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Doddi Bear #4 by One Red Robin.

Jhoanna Monte Aranez is one of those women with so many talents that you could spend hours browsing through her blog, her flickr in awe and admiration at her skills and seemingly endless inspiration. But then, of course, this is what inspiration should always be about, an endless round of springing ideas and creations.

I had wanted to blog about that Doddi Bear for quite some time now - every time I came across it in my favorites it really stood out, it has everything I love - and when I settled to write about it yesterday I realized it was no longer available, and couldn’t find it in the sold items either. It turns out that Jhoanna “recently sent her off to someone as a thank-you for a wonderful thing they did for her”!

She has made 5 Doddi Bears and only one is still available in her shop :

Doddi Bear #3.

But - among other things - she also makes the most amazing doll-girls such as this one (sold too) :

Woodland Girl Ayumi.

I could go on and on and post many of her creations and really had to stop myself from posting more photos for I tell you she is such a creative woman, so I beg you, check her blog, check her flickr and of course her Etsy shop for there are wonders ahead…

Blythe Shearling Amelia Earhart Hat & Vest by bonspielcreation @ Etsy.

This is just so beautiful ! I have already posted one of her creations in my article “Funny Hats & Bonnets” but this is getting undoubtedly better. Only the vest is sold there but more - including hats - is to come near March 10. Apparently there is already quite a demand for them so you can write bonspielcreation to make a reservation. [edit 07 March : the previous listing has been removed, I now give you a link for a set including Hat + Vest.]

And since I noticed there were quite a few other gorgeous purple articles for Blythe, here is a small selection :

Deep Purple Fluffy Beret by Tibiloo.

Hat and Scarf Set in Pink and Purple by Pinkmint Dolly.

Day to Evening Purple Shift Dress for Blythe OOAK by Blythe’s ocd Closet.

+ a bonus - not Blythe related :

Purple Starfish Felt Magnet by Felt In Love.

Extra Large Bad News Bear Polar by oliviaew @ Etsy.

Love all the “felt creatures” by Olivia Ew, some of them creatures, some of them people, some “mutated”. You can see more in her Flickr gallery.

The two below are for sale @ Etsy :

UFO The Aliens Are Coming by Dream A Little @ Etsy.

Once in a while you stumble into something that simply sweeps you off your feet and it might just as well be because I love SF so much but those little aliens are the cutest ever ! But the real thing though is the flying saucer or UFO, for they would not be as interesting without it. This whole set totally rocks !

It is OOAK and an original creation by Dana Dunn and had I a little bit of money I would have bought it right now.

Noodle by A Small Fox in a Big World @ Etsy.

I’ve discovered some great and very artistic fabric dolls lately and will be writing about them but for the time being I’ll just post that lovely racoon by A Small Fox in a Big World available in her Etsy shop. I really like the black mask on that one !

And if you like her work but would like something really special, Sarah Day also has a listing in her shop for a Semi Custom Doll. You can look at her Flickr Gallery to see more of her creations.

A Small Fox in a Big World :: Blog
A Small Fox in a Big World :: Etsy
A Small Fox in a Big World :: Flickr

Kaws Dissected Companion on Artoyz’ Flickr.

When you think about it, it’s kind of strange they did not have a Flickr account before, especially since they always take their own pictures of the toys they are selling online - and pretty good pictures too ! In fact, I had never realized until now that they might well be the only art toys shop using their own photos rather than stock company pictures. But the thing is they are extremely busy guys - not to mention that most of the time they seem to be working amidst high piles of cardboard boxes (*see evidence below), this obviously not helping to get a clear view of things - and sometimes in order to get ahead you just need some new blood. For instance, get an enthousiastic hardworking young trainee in graphic design named Stéphane, and there you are ! In no time you have a Flickr account (where your great photos of toys can now be seen by more than just the small crowd of toy addicts even long after a toy is sold out) + a new blog (where your fine and fun writing can now get a chance to be read).

As I understand, they will use the Flickr to post pictures of toys they will not post anywhere else. Plus it will be an opportunity to actually see for more than 2 minutes those toys that regularly create upon their release within the (very) tiny toy community such fits of fever that would be totally incomprehensible to any casual observer. I’m referring here to the Kaws and Co, those that get “sold out” the very minute they are online, and if your web server doesn’t crash then you are very lucky !

As for the blog (French version only), there was a magazine section on Artoyz - the articles have now all been moved to the new blog - but since Flash is not ideal for reading anything most people (including myself) had forgotten it even existed, which was a shame really for Bonfil, who writes most of the articles, has a very nice way with words.

* Exhibit 1 - Exhibit 2
Also see the shop review of Artoyz on guillotine.

Artoyz Paris 45 rue de l’arbre Sec 75001 PARIS
Artoyz Lyon 18 rue des capucins 69001 LYON