News

New Word Alert
Squellelephant.  Noun.  A soft, one of a kind plush - square elephant made by me! Start your collectionl today!  Read more...
Shipping is Stupid
I apologize for anyone looking to purchase an Office Sidekick© this past week or so, shipping was not set up correctly for those!  Read more...
Summertime Equals Vacation Time?
Everyone I know is on some sort of vacation! While they are far and wide in this country and across the pond, I'm content right where I am.  I am... Read more...
Rebranding Alert
Check out the video I've posted on YouTube!  Read more...
Storms and Heat
Uffda!  It is hot here!  We had a tornado warning for the first time since we've moved into our apartment and had to go to the underground garage for about half an hour.  It was hot down there too.  Here are the clouds after the warning expired . . . . I was enamored by the clouds and got some great shots.   I've got some new rhinos in the store and will have two furry bears coming later in the week.  Hopefully, you are enjoying your summer so far!  Stay... Read more...
Bees, Cherries & Super Long Tails
This week was full of bears and pups and embroidery!  All things I totally love doing.  How was your week?     Read more...
Continuing the work...
I have been creating little stuffed animals for approximately 3 years and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon.  I've learned so much in that time and feel like I'm getting better everyday. It is challenging for sure, but the fact that I've taught myself and keep trying is something I'm really proud of.  This past week was a 'fish' week.  Inspired by the fish from Pinnochio, these two came out pretty well! What do you think?  Read more...
Moving Along
How was your week?  I've been moving through the week doing my usual routine again.  I'm starting to get over my blues from not getting the job I really wanted.  I just have to keep trying, just like with my art!  Whether it resonates with someone or not, it's more for ME than anyone else. Wishing you a fresh week of 'keep going' vibes and focusing on being YOU.  Ultimately, that's what matters the most.    Read more...
Feeling Blue
I had a great set of interviews in the past two weeks for a job right down the street from me.  I even told my sister that I would be surprised if I DIDN'T get the job.  Skip to yesterday and I got the "Dear Applicant" email of doom. I don't get it.  I have a long work history.  I'm personable.  I love to learn.  Yet, it wasn't enough.  I don't apply for jobs that I'm not qualified for, but I just do not know where I went wrong with... Read more...
Rollercoaster
Once again, the weather!  Geeez!  Monday morning we were below zero.  Friday is supposed to get to 80.  What the heck!?  I've been on a rollercoaster of art ideas, art creations, real life job interviews and life in general.  We all are, I suppose.  How is your rollercoaster of a life going? Here's a few of my latest canvas prints that are available.  Simple, bold and fun!    Read more...
Ups and Downs
The weather here in South Dakota cannot decide what it wants to do.  The temp swings are CRAZY!  Today is going to hit 70 degrees. . . in early March!  That's nuts! I know the eastern part of the US has been hit with snow, like a lot. I'll take the ups and downs though, I prefer a variety over the same day after day. How is your weather lately?  I have been focusing on spring time activities for art ideas.  I've got all my go - to favorites like,... Read more...
Bunny Fever
I've got bunnies on the mind!  It must be the upcoming Easter holiday or the pre-spring weather warm up we had a few weeks back, but I can't stop creating these cuties. Run, Rabbit, Run!    Read more...
Springtime Preview
Where I live, February is normally, not a fun month.  This past week however - dreamy.  Mid 60's! Mid 60's!  That is unheard of.  Tomorrow marks the end of our pre-spring preview and even though I like winter (really, I do) - this spring vibe will be missed. I've been focusing on more art prints so here's a peek at some of the newest options available.  As always, see a print you want but prefer a poster?  Just reach out, I can make that work for you!  Read more...
Cold as Ice
It has been extremely cold here!  One morning was -18 F on my dog walk and we barely made it 5 minutes.  There is a large storm system moving across the country this weekend and early into the week.  I believe here, we will luckily miss that part but I hope everyone stays safe and warm and doesn't get too much cabin fever! I've been working on lots of new ideas and projects. I recently finished a few plush animals I've never made before including a frog, gorilla and scottish... Read more...
New Patterns
This was a week of trial and error on a few new patterns for my soft art animals.  I will be listing the two that were successful today or tomorrow!... Read more...
New Year - New Goals
Happy New Year!  I cannot believe that it is 2026.  Like, Really!?  Crazy.   I hope everyone had a nice holiday season. I cannot complain, very low key this year and... Read more...
Holidays are Over
How was your holiday season?  As a parent of adult children, this holiday for me was a quiet one.  Which is perfectly fine with me!  I still had a great... Read more...
Back on Track
Well, as my mom would say, UFF DA!  Finally getting the website back on track after a very long week.  Hopefully, if there are any new issues, someone will let... Read more...
Torture
Ok, so the word torture is a eensy weensy bit dramatic BUT, my store this week came to a crumbling halt.  Of course, a kind person wanted to purchase something and... Read more...
Duos
It's hard to believe that the Halloween season has shifted into Thanksgiving and Christmas!  Are you ready?  I've got two sets of duos that I am listing today.  I've got... Read more...
Happy Halloween!
Wishing everyone a safe and fun evening tonight!  Don't forget that I have a whole section in my store for the spookier season.  Read more...
On the Edge
I am struggling with giving up on my business!  It is so hard to keep going when there are no sales happening and the best time of the year for... Read more...
Decisions, Decisions....
I made this cutie this weekend and then all of the sudden, BOOM, I'm like wait is this a bunny?  Or is this a lamb?  Tell me what you think,... Read more...
The Heat Returns...
NOOOOOO!  The next 7 days are going to be well above average on the temperature front where I live and I am not excited about this.  At all.  I want... Read more...
Bearfolk Return
I've added hanging loops onto my bears, slashed the prices and added a bit of their bio into their descriptions.  It is not easy to get a bear to share... Read more...
Nearly A Month!
It's INSANE to me that it has been nearly a month since my last blog post.  I literally think the days are too short, which I've likely said on this... Read more...
Dog Days of Summer
I hope everyone has had a decent summer!  I have to say, I am happy with the overall weather here in South Dakota this summer, that's not to say, we... Read more...
Sorry, Not Sorry!
Listen Linda, I KNOW it’s early.  I KNOW how much it is pretty much everyones thought that stores switch holidays too early BUT, I have a good reason! First, I... Read more...
Bears!
I've gotten settled a bit so I created a couple of new plush bears.  These are inspired by my love of those wonderful, wool camping blankets.  What do you think? ... Read more...
Face Palm Plant
O. M. G.  🤦🏼♀️ I've been working on adding some newer items to the shop, such as house flags, garden flags, etc. It has been a nice and productive week,... Read more...
Completely The Wrong Season
I have a tendency to do this to myself, I'm totally focused on the wrong season! Most people (including myself) don't like seeing Christmas decorations come up before the Halloween... Read more...
Ali's Atelier
I've been working on this concept for awhile and now, it is finished!  Now open as a subsection of my website, Visit Ali's Atelier.  A little corner of my art... Read more...
Recalling the Plush !
Since moving, I've been going through the hundreds of one of a kind animal sculptures I've made over the past two years.  I've certainly made progress from my originals, and... Read more...
Wow, That Took Forever...
Finally, into my new space and feeling good. I've been missing my routine tremendously though and dreaming of getting it back.  Although, not completely set up, the rhythm of things... Read more...
Moving Along
I haven't moved living spaces for a long time, and am in the process currently.  I seemed to remember really hating moving and guess what?  Still do.  SO MUCH WORK. ... Read more...
Collab Art Now Available
John and I have finally done some art pieces together!  Combining our styles has created some amazing pieces.  All four are currently available! Tell us what you think! Read more...
Halfway Through May
Oh. MM.  GEEEE.  The last post I made was the middle of April and now, we are already into the middle of MAY!  Time moves so quickly sometimes, it blows... Read more...
Half Way Thru April
The time seems to just keep flying by!  Hard to believe April is almost half over. I've been extremely busy creating new pieces and managing the website and the various... Read more...
Bird Week
I've got a bird brain this week!  I've got a huge batch of bird prints coming out and honestly, I CANNOT GET ENOUGH! Do you enjoy birds?   Read more...
Thoughts and Seasons Changing
I've never been a hater of winter.  In fact, I'm one of the few people I know or have met that really, truly enjoys it.  However, I do also love... Read more...
Caps for Summer
If you are like me, sometimes a hat is just a much needed accessory for those wild hair days.  I've chosen these caps because they are 100% organic cotton.  Breathable... Read more...
All Over The Map
I'm often quite secluded . . . on purpose 🤣  That being said, I'm not sure how other artists tackle the 'many projects at a time' aspect of their process and schedule.  I find myself getting into a mode of creating a lot of things at once.  However, I then have the problem of not finishing and moving on to the other projects.  I feel like it's a big tornado of activity and more than likely, not the most productive.  How do you manage your time?  I'd love to hear... Read more...
Food Focused
I've been busy creating some new pop art style prints featuring food.  Some comfort foods from childhood will be appearing next week.  For now, check out my latest designs that are now available in the store!    Read more...
What is Happening with YOU?
We are having some beautiful days this early spring so far, and it has been just lovely. What is happening in your world?  I've been busy continuing to create art everyday  and keeping up with the online store and a few other sites which is pretty much most of my day. As a one person company, there is so much to manage that I am trying to keep sight of living in the moment too.  My dog is 10 years old now, and I enjoy taking him on morning walks... Read more...
Art Activity
I posted a video last week of an art activity that my husband and I do everyday. If you missed it, the premise is that we have a prompt from the computer and 10 minutes to sketch out what we interpret the prompt to be.  It is so much fun !   The goal is not about "good" art, but rather taking the time to challenge the brain, the ability to just go for it and not care about the end result. So!  I will be posting these exercises about once... Read more...
SO COLD !
This last week was brutal, as far as the weather.  Also brutal, was a flu/virus bug we caught.  MAN. Feeling a bit trapped was the norm, BUT, tomorrow and the next few days will be in the 50's!  That is a HUGE difference.  I'm excited about walking my dog again.  How is the weather in your neck of the woods? I worked on some South Dakota native animal prints and tees this week.  Read more...
Nostalgia
I've been reflecting on my past, my childhood.  Thinking of things that I used to LOVE doing or just have a special memory of, is inspiration for some of latest pieces.  Nostalgia.  Will that translate to sales?  I can certainly hope for the best, but it isn't even about that, really.  Have you thought of things you did as a kid that you might miss?    Read more...
Guessing Game
Being an artist and doing all of the  creating and then maintaining of everything on your own is tough work!  I'm constantly trying to strategize when to post items, where to post items, trying to remember to include all the information, make it fun, make it stand out, make it noticeable....oof - but honestly, it truly is a guessing game.  With algorithms and advertising, is it even possible to get your work visible and seen without so much fighting against you? I can post on a Sunday, receive tons of... Read more...
Deep Into It
Creating is 100% addictive to me.  My brain just has to do it!  It's been a good week of new creations.  I hope your week has been good as well, stay warm!    Read more...
Winter Skies
We are halfway through January already!  My neck of the woods has had a few really nice days but the cold, cold air is coming in a few days.  I've been very productive this year so far, make sure to see what is new in the shop! Stay warm, my friends.  Read more...