Sunday, December 13, 2009

Yes I can!!

Lately, I have been discussing the issue of declining custom work with my fellow artist, who shall remain nameless. I was telling her how I declined a custom order for making an owl puppet a little while ago, and she said I should never turn down an order just because I am afraid of making it. When I told her I never made a bird puppet, she said "so?you'll learn". After that discussion, I decided I will start saying "yes" to orders that scare me.

When a lady asked me to make her a custom Flutterbutt in shape of her brother, I was horrified. I can't sew, I have no masculine shoes at home, I can't make a mustache! It was clear the order scares me, and that I must accept it, so I did.

The customer wanted me to portray Mr. Brother during his ski vacation. She asked for a blue parka and a scarf. I was planning to work on him on Saturday, since Friday was full of Hanukkahish and other pre-planned activities. The first of which, was going to a clothing swapping party (where each participant brings a bag of cloths she doesn't want and everybody can look for something new. Very ecological, and so very 2009!). After locating a sexy evening gown with a sequined snake, a completely new purple skirt and stylish black skirt-pants, I decided I'm tired of looking for cloths and decided to pick up some leftovers for puppet supplies. That was when I found a single blue ski glove, which I immediately recognized to be the perfect material for my tiny ski coat.

It took me two hours to sew the little coat, and let me tell you – it almost drove me nuts. I was miserably sticking needles into myself, curding the rough parts I could hardly get the needle through, and sewing tiny fingers to make sleeves. I thought it is going to end in a total disaster, but once I was done (including stealing Pinky's holiday shoes. I promised to buy him new shoes on eBay ASAP), added a scarf my mom knitted and of course a mustache, I had to admit it to myself and the world – this must be the cutest Flutterbutt ever!!

I mean, just look at him – how cute is he??

Custom made Flutterbutt

The parka is asymmetrical, with writing on one sleeve and a single wide aqua stripe on one side. The inside is partially padded, to keep Mr. Brother cuddly and warm. Can you tell how hard I worked on sewing this?


Do you need a new brother, mother in law, or friend? I can make one for you, in various sizes, with or without a mustache!

11 comments:

Morrgan said...

That's awesome! What a great story. I've found that whenever I've made something I wasn't sure I could pull off at first, the satisfaction when it turns out well is huge and definitely worth the trouble. Looks Mr Brother was worth the trouble too! :)

Valerie's Essentials said...

WOW you are so talented! Custom Flutterbutts- Too CUTE!! Love it!!

Sharona R - שרונה ראובני said...

Overcoming a challenge gives one of the best "high" feelings, no doubt.

Thanks for the kind words :o)

7ART Jewelry said...

WOW! this IS a great one!!! SO cool :)

Expressions By Devin said...

That looks amazing. Custom orders can be scary but they always work out in the end.

Unknown said...

Well done :-)
He is the cutest thing ever, you must feel incredibly proud of yourself :-)

Sharona R - שרונה ראובני said...

Thank you very much guys!

Inbar Bareket said...

Custom orders are very scary but challenging!
You did it !
Your puppets are so human - that's why they are so beautiful and unique!

Sharona R - שרונה ראובני said...

I don't know about human, but they certainly have souls.

Southern Belle said...

Awesome. I've learned not to turn down custom orders as well. I got a custom order for something I've never made before. But I accepted and enjoy it. Just think, it's more ideas to put in your shop.

Sharona R - שרונה ראובני said...

You are so right, Belle, that is how new products are born!