Tag: Softies

A Simple Way to Make Better Art

Learning specific techniques is high on the list of ways to improve your art, but instruction doesn't need to be your exclusive avenue. Jenn Mason, co-host of Mixed-Media Workshop TV, lets you in on a little secret in this special blog post. She advises that you take your knowledge of composition, color schemes, and materials,…

Sweet Heart Stuffies Make a Tender (and Easy) Gift

Pretty much every issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine requires me to add to my list of “must-do” art projects. There’s always some new and shiny technique or tool I have to play with. Turn fabric scraps, trims, and found papers into sweet stuffies. But, even after nearly 10 years’ worth of projects, I still…

12 Free Bird Projects and Techniques

We’re celebrating Put a Bird on It month with 12 hours of free projects, techniques, and eBooks featuring our feathered friends today. If you missed the 12-hour free fest on our Facebook page, here is a list of links taking you to each free how-to or download. Even if you’re not a fan of things…

How to Stuff a Softie Art Doll

Thanksgiving may be over this year, but we can still talk about stuffing birds, can't we? I'm talking about softies (aka stuffies or art dolls). Quail softie by Abby Glassenberg. There are lots of ways to stuff softies, and many different kinds of softies to stuff. But since birds are such a popular shape in…

Easy, Scrappy Softies – What a Hoot!

Ever since I made a murder of fancy felt crow softies from Kelli Nina Perkins's pattern several years ago, I've been looking for other easy art doll patterns to make using my fabric scraps. Tweedie Owl Softie by Amy Struckmeyer,from Stitch Winter 2012. Two years ago I made pumpkin stuffies. They were adorable and fun,…

Bubba of Sportsman's Paradise Voodoo Doll

Bubba brings good luck to your outdoor adventures. Tote him along when you set out to wrestle alligators. He's been state gator wrestling champ three years in a row! He's a swell fishing buddy. Never talks too much to scare the fish away.  This OOAK creature is made of black cotton and rayon with red…

Making Art Dolls and Softies: New Free eBook

Whether you call them softies, stuffies, art dolls, or craft dolls, doll making is something that many fabric and mixed-media artists enjoy. The beauty of making dolls is that you can use all kinds of materials, from fabric scraps and thread to found objects and recyclables. You can use cloth doll patterns or make up…