I have just edited my Etsy shop listings. All 103 of them. All. Day. Long. My eyes hurt, my neck hurts and my brain is fried after so long by the computer.
Sounds like right about now would be the perfect time to curl up in my favourite comfy chair with a warm blanket, a good book, a cup of cocoa and a giant giraffe. Yup.
Welcome to Morrgan's Creatures, a place on the net where I show off handmade creatures and creations of my own design.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
My Creative Space: Progress on the Secret Project! Also, a Moose!
Work on the Secret Project continues! Last time I had the problem of figuring out how to stuff it - well, my mom came to my rescue, as moms tend to do.She found in storage an old foam mattress I could take, wash and use. (Actually, she did the washing too. Yay!) A fine solution methinks. Always good to recycle something that isn't needed.
The mattress was 5 cm (2") thick, so I had to cut out and shape several layers to create the needed shape.
Fortunately the material was easy to work with using scissors. Such things are not my strong suit and sure, the surface could have been evened out more, but it doesn't show on the outside of the knitted piece.So, the little dude is taking shape and I'm ridiculously pleased with how it's turning out. I've knitted 19 pieces so far, so there's still a few more to go. Maybe next week you can see him finished, in his proper place on our couch! Still a chance to guess what this is until then. :)
In other crafty news, here's is a sneak peek of a little knitted moose lady:
Her name is Marigold and I've been working on her pattern this week. The pattern should be ready soon, and once it is she will get a full introduction on this blog! Stay tuned!
Want to see the creative spaces of others? Head on over to Kootoyoo's blog for a look!
(PS: There's a SALE at my Etsy shop! Check out this post for details!)
Labels:
knitting,
Morrgan's creatures,
patterns
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Black Friday and Cyber Monday SALE
Now here's something that doesn't happen every day. Or month. Or even year. It is...*drum roll*
A SALE!
Use the coupon code BFCM2010 at the Morrgan's Creatures Etsy shop for 10% off all purchases from now until Nov 29th!
As Etsy recently unveiled its new coupon code feature and Black Friday/Cyber Monday was coming up, I couldn't resist trying it out. It's in fact only my 2nd sale ever, so this kind of opportunity doesn't come around very often!
I know, I know, it isn't Friday yet. The code won't be announced at the Etsy shop until tomorrow evening, but it's valid starting now and I wanted my dear blog readers and Twitter followers to hear it first!
Labels:
Morrgan's creations,
Morrgan's creatures
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Tuesday Finds: Let It Snow
Yay for snow! It's finally snowed enough around here that I can look outside and see the ground covered with white fluffy stuff. So refreshing after the grey and slush of autumn. Inspired by this, here's a selection that reminds me of the pretty snow of winter in one way or another.
Labels:
art,
jewelry,
other crafty things,
Tuesday Finds
Friday, November 19, 2010
New Magnetic Creatures: Bunnies!
How long have I been planning to make magnetic bunnies again? Hmm. I may not have mentioned it here, but it's been a while. And here they finally are!
There's two kinds of bunny magnets available from my Etsy shop, fluffy beige mohair bunnies and white wool ones. (Well, will be available - right now there's only a fluffy one, but a white one will be listed soon.) As with most of my magnets, they're made with a crafty mix of mostly knitting, a little bit of crochet and some sewing things together.
I'm quite pleased with these little guys. I hope you like them too!
Labels:
crochet,
knitting,
Morrgan's creatures
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday Finds: Here Kitty Kitty
This week we're celebrating my cousin's cat Viiru's return to his family, after having been missing for 5 weeks - a lot thinner and dirtier, but ok. Welcome home, Viiru!
(Mr Morrgan suspects poor Viiru had much the same expression as Mariska's Boris below while missing.)
(Mr Morrgan suspects poor Viiru had much the same expression as Mariska's Boris below while missing.)
Labels:
clothing,
jewelry,
other crafty things,
Tuesday Finds
Thursday, November 11, 2010
My Creative Space: The Seeeeecret Project, part 2
As promised, here's another preview of what I'm working on! (See the previous one here.)
I've got 16 pieces ready (probably need another dozen or so), so the project has been progressing pretty well. Until now, that is. I've hit a snag. The main body of this is meant to be a square-ish shape. That will not happen if I try to fill it with the usual polyfill, alas.
So, I've been hunting high and low for something suitable, but no luck so far. I want something with structure to it that I can shape it, but still soft enough to be a cuddly plushie. Some sort of foam, perhaps. Any ideas?
This material sourcing problem means you still have time to guess what this might become! Plenty more hints this time. Does anyone want to try? :)
Want to see the creative spaces of others? Head on over to Kootoyoo's blog for a look!
I've got 16 pieces ready (probably need another dozen or so), so the project has been progressing pretty well. Until now, that is. I've hit a snag. The main body of this is meant to be a square-ish shape. That will not happen if I try to fill it with the usual polyfill, alas.
So, I've been hunting high and low for something suitable, but no luck so far. I want something with structure to it that I can shape it, but still soft enough to be a cuddly plushie. Some sort of foam, perhaps. Any ideas?
This material sourcing problem means you still have time to guess what this might become! Plenty more hints this time. Does anyone want to try? :)
Want to see the creative spaces of others? Head on over to Kootoyoo's blog for a look!
Labels:
knitting,
Morrgan's creatures,
My Creative Space
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
Sunday, November 07, 2010
I'm on Ravelry!
Yes, it's true. I have finally signed up for Ravelry, as Morrgan (surprise surprise). Are you there? Come by and say hi!
If you're not there, you might have noticed that you need an account to see my profile. You may also be wondering what Ravelry is. Well, it's a place for knitters, crocheters and other types of yarn addicts to meet up and chat, share ideas and what they're working on, offer patterns (free or for sale), etc. Might be worth a look if you're interested in such!
I've added some of my patterns there for sale already (including these triceratopses) and will be adding them all eventually.
(Oh, and so far no correct guesses on what my latest project is. Next week you'll get either another update and chance to guess, or the answer, depending on how fast I'll be knitting. Stay tuned!)
If you're not there, you might have noticed that you need an account to see my profile. You may also be wondering what Ravelry is. Well, it's a place for knitters, crocheters and other types of yarn addicts to meet up and chat, share ideas and what they're working on, offer patterns (free or for sale), etc. Might be worth a look if you're interested in such!
I've added some of my patterns there for sale already (including these triceratopses) and will be adding them all eventually.(Oh, and so far no correct guesses on what my latest project is. Next week you'll get either another update and chance to guess, or the answer, depending on how fast I'll be knitting. Stay tuned!)
Labels:
Morrgan's creatures,
patterns
Thursday, November 04, 2010
My Creative Space: A preview
This week I've been working on something for myself. I'm not going to say what it is yet, but I'll show you a little preview. If I can make it exactly like I picture it in my head, it's going to be pretty cool. It's kind of a fun test of my skills. ;)
So, who or what might this become? Anyone want to take a guess?
Want to see the creative spaces of others? Head on over to Kootoyoo's blog for a look!
So, who or what might this become? Anyone want to take a guess?
Want to see the creative spaces of others? Head on over to Kootoyoo's blog for a look!
Labels:
knitting,
My Creative Space
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Introducing Clive the Chilly Giraffe
Bored of the heat and eager to see more exotic surroundings, Clive the giraffe left the savannah and traveled north to temperate forests. At first everything was just as he'd dreamed - plenty of trees to nibble on, pleasantly warm without being hot.Then it got a bit colder. Then all the leaves fell down. And then it got absolutely freezing.
So here's poor Clive enduring winter, so chilly that he's turned blue, trying to keep warm in his red scarf. Let's hope the scarf keeps him from getting a cold - with a neck that long, a sore throat would not be fun!Clive is available as a pattern via Ravelry (or click here to buy now - no Ravelry account needed) and from my Etsy shop.
Want to see more creature introductions?
Labels:
Creature introductions,
crochet,
knitting,
Morrgan's creatures,
patterns
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Tuesday Finds: Ancient Olive Tree Project
This week's Tuesday Finds are a bit different. I'd like to bring you to the world of Frances Melhop - a world of fairytales, dreams and surreal imagery.
Frances has suddenly been given the chance to travel from New Zealand to Italy and begin what she calls the Ancient Olive Tree Project, which is something she's been dreaming of for 10 years. Her plans include old school photography of these magical olive trees, an exhibition and hopefully a book with these photos, local recipes and spooky stories by Italian grandmothers. How cool is that?
Unfortunately, because it was such a sudden opportunity, funding is a problem and she needs your help! Read more about the project and its progress on Frances' Kickstarter page.
Below is a small collection of her images, which fits my current mood, but there's much more to her work than what's shown here. Take a look at her website or Etsy shop for more!
Frances has suddenly been given the chance to travel from New Zealand to Italy and begin what she calls the Ancient Olive Tree Project, which is something she's been dreaming of for 10 years. Her plans include old school photography of these magical olive trees, an exhibition and hopefully a book with these photos, local recipes and spooky stories by Italian grandmothers. How cool is that?
Unfortunately, because it was such a sudden opportunity, funding is a problem and she needs your help! Read more about the project and its progress on Frances' Kickstarter page.
Below is a small collection of her images, which fits my current mood, but there's much more to her work than what's shown here. Take a look at her website or Etsy shop for more!
Labels:
art,
Tuesday Finds
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Who wants a pet AT-AT?
As some of you may have noticed, I'm a bit of nerd.
Okay, okay - so I'm actually a rather huge nerd. I *did* spend all that time when I was last ill in bed reading up on Star Wars trivia on Wookiepedia, after all. (In fact, I believe I reached a whole new level of nerdiness by learning about the seven classic forms of lightsaber combat. *sigh*)
However, I do not think you need to be that much of a nerd to appreciate this funny little video. Take a look!
I want a pet AT-AT!
Okay, okay - so I'm actually a rather huge nerd. I *did* spend all that time when I was last ill in bed reading up on Star Wars trivia on Wookiepedia, after all. (In fact, I believe I reached a whole new level of nerdiness by learning about the seven classic forms of lightsaber combat. *sigh*)
However, I do not think you need to be that much of a nerd to appreciate this funny little video. Take a look!
I want a pet AT-AT!
Labels:
movies
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Knitting tip: Two-handed Fair Isle technique
Today I bring you a quick knitting tip.
Are you a knitter? Do you like to knit Fair Isle patterns? Then this video is for you!
Basically you knit with two colours, using both the English/American and the Continental/European styles of knitting; holding one colour in your left hand and the other in your right hand. This way the yarns are kept separate and do not tangle, and the whole process is quicker. It's brilliant.
The only problem now is that I'd have to learn the English way of knitting, which seems overly complicated and slower compared to the Continental. This is the best reason I've found for giving it a try, though.
(Maybe you've heard of this technique before? If so, why haven't you told me? :D)
Are you a knitter? Do you like to knit Fair Isle patterns? Then this video is for you!
Basically you knit with two colours, using both the English/American and the Continental/European styles of knitting; holding one colour in your left hand and the other in your right hand. This way the yarns are kept separate and do not tangle, and the whole process is quicker. It's brilliant.
The only problem now is that I'd have to learn the English way of knitting, which seems overly complicated and slower compared to the Continental. This is the best reason I've found for giving it a try, though.
(Maybe you've heard of this technique before? If so, why haven't you told me? :D)
Labels:
knitting
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Tuesday Finds: Green, again
Oh look, green! Again!
Yeah, I need a bit of green this week. Autumn is here and the plants are turning red and yellow. It's very pretty, but I do miss the green. *sigh*
Yeah, I need a bit of green this week. Autumn is here and the plants are turning red and yellow. It's very pretty, but I do miss the green. *sigh*
Labels:
home decor,
jewelry,
other crafty things,
Tuesday Finds
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday Finds: Teeth
Hallo again! Those of you who have followed me on Twitter might already know that the recent blog silence was due to me having a couple of wisdom teeth pulled out. They were the last two, both bottom ones. Everything went pretty well, despite them being a bit infected and despite the dentist having to drill them both to bits before being able to get them out. I think the main feeling I've had from all this is a sense of relief to finally get them out. (There was also joy at being able to eat icecream with no guilt whatsoever, as it was one of few things I could eat without trouble last week.)
I've been feeling better each day after the operation and today the stitches were removed, which officially marks the end of all my wisdom teeth. Woohoo! I shall celebrate with more icecream!
I've been feeling better each day after the operation and today the stitches were removed, which officially marks the end of all my wisdom teeth. Woohoo! I shall celebrate with more icecream!
Labels:
other crafty things,
Tuesday Finds
Friday, September 17, 2010
Minecraft
Now for something a bit different than the usual posts on this blog. Today I bring you a game recommendation! The indie game in question is Minecraft and it has given me more excitement and intense adventures than most games I've played recently.
Oh my, look at those huge caverns. Who knows what riches and dangers await inside.
You start off with nothing in a randomly generated HUGE world (apparently the surface area is about 8 times larger than earth) and your goal is simply to survive. It's a bright day and everything is peaceful, maybe with some cows, chickens and such wandering around. However, at night when it's dark, monsters will come out and it's a bad idea to be out in the open at this time. In order to live through it, you'll have to gather some resources and make a few basic tools, so that you can build a shelter lit by torches (light equals safety). You'll want a safe place that the monsters can't get into. Once you have one and have made more tools (including a weapon) and gathered supplies, it's time to start exploring!
Some worlds are snowy ones. Behold my house built on a cliff by the seaside. On the right you can barely see my greenhouse, growing crops for food.
For me, the appeal is two-fold - creative creation and danger-filled exploration. First of all, everything that you have in the game are things you've made yourself. There's a certain pride and satisfaction you get from that, even in a game. You can build a house (or a fort, or a mansion, or an underground lair with a moat of lava...) for yourself, in any shape you wish. You can use a variety of materials and decorate the place with things like paintings and bookshelves. For example, you can collect sand and clay to make glass for windows and bricks for walls, respectively, by heating them in a furnace. Use your imagination to your heart's content. How about a rollercoaster?
The scary scary dark night. The greenhouse is on the left and on the right is a big lighthouse I built because it seemed like a cool idea. I'm also hoping it will help me find my way back as I explore the surroundings. But mostly I built it just because it seemed like a cool idea.
Actually, there's a nostalgic element to this too. The blocky look of the game reminds me of building secret bases and such out of Lego when I was a kid. Back then I'd always run out of pieces before I was finished, but in Minecraft I can go out into the huge world and find more. Awesome.
Mr Morrgan enjoys the game too. Here's his house by the sea, complete with a manmade stream and planted trees and flowers.
Second, the world is full of cool caverns and cave systems to explore and mine for useful things like iron ore. The deeper you go, the better materials you find for making better quality tools, weapons and armor. It's dangerous, as these are dark places and monsters could be anywhere, but oh so exciting. I have had several great adventures in such places.
These waterfalls lead into dark caves below. Dare you go in and explore?
And after a scary adventure in the deep, it's a big relief to get back to your house by nightfall. Then you are safe in your home while zombies and other creepy things roam the land outside, and you can fry some bacon for dinner and work on more tools and weapons for your next expedition while you wait for morning.
Darkness falls and the moon rises as I return to my house just in time before the monsters come out. What a welcome sight.
Well, these are just some examples of the things you can do. If you're interested in the game, you can go to the Minecraft website to get the Alpha version that I have (a beta version should be available soon - yes, the game is actually still unfinished). There's also the older but free Classic version you can try out to see if this is your thing.
Inside Mr Morrgan's house.
You can also check out this series of Minecraft gameplay videos to get a better idea of the experience.
The view from the balcony of my cliffside house.
Oh my, look at those huge caverns. Who knows what riches and dangers await inside.You start off with nothing in a randomly generated HUGE world (apparently the surface area is about 8 times larger than earth) and your goal is simply to survive. It's a bright day and everything is peaceful, maybe with some cows, chickens and such wandering around. However, at night when it's dark, monsters will come out and it's a bad idea to be out in the open at this time. In order to live through it, you'll have to gather some resources and make a few basic tools, so that you can build a shelter lit by torches (light equals safety). You'll want a safe place that the monsters can't get into. Once you have one and have made more tools (including a weapon) and gathered supplies, it's time to start exploring!
Some worlds are snowy ones. Behold my house built on a cliff by the seaside. On the right you can barely see my greenhouse, growing crops for food.For me, the appeal is two-fold - creative creation and danger-filled exploration. First of all, everything that you have in the game are things you've made yourself. There's a certain pride and satisfaction you get from that, even in a game. You can build a house (or a fort, or a mansion, or an underground lair with a moat of lava...) for yourself, in any shape you wish. You can use a variety of materials and decorate the place with things like paintings and bookshelves. For example, you can collect sand and clay to make glass for windows and bricks for walls, respectively, by heating them in a furnace. Use your imagination to your heart's content. How about a rollercoaster?
The scary scary dark night. The greenhouse is on the left and on the right is a big lighthouse I built because it seemed like a cool idea. I'm also hoping it will help me find my way back as I explore the surroundings. But mostly I built it just because it seemed like a cool idea.Actually, there's a nostalgic element to this too. The blocky look of the game reminds me of building secret bases and such out of Lego when I was a kid. Back then I'd always run out of pieces before I was finished, but in Minecraft I can go out into the huge world and find more. Awesome.
Mr Morrgan enjoys the game too. Here's his house by the sea, complete with a manmade stream and planted trees and flowers.Second, the world is full of cool caverns and cave systems to explore and mine for useful things like iron ore. The deeper you go, the better materials you find for making better quality tools, weapons and armor. It's dangerous, as these are dark places and monsters could be anywhere, but oh so exciting. I have had several great adventures in such places.
These waterfalls lead into dark caves below. Dare you go in and explore?And after a scary adventure in the deep, it's a big relief to get back to your house by nightfall. Then you are safe in your home while zombies and other creepy things roam the land outside, and you can fry some bacon for dinner and work on more tools and weapons for your next expedition while you wait for morning.
Darkness falls and the moon rises as I return to my house just in time before the monsters come out. What a welcome sight.Well, these are just some examples of the things you can do. If you're interested in the game, you can go to the Minecraft website to get the Alpha version that I have (a beta version should be available soon - yes, the game is actually still unfinished). There's also the older but free Classic version you can try out to see if this is your thing.
Inside Mr Morrgan's house.You can also check out this series of Minecraft gameplay videos to get a better idea of the experience.
The view from the balcony of my cliffside house.
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