A Box of Memories...

As most of you know I moved house again recently and have put most of my life into storage for the time being which is proving awkward at times when I remember I need something, but was also really great as it meant I went through and sorted everything first; finding treasures I'd long forgotten.

The best thing I found was this box of memories! It's actually the box my dogs ashes were put in by the vet many years ago, it even has a brass plate on the front with his name (bit morbid I know but the box is really lovely). Inside I seem to have collected a few random things over the years including two of the tiniest Russian nesting dolls (these open up to one that's only a few mm tall), a green haired troll, a cocktail accessory that fans out into a peacock shape, a wooden croaking frog, a cocktail umbrella (I've always had a bit of an obsession with these) and a tiny pot of crystals.

A strange combination yet each one makes me smile and takes me back to a certain time and place.

What's in your memory box?

Safe Place...

I haven't been sleeping much recently (less than usual for those who know me) and it gives someone with an over active brain like mine, EVEN more time to ponder life.  I had a stroll down memory lane and thought about the people I have known and the friends I have lost and how sad and dark some of their lives must have been.  They felt like they had no one to turn to.  I went through it all growing up, so I understand how at times it feels like you just want to curl up into a ball and disappear and if no one cares enough to pull you out of the darkness, then you feel like there's no way out.  Which brings me back to a post on an old blog of mine titled 'Safe Places' and something I said a while back. 

"I have pinched the above image from One Tree Hill, who in turn pinched the words from a John Mayer song, but it represents a feeling that is often hard to find these days.

I know I am a creator, and that side of me you see through my work and my website, but the side of me you can't see is the people collector side. I tend to collect people as I travel through life, they tend to be people who are lonely or are in a low place. I hate to see people sat alone at lunch times when it is not through choice and to see people being left out or bullied.

I would one day like this to be a safe place, a happy place for you to be. Whether you know me in person or just see my work and posts online, I want it to remind you that you are not alone and that there is always someone here for those days when the dark clouds just seem too heavy to bear alone.

Don't ever let anyone tell you or make you feel like you are not strong. We know you are"

Thinking about these people who lost themselves and weren't helped makes my heart cry.  I am not a psychologist or councillor.  I have an A-Level, but that doesn't really mean much.  But I have life experience.  I understand depression and anxiety and fear and worry.  I don't want anyone else to be lost because they have nowhere to turn.  You have me.  I may just be a virtual presence, but I am here.  I may not have magic, but I can listen.  I may not be a doctor, but I can try and help you heal emotionally.

You aren't alone. 

If you go down to the woods today...

I had a lovely outing today to a nearby forest.  I went to take some photos of the newest Fenegrygs, but ended up having a good old explore as well.  It was beautiful and the sun was shining, which just made it even better!

H.U.S.T.L.E...

I am psyched to be a part of Niall Trutek Andersons H.U.S.T.L.E wave one mini wrestlers! I have created the 'Seedling Warrior' to fight in the ring against the other amazing pieces from some really awesome artists.

The first batch will be making an appearance mid-January at an undisclosed Japan Toy Show in the pictured ‘test shot’ neon pink (and green). The standard flesh-tone release will follow a week or so after, available in either blind packed gatcha style capsules or blister carded 3 packs (prices TBC).

The full line up looks like this: From top left; Hungry Hungry Hordak- Brutherford Industries, Untitled- Manny X, Ray Skull- Hungry Imp, Mekamess- Nama Niku, Untitled- Killer Bootlegs, Super CupCake Lucha- Rampage Toys, Seedling Warrior- Taylored Curiosities, Battle Ready Ugly Cenicorn- Rampage Toys (preview figure), Skworm Hunter ‘Archer’- Tru:Tek (preview figure), Skworm Hunter ‘Youth’- Tru:Tek.

Niall has just today, released photos of a purple wave that will be available and on display at the up coming Clutter show.  'The "(In)action Figure Show" will open on Saturday, January 12th with a reception from 6-9PM and be available for viewing through February 2nd, 2013 at The Clutter Gallery, 163 Main St., Beacon, NY 12508. To get first option to buy from the show, you may want to join Clutter's Gallery Preview List.'

Absolutely love the colour of these and the wrestling ring is ace! Niall has done an amazing job of these.  I will share more info as it unfolds and let you know which colours are available at which events.  Can't wait to get my hands on some of these.

Happy New Year...

Hello Low Brownie...

I stumbled across a fab toy blog recently and was pleasantly surprised to see that they had been featuring my work for a little while now.  I immediately sent an email to say a huge thank you and sorry that I was not aware of this kindness sooner, but want to share the blog with you all as it is a really gorgeous place to see all sorts of toys.

I like the way the toys are broken up into the areas they come from.  It's really interesting to see the massive differences in work from East to West.  If you click the image above it will take you to the site or follow this link: http://lowbrownie.com/

Thank you again to this fabulous Blogger for featuring my work.

Have a Festive Christmas...

I know it's been a while, but I finally got my Aromatherapy back on and have made some Festives just in time for them to come and celebrate Christmas with you! Available here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/117442470/festive-the-naturally-festive-plush

Copyright © Penny Taylor. All Rights Reserved. Not to be replicated.

Lucky Yu...

Ok, I made these over the Summer as an experiment with medias and ended up sending some off to Stuffed Magazine and they will be in the next edition, but I have only just now got around to adding them to my shop. There is one of each colour ;) http://tayloredcuriosities.bigcartel.com/product/lucky-yu

"I have been experimenting with pushing the boundaries of plush and have combined paint and fabric to create Yu.
Yu is a baby fish and a symbol of luck. It is said that if you can keep a Yu well and treat it right, then it will bring you all the luck in the world!
Hand painted faces with super soft fleece bodies, stuffed with natural stuffing and accessorised with one of my handmade, original tags.
Measuring 3.5" tall and just under 3.5" wide, packaged in a clear, keep sake bag."

© Taylored Curiosities. All Rights Reserved. Not to be replicated.

ONE YEAR OLD!!!

Today Taylored Curiosities is a whole year old! I wouldn't have survived this long in such a competitive, art industry if it wasn't for the constant support from every single one of you! Your help, feedback, wonderful comments on my work and continued support have meant so much to me.

I am honestly overwhelmed with the response you have had to my work this past year, I have taken part in some really amazing exhibitions thanks to Dan Perry and Andy Kelly and have made some utterly awesome new friends! ToyCon UK next year will be immense, although I am getting nervous/excited about that.  You all really are blooming ace and don't you ever go changing ;)

You have all day to enter the giveaway that was held in honour of having 1000 facebook fans here http://tayloredcuriosities.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/1000-facebook-fans.html I will draw the winner this evening and announce that to you all.

I had two lovely illustrations in honour of today from Tobias Larner and Jon Paul Kaiser, so thank you for those chaps.

Fab Monster Embryo from Jon Paul Kaiser (above)

And another, darker Monster Embryo from Tobias (above)

I also had some delicious monster rock in the post; yummy! Thank you Sian Rees for that.  If you have any doodles, paintings, photos, anything else etc that you want to email over for the occasion then send them across to tayloredcuriosities@hotmail.co.uk and throughout the day I will add them to my facebook page.

Thanks again to all of you for everything you do and everything you are!

Christmas Seedlings...

Christmas Seedlings come in two colour options, a festive red and a christmas green; both are glittery. A dark green, Holly leaf sprout replaces the usual felted part.
Accompanied by an originally illustrated Seedling sticker and a mini bag of actual Christmas Tree seeds. If you happen to find one of the frosted ones (with a bit of snow on their leaves) then you'll also have an extra treat inside. All are signed and dated.  Available here : http://tayloredcuriosities.bigcartel.com/product/seedlings-christmas-edition

Packaged in a clear bag with original header card and gift wrapped in Christmas paper, tied with festive twine.

© Taylored Curiosities. All Rights Reserved.