Toy Fiend Friday: Kotobukiya CuPoche Tomoe Mami from Madoka Magica

By now, you should know that I have an insatiable obsession for all things Tomoe Mami.  What you might not know is that I'm also a diehard fan of Kotobukiya.  I've been collecting figures by them since I was a weensy teenager.  When they started releasing their CuPoche line, I was ecstatic!  I can't really get behind collecting Nendoroids because of their horrendous posing, but these little figures are amazing and run in the same super deformed, sugar dripping sweetness aesthetics.

Even the CuPoche packaging is super cute :3.

Mami arrives with three faceplates, several sets of differently posed hands, her guns, a magnetic (!!!) stand and a miniature Witch Charlotte, in her first form.

NO SAD FACES FOR MAMI.  She's suffered enough!

She also comes with a variety of clear plastic clasps and hooks to display the guns and Charlotte.  These can be placed into the pegs surrounding her stand to create different scenes.  Her faceplates are very easily removed, but don't fall out or become loose without a bit of pressure to release them.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH MAMI NO

There... that's better.  Pardon me while I go cry myself a river into my pillow T_______T.

As I mentioned when I reviewed Madoka last year, I absolutely LOVE the magnetic stand.  It's easily concealed under a backdrop.  The magnets in her feet are very strong.  Perfect for say...

Later, dude!

...Punting a particularly evil little witch into the corner where she belongs >_>.

I ordered CuPoche Mami from my favorite figure store, Hobby Link Japan.  She's still available and in stock :).  If you haven't had a chance to check these adorable little figures out, you definitely should!  If you're not a fan of Madoka Magica, there are also several other characters to choose from.

Thanks for reading!

(Kawaii Machine) New Fairy Kei and Pastel Goth Inspired Bracelets: I feel the need, the need for beads!

Oh jeez, please don't leave.  I'm sorry, I wholeheartedly apologize for that title.  It was just... there.  I had to.

Oh, wait, look over there!  It's sparkly, cute, beady things!

For those of you who are still listening at this point, recently I decided that I wanted to try my hand at making custom beaded jewelry for the Kawaii Machine shop. 

In general, I tend to learn as I go.  If I hit a snag, I'll search through a tutorial (or six) to figure out the process.  I had no idea what I was doing, but I had handfuls of this multicolored sparkly stuff and knew I wanted to do something.

Watercolor Butterfly Beaded Bracelet, $8

Pearl and Roses Beaded Bracelet, $8

I started out by making linked bracelets.  Each bead is hand linked with the next using silver plated beading wire.  That's a lotta clipping and wire wrapping.  Unfortunately, this also caused a pain flare-up throughout my hands and arms, so these types of bracelets will be one or two of a kind at most.  I simply won't be able to sit down and make very many of them at a time D:.

The next type I tried turned out to be much easier on my hands, and better for people who'd rather not worry about specific sizing.

Pearl and Neon Stretch Bracelet, $4

Paint Splatter and Pearl Key Charm Bracelet, $5

These bracelets are created by laying out a measured number of beads (usually 7-7.5" worth) in a design and threading a loop of stretch cord through.  Much, much easier on my poor hands!   I even made a few of the kind with the grosgrain ribbon for myself :3.  I did, however, have to teach my uncouth self how to tie a proper bow >_>.  Hint:  Use a fork!  For bigger bows, BAM!  Four fingers are basically a fork.

In keeping with the theme of my shop, all of the new pieces are inspired by colors and themes found in both Fairy Kei and Pastel Goth fashions.  I'm always on the lookout for new beads and ideas, so keep an eye on the shop for new items!

The Wonderful World of Acrylic, Spankin' New Accessories

For the past month or so, I've been researching different ways to create charms and jewelry.  I love the look and versatility of printed acrylic.  I've been having loads of fun creating these new goodies.

'Pastel no Kyoujin' Colossal Titan Attack on Titan Acrylic Strap and Pin, $5 Each

If you'd told me a month ago that this ridiculous pastel Colossal Titan would be so popular, I'd never have believed you, haha.  Of course I had to make him into some cute accessories!  I've also had requests for this design to be made available as earrings, which I'm currently working on :3.

 Pastel Pink and Blue Macaron Kitties Hairpin and Adjustable Ring, $5 Each

My Macaron Kitties also received a reincarnation as adorable hairpins and adjustable rings.  I was finally able to find a Hobby Lobby and couldn't resist stocking up on blank jewelry settings and findings.  They also had these tiny grosgrain ribbon bowknots in virtually every color imaginable.  While I'm on the subject, the Hobby Lobby I visited is absolutely huge.  I could have roamed around in there for hours!  It seemed like I was finding something I could use every time I turned a corner.

 Large Pastel Lollipop Candies Adjustable Rings, $5 each

My favorite find, however, has to be these giant pastel candies.  They were originally lollipops with sticks, but I've removed them for the rings and added colorful bows and acrylic stars.  They're coated in iridescent glitter and are actually hollow.  So, even though it's a large statement ring, it's very light.  Making items like these makes me wish I could wear fairy kei every day T_T.

My next acrylic pieces will be Halloween themed!  I've already started designing them and they are absolutely adorable.  Halloween, though, will have to wait until another post!

 

Mewclops :3, the Kitty Cyclops

Ready to stare into the soul of onlookers!

Excuse me whilst I flail a bit over here.  I'm a crazy cat lady.  I love cats.  It's no secret.  But a PASTEL CYCLOPS KITTY?  Oh, yes.  Yes, please.

Both the BF and I are feeling under the weather today.  Mine's just coming on and his has a foot out the door (as it usually happens with couples =_=).  I doodled this adorable little guy up in illustrator while I was confined to my chair because the floor wouldn't stop spinning.  We were supposed to be joining some friends for a day of table top gaming, but since we're still newcomers to Nashville, we're catching all of the seasonal bugs (;- ;  ).  I rescheduled for a dolly playdate later this week when I feel better, though!

I've added tees and totes with this design in the Etsy shop <3!

 Mewclops Tees, $22

These are printed using two different types of methods.  Flex materials (first and last photo) give a crisp, smooth, and vibrant image on any color.  The result is slightly raised, smooth, and feels a bit like vinyl.  Full color digital prints (like the kitty in the middle) are best on light color shirts and produce a vibrant, smooth image.

The new totes that are available are from Ecobags.  They're made of 100% recycled cotton and are very large.  They'll easily hold more than a grocery bag full of goods.

Mewclops Large Totes, $25

These are printed using the specialty flex materials.  The bottom two are printed with amazing metallic foil flex.  It's a true metallic material with lots of shine and shimmer :3.

I hope everyone had a good weekend!  It's time to get back to the grind again tomorrow (~_~  )!

New designs at Kawaii Machine

These are a few of the adorable designs I've come up with recently for the Kawaii Machine Etsy.  I have so much fun creating these kawaii shirts and accessories, I can't even begin to describe it.  I'm so happy to have found a local printer that I can rely on for fast turnaround and stunning quality.  Every time I pick up an order, it makes me want to get one for myself XD.   

Aaaand... I usually do ~( .__.)~.

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to do a real photo shoot with some of my products. 

Chibi Tiger Blood RAWR Tee, $19

My model, Amanda, was so incredible to work with.  She was kind enough to bring along her lights (she's a photography student, usually on the other side of the camera!) and I remember asking, "What's the Kelvin?"  When I got an immediate answer, I could have melted.  It was a uniquely gratifying experience, haha.  My life may revolve around kawaii, but I'm a geek at heart.

 Butterfly Dreams and Keys to the City Custom Printed Pastel Trouser Stockings, $13

These stockings may be my favorite accessories so far.  They're created from my original designs using a sublimation technique for a vibrant, all over print that won't fade.  The base I use is an extremely soft microfiber blend, perfect for sock skating across shiny surfaces :3.

Galaxy Lucky Kitty Tote, $18

Even tiny Bandit got in on the fun.  I had the pups corralled in the bedroom since we were moving all over the place, but they cried so much that eventually I had to let them in on all the excitement of these new people.  Originally Smokey, our other Chi, was in the bag, too, but he got so excited that I was afraid he'd wiggle out D:!  Luckily, Bandit is easily coerced into a cute photo by saying 'STICK?!' or squeaking a toy :3.

Cookie Bunny Tee, $22

This giant donut has been floating around my studio for weeks.  I bought it especially for the shoot, but I really can't wait to take it to the pool or lake!

For the background, I got a HUGE canvas drop cloth and spray paint in the prettiest pastel and neon colors I could find.  Did you know they make glitter spray paint (as in, it sprays micro glitter, not just a metallic color)?  I DID NOT, but now I do.  We live in a balcony apartment, so it was pretty funny to have this gigantic neon kitty draped over half of our railing to dry.  I had to do some touchups when I was finished and had it hanging inside, though.  The upside is that the fan I used to evacuate the fumes now has a lovely dusting of fluorescent pink on its blades <3.  I still have paint left over, too.  I asked the boyfriend on a scale of one to EVERYTHING, what should be turned pink.  He was nonplussed, but I think it'll grow on him :3.  I loved every second of this shoot and I can't wait to do it again!