Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Dawn of the Dollies

I have a confession to make, dear readers. I have been keeping a secret from you. No, this isn't the thing that's been stressing me out lately (that problem is, for the most part, over with). This is a much happier secret.

Lately I've been thinking about my Etsy shop and the direction in which it was going, and I was feeling stuck. I realized that I was focused more on making things that I thought other people would like instead of making things that I enjoy. I was bored with the cutesy pastel stuff. It just isn't me. That's not to say that I don't like the precious, pastelly things--I do like them, and I use them quite a bit. But I don't love them. Making them doesn't necessarily bring me any joy. I have pink hair and I listen to the Sex Pistols, for pete's sake. After much thought I've decided that it's time for a change. Yes, Sugar and Snails will be closing its virtual doors this year. It's a bittersweet end, but it's for the best, because I think my next project will bring me a lot of happiness. So with great excitement I'd like to introduce you to my newest crafty business venture...
Zombie dolls! Oh, come on, you saw it coming. I know they're not everyone's cup of tea, but I love these little girls, and I know there's a niche market out there for them. I've always liked combining the cute and cuddly with the dark and macabre, and I think these are the perfect mix. Gross and snuggly at the same time! So you can now find me and my bloody little orphans at the Zombunny Orphanage for the Undead.

Each doll I make will be one-of-a-kind, with their own unique names and personalities. Most of them will be inspired by real people. Friends, family, acquaintances, strangers, people who picked on me in high school, no one is safe from being zombified. In fact, there's already a little me available for adoption. Can you guess which one it is?


Since listing my first three dolls the response has been overwhelmingly positive--in fact, Tara has already been adopted! To me, that's a definite sign that I'm doing the right thing. Thanks so much to Adam for helping me through the anxiety about my Etsy move, to Adam's sister-in-law for encouraging me to sell my zombies in the first place, to PixelbyPixel for helping me design my awesome logo and to Autumn for telling me my zombies are cute. Now I'm off to the fabric store to buy more felt!

6 comments:

Faye said...

They are great, you are a brave brave lady for actually going off into the direction in which you want to go. I hope this does well for you, and I had a thought. Zombified charm bunnies..... Looking forward to seeing more of your stuff (and maybe actually seeing you!)

Hey Harriet said...

All the best with your new venture! I adore those awesome looking zombie dolls. I'm sure you'll do really well. & it is much more satisfying creating things that you can put your heart & soul into. Hope someone films your zombies taking over the world...where's Romera when you need him ;)

Tia Colleen said...

OHMYGOSH. Zombie dolls?! Yes please.

xx Tia

laura capello said...

would it be inappropriate of me to say they're cute?

cuz they are.

Anonymous said...

Hmm.. I might have to have one. They're ADORABLE.

Good luck with these! I hope you find more enjoyment out of making something you love. That's what it's all about. hokeypokey!

World Wide Alternative said...

Oh now, those are just terrible.
LOVE IT! ;) Xxx