Crafty Wonderland Spring 2013

Here are a few images from Crafty Wonderland this last Saturday. I'm pleased to say that the show was really fun, as I knew it would be. I was so happy to be able to share my work with Portland and to meet many amazing artists, it's been a dream of mine to be on the inside of a show like this for a while and I'm so glad I did it. I hope to be back for the Christmas show in December.

Be sure to check out my Etsy shop, I worked really hard to make a lot of new things with new and amazing fabrics so please go check it out, I'm posting more every day. Also, if you are in Portland, you can stop by the Spark Arts Center in NE Portland and see some of my work in person.

 Feel free to contact me if you want to talk about a custom order.

the first 200 lined up to get the coveted Crafty Wonderland goodie bag

First ever Kleja booth - I liked it!

cutest booth visitor of the day

Right across the way from me was the fabulous Rian of Tuesday Scarves. Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law I own many of these and they are fantastic!

The talented and inspirational LeBrie Rich

I didn't get to walk around very much but I did get to see these simply amazing eggs from Hanky Pysanky. I wish I had better photos  - check out her Etsy page!

What show isn't complete without these crazy kids!

Missing bunny mom!

This bunny is missing his Mom. Did you buy this bunny from me at Craftywonderland? Your information was misplaced and I really want to make sure he gets to you, especially since he's going to have a new outfit.

My sincerest apologies for this mixup. Please email me as soon as you can so I can reunite you with your bunny. my email address is kleja72 [at] gmail.com

Craftywonderland!

I had a great time at Craftywonderland! Visit my website and Etsy shop Monday for something super special!

Buildings?

Remember that line from the movie BIG where Tom Hanks says something like "who wants to play with a building?" and the answer is basically no one? Ha! Well, maybe no one wants to play with buildings but I couldn't stop myself from making some.

I really wanted to make some buildings that remind me of the town houses in Montreal, so I did!

Then I really wanted to make a building like one from the Hitchcock film Rear Window, so I did that too! I love how the set looks like a living miniature world.

I'm not quite finished with these, they need to be stitched closed but I couldn't wait to share.

needle felting

I think needle felting is one of the most satisfying crafts around. Where else do you get to stab something a bunch of times and end up with something adorable? Want to try it?
I will be teaching a mini workshop at Spark Arts Center on May 17th from 7-9pm. They call this series of workshops 'Happy Hour Art' not just because it's fun, there's wine too!

needle felted ladybug

needle felted strawberry

Something New!

I just launch a new site to help share my artwork, it's here (www.klayarsenault.squarespace.com) at squarespace! I love blogger and will continue to post here.  But I thought it was about time I put everything together in a gallery setting. It feels good. I hope you like it.

4.16.13

I've been watching my calendar very closely these days. Making to do lists, getting up early to work before everyone is awake and basically trying to wring out every free minute of the day getting ready for Crafty Wonderland on May 11.

A few people have asked me about what I make and I have to admit that I've been having trouble explaining it. Sometimes I say I'm a doll maker, but that doesn't seem to really encompass what I do. I've kind of defaulted to textile artist, but that to me has a much more serious tone, like something I strive to be not what I am. Anyway, I usually get around to saying that I make owls and bunnies. I need more practice talking about what I do, then maybe I too will understand it.

Most of what I've made for the sale is sitting unstuffed but I was able to take some pictures today of the few things that I've finished and my workspace, which I was inspired to do from this is cool post.

A large and growing pile of owls wait for stuffing. 

When things are in full swing there are many, many piles.

I like to see a lot of things when I'm making stuff.
I never know which combinations I'm going to like, I change my mind a lot.

Love making these simple little creatures.
I think they have so much personality and they love to huddle together.

Having a great time making various zipper pouches.
They're all made or reclaimed materials and the machine drawing is my favorite thing to do these day.

Crafty!

I'm so excited to tell you that I'm going to have a booth at Craftywonderland this May 11th.

I've been sewing and creating like a mad woman and I'm really excited to share it all with you.

I hope you'll grab your mom and dad (if he's in to that kind of thing), possibly a neighbor, for sure your sisters, brothers, kids, aunts, babysitters and friends and come see what's at Craftywonderland this May 11th in Portland Oregon!

Stop by and say hello!

Meet Oki pronounced OH Kee!

This is Oki, she's FInnish, I think. I looked it up and her name means 'Middle of the Ocean' but I have a feeling she comes from the middle of the forest. Perhaps there is a lush enchanted forest right in the middle of the ocean and we just don't know it.

I'm not sure how she got here, it's kind of a mystery. She speaks Finnish but her English is improving very quickly. Ally and I have been teaching her. Oki's says that her parents thought she should see the world so they sent her on an adventure and now here she is! Ally already made her a sweater, because we all know how much Ally loves sweaters. I think Oki likes how it accentuates her long neck.

Oki is quite good at gardening and she seems very fond of small animals like squirrels and mice. She is also fantastic at baking. Last night she made the most amazing braided bread - just beautiful!

I hope Oki will stick around for a while, long enough for us all the learn more about her and perhaps she can help out in the studio - we need it!