The book is almost done. It really is. I'm writing the 16th pattern now, editing the manuscript, taking the photos for the front section, and tying up loose ends. But I can see the light and the light looks amazing!
Writing a craft book while maintaining a craft blog is challenging because everything has to be hush hush. I'm not sure if keeping book projects hidden is really necessary, actually. I've often thought it would be great to share each project with you as it is created and that you wouldn't mind seeing them now and then again when the book is released in a year, but clearly publishers do not agree. Maybe they have a point? I'd love to know your thoughts on this.
As the bulk of the work on this book began to wrap up I did a lot of thinking about what would be next for me. My Softies For Sale series has been a terrific way to formally research next steps and I've had several private conversations with crafters and makers, too. I am someone who needs a big project. Huge undertakings keep me going and push me to learn new things.
I already had a few projects on my horizon, things I'd been eager to get to once the manuscript was out the door.
- making custom plush from children's artwork
- doing some collaborative work with other artists
- creating a window display
- making pdf patterns to sell
I'm excited about all of those and I'm also excited about another new venture, too. I recently signed a licensing contract with Simplicity in their crafts division. I am going to be designing soft toy patterns for them and I'm looking forward to working with them. Creating patterns for Simplicity will mean that my work is in stores all over the country, at Jo-Ann's, at WalMart. Working with a big company, like working with a major publishing house, involves compromise, for sure, but also exposure to a much wider audience. I'm excited!
In order to be credited on each pattern envelope that I design I needed a logo so I had a logo designed and I'm really happy with it. Here it is:
My favorite colors, with a 70's vibe, and an owl! I hope you like it. One of the nice things about this new venture is that I can blog about it. I can show you the designs while they are in progress and I can talk about the process as it goes along. I'm not one for big reveals. Big projects don't happen magically. They happen step by tiny step and I love each of those tiny steps and I'm so relieved to finally be able to show them to you! So look out. New plush is on its way!
