AMIGURUMI

Back in December I taught myself how to crochet so I could make amigurumi dolls for friends as Christmas presents. The first thing I learned was how to make a chao from Sonic Adventure. My fiance got me a pattern and I picked up from that. I got a good amount of compliments and made five for my friends before starting my own Etsy shop selling nothing but crochet chao dolls. The first one bought was by a guy that requested a custom made dark flying chao. I had to figure out how to make it by trial and error, which was actually a lot of fun.

I guess I did good since the tip he gave me was waaay more than generous! He gave it to his girlfriend on Valentine's Day.

I made another one in case the first didn't meet his expectations. I put it in my shop and I think that's how I got so many views. A couple people approached me for a pattern but I'm not sure if I should make one or not since I still consider myself a newb and would hate it if I worded things wrong or made it difficult to follow.

I made other things like slimes from MapleStory and Dragon Quest (Irene Flores bought my first one for her friend's video game themed wedding!), Kirby, and Boo.

About a week ago I taught myself how to make my own patterns. I made a moogle based from FF6/FF9 designs since most are similar to FF10. Other than chao dolls they are becoming more popular. c:

I'm thinking about becoming more pro with the shop, making my own creatures, and try making more iconic amigurumi dolls~

Anyway! You can find my shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/STiRsItemShop

Here are a few. I'm also thinking about redesigning the chao dolls to make the proportions cuter.

ALMOST A YEAR

I am really bad about keeping up with this blog. Seriously.

Since the last post I graduated with honors, joined an honors society (Alpha Beta Kappa), became the recipient of the Dean of Student Service Cup award, moved back home to help parents (dad had a stroke and mom had knee replacement surgery - neither could really leave the house), had my own art exhibit at the Lawrence County Art Council (also may have some of my art at the Hartselle art gallery), modeled for a competition and advertisement...

I'm sure I skipped some things, but those were the main highlights.

Right now I'm doing freelance work and making tons of amigurumi dolls in my Etsy shop: Check it out, guys!

Since there are hardly any local animation/art jobs in or around my hometown I started working in retail again. Part time has some really unreliable hours. First few weeks were 32-20 hours a week. Next week I have a total of 4 hours. I'm in this awkward position where I would like to move to a larger city for more opportunities to get a job in animation, but can't earn enough money where I am able to move nor am I completely sure if I'd even get a job in animation since I feel intimidated with my lack of any animation work experience. School related stuff was good, but knowing I have to apply that to the real world kind of frightens me. And next month is the first month when I need to start paying for student loans. Bye bye grace period!

Anyway. Here are some things I've doodled since this year began! I think my art is getting... cutesier?