tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-124665182012-01-28T02:47:19.480-08:00Your daily dose of motivation, inspiration and amusement for the small business owner or crafty entrepreneur. Because artists love business too!Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.comBlogger4351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-9187140856515537392011-08-16T11:50:00.000-07:002011-08-16T11:50:08.776-07:00

Now that I'm back in the game of designing and illustrating I've been taking note of what's hot and new in the design world. I'm in love with pretty much everything from Target and they are pretty good at following the crafty trends of the industry. Check out these super cute patterns! I totally want to try out a few versions of these in my next illustrations. Photos are a little crappy because

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-59693293018186258422011-08-16T11:20:00.000-07:002011-08-16T11:20:34.098-07:00

I've been working full time now for over 6 months. All my design muscles have been whipped into shape and I feel the confidence and attitude returning. At this level I'm coming into my prime as a designer and I can see it in the work I produce. Your skill goes up, your speed is faster and with that comes the aloof bitterness when you accept that you are essentially just polishing turds for a

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-85811299388715160162011-07-28T07:29:00.000-07:002011-07-28T07:29:17.118-07:00

Head over to this site and read the first %25 of this book for free. "You don’t know if your idea is any good the moment it’s created. Neither does anyone else. The most you can hope for is a strong gut feeling that it is. And trusting your feelings is not as easy as the optimists say it is. There’s a reason why feelings scare us. And asking close friends never works quite as well as you hope

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-90813870398090255872011-07-15T14:25:00.000-07:002011-07-15T14:25:47.982-07:00

RAISE YOUR STANDARDS! The only real competition is my own mind. Always trying to do better the next time around because you KNOW you can do better. No matter what kind of project I'm doing and even if it's busy work. I will put MY BEST into it and I will use that opportunity to learn and build experience. What kind of life do you want to live? What are your rituals?

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-12397002706159389262011-07-14T11:58:00.000-07:002011-07-14T11:58:48.240-07:00

Hey I know this is a commercial but the idea is really big and the message is inspiring. I thought I would share! 

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-9880518545046445372011-07-14T11:42:00.000-07:002011-07-14T11:42:36.838-07:00

Something I need to be reminded of is that failures are part of success. They go hand in hand. It's hard to stomach though because when you are trying hard to reach your goals you start to find more and more failures will come your way. You deal with more problems than the average person. You start to wonder "Why is my life so hard?" and "Why does this have to be so damn difficult?". It's because

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-38598035841881591242011-04-14T13:21:00.000-07:002011-04-14T13:21:11.630-07:00

For all the design geeks out there. Doesn't this just make you squirm with the cuteness? I wish I had saved some of my old pantone chips from previous jobs. There are so many old versions around that you can probably scavange if you look hard enough.  Tutorial here via How About Orange  Then someone took it to the next level and made tiny polaroid magnets! Using the same technique and DIY skills

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-27093446186545429792011-04-06T07:23:00.001-07:002011-04-06T07:23:29.312-07:00

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-28518108597677699772011-04-06T07:18:00.000-07:002011-04-06T07:18:19.069-07:00

I love Gary. I met him in person when he was doing his book signing at Powell's bookstore in Portland a couple of years ago. I then finally got an audio copy of his book (Crush It!) and have listened to it multiple times. He's so PUMPED! There really are no excuses. I have to listen to this advice right now too. I come home so tired but I gotta remember the bigger picture and try to slide in a

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-50809984985507877502011-04-06T07:14:00.000-07:002011-04-06T07:14:36.091-07:00

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-10582800609879320832011-01-20T10:39:00.000-08:002011-04-03T14:06:57.620-07:00

Hey everyone. Check out this show I'll be participating in. It's the first of the year and I'm bringing my inventory of hats that you will have access to ONLY on this day. This is before my fashion show and a good time to pick up some deals. Come on by and support local artists! We really need the help right now. Business is slow in January and we need the sales and mostly we just need the

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-46157726872246158032011-01-13T16:30:00.000-08:002011-04-03T14:06:45.454-07:00

Finally photographing some of the hats I had left over from last year. Cleaning house! I'm going to be focusing on new styles soon and standardizing a lot of this. Still going to have unique ones too! Hopefully having an inventory will help with this. So here are the hats I listed today! All available here: www.lolly-tots.com

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-60525093875446139002011-01-12T19:19:00.000-08:002011-01-12T19:19:33.869-08:00

Ok guys I don't want to spam you. That's not the idea of this blog at all! I will have to do a little of that right now because YES this is actually news. I'm cleaning out the studio and in the process of super organizing and purging of crafty bits and old products. I have found some gems though that I wanted to post in my etsy shop. I have this super cute collection of paintings that I've been

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-87668688699219568002011-01-10T18:33:00.000-08:002011-01-10T18:33:13.907-08:00

I am proud to announce that I will be participating in my very first fashion show! I am so excited about this you guys! My good friend Amy Dotts will be hosting it with me and she will be showing off her fantastic fashionable dresses and bloomers - www.amydotts.com. If you are here in Portland please plan to attend! The facebook event page is here. SO EXCITED! More updates coming soon! 

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-25221402965452997532011-01-07T12:18:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:47:40.426-07:00

This is my warrior cry for 2011. I will NOT HOLD BACK this year. No more hiding in the corner. It's time to shine! It's time to be a firework! "If you only knew what the future holds After a hurricane comes a rainbow" Maybe I had to go through all that shit and all that pain to really see who I was inside. I was so hurt! I thought.. why me? Why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-41345716756097798692011-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:47:31.702-07:00

I wish I had this much passion for my previous jobs. It would have been awesome to work for a company that I could stand behind proudly. That I could work for a company that would be so great I would rave about it to all my friends and try to get everyone to come in and be a customer or client. I would love working there. I would love all my co-workers. I would love the work that we did and know

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-45225294955738682682011-01-04T14:38:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:47:19.130-07:00

 I was a giant pink bunny for New Years this year. I worked so hard on this outfit and this hat and I'm glad it came together so well! I was so overworked over Christmas and I hardly updated this blog and I hardly even had any sort of fun. I took a week off to rest and work on my other sewing projects. I got a LOT done. I feel so much better. I had the BEST NEW YEARS OF MY LIFE!   I had a

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-42306044897107766472011-01-04T14:30:00.001-08:002011-04-03T13:47:10.492-07:00

This is the exact same model as my sewing machine! I don't know if I can handle that many buttons when I'm working though. What a cute idea! Check out the flickr set here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7653822@N03/3533643627/in/faves-safirepdx/

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-84621744386240227812010-12-05T09:55:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:46:54.634-07:00

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-13695185879487560032010-12-03T17:00:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:46:43.288-07:00

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-33406593484153117892010-12-03T15:15:00.000-08:002010-12-03T17:03:05.362-08:00

I've been following the story of Ryan and Mandy for a couple years now as they biked around the country. I find their story really inspiring. They have been through so much to make this movie and this project means a lot to them. They are a couple of awesome people and I stand behind them 100%! This movie will inspire a whole generation to change their lives for the better. It's about community,

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-21054703811855069682010-12-03T12:12:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:46:29.699-07:00

Do you know that there are people out there that want to help you? They are just waiting for you to tell them what you need! When you are passionate about something and following your dreams it's amazing how many friends, family and strangers step in to give you a helping hand. It may be hard to believe NOW when you are first starting out. You will ask a lot of questions and want answers right

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-61542848707854355152010-12-01T11:47:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:46:14.031-07:00

When you have a lolly-tots hat sitting around it just makes picture time even more epic. Here are some random moments of my life with friends and family and my silly hats. This is the "lifestyle" shots of lolly-tots.  Hanging with friends at the bar - drinking and drawing  Trips to the coast. Practical and makes for fun photo shoots! The hats really keep out the cold winds and hold down your

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-74969780339127926302010-11-30T21:52:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:45:41.417-07:00

I have been wanting a disco light for some time and I think it will be a really fun thing to have up in my tent at markets and for chilling at home. It also makes some kick ass videos! Yeah we were having a little too much fun tonight playing around.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-32189656535865854352010-11-10T11:37:00.000-08:002011-04-03T13:45:32.531-07:00

So I borrowed my brother's wacom tablet for a project and then I finished that project and then I got totally disctracted with drawing again. This is soo taking me back to my college years where I used to just doodle all the time and I spent hours in photoshop with my tablet. Oh how I missed you photoshop! Also proof to you guys that I am still an artist! I just sew a LOT now a days.. I really

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-66990872900456925392010-10-22T15:16:00.000-07:002010-10-22T15:16:35.485-07:00

Now this is an impressive hack. Take one ordinary van add some modifications and some paint and BAM you have your own real life Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Van!   Check out more photos here: link

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-48362880271937552432010-09-23T16:00:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:59:25.314-07:00

Thanks to everyone that visited me last weekend at the market. I love capturing the little moments that makes up my day. A lot of this weekend was terrible boredom and it was SUPER slow. Every time I want to start feeling mopey and grumpy something awesome happens. These are the moments that kept me smiling all day long.  Unicorns! A visit from my talented friend Gina of Experienced Materials.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-38373568287240612942010-09-16T16:49:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:43:00.777-07:00

There have been a LOT of times this year where I wondered what the hell I was doing. I am staying strong though and I think at this point I've just eliminated the option to quit. I don't have a choice! I have to succeed. I have to prove it to myself that I can do this. I have to see this to the end. Now the business is starting to be bigger than me. It's expanding, it's bringing new people

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-46558293050694639142010-09-16T16:43:00.001-07:002011-04-03T12:56:50.196-07:00

Unicorn hats made it to the playa for Burning Man 2010 even though I couldn't be there. These awesome photos were just sent to me from my customer on etsy. I LOVE getting photos like this. This is why I sew! This is what gets me going when I'm feeling down. This is why I left my job behind. This why I work for myself! I get to be a small part of something magical. UNICORNS are HAWT. Rock

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-3800620590802089272010-08-02T22:51:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:42:46.214-07:00

I am on some kind of crazy sharpie drawing spree over here. I want to tag everything! I want to doodle on any painted surface. I'm itching to draw rounded teeth and little bear ears. Doodle doodle! When I got my little grey honda this spring I knew instantly that I would just HAVE to paint it. Grey? Can this girl really drive around such a boring car? It's against everything I'm trying to change

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-9902449729151764652010-07-30T11:23:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:42:37.672-07:00

What Is It?! Product Photography from I Heart Art: Portland on Vimeo. Here's a description from I Heart Art PDX's website: Lisa Gastelum of TQB Designs taught a workshop back in April about Internet Photography—that is, shooting photos of your products with their primary destination being your website, blog or online shop. She emphasizes that you don’t need fancy, expensive equipment to take

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-26130295469453351212010-07-27T17:55:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:42:25.148-07:00

Yes this is real and in a few years this could be what Portland is like! I'm so glad I live in such a bike friendly city. Will cycling become the new norm? Almost there! Cycling Copenhagen, Through North American Eyes from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-69774001603449693172010-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:42:12.509-07:00

This is how I styled my hair to be like Rosie the Riveter! The bad ass chick hairstyle. It's actually really nice to wear in the summer because your hair is UP and off your neck. It will stay in place and it's a great way to pack away dirty hair you don't want to deal with. Cute updo! Check out the tutorial here. Yeah for youtube tutorials!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-37996697065185345012010-07-19T20:17:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:14:24.191-07:00

A couple of my super cute friends at the Portland Saturday Market recently started up a business called Fairy Floss! Fairy Floss, a new spin on Cotton Candy, Organic, Fair Trade, Vegan, Nut/Dairy/Gluten Free. A Sweet Treat for all ages! I got some cute photos of them in action and tasted their popular flavor - Birthday Cake! Also Eden is wearing an apron from Lolly-tots! It's the stripped one.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-52829920443732552762010-07-19T20:01:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:13:56.711-07:00

This video makes me so happy!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-43280610085006257122010-07-19T19:44:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:13:46.632-07:00

Yeah it might be the middle of July but over here at lolly-tots factory we are still pumping them out and never fast enough! Fur is flying and threads are dangling from sock footsies. It's been a crazy month. You wouldn't believe what a great mood everyone was in on Saturday. Maybe it was all the sun? Maybe it's because it's summer vacation? I think it's just summer and the BBQs and the warm

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-80345694768836171272010-07-19T19:28:00.000-07:002010-07-19T19:30:25.581-07:00

This looks like the perfect drink for a lolly-tots kind of afternoon. Sitting in the backyard with your fuzzy pink hat sipping on your colorful concotion. Oh and there are lemon peel stars? You have GOT to be kidding me?!!Check out the recipe here. :)

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-16246486310367296422010-07-15T12:55:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:13:25.853-07:00

We spend so much time planning out our next move in life. Swamped in to-do lists and endless tasks. It's important to take a step back and be thankful for where you are RIGHT NOW. There will always be more work to be done. There will never be enough time. There will always be another big thing to tackle and another problem to be fixed. Take some time to enjoy what you have accomplished. To

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-58401035326720869212010-07-12T15:35:00.000-07:002010-07-12T15:54:45.435-07:00

I've been working a lot the last couple of weeks and I haven't had much to update on. It's just been a lot of sewing and a lot of orders shipped out. Then we got a huge heat wave last week and my motivation went out the window. It's rare to have sunny days in Portland and I feel that when they are here you really need to get out an enjoy them. So my free time has been used primarily on cycling

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-25257554465056391282010-07-02T10:16:00.001-07:002010-07-02T10:23:25.645-07:00

Found via Geninne's Art Blogvia julietbannana on flickr

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-23877234737862266582010-06-30T23:11:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:11:57.517-07:00

I've been thinking about it forever. I've never had the guts. I've never bleached my whole head before. I finally dived right in and went for it! I think this is only the beginning of a lifetime of rainbow hair.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-59579318013394285172010-06-30T08:07:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:11:38.349-07:00

I've had this pattern for a while now and it's been baby tested! Velcro straps are funnn.. yeah. Available in my shop here.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-51470549651688970432010-06-30T08:03:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:11:28.570-07:00

Finally had my first successful helmet cover made. This pattern is going into production this week! I'm super excited about what this means for my business and my summer line. Coming to a bike shop near you? Perhaps, perhaps. First design available in my etsy shop here.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-36731970374374541562010-06-22T20:21:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:37:20.361-07:00

From CuteOverload.com

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-3636940111592050982010-06-21T14:33:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:37:13.224-07:00

It's so easy to decorate on a budget. All you really need is an idea of what kind of style you are going for an go searching with an open mind. I hit up a lot of thrift stores this week and finally found the perfect combo for my table. I ended up over in Beaverton Goodwill and came across this NEW tablecloth that was perfect for my new table! New for $19.99 I paid $9.99. At the same store I

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-73738036598161653702010-06-19T00:54:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:37:10.866-07:00

I is a bunny...

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-51278255131442362422010-06-17T13:53:00.001-07:002011-04-03T13:37:06.790-07:00

Found on flickr.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-20762006959526628182010-06-17T13:04:00.000-07:002010-06-17T13:06:24.893-07:00

Now available in my etsy shop! I have a ton heading with me to the Saturday Market this weekend. Want me to set you up for a custom order? Check out the selection in my shop.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-86841083822501678652010-06-15T15:21:00.000-07:002010-06-15T15:27:04.868-07:00

I'm broadcasting live over at Ustream! I recorded a tutorial on how to make ears for your bike helmet. Follow along with me!More ideas for broadcasts would be greatly appreciated. Also if you just want to check on me during the day and see what I'm working on you can watch me here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/lollytotspdx. I'm making a bunch of ears for helmets today. Using lots of furry scraps

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-50972967018836820722010-06-11T14:59:00.001-07:002011-04-03T13:10:27.194-07:00

I remember a time when I didn't even wear crazy hats. I remember a time when I tried so hard to be "normal" and keep the weird part of me hidden from the world. I feel that this business brought out the freak within. There was a part of me that really wanted to come out and play. I feel that the kid inside of me has been locked in for so many years. I am the oldest of 4 kids and ever since I

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-33422095393503206502010-06-09T11:49:00.001-07:002010-06-09T11:49:56.158-07:00

I am in love with this shirt! I can't believe this seller is closing shop. Her stuff is so cute! Check out her etsy shop here.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-57373686238333490052010-06-09T09:53:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:08:51.805-07:00

My gift to you!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-19815326838823531142010-06-07T09:15:00.000-07:002010-06-07T09:30:41.527-07:00

Here's some octopus love for all of you! Scary Octopus PlushieOctopus iPhone CaseZombie Octopus Love ShirtFather's Day I love you Octopus CardOctopus Plush

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-11302658275510450982010-06-06T10:43:00.000-07:002010-06-06T10:45:25.789-07:00

Check out this awesome tutorial on how to make you own felt hamburger meal!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-57240521463619324332010-06-05T13:40:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:36:40.946-07:00

And now for something completely ridiculous!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-48658942270811417212010-06-05T11:13:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:36:21.609-07:00

I can make custom goggles to go with them and switch out the colors if you are looking for something specific. Squid hat needs to come next right? Blue Octopus Hat Orange Octopus Hat Pink Octopus Hat

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-453504536243710042010-06-05T10:25:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:36:13.785-07:00

Did you guys know that I'm a big fan of Shrek? Well I guess everyone is really.. who could not like Shrek? Right? Etsy was seriously lacking in a good Shrek hat. I just had to step up. The ears were a bit tricky to figure out but they came out great in the final version! Check it out in my ETSY SHOP here. I can make them in baby size too so you can have little baby shreks running around! I

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-85553045950965116152010-06-05T09:54:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:34:08.160-07:00

Now available in my ETSY SHOP. I've had this style available at the market here in Portland and it seems to be pretty popular. I really like it myself because you get the fuzzy warm on the inside. Also it means I can use all sorts of fabric for the outside. I have many more planned! I have some great pink skulls fabric that I can't wait to turn into a hat. Keep me away from the fabric store

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-79529731256341042802010-06-01T07:36:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:33:52.682-07:00

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-2654436972584643602010-05-31T13:03:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:33:44.906-07:00

Now if you want a really awesome leather aviator hat you need to check out THIS etsy shop. This guy is truly a master of leatherworking and his designs are spectacular! I haven't seen anything like this ever before. The designs are almost vintage with great colors and remind me of planes and racing cars. Truly inspiring and worth checking out. The prices are very reasonable and worth every

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-41943060181028091802010-05-28T13:12:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:33:35.801-07:00

When I'm stressed or when I've been sewing for hours you will suddenly find me like this. Dancing is a great stress relief! Also a good way to try out a new hat. I'm not feeling very productive today. It's been a long week and I think this day will be spent catching up on some personal time and house cleaning. I've been neglecting so much while I've been working away! Enjoy my dancing and

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-37840618146195150192010-05-28T11:20:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:33:27.157-07:00

The idea here was to emulate a bear skin like what the trappers wore or a caveman. I didn't add eyes and I thought the ears and teeth would be enough. It has a closure on the neck so you can pin it up tight. This week I really feel like I've been super productive and staying on top of things. I came up with a couple fun new designs and made some hats that made ME happy (Gir Hats). This bear

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-31542595708176625302010-05-27T20:43:00.001-07:002011-04-03T13:33:19.925-07:00

Can you tell what I was watching all day? I love Gir!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-66897269689283686502010-05-27T11:39:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:33:08.715-07:00

It was requested and now it's here! You can now get your very own Finn Hat from Adventure Time. I'm bringing a few with me this weekend but you can also find them online in my etsy shop!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-47408190693648969752010-05-21T22:58:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:32:59.474-07:00

New cool hats available exclusively this weekend at the Portland Saturday Market. Stop on by and get your own octopus hat! Oh and check out this cool furry green monster I just finished up!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-87325517752618668742010-05-21T14:45:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:32:50.097-07:00

This was what got me up in the morning... making this hat. I cut out all the pieces last night and was just itching to sew it up and see what it looked like. And then STOP all sewing and take a photo and post it up where everyone can see. I know I need to get back to work but I couldn't wait to share it with all of you! I've had the idea in my head for a while ever since I made my first dino

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-72061165137801957272010-05-20T11:21:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:32:41.121-07:00

I knew this path would be a difficult one and I would face unknown challenges. Running this little business of mine has really been a epic journey so far. All the work has finally started to pay off for me. I feel more confident about my work and really proud of my craftsmanship and sewing skills. My mind is buzzing with tons of new designs and ideas. I have a renewed sense of confidence after

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-60954436570618667622010-05-15T22:17:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:32:30.591-07:00

Finally finished the Octopus hat. Added some suckers to the tentacles. Looks awesome with goggles right?

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-75911834647576703582010-05-15T20:11:00.001-07:002011-04-03T13:32:22.526-07:00

Eating lots of fresh avacado, zuchhini, fresh fruit and tons of home cooking. Now this is DELUXE eating.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-4280403817942406442010-05-13T00:55:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:31:56.775-07:00

Playing around with a few ideas tonight. What do you think about this new style? It's funny.. at least to us. haha.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-6571856796799328842010-05-13T00:49:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:31:49.405-07:00

Check out this new style I just finished up! Coming soon to the online store and the Saturday Market. Who wants one?? Everyone right?

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-20707651935643657332010-05-11T14:14:00.001-07:002010-05-11T14:15:25.670-07:00

Cute little juice glasses from BreadandBadger with the lolly-tots famous Robo Dino. Dinosaur approved!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-62629583340775182392010-05-10T23:46:00.000-07:002010-05-10T23:53:49.382-07:00

I've been playing around with the idea of something fun that I could make that people could wear when it's too hot out for a hat. What to do in the summer months? ACCESSORIES! I love dressing up but making it personalized and something that's not too "costumey" but instead be wearable and subtle. Horns with invisible elastic thread does the trick! What do you think? More to come in different

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-84340305948145380482010-05-10T15:41:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:31:11.836-07:00

There was a few reports that monsters were roaming the beaches of Oregon last week. My brother Pat is wearing a new design I've had in my head for a while. I made the first and only one for his birthday hat. I love how it came out! I will definitly be trying out this new kind of 3-d eye. I have a ton of crazy monster ideas in store for this year.. this is only one of many to come. I'm

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-47882164217297751072010-05-06T10:22:00.001-07:002010-05-06T10:27:53.097-07:00

At the Portland Webcomic Meetupwww.meetup.com/Portland-Web-Comic-Group

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-61460359473269213952010-05-04T11:04:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:27:26.654-07:00

First of all go and read this: http://mnmlist.com/reimagined/ Now here's my take on this. I also believe there is something seriously wrong with our society. We are so disconnected from each other. I hate seeing the rush hour traffic with all these cars with one person inside. It's not that they are wasting resources.. what bothers me most is that they are in their own bubble separated from the

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-32937663212501945372010-05-03T19:49:00.001-07:002010-05-03T19:51:21.583-07:00

Lovely drawings from Nathan Viney - www.nathanviney.comNathan now owns the two hats in these drawings. Enjoy Nathan and thanks for the drawings!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-16127410589045793022010-05-02T15:11:00.001-07:002011-04-03T13:17:08.357-07:00

What a great way to use wall space! It doesn't harm your wall and with some simple tubing you can easily water it with one hose. This is a really simple method using party recycled materials. Simple and easy right? More info here.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-32892147590988235392010-05-01T15:34:00.000-07:002011-04-03T13:16:58.263-07:00

For me the hardest thing about gardening is the constant watering. Sure it's cool in the springtime when you plant and it's raining every week. You don't even have to think about watering. Then comes the months where we have a few sunny days and things dry out inbetween. You start to keep up a watering schedule and think to yourself.. "hey this isn't so hard!" then SUMMER comes and you are out

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-68791119373114435012010-04-27T10:27:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:49:28.645-07:00

You should have seen me yesterday at the Goodwill bins. I was rolling around this cart with an army of ponies and dinosaur toys stacked on top. It was completly ridiculous! It was as if someone had finally cleaned out their toy closet that they've had since the 80's. There was tons of Rainbow Bright dolls and other kinds of toys I have no idea what their names were but they were totally toys I

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-89646732818886904592010-04-27T10:05:00.001-07:002011-04-03T12:49:21.898-07:00

I've been a fan of Leslie's Beastlies for some time. I'm not sure where I tracked down her link but you can see why I would come upon such creations. They are exactly my kind of monsters! Big teeth, colorful and super cute, awesome little monster dudes! When I visited Stumptown Comic Festival I just had to take one home. The artist was there in person with a table FULL of monsters. It was so

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-2694144495033399152010-04-26T22:06:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:49:05.894-07:00

I am easily amused.

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-78697621737190812852010-04-26T21:41:00.001-07:002011-04-03T12:48:53.402-07:00

I was a little cracked out this week making panda hats. I got a lot finished but at the end of the week I found that I really burned myself out. Some weeks I can go like crazy and other weeks I need to take it easy and catch up on mundane things like laundry and paying bills. I am proud of what I got done this week though!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-66696008019858073642010-04-24T19:07:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:48:43.997-07:00

Loving this new panda hat! I finished one up for the market this weekend. It's so fuzzy and warm! I don't want to make another panda hat for a while though.. oh pandas you plague me!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-49399122027391920562010-04-24T19:01:00.001-07:002011-04-03T12:47:34.728-07:00

I have finished my prototype for my helmet covers. It still needs tweaking and real life testing before I start shelling them out. My problems right now are finding ways to secure it to the helmet but make it somewhat universal. I think the helmet covers are going to be somewhat restricted in what kind of helmets they will fit. For now I'm shooting for the traditional bike helmet shape. I think

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-4186958901722460182010-04-19T20:12:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:47:18.269-07:00

For every week I'm trying to come up with a theme of hats to make for the Saturday Market and also new designs to try out. This weeks theme is PANDA! I found some awesome white and black fur that I'm going to make a super DELUXE panda hat from. Also I found a lime green and dark green super soft fur that I'm going to make a green panda from! Also there will be lots and lots of regular fleece

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-70967807115916254592010-04-18T22:20:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:47:09.903-07:00

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-69924292554508033762010-04-18T19:28:00.001-07:002011-04-03T12:47:04.262-07:00

I'm having fun dressing up for "work" it means I get to wear fuzzy hats and be super colorful. Fabulous! Why goggles? Because they rock.. that is all you need to know!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-22889296183351655792010-04-18T09:03:00.000-07:002010-04-18T09:10:45.751-07:00

More cuffs were made and taken to the market this weekend. I will be making more and more of these in the coming months. They are so cool!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-61686970711764326392010-04-18T08:28:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:46:31.474-07:00

Thanks to all my beautiful customers for another wonderful day at the market!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-33369853610625827082010-04-16T09:44:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:46:21.818-07:00

This is what I've been working on this week. They will be available exclusively at the Saturday Market this weekend. They will go fast! Stop on by to see my new creations. This week's theme is MONSTER. lots of goggles and furry monsters will be available! The new LION HAT that I am so proud of! The idea in my head is finally a hat.. yes! Pom-pom strings will be on a few hats this weekend. I

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-7910870071223905422010-04-15T16:34:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:46:03.242-07:00

Ok bear with me here. I've been sewing for hours and my mind has been free to wander. I've been pondering the "dream" and how many of us are searching for something to complete our lives. My life right now is a completion of a dream. I wanted to be someone that makes things all day and runs my own business. So now I'm happy right? Well what comes after that? My head says, "Ok now I'm happy, now

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-9652731706267862352010-04-12T21:13:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:45:55.599-07:00

First trial version. MORE TO COME. I am so excited!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-47458948375647286042010-04-09T22:11:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:45:46.563-07:00

This is proof that I actually listen to my customers. You ask and I make it ok! It may take a while but it stays stuck in my head until I try it out. The owls were released a few weeks ago before I moved and were a big hit. I MUST make a chicken hat next (totally with chicken feet pull-ties!). Now this lovely owl hat can be found in my etsy shop here. Now the froggy hat was because of a few

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-2756336146689604722010-04-09T08:56:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:45:38.001-07:00

I'm in love with Vintage patterns! I think I have the crazy sewing bug right now. I am so excited about sewing my own clothes and designing my own wardrobe. I'm going to be on the hunt for patterns at local thrift stores. For now I will drool over this awesome collection I found on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25615978@N07/

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-61475101377108591732010-04-08T16:46:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:45:24.424-07:00

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-83407517323516987672010-04-07T14:15:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:45:16.043-07:00

This is the story of dress and a coat that both were ugly as could be but together they became something wonderful! Introducing the dress. Found at a thrift store and in a cute style but ill fitting and ugly print. This crafty chica attempted to replicate this pattern by cutting it in pieces, adding on extra inches and making her own custom fit pattern. After a few mock ups it was time to try

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-43689884553409470192010-04-05T13:06:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:44:26.355-07:00

My first pair of Ginger scissors! Those of you that sew and know about scissors will understand why I'm soooo excited. This is my first pair ever and I've been using crappy cheap scissors this whole time. FINALLY I upgraded when Ginger scissors was on sale this weekend. YEAH! I love the sales at JO-ANN's stores. The upgrade. The handle was falling off the old pair and had to be taped up

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-38839180063909940712010-04-05T12:54:00.001-07:002011-04-03T12:44:17.285-07:00

I have been nesting like crazy in the new place and I've been itching to hit the vintage shops and see if I could find some new goodies to decorate with. This came AFTER a huge load of donations to Goodwill, SCRAP, FreeGeek and my brother. So I got rid of a ton of stuff and off to get more again! (I kid! I kid.. ) Ok the owls was not necessary.. but come on! How could I not get these little guys

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12466518.post-41589865989960691862010-04-04T22:47:00.000-07:002011-04-03T12:43:45.186-07:00

If you love steampunk like I do you will love Tom Banwell's blog - http://tombanwell.blogspot.com/ His mastery of leather will impress you and his uses of recycled household materials will astound you!

Mary Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15104907212088315334noreply@blogger.com0