Flickr, Butterflies and other People's Critters

I've just been looking at all the really cute stuff on flickr. I'm allowed to do this cos I've declared myself to be on holiday! Anyhow, I thought I'd post a pic of my butterfly-tweedies and hopefully it will inspire me to get some more together for my Etsy shop. I hope to get it together and take part in all these lovely blogging activities such as swaps, give-aways, crafters interviews, etc. I think it'll take me a wee bit of time for my poor little brain to figure out how to go about all these things! I'm still familiarising myself with Etsy, Flickr, etc. but I'm having fun doing it! Here's my butterflies:

Maybe I'll get it together to do a giveaway once I've got my little shop stocked up and ready to go! Aim high! These little fellows are about 5 inches wide and made from Harris Tweed (of course!), felt circles and embroidered eyes - all handstitched. I've started to embroider features such as eyes now and hope to pick up a few more embroidery skills along the way. I love seeing all the different versions of similar themes on people's craft blogs and flickr.

And I thought I was the only one making soft-toy (plush) ladybirds (ladybugs), butterflies, etc.!! It's been really cool to see different people's approaches to making 'similar' critters! A real eye-opener for me! I love the international element to Flickr and craft blogs in general. I wonder where all the inspiration comes from to make all these creations. My children "egged" me on with all my projects. If they laughed, I knew I was on the right track! I also love the texture and colours of Harris Tweed. What's your inspiration?

Oidhche Mhath (Good Night!)

P.S. If anyone wants to do a "critter" swap with me, I'd be happy to oblige!! Butterflies, bees, ladybugs, frogs (?!), spiders ......

(Most of mine are on my Flickr photostream - here or in my original shop here)