupant Robot Love is filled with Erin Currie's fantastical beings along with other collectible toys and gifts. I was amazed at the amount of work that Erin herself has handmade and is available in the shop. I asked her if she ever slept or drank lots of coffee to accomplish so much. Besides collectible toys she also designs clothing and paints which is evident in some of the dolls she makes. Below are some of the frilly dolls that carry over her fashion sense.

Being a second generation shop owner Erin shared her experience of working in her mothers Scandinavian handicraft shop painting faces on gnomes. Her goal for Manufactory is to have a shop where other artists can sell their work and provide a space for them to create as well. Erin's passion is evident and work ethic incomparable. With those two attributes I'm sure her shop will be a smashing success. If you're in the area check it out!

Mushroom Forest Collection

Summer School at MCAD!!

Can't wait to start my class next week at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I've lived blocks from MCAD for many years and have always thought about taking classes there. While at the Art-a-Whirl a couple of weeks ago I picked up a booklet from MCAD with continuing studies in art education. I found the perfect class for me to bring my business to the next level.

Licensing for Artists is something I've been researching for a while now and can only find so much information from text and online. It will be nice to take a class with someone who has had some real world experience and get some good feedback from professionals in the business. The class will cover so many things I've had questions about in the last year including a licensing portfolio, brand identity and royalties. I hope to continue taking classes a la carte to free myself from the mundane routine of life. :) A class in mold making and screen printing is next on my list.

May Day Parade

In the mood for giant paper mache floats, hare krishna, patchouli, and mini donuts ... check out the annual May Day Parade! Held by In The Heart of the Beast don't miss next years festival on the first Sunday of May.

Giant Elephant made with Butter

Dr. Suess Horn

Age of Aquarius

Day of the Dead Skellies.

Giant Talking Tiger Head

Scary Misfit Skeletons

Nothing beats a shanty float with a couch and an oil drum pulled behind it.

Sugar Sugar Candy Boutique

If you looking for a place in the Twin Cities to fill your sweet tooth Sugar Sugar is it! This old timey sugar shack is a sophisticated candy shop with all sorts of sweet treats. Some of my favorites are the artisan confections from around the world. The shop also carries old favorites and some of the best chocolate I've tasted. The owner is just as sweet and shes crafty too! Catch them on facebook for their latest candy arrival. I'm looking forward to the Easter candy this Spring!

My DREAM job!

Every year during the holidays Macy's Mpls. puts on a spectacular Christmas show. Its the closest thing our city has to a Disneyland attraction. Many artists and designers combine their talents creating an animated walk through depicting illustrations from classic children's stories. This years show was an original story, "A Day in the Life of an Elf". My favorite scene was the toyshop and candy factory. Some day I hope to work with this group of people. Macys if your reading this I'm available!