Tribute to runners.

I am definitely not a runner. I have always enjoyed a good walk more and I think it suits my body better. I walk the bridge twice a week with a wonderful friend who recently completed the New York Marathon. She describes it as an experience of a lifetime - the crowds of runners (over 40,000!) and the New York fans cheering on every runner, fast or slow. She ran in support of "Shoes for Africa" a charity raising money for African children.

My runner critter is not a marathoner - he's just a local runner, but the inspiration was from all of those dedicated runners who push themselves and sometimes run for a charity.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. May you all experience blessings and feel gratitude.

Another critter placed in a good home!

I love creating the critters, and I even enjoy the actual making them, although it can get tedious at times; but the very best part is when they find the right home. This guy, I'm calling him a giraffe, went to live with a very nice mom of one of my Kai dance friends. He made her smile and that's the bonus of what I do.

Yesterday I received an email from Martha, my friend in Maine who I send my critters to for the Christmas fair. Every year when I send up my critters, she has a small gathering of women who come to see the critters and the doll clothes that I make for the Fair. In the email, Martha recorded many of the comments from the ladies gathered. Every critter strikes someone in a different way. It's almost as if they are drawn to a certain critter - even those that are imperfect.

The imperfection is what makes them. After all, we aren't perfect either, right? The imperfections of our physical being are what sets us apart and adds to the personality of our exterior self. Each of the critters are unique in their expression too. The buttons chosen for the eyes, or the clothes they wear, or even how they hold their head makes them exude a specialness. That's what people love, and what I love is seeing the smile that happens when that meeting takes place.

We have a Facebook Page!

Here it is! Business cards are ordered, FB page is started and we're almost off and running. I love the whimsey that came through on the card and the logo. My incredibly talented friend, Leslie, is working on a label to be added to all of the critters as I make them. This will set them apart and with the copyright protection, help to keep them unique.

I have just begun creating again. Finished the cowboy rock star which I posted on FB a couple of days ago. I have a few more ideas percolating.

My TV stars from Season 3 should be coming home soon and will be for sale. I have special little tags that say "I'm one of Ellie's Critters created by Ellie Gibeau. I appeared on Abracadabra which airs on WV PBS." This will make them even more unique.

I'm just letting all of this unfold - letting it take me and the Critters wherever........

We're off to Maine!

That look of apprehension on their faces is real. They were shoved into a box and shipped to Maine last week and arrived on Saturday. I always get a little anxious as I ship them - I choose the cheap way, parcel post with no insurance because it's about one third the cost ($17.00 versus $40.00!) They always make it and since they have to be hand delivered to Martha's house, I am pretty sure they will arrive safely.

Martha and the Fair committee were delighted. I send, not only the critters, but also about 30 American Girl doll outfits that I also make. That's another story.

The Tooth Fairy featured in a previous blog was given to Marsha, one of the biggest contributors to the Fair - not only in time given, but in her own incredible crafts. Marsha is one of those people who can do everything - artist, seamstress, designer - and she's an all around beautiful person. We all wish her a speedy recovery from surgery. Anyway, she was delighted with the Fairy and I hope it brings her joy.
After all, that is what the critters do -

This Fair, held in Kittery Maine on December 6 at 3:00PM will also celebrate the 300th anniversary of the church. I'm told that there will be long lines waiting for the opening. There are some incredibly talented artisans in this area. All proceeds go to local charities often to support single parents that are transitioning and need some help. Wishing the Fair much success.