Weddings!

In the last year or so, an insane number of my friends have gotten engaged and/or married. I feel like I had previously heard the story "all of a sudden everyone you know will be following the trend" (for either engagement/marriage, and/or babies-I guess I'm thankful it's still the former) but it really was like 'something was in the air'

On of my friends from undergrad is a DIE HARD Auburn fan, and got engaged in March and married just yesterday (27 October 2012). I had sort of been thinking she would be the kind of person to have a unique cake topper, and was delighted when she asked if I could make her one.

(I've been wanting to break into the field!)

Her groom is a Florida Gators fan. Her flowers are (Auburn) burnt orange and navy. 

and the dress was modeled after her own. 

I was glad I could be there in spirit and contribute to making it special!

 

Mr. and Mrs. Cale Chewning :-)

 May they always bring each other joy <3

Not clay... but still sculpting

My wonderful fiancee introduced me to a lovely new hobby. He bought me a felted heart last semester, and I had never heard of 'felting' prior to that. Then a friend of mine found a website for felted animals that look like your own, and they were too precious, but rather out of my budget. So, instead of putting the thought out of my mind, I decided I needed to learn this creation! 

Wonderful fiancee of mine got me crafting supplies for my birthday and it's been rather addicting!

Some friends of mine threw us an engagement party, and they already have my clay creations, but what better way to thank them than a newly crafted stuffed animal art, after their own beloved pets?

This is Dash- a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

she has cute little freckles on her nose
and gorgeous patterned "eyelids" and cheeks

and a precious little nose 

 I was looking up how to give these felted creatures eyes and noses, ad found them for sale online, but when I looked closer, I realized it would be an easy clay task to make eyes and noses with a little ring in the back of them to be sewn in.

I think it's needless to say I fell in love. And so did Alicen!

Megan has a chow that has her heart. He wandered into their yard years ago, and has been at home in their lives ever since. I must say, I have a soft spot for the chubby cheeks they come with!

adding colors/layers

and adding facial features

again with the shading/color addition

prior to the tail being added

cute little curly tail over his back

Megan loved her "Dusty" dog 

 And I loved making unique presents for such sweet friends!