{Kivett Studio}

Cats!

2009-05-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

I just finished another custom order for my friend Dian. I've totally lost track of how many doll forms that I've made just for her since we first met through the local bead society several years ago....but if I had to guess, I would say that Dian has probably collected enough of them from me to fill a five gallon bucket with nothing but dolls. This time she needed two purple cats, with no tails, that can stand upright all on their own. I can't wait to see how she's planning to bead them! In the meantime, stop by her blog, say hi, and see what she's working on next.

I had so much fun making these little sweet hearts that I couldn't just stop at those two... I've made two more in cream and have a few more that need to be stuffed. I've listed the extras for sale on my website. Just click the image to pop over there.

Dry Erase Message Board

2009-05-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE this idea that I found on the Design Sponge Blog! The original project uses and old window, which I didn't have, so I improvised and created my message board from a picture frame that I had stored in the garage. I wrapped the backing board with some of my favorite fabric and added a small (ATC sized) collage of one of my grandmothers childhood photos. All of which was just taped into place so I can change fabrics once I grow tired of this. Viola! A personalized message board for my studio!

And the first thing on my list, finish my new Sun Salutation Goddess! She's done....You can see her here....

www.KivettStudio.Etsy.com

Wild Mushrooms

2009-05-07T16:14:00.000-07:00

There are wild mushrooms popping up in my studio!

Batik Tree Spirits

2009-05-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

As warm weather takes over, I find myself less and less motivated to stay indoors and sew. I would much rather be outside...doing something, anything! Hmmm maybe I should set my sewing machine up on the back deck. I wonder if the neighbors would think I'm some kind of weirdo?

Even though the weather has been gorgeous, I still managed to stitch up a couple of new Tree Spirits in a brown/purple/pink batik fabric I had stashed away. I love the color combination! The pink adds an unexpected pop.

One of my finished Tree Spirits

has just been listed in my

Etsy shop!

Kivett Studio on Facebook

2009-04-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

As if I had nothing better to do....

Kivett Studio is now on Facebook!

Click the image to join me ;-)

Collage Machine

2009-04-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Can't help myself....i still love playing with the Collage Machine ! Actually, I'm avoiding the reorganization of my studio. I hate to admit it but I have developed strange attachments to oddball junk that should be donated, recycled or just plain trashed. Can't figure out how to just let go of things that I might need someday.

Custom work and spring cleaning time

2009-03-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't been updating my blog much these days. I've gotten side tracked with custom orders and spring cleaning. It's unbelievable how much clutter I've managed to accumulate over the winter! I'm making it top priority over the next two weeks to get my studio (and the rest of the house) sparkling clean.

Hibernation

2009-03-06T13:53:00.000-08:00

I'm slowly coming out of hibernation, now that the weather is warming and Spring is just around the corner. Today I'm working on a few new doll forms...and maybe next week I'll get started on some new plush monsters! You'll find these bunny forms for sale on my website.

Modish Giveaway - Day Two!

2008-12-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Heads up! It's day two of the Modish Giveaway. Go check it out...you just might win all these handmade goodies ;-)

Above photo shows the prize package for giveaway #2, and was provided courtesy of Modish.

Modish Giveaway - Day One!

2008-12-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

December 10-12, Modish will be giving away three HUGE prize packages. The first giveaway was announced today and will include a Kivett Studio Christmas Tree Monster. To enter, all you need to do is visit the Modish Blog, read through the entry details and choose to participate by scavenger method or broadcast method, and then leave a comment on Modish.

Giveaway #1 is worth $726! You'll have until Tuesday, Dec 16th at 11:59pm (PST) to enter. Good Luck!

Above photo shows the prize package for giveaway #1, and was provided courtesy of Modish.

Sugar Skull Plush for Big Brothers / Big Sisters

2008-11-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

The proceeds from the sale of this Sugar Skull plush will be donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters via the Plushteam's Plushraiser!

This particular Sugar Skull monster was recently on display at Drawn West Gallery for the 2008 Dia de los Muertos Exhibit. Created in bright cheery colors, this plush calavera is a celebration of "All Souls Day", also known as the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos.

Shop the Plush Team on Etsy now!

Sugar skull plush created by Ronda Kivett.

www.Zzbeadz.Etsy.com

Faux Hot Chocolate

2008-11-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

Recently there was a huge buzz around the net about the 5 minute microwave cake. I got several emails from friends passing on the recipe. I thought theywould make wonderful party gifts for the holidays . We decided to give it a try, only to discover that the cake was a little dry, slightly rubbery and overall was really lacking in the "mmmmmm, yummy!" department.

So, last weekend I did a local craft fair and decided that I also wanted to sell some baked goods....let's face it, everyone has a weakness for baked goods around the holidays. The cake in a mug concept was a super cute idea but it needed to be modified so that the cake would actually taste good and still be easy to make. For this I started with heavy ceramic mugs. Most mugs are labeled on the bottom if they are microwave/ dishwasher/ oven safe. The mugs I used did not say they were oven safe. I was a little worried about them cracking in the heat of the oven so I filled a shallow baking pan with an inch of water. I filled 12 ounce mugs 2/3 full with cake batter and set them into the water filled baking pan. I'm not much of a baker so I stuck with a tried and true boxed cake mix but you certainly could substitute your own from scratch recipe. Baked them at the recommended temperature from the box (in this case 350 degrees) for approximately 35 minutes. Slide a knife or toothpick all the way to the bottom to test for doneness. I frosted the top to look like a mug of hot chocolate, with chocolate frosting and a few mini marshmallows on top.

They turned out wonderful! The cake was super moist, just the way I like it! While everyone stopped to adore them, I only sold a few cake mugs at the craft fair. But all was good because in the end I got to take some home for myself......those people at the craft fair that didn't buy one don't know what they were missing!

Holiday Forms

2008-11-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

Just in time for holiday beading! Premade Snowman forms are now ready for you to add your own unique twist. Dress them up as decorations or give them as gifts. Bird forms & star forms are also available and would make great stocking stuffers or holiday ornaments.

Happy Beading!

www.kivett-studio.com

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

Weekend in Phoenix

2008-10-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend in Phoenix. A day at the HissyFits craft fair then we checked out Courtney's new apartment that she'll be moving into the first week of November. The craft fair was filled with all sorts of interesting items but all the girls were worried about was finding shade. Courtney curled up under the table to read a book and in no time drifted off to sleep, as if she were still an infant. I never will understand how small children can so easily fall asleep at anytime/anyplace. Here's my fully grown baby snoozing under the table, using her giant purse as a pillow. At one point her hand flopped out from under the table cloth....I can't even begin to imagine what craft fair shoppers may have been thinking!

Waverly, on the other hand, kept herself amused by taking pictures of me, taking pictures of her. I was amused by shoppers....people watching can be so much fun. Especially when they see a table full of my handmade monsters. One boy, must have been about 8 years old, stopped and touched nearly every single monster on my table as he described and commented on each one....then said that I must really be weird for making all those monsters!

Note to self: MUST stop at Krispy Kreme Donuts the next time we go down to Phoenix. I've missed Krispy Kreme, but they've finally reopened stores down around Phoenix...I am so there next time!

Caramel Apple Monster

2008-10-20T14:12:00.001-07:00

One of my FAVORITE Fall foods are caramel apples. I like them smothered in caramel then drenched in mounds of chocolate and sprinkled with even more chocolate then rolled in marshmallows. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has candy coated apples big enough to feed the entire family....and they usally carry them all year round, but I only endulge in the Fall. I plan to run to the mall and buy one before then end of October. And if the kids are lucky I might even share a bite or two.

Nope, I never met a candied apple I didn't like and this one is no exception. This crazy Caramel Apple Monster was created for the Plush Team Halloween Treats & Fall Foods Challenge. Check out the Plush Team blog and vote for your favorite entry!

If you love caramel apples as much as I do then this one would love to go home with you.... He's waiting to be adopted from the Zzbeadz etsy shop.

Monster wristlet

2008-10-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

Now my little monsters come in purse form to carry all of life's little necessities!

I'm preparing for a craft fair at the end of this month...and possibly another next month. Hubby said my table layout looked great, except it needed a better variety of items, not just stuffed monsters....so the monster pouch was born....well sorta, it's not the first monster pouch I've made but it will be the first i'm going to offer for sale. All of my other attempts that came before this one are stuffed full of my own personal junk!

Red Hot Robot

2008-10-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

You can now find my Sugar Skull Plushies at Red Hot Robot in Phoenix for the Dia de los Plush show! They are also available for purchase from the Red Hot Robot website.

I'm toiling away on another batch of Sugar Skulls as we speak....They will be available at Drawn West in Prescott beginning October 24th for the SICYS - Dia de los Muertos Exhibit. The opening reception starts at 5:30pm. The exhibit will run until November 2nd.

Bright and cheery

2008-09-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

I've not yet gone into "Fall colors" mode. I'm just not done playing with bright cheery color....as you can see from the dolls I made this week. Although I did recently add some sepia tone bird forms to my shop, but I'm not ready to let go of summer!

Sugar Skull Plush

2008-09-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

I think I may have over-extended myself for the month of October. I've committed myself to three exhibits, a craft fair and still have to plan and execute Waverly's birthday party. I could really use two of me right now! Today, I'm making plush sugar skulls for a local Dia de los Muertos Exhibit. They match the sugar skull necklaces I made last year.....which I may also make more of those for the exhibit, if I have time.

New Forms

2008-09-17T12:24:00.001-07:00

I finally found a shopping cart that i like and am slowly filling it with new forms. As much as i love Etsy, I would rather sell directly from my own shopping cart through my website. It just makes my life easier.....plus this cart that I started using is way easier/faster when it comes to adding new items. I'll still update my etsy shops every so often but will most likely list the bulk of new doll forms on my website.

I'm tossing out the idea of doing a doll (maybe softie/plush) swap soon. I don't have all the particulars figured out yet but will work it out soon. If anyone is interested in joining me just shoot an email my way ;-)

Renegade Chicago - Sept 13 & 14

2008-09-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago starts tomorrow at noon. I wish I could be there! Even though I can't make the long trip, my monster plushies WILL be there. Visit to the Plush Team booth (#70) to see them.

Watson Lake

2008-09-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Scott and I went hiking near Watson lake yesterday and came across a giant rattlesnake! I nearly had a heart attack! I never need to see another snake for as long as i live. The beast held us up for a good 10-15 minutes because we couldn't get around him on the trail. Well I couldn't get by, Scott wasn't afraid to walk by while the snake was pointed in the opposite direction, slooowwwwly slithering away, but stopping to glare at me and flick his tongue every few seconds. I on the other hand needed more than 6 feet between us to pass without having a panic attack. I had my camera but refused to try and take a picture of the snake. As if snapping a quick photo would anger it even more than our trespassing it its territory.... I'd rather take pictures of something a little more pleasant anyway....scenery! I love the reflection of the clouds in the water, and not a single snake to be seen.

Last Day to Vote

2008-09-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

It's the last day to vote in the Etsy Handmade Kids Sweepstakes! Show Hungry Bunny some love ;-)

I also finished and mailed all the plush goodness that will be appearing at Renegade in Chicago. Here's a little peek at just some of the plushies you'll be seeing in the Plush Team booth.

Quirks?

2008-09-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Tagged by Machinarex
Here are the rules:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking to them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged bloggers blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

1. I absolutely cannot stand the sound of flies(or any kind of bug) buzzing around...it drives me crazy!

2. My family thinks I have some sort of cleaning OCD. Every so often I go on manic cleaning rampages and target specific items. The last two weeks my defined targets have been light fixtures, lamps, and the TV. All of which seem to be releasing a mysterious dusty scent when turned on that only I can smell.....despite that fact that they have been cleaned thoroughly every single day since i started smelling the dust potpourri.

3. I'm extremely forgetful and must leave little post it notes with messages to myself all over the house. I've not been using post it notes as much since I discovered that i can take notes with my cell phone and set my alarm to remind me of things i may have forgotten.

4. I can't seem to sit in one spot for too long, which may be why i don't watch a huge amount of TV. If i am sitting there i feel the need to be working on something at the same time...like handstitching or stuffing dolls.

5. I can't think of anything else at this moment. Maybe i'll come back to this later...but probably not because one of my other quirks is that i'm a procrastinator. If i can't get a task done quickly, at that precise moment that I want to get it done, then i'll drag it out for days/weeks/months!

6. See number 5. LOL!

I tag anyone that wants to play ;-)