Zerumpees

New Shop!

2011-04-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

I have been away for a while here, but trust me HARD at work! After my day job all I am doing is etsy. My boyfriend, Nick and I decided to branch out and open another shop. (Nick has made a couple monsters for my shop- both sold!) We now have a vintage shop, The1950sHouseWife, and we've already done so well. 22 Sales in two months! We have over 100 items listed in the shop right now, lots of amazing children's books, shoes, accessories and men's ties! We are so excited for this new venture and I hope you will check it out. It will be a lot of work running two shops, but I knew we had to do it if we wanted to excel at this.

Studio Updates and Homemade Stockings

2010-12-17T20:44:00.001-08:00

Nick and I decided to make each other stockings for Christmas. They turned out really cute and I know we will have them for years to come.

Today I decided to revamp my studio space. I moved my desk in here so I could have all my office supplies with my craft supplies. I am trying to be more organized with my etsy store and become more dedicated to maintaining it. I am currently fiddling around on etsy and craft cult to learn how to use all these neat tools with sales and heart tracking. I also sold a monster today! So exciting. I just have to sell two more to get to 100 sales!

I can't wait to go home for the Holidays next week. I am so anxious to see my family and boyfriend.

-Emma

Holiday Cheer!

2010-12-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

New monsters are in the shop, be sure to check them out when browsing for Holiday gifts. They make great gifts for people of all ages. Recently monsters were sent off to Canada and Georgia for their new homes!

There are many sale monsters as well at very good prices! Be sure to pick one up today!

-Emma

New Studio Space

2010-07-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have been absent from this space for a while. I have been very busy at work with a recent promotion, but now that things have settled into routine I have more time to devote to my monsters. Also my brother recently moved out, and though I am sad to see him go I moved all my craft things into his old space and I finally have my own studio!! I am so excited about it. Before, all my things were pushed into this closet within a closet and I was feeling uninspired and unmotivated. Having everything organized, colorful, and out in the open will really inspire me to keep working and develop my company even more. Because my walls are concrete I am not able to easily hang things so I did with it what I could until I get some extra hands to help. My desk will also move in here in the future as well as an extra twin bed which will serve as a day sofa.

Here are some new monsters in the shop! The vampire monster is made by my boyfriend! I taught him how to make monsters on my trip back home and he made this on his first try! I thought it was so good I listed it in my shop. There are also some re listings in there so check it out here.

2010

2010-01-28T08:44:00.001-08:00

So I got my monsters back from Kooky and some of them have been relisted in my shop. It's a new decade since I last posted, and this year feels great. Last year was definitely a transition year, with my job and personal life. I started the New Year off right this year surrounded by good friends and laughing the whole time. Sometimes you need a year I guess, to feel solid and strong again. 2009 was all about reconnecting with old friends I had let fall by the wayside and now that I have wonderful people in my life again I have gone into this year with a wonderful emotional support system.
I also finished my play the first week of the new year that I started last spring. I am so thrilled and excited to have created something longer than ten minutes. It feels great.
I am proud of my rebuilding efforts of my life. They paid off. Last New Years to this one is unbelievable different- who would've thought? And my life is so much better for it.

I have new monster babes that will be listed in the shop in the upcoming week. For now check out the relistings! :)
-Emma

Finally a day to do nothing!

2009-12-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

After my vacation at home I still had a few days off back in Chicago. I took ten monsters to a store called Kooky, on Southport. It is only open until December 24th so be sure to visit it soon! Yesterday one of my best friends, Nicole, sold monsters for me at the Red Apple Craft Fair, sponsered by the pre school she teaches at. It was a huge success! Nicole knows most of the kids and families so I know that that helped a lot. She said I was one of the most popular vendors there and you really can't ask for more. I worked like an elf this week, along with the help of my mom to create a large inventory and great display for the show. I was very pleased with the way it turned out but am enjoying this day off very much, drinking my coffee and watching You've Got Mail. This is a GREAT movie. I love it so much because her store is a fabulous little thing and that is exactly what I want. My own little store filled with hand made plush and story books. Here are some fun pictures of my last two weeks!

I ordered this sign at the end of last week and did expedited shipping to get it in time for the show. I think it turned out so cute and really brought everything together.
My mom was such a great help to me this week. She helped with the display and sewing some of my key chains and helping me transport everything to Nicole's place. I am really lucky to have the family that I do. They support me no matter what and more than that they believe that I can accomplish what I set out to do. They have never pushed me into something I didn't want to do or belittled my passion for the theatre and hand sewing monsters. They have always expressed awe and pride in everything. It's very comforting. Everyone close to me is really that way and they always suggest bigger and better things, other little things to make to add on to monster sales, kid's books etc. I have wonderful people in my life and I feel like I'm in a great place. I feel like I have definitely made up for a few weeks of the project in the last week. I made 10 sleepy time sets, 7 sock monsters and 6 keychains. I am going to try to get back on a regular schedule now that that show is over. Hopefully I can find more shows in the future to participate in as well.
Happy Holidays everyone!
-Emma

Thanksgiving!

2009-11-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

Today I am going home! The past month has been very hectic and this is definitely a welcome break. I am very fortunate to have the friends that I do and the family that I have. I live with my bro and we(me) made a yummy Thanksgiving dinner:

I forced Raymond to take cooking pictures of me. He thought that was stupid. But did it anyways. We made cornish hens instead of turkey since there was just two of us. I left them in the fridge overnight but of course they were still solid. And once I got them a little soft I was trying to get the bag of gizzards out, every other cornish hen I have made had that hanging around inside....needless to say I raped my hen for nothing.

These are the best. Make them now, today, tonight! They are so good and so fatty. You will not be able to stop eating them. Whole green beans wrapped in half a strip of bacon. Then you make a sauce of brown sugar, butter, garlic, salt and pepper and bake for 45 minutes covered on 350 degrees. Then take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to get a bit of a crisp. MMMM. These are my favorite. My mom made them growing up from a recipe I think she got from my aunt. They will be in my family forever! It's up to my daughter mogwai to pass it down through the generations.

This is Raymond. Excited about the Hen, posing weird and wearing his grade school gym shirt.

Nom Nom Nom.

Happy Turkeys!

In monster news, Camelot Children's Kingdom off the armitage brown line stop in Chicago now carries my monsters. My good friend Nicole will also be selling my monsters at the Red Apple Craft Fair on Sat. Dec. 12th.
:)
-Emma

happy Halloween! Week 4

2009-10-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here are my lovely five monsters for week 4 of my monster project. I know I missed a few weeks. Please forgive. Small personal crises are always sure to throw you off your game. I have yet to carve my pumpkin, just getting them last night. I work until 9 today so I think I will carve it when I get home. Interesting fact: when I was little we always used to paint our pumpkins. I thought this was normal/what everyone did. It was really fun to paint them. I would do that...but I don't have any paints.

I still need to add two monsters from the last batch into my store. I will make sure I add all of these guys this week. My days off this week are Thursday and Saturday, which is good so I can upload the new ones for week 5 on Saturday.

I made this cute little Christmas one. Figured I should make one early if I am going to so that he can sell for Holiday decor. One week I think I will just make ornaments. It's crazy, because ornaments and my key chains seem like they wouldn't take a lot of time, but they do! I think because they are so small and not stretchy like socks. Working with socks is like working with clay sometimes. You can definitely shape it easily to do what you want to do.

"I'm good at being uncomfortable so I can't stop changing all of the time."-Fiona Apple

Renewing

2009-10-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

I have been absent, from my blog and my project. It's been a rough couple weeks that has just now finally started to simmer down. I plan on starting up the monster project again this week. I am off work Friday so that will give me a nice long day to make some good ones. So...interesting tid bit. I randomly search "zerumpees" on yahoo occassionally to see if anything has been written about me in blogs etc. and I clicked on this one link tonight to a blog i guess that mentioned me and the title was "ahh monsters." there i saw one of my monsters that was sold a while back and there was something weird on it like a green plant. The page was still loading and then a snake picture popped up and then this close up of my monster with a giant hairy spider on it! All i saw was "these make great props!" I was so freaked out! It was this close up of this giant disgusting bug on my monster! I know, i know people can do whatever they want once they purchase something such as using them for props in gross bug reptile photo shoots, but totally freaky. I only looked at the page for maybe 5 seconds before screaming and exiting out! I was horrified! Weird....weird.

I love holidays and decorating for them. I made these ghosties a while back when my parents were visiting. They are so old school, but still fun :)

This is what Mogwai decided to do while I decided to bake a spiced cake.

I bought a new cook book called "Quick Meals" and it is huge. I love planning my meals and baking and cooking so it's just what I needed. I used to just get on the food network website but it's hard to just browse there to see what you want to eat, you kind of have to have an idea already.

The monsters grew curious as to what the treat would be.

it called for a half cup of honey. I've never heard of so much honey in a recipe before!

While my cake/bread was baking I went on a much needed therapuetic run. I ran by this little circle of stone blocks that you can sit on and that whole area was covered with red and yellow leaves. We don't get too long of a fall here in Chicago but I'm glad to get what I can before the ice and snow. The weather here can really affect things. Pretty soon the days get so short, only a few hours of sunlight. I can already tell my apartment is getting darker.
Back to the cake. It turned out great. It didn't poof up in the middle but that didn't really matter to me. Maybe on Friday I will try to make something really complicated. There's this parfait in there that looks yummy.
I will leave you with a poem that I love. I know, it's another ee cummings poem. But I love him. And sometimes he is just what you need to feel a bit better.

anyone lived in a pretty how town
(with up so floating many bells down)
spring summer autumn winter
he sang his didn't he danced his did.

Women and men (both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn't they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain

children guessed (but only a few
and down they forgot as up they grew
autumn winter spring summer)
that noone loved him more by more

when by now and tree by leaf
she laughed his joy she cried his grief
bird by snow and stir by still
anyone's any was all to her

someones married their everyones
laughed their cryings and did their dance
(sleep wake hope and then)they
said their nevers they slept their dream

stars rain sun moon
(and only the snow can begin to explain
how children are apt to forget to remember
with up so floating many bells down)

one day anyone died i guess
(and noone stooped to kiss his face)
busy folk buried them side by side
little by little and was by was

all by all and deep by deep
and more by more they dream their sleep
noone and anyone earth by april
with by spirit and if by yes.

Women and men (both dong and ding)
summer autumn winter spring
reaped their sowing and went their came
sun moon stars rain

In a mood for poems

2009-10-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I will get into really intense moods of needing to write a poem. One of my favorite activities from my poetry class in college is deconstructing already written poems and creating your own, only using the words from the poem, and using ALL of them. It gets hard, like a puzzle but it can be a lot of fun. One of my other favorites was constructing a poem using only this list of the most common words. Anyways, I was really in the mood tonight so I took an random e.e. cummings poem and made one out of it.
Here is the original:
Humanity i love you
because you would rather black the boots of
success than enquire whose soul dangles from his
watch-chain which would be embarrassing for both

parties and because you
unflinchingly applaud all
songs containing the words country home and
mother when sung at the old howard

Humanity i love you because
when you're hard up you pawn your
intelligence to buy a drink and when
you're flush pride keeps

you from the pawn shops and
because you are continually committing
nuisances but more
especially in your own house

Humanity i love you because you
are perpetually putting the secret of
life in your pants and forgetting
it's there and sitting down

on it
and because you are
forever making poems in the lap
of death Humanity

i hate you

Here is mine:
because you would rather
unflinchingly applaud success,
parties
your flush pride
than Humanity.

buy a drink
and it keeps you from continually committing.

your soul dangles from the life
in your pants - embarrassing for both.

and

I love you because you are in your own home, The Old Howard.
putting the secret in the lap
and forgetting

perpetually I love you
and when you're hard up. Black on Boots. Making Songs.
of Humanity, death - it's there and sitting down at pawn shops.

I would be his watch chain, your pawn.
all because I love to enquire of intelligence, but
you are nuisances
(country home, mother, hate, humanity)
containing the words and forever making the poems.

"you love you, all because you are sung"

whose all, and when?

which because...because of the Humanity of you.

And I, but more especially, because of you.

More monsters are coming, no worries. Just one of those days.
-Emma

Five Monsters Week 3

2009-10-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

My lovely sewing machine. Go Plush Team!

Areas of my bedroom, no work studio yet! Some day...

Stuffed Bodies. Waiting to come to life!

Posing.

Custom Order! He is setting off to the UK! What a little jet setter.

Five Monsters for the week! What Fall cuties! I think the striped one is very nightmare before xmas/ Halloween vibe.

Family Photo!

Tonight has been very productive and fun! I must be strategic with my monsters next week since my friends are coming in town. I will probably make one tomorrow and spread them out as the week goes on.
Plush love to everyone!
-Emma

Five Monsters for 9/27-10/3

2009-10-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

Excuse the lack of quality photos. I am feeling a bit under the weather today. Stayed inside in my sweats watching crime shows and working on these babes. It was my birthday Friday so I had special sales going to previous customers, plus I had a lot of new sales which was so exciting. I need to sew some blankets and get everyone's packages sent out on Monday. Such an exciting week of sales.

Five Monsters for 9/20-26

2009-09-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Alright, so last week wasn't a full week since I started this project in the middle of it. But I was able to complete five monsters! I made the two sock monsters earlier in the week and then yesterday went to Hancock Fabrics and saw these wonderful plaid flannels. I thought they were so warm and cozy and perfect for fall. I wanted to make one type of monster for all three with corresponding color schemes. I was racking my brain for design ideas and then finally decided to re create my design that I gave to my brother last year, Thud. He is also one of the pages of my coloring books. Their names all rhyme with Thud since they are related. If these turn out to be popular I will make more.

This is Bud. Bud enjoys carving pumpkins with his teeth, gravy Monster soup on Fall days, and curling up to watch his favorite horror flicks. He is very messy, but resourceful. His home is built out of trash and recyclables, simply because he never wants to clean up! If you love messes and Halloween activities then Bud is the monster for you!

Fud is a little slow. He likes to take walks around his yard to see if there are any birds. Usually his loud steps scare them away, but every once in a while he will see one and get very happy. He loves Jelly doughnuts and would eat them all day if he could, but he is only allowed two a day. He is frightened of ghost stories and all things scary, so if you are watching a scary movie hold him tight!

Jud loves camping in the wild outdoors. He loves to wrestle bears, alligators and spiders. He has never lost a wrestling match and will challenge anyone who gets in the way of his camping. He loves chili, monster football and camp fires. He likes getting his hands dirty so be prepared to keep up with him!

Dorothy is sick and tired of other monsters telling her what to do, even when they aren't. She is tired of your lip even when you haven't said anything and she will let you know! Dorothy loves to play on playgrounds and push other monsters in the dirt, hunt for buried treasures and keep them all to herself, and of course always eat the last monster cookie on the plate. She will provide many hours of entertainment if you can handle her sassy attitude.

Tom is such a nice guy. When he isn't visiting his grandma on the weekends he can be found playing a game of Monster kick ball in his neighborhood. He is always polite and lets others go first. He loves all sports, Italian cuisine and collecting interesting pencils. He says the pencils bring him good luck on his tests at school. Adopt him today if you want a little sweet monster in your family!

Have a great Sunday!
-Emma

260 Monsters Project

2009-09-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

Okay. I have modified my last failed project for good reason. Monsters are not like one page plays that Suzan Lori Parks wrote. I can't necessarily make them anywhere without preparation. So instead of a monster a day I will be making five a week, totaling 260 a year. Ideally if this were my only job I would be making five or more a day, but that is not reality yet. I get busy, work, cooking, plans with friends and I think this project will allow for more flexibility and I wont feel bad if I don't make one on a certain day. So five a week. This can span out over 7 days, or make multiple in one day. I will make a post each week with pictures of the five creatures along with their numbers.
I just started reading Julie & Julia and I love it so far! It got me thinking again about a project that will keep me motivated and keep me producing. Because only good things can come from this. If I want steady sales I need steady production. So this is my plan! I am sticking to it and I know certain people, like Grant ;), will make me stick to it as well.
<3 Emma

I have the creative itch

2009-09-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

I need to make myself a schedule. Between work, chores, sleep my monsters are falling by the wayside. One of my favorite things about crafting is that I do it when I want to. I always feel so accomplished when I finish a monster or a project like my coloring book but I just have to start cranking them out. If I am ever going to get steady sales instead of pleasant surprises I need to produce at least five monsters a week and renewing every day at peak times.
I am not the most organized person, but it feels good when I am. I cleaned today, planned out my meals for the week and I need to plan my Zerumpees work schedule, instead of just working on things whenever.
I did finish my key chains which I am super excited about, and I got my monsters back from Stuffed Magazine, it's in Barnes and Noble now in the craft section, so check it out. I also applied for the Renegade Craft Holiday Fair. I am really hoping I get it, it would be so fun and a great experience to do a craft fair solo.

Craft Love to All! - Emma

Back to blogging

2009-07-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the hiatus. Moving+Life Changing events=lack of blogging. But I am back and going to try to keep generating more plush per week. I'm going on a road trip next week so I will get a good 5-8 done on that trip. I made two new babes tonight! I think they turned out super cute!!!

Be sure to check out my store for new items! www.zerumpees.etsy.com

Eeeeeek, good stuff(ed)!

2009-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Fabulous wonders are occurring here at Zerumpees Head Quarters. Stay tuned for the 2nd issue of STUFFED MAGAZINE because yours truly is featured. Well, three of my monsters are. Once I know when the issue is coming out I will post the dates on here.
This picture is an oldie, but I love it. Her name is baby Lydia. The lighting in this picture turned out to be really great and you can see all her bright colors. Stay tuned for more frequent up dates!
<3 Emma

New Additions!

2009-02-01T20:43:00.000-08:00

Some More Masterpieces of the Harris Clan

2008-12-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

This work of art is colored by Ray Harris. He and Thud are good pals.

This one is colored by yours truly.

This is my Dad's. I drew a sailor monster just for him! So cute!

My mom thought out of the box and colored the copyright page, go Mom!

You can color your own Zerumpees too!! Just go the my web site www.zerumpees.etsy.com.

End of my Vaca...

2008-12-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the bookstore with my Dad and he bought me a few books on finances and one on starting your own LLC and writing a business plan. I am going to get an LLC for my Zerumpees line and begin writing my business plan for my plush store that I would like to open in five years. I'm super excited! I know that it would do so well in Chicago. I just want to wait out the economy for a little bit, save up some of my own money and get everything organized first.
I sent out my plush for the team swap today and I am really excited for her to receive it. It's really cute and I tried to adhere to most of her survey answers. It should get there around Thursday.
I sold two more monsters in my shop! They will all be sent out on Monday A.M. to go to their new homes! I hope to sell five more before Christmas!
Alright- off to make some mac and cheese! yum.
-Emma

Vacation News

2008-12-03T15:19:00.001-08:00

SO I had one wonderful sale so far on my vacation, from a frequent buyer, that I truly appreciate. I will be coming home this weekend and sending him out pronto to his new home :)
It's been really nice and relaxing to be back home. I'm going to visit a friend tonight then tomorrow I have to create my plush for the Etsy Plush Team Holiday Swap! I'm really excited. I went out and bought the materials today. I think it will turn out super cute.
In other news, the theatre company I am a part of now has a website being built. You can see it in action here: www.resonantstheatre.wordpress.com
We're buying a domain name soon. A head shot of yours truly will be up next week, unless I can find one in an email or something. But the first guy on there is my boyfriend, so be sure to check him out! :)

Have a good night!

Holiday Cheer and Coloring!

2008-11-30T17:59:00.001-08:00

I think these look even cuter once they are all colored! My mom colored one perfectly and I wanted to color my Sampson page. I am home for the next week, so any purchases that are made won't be sent out until the 8th.

This last picture was sent to me from some girls at work who bought an ornament. it looks so cute on their tree next to pretty Rachel!

If you buy one of my coloring books, feel free to scan a picture into your computer and send it to me, zerumpees@yahoo.com, and I will post it here!
Love, Emma

Holiday Yummies

2008-11-22T15:17:00.000-08:00

When I have the time I love to cook...and bake. Here are some pictures of my baking and cooking adventures as of recent. The mashed potatoes are courtesy of Giada on food network. Yum Yum. They are cheesy and delicious with a crispy crust. We also got the gingerbread recipe from the food network. The only cookie cutters Jewel had were jello ones, so they were super small. We ended up with probably 80 cookies. They apron I am wearing was my grandma's. It's great because it's full length and has pockets!
Happy Holiday festivities everyone!
-Emma

FRONT PAGE!

2008-11-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

I got home and had an abnormal amount of hearts...I'm on the front page. OMG

Coloring Book

2008-11-19T17:52:00.001-08:00

Mugsy and Dan are enjoying it- and you will too! They are in my store now for $10.

More monsters

2008-11-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

It's my day off and I'm working on monster treats all day, uploading new ones, and working on my coloring book. I hope to finish it this week so they can be listed for Holiday shopping. I picked up some great socks yesterday and some kid's clothing at Brown Elephant last week for some eco-monsters. Check out my new monsters here : www.zerumpees.etsy.com

Happy Holiday Season! Says Mogwai.

New Monsters in my shop

2008-11-06T02:43:00.001-08:00

www.zerumpees.etsy.com

Hand Made World

2008-11-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

Down with corporations and those who decided to sell their hand made soul to the devil. I hope you can live with yourself, hounding independent artists in the hopes to have a plush monopoly. Your creativity has melted away to reveal mass produced, sweatshop made crap. Congratulations to you.

In other news: I have a new myspace. www.myspace.com/zerumpeesplanet

I am stocked for the holidays and more will be listed tommorow: www.zerumpees.etsy.com

I have ornaments too! yay!

Love to every plush artist I support and admire. It's a hand made life my lovlies and our creative, hand sewn creatures bring love and joy to the world.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2008-11-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

Monster Style!!!!
Stock up on all your Christmas Monster goodies! I have fabulous ornaments. Right now some girl monsters. Don't worry I have boy monsters coming too!
So cute!

Here are some monsters I recieved back from some shows that are now in my shop!

Click here for Holiday Cheer!!

Oh, to sell five monsters a day!

2008-10-30T02:54:00.000-07:00

I have had a wonderful last few days...much needed after a dry spell of no sales. I am slowly getting my monsters and payments back from shows so that is good as well. I think that I am done with consignment for a while. When I was bored at work I popped out a calculator to see how much I would make in a week if I sold and made five monsters a day. I could live very comfortably and work from home. Dreams Dreams!!! :) It's exciting because it's a goal that could happen. Okay, off to my super early in the morning job!!

P.S. if you want to buy Pierre you better do it quick. He has 20 hearts and someone is bound to buy him soon. He's so classy why wouldn't you buy him?

New Shop

2008-10-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

I have a new shop name on etsy. It has now offically been changed to Zerumpees and is up and running and ready for business. Each monster is hand made with love and comes with it's own unique story.

Day 8

2008-09-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

Newt

I recently recieved an excellent review, with my new shop name and all on this blog, read the article here. by Andrea McMann. It warmed my heart.
Go Zerumpees Go!

Day 7

2008-09-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Getting back into the swing of things: Zerumpees Rock!
My day 7 Monster is Pierre

Pierre is refined and stylish. He always wears the softest, most luxurious scarves for fall from his store Le Monstere. He says he only carries the finest lines of monster designer clothing. He enjoys wine and moldy monster cheeses. Adopt him today if you have high taste!
Adopt him in my shop Zerumpees.

Name Change

2008-09-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

Apparently I am competition for UglyDolls and they are afraid of little old me stealing all their customers. They accused me of copyright infringement for having the name UglyPrettyThings. To avoid any legal mess or confusion I have decided to change my shop and brand name. UglyPrettyThings which was first implemented because I carried both monsters and pretty knitted goods will now be changed to Zerumpees, a species of monsters from the planet Zerump, which is referenced in many of their little bios. I am in the process of getting my etsy name changed and hopefully that will be done in the next few days. I guess when big companies spark an interest and consider you competition that can only be a good thing. On with the hand made! Down with mass production. People want things that are unique and one of a kind. I put love and thought into every one of my monsters. No two are the same. Ever. Each has a different name, personality and story. That's why people buy my product and that is why people turn to etsy.

New Vintage Jelly and 365 Day update...

2008-09-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

A hiatus was taken from my 365 day project. My mom came in town and I stayed downtown with her and then flew back home..but now I am back. Here are some updates:

Day 3: Steela...she found a new home at the Renegade Craft Fair

Day 4: Gerald...He also found a home at the Renegade Craft Fair

Day 5: Abraham...adopted by a lovely needle felter at Renegade

Day 6: Vintage Jelly...he will be listed in my store tomorrow morning. He is created with a fabulous courd fabric and braided recycled sari-silk tentacles.

You crazy little jelly!
<3 Emma

Day 2

2008-08-25T18:58:00.001-07:00

I know this project is going to be hard sometimes. I can definately make more than one monster in a day when I have time but I'm not used to making at least one every day. Today was more busy than yesterday so it was hard to squeeze one in but I did it! Meet Meeshki!
Meeshki is a little guy who loves learning about the proper etiquette in foreign countries. He knows how to say thank you in 40 different languages and loves watching foreign films. He likes eating day old bread and using it for crutons on his Mega Monster salads. Meeshki is five inches tall. Adopt him today!
He is available in my shop: www.uglyprettythings.etsy.com

Now I am off to bed because I have to be up in 7 hours for work!

365 Day Monster Project

2008-08-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a note from Suzan-Lori Parks who wrote a play a day for a whole year. Today is day one of my monster 365 day project, where I must create one monster a day for the project and if I make others for my shop I can, but one must be created on that day.
DAY 1
Gus-Gus is my first monster. He's made out of recycled fleece and has a fun scarf.

Enjoy!
Love, Emma

Mega Monster!

2008-08-05T18:45:00.001-07:00

I made this big monster for my show at Kismet Gallery later this month. So fun to make!!! I am on monster overload until the next two weeks are over.

Coming attractions

2008-06-21T20:11:00.001-07:00

www.uglyprettythings.etsy.com

WOO HOO

2008-04-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is so exciting! My monsters have been accepted to Crammed Organisms. This show is going to rock, or shows I should say. There are multiple shows and a limited edition book with all the artists in it with stories and other fun things. I have the idea for my monsters in my head, since the theme is fairy, folk and fable. I'm going to write an excellent story for them. This is so great, and so many members from the Etsy Plush Team are a part of it too. You can click on the crammed organisms Icon and it will take you to their site where you can view all the artists! Check it out!

Cosette

2008-03-28T12:00:00.001-07:00

Cosette is my newest dainty monster. She loves tutus and bows. She also plays rugby. You can read more of her bio, or adopt her by visiting my shop here.

In other news, Mogwai found a new bed...in my suitcase.

Fun pictures!

2008-03-24T11:59:00.002-07:00

It was Dan's Birthday. He's old now.

Loves.

Nothing more needs to be said about this.
-Emma

New Haircut, New Monsters

2008-03-16T10:34:00.000-07:00

Rocko

Emily

Dwight

Custom Order of Gregoir and Clawdette. They were sent to Japan! My first international order. They were very excited and are very happy in their new home!
Love-Emma

Facts!

2008-03-13T15:57:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by electric daisy!

7 Facts About Me
1. I just got cast in my first Chicago play outside of school ( I graduate in May).

2. I am fascinated by weird crimes/serial killers.

3. I would love to write children's books.

4. I want to have my own theatre that puts on puppet shows (constructed and written by me) for children during the day and more adult theatre at night as well as improv shows. Hopefully in the next 6 years.

5. I love garlic.

6. I am the oldest of two children, I have a younger brother.

7. I have been in a relationship for the past 2.5 years and he rocks.

People I am tagging:

Lauren Smash
The Rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by posting their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Reduced Prices

2008-03-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

In an effort to increase sales, prices on my site have been reduced! Check out the babes!

MY STORE!

I have been home on a wonderful spring break. I'm ready to go back though and get back to the pace of my life in Chicago. My monsters and kitty are waiting for me. So is my boyfriend who has been taking care of my wonderful kitty. I miss them all. I got my hair cut over break. I'll post a picture of that soon.

Dolls For Friends!

2008-02-25T16:46:00.000-08:00

Go Here!

I just received my fabulous trade with Dolls For Friends. It is a stuffed jelly which I love! They make amazing, hand crafted stuffed babes that are adorable. You can see the time that went into this and the hand stitched detail. I love the sewn in pattern on the felt, it really makes them unique and catches my eye. They have lots of other jellies and creatures in their shop so check them out!!

http://www.dollsforfriends.etsy.com/

SALE

2008-02-18T19:21:00.000-08:00

There is a fabulous sale on my monsters. Buy one get one at equal or lesser value 50% off!!!

Happy Monster Adopting!!

2008-02-16T19:34:00.001-08:00

New Monster In my shop! Check her out she's way groovy!

Win is a swamp monster who loves cupcakes. She is very innovative in her cup cake design and is preparing for the annual monster cupcake competition. Her favorite cup cakes are bannana cream with pink frosting. She has lots of energy but must sleep 19 hours a day. She is a more vintage style monster, machine and hand sewn out of sturdy bright printed fabric, a cute lace skirt trim and vintage eyes for buttons. She is almost ten inches tall and eight inches wide.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

Brings new monsters! Mortimer and Gill.

New cuties you can check out in my store. http://www.uglyprettythings.etsy.com/

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Vote for My Married Couple

2008-02-12T12:29:00.001-08:00

Vote for us!

http://www.plushteam.com/

If you go to the post under plush love you can leave a comment to vote for renoir and betsy.

Baby Miso

2008-02-02T16:32:00.001-08:00

Aww little Miso!

Little Babes

2008-02-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

This is my new pocket monster Squidee. She is a baby squid who can barely speak because she is still so young. She is three inches tall and er legs are four inches long. What a cutie! More pocket monsters are yet to come! Look out for them on my shop UglyPrettyThings. Or sign up for email newsletters and I will update you on the progress of new monsters :)

I'm tired

2008-01-31T19:05:00.000-08:00

I have been working hard tonight on a project I'm doing and I am exhausted. I also got invited to be a part of a craft show on the 16th which I would love to do, I just need a car because we have to provide our own table and chairs. So we shall see. This weekend is busy, auditions, this plush project I'm working on and I want to get some things done for my shop. There will be more shop updates coming soon, I promise. Join my email list to get the latest updates. :)

Spotlight on Zeebie

2008-01-30T20:18:00.000-08:00

Zeebie is a swamp monster who swims in the deep depths of the monster swamps. She enjoys staying up all night reading, hunting for eggs and moving to some groovy beats on her monster pod. Adopt her today!
MyShop

Newsletter? Sign Me Up

2008-01-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

Do you want to receive an email newsletter about UglyPrettyThings? Join the club. You'll receive information about sales, shop updates, new items and super secret information :)
It's free and you can sign up by clicking on the link to your right.

In a Gallery Far Far Away!

2008-01-29T12:36:00.000-08:00

I just sent seven monsters to Kismet Gallery in NY. My shop hasn't had a sale in a couple weeks so I decided to send some guys away where people can see the cuties in person. They sell really well there, even though they are a little more expensive. But I made sure I put little tags with them with their individual descriptions, favorite colors, favorite foods. Because those are the things people love about unique, hand made toys. The imagination and care that goes into each one. The picture above is Jimmy Jack and here is his description:
Jimmy Jack is a professional monster model and is very well known in the monster celebrity world. He is wearing a hand knit wool scarf and designer hand sewn jeans. He never wears shirts in hopes to impress the female monster models. He enjoys dates and steak dinners. He has recently been seen modeling for the new Calvin Klein cologne "Monster Encounter" and would like nothing more than his own runway in his new home to model all of his designer labels for you.
Check out my shop for monsters that are still available. Remember shipping is free for U.S.

Custom Order

2008-01-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

Check out my new custom order pieces. Their names are Quibee and Paulie. They are going to a home together along with Gregoir the 2nd. My shop is in the middle of a face lift and I am really loving it's new look. All my monsters are basking in the sun, except these because they already have a new home.

UglyPrettyThings

My Shop

2008-01-20T23:50:00.000-08:00

Experimenting with new backgrounds

2008-01-20T15:03:00.000-08:00

I am experimenting with a new background for my photos. One that will be consistent, vibrant in color, and inviting to customers. I really liked this that I came up with and was sure it would get some more views when I renewed my item. So far I have only gotten 1 view. Granted it has been about 5 minutes, but I thought there would be more. I will see how this goes, how many new viewers I get, hearts etc. before I decide to convert all of my photos. To renew all my items besides the ones that are already reserved it will only cost me $3.8 so I guess that isn't that bad.
I will know in the next few weeks how much I will need to work my butt off for the show in August. if I am cast in a summer stock program I will obviously have to get all my monsters done this semester for the show. I am thinking at least fifty monsters. It is going to be the best feeling to walk into that gallery and see it filled with my creatures. I cannot wait. I'm going with my family, possibly my boyfriend if he has the time and money. It will be amazing.

Friendly Creatures

2008-01-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Pan and Tommy are very friendly, soft and would love to go to a new home. This is one of my favorite designs for my monsters and this design has done really well. One of my monsters with this design that I made for Kismet Gallery was featured in a newspaper article that you can find to the right. I can't explain how excited I was when I saw that. I am really quite grateful for how my first business year has gone. I feel like it's growing at a nice rate and since I'm still in school I can keep up with it. I hope after I graduate it will grow even more.

For now, check out the new babes!

Tommy

Pan

This is becoming my job.

2008-01-11T15:53:00.000-08:00

I struggled to get the work schedule I wanted over break and I will not be working nearly as much this last semester because of the amount of school work I have. I have been pouring myself into my business. I have been sending out applications for consignment as well as design opportunities and once things are more set in stone I will let you know about them.

These are my newest creation, a newly wed couple. They are for sale in my shop, and are submitted for the Etsy Plush Team Valentines Day challenge. They are very excited about it.

More to come, soon!

The New Blog!

2008-01-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the official blog for UglyPrettyThings. UglyPrettyThings is a line of unique, quirky, hand made plush monsters and other creatures. I created the company in July 2007 and I've had a great year so far. You can visit my store at http://www.uglyprettythings.etsy.com/. I also have monsters for sale on http://www.joliehandmade.com/. Also if you live in the Troy, NY area you can see my monsters in the flesh at Kismet Gallery. I will be doing a show in August there along with another fabulous artist, Martin Moore, who creates painted vinyl toys.

Currently I am working on an illustrated children's book based around my monsters and their fabulous monster lives. More posts to come. I will leave you with some fun pictures of some of my favorite creations.