I just listed my 300th item at CreativeCritters on ArtFire.com!  This one of a kind handcrafted polymer clay sculpture was inspired by Alice in Wonderland.  This is where Alice meets Mr. Caterpillar, with my touches added, of course.  I made the spots on the mushrooms, the flowers, and Mr. Caterpillar's belly from glow in the dark clay, as well as painting the stripes on the small blue mushrooms with glow in the dark paint.  The effect in the dark is pretty impressive- the picture really doesn't do it justice.  This sculpture measures 5 1/2 inches tall (to the top of the caterpillar) and 5 inches at the widest point of the base and Alice is 3 inches tall.  You can click on any of the pictures to go directly to the listing.  And if you'd like to see any of my other 299 items, please feel free to browse my studio.  Thanks so much for stopping by!



-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Introducing Tiana!  This sweet and cuddly plush white teddy bear is a one of a kind handmade stuffed animal.  I sewed her by hand and stuffed her with polyester fiberfill.  She stands about 13 inches tall and has a jointed head, arms, and legs, allowing her to be put into all sorts of cute poses.  She has big bright black eyes and the most charming little face.  Not only would Tiana make a wonderful gift for a child, but adults will love her too.  You can click on the pictures to go directly to the listing.  Thanks for stopping by!


-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Today the temperature actually reached 60, and you could see real signs of spring.  My daffodils and hyacyinths are starting to poke through the soil, and the birds are much more active.  It's been a long, cold winter, and I am more than ready for spring's arrival!  I've started my bell peppers and salad greens indoor under lights, even though it's going to be quite a few weeks before it's actually warm and dry enough to plant them outdoors.  The coming of Spring always inspires me creatively as well.  That inspiration can be clearly seen in many of my sculptures, stuffed animals, and jewelry.  Obviously my Green Spring Fairy sculpture is all about spring.

My Purple Knit Easter Bunny was inspired by spring, as well as the Easter holiday itself.  I remember getting stuffed rabbits for Easter when I was a kid, and this is just the sort of stuffed animal I would have loved.

I love flowers, and am an avid flower and vegetable gardener.  These Calla Lily earrings are some of my favorites.  I even had to make a pair for myself. 
Of course there are plenty more spring inspired items in my shop- just click on CreativeCritters to see all I have to offer, and be sure to check back often, as I add new items regularly.  Thanks for stopping by!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

With the new Alice in Wonderland movie coming out, I've been contemplating new sculptures inspired by the story.  The first I chose to create was the Cheshire Cat.  He was one of my favorite characters.  I loved his big silly smile, and the way he'd magically diasspear, with his smile being the last part to go.  My Cheshire Cat was sculpted from polymer clay using light and dark pink.  He's 3 inches long and 1 1/2 inches tall.  I used glow in the dark paint on his smile and some of his stripes to simulate the way he fades out of site.  The pictures in the listing don't really do it justice.  The effect is really cool!  I just have to smile every time I see that big Cheshire grin.  This piece is just the first in a series of sculptures, and possibly dolls from Alice in Wonderland.  Each of the characters and scenes is chock full of inspiration for me.  This is a fun, anything goes, fantasy world without limits!  Stayed tuned for future sculptures, dolls, and maybe plush characters inspired by Alice in Wonderland!



(This is his glowing smile and stripes)
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Those of you who know me may have heard that Gramma has been in the nursing home for some time now.  About a month and a half ago she went to the hospital with bronchitis, then was transfered to the nursing home for her rehabilitation.  She worked really hard at her therapy and became strong enough to come home.  Yesterday was her first day back, and she did pretty good.  It was hectic, but she didn't seem to get too stressed out.  We had a new hospital bed delivered to replace her (very) old Craftmatic Adjustable bed.  The hard part was taking apart the old bed.  Those things have a ton of screws and bolts!  The new bed is smaller, and much easier for me to manuver around.  The delivery guy had it put together and set up in no time.  It has locking wheels, so I can move it whenever I need to.  It also seems to be easier for her to get in and out as well.  Then  the medical supply company dropped off a machine for oxygen, which I think will be temporary.  She's never been on oxygen before, and it was just prescribed to use at night.  When the nurse came today and checked her oxygen it was 97%, and she had me turn the machine off about 9am, so she had over 5 hours without any additional oxygen. The nurse said if Gramma felt she didn't need it, she didn't have to use the machine.   Gramma's mood and attitude are pretty good too, which is nice to see.  It's good to see her smile and hear her laugh.  We'll have all sorts of nurses, aides, and therapists coming to the house for a while.  So far they've all been very nice and answered all our questions and concerns.  I was so proud of Gramma for getting herself in and out of bed today (I could see how bad she wanted to do it by herself).  She also walked up and down the hall (with the walker) about 5 times.  I hope she remains this motivated.  I think it will help that spring is coming and she can sit out in the living room and see the sunshine, animals, and flowers.  Winter in NE Ohio is enough to depress anyone!
I just wanted to update everyone on how Gramma was doing.  I may not be able to spend as much time online now that she's home, but don't worry, I'm still here!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters