My Last Custom Order of 2011

I did a quick post about my making a custom dog ornament for a returning customer here back in November 2011. I got a lot of great response to it and another order. The new client is a friend from The Hive and she gave me permission to share the creation of the ornament with you.

This one is completely different from the ornament I previously did...it's a kitty! And just the face this time and it's much more detailed. My lovely customer sent me a photo and I made a template of the kitty's beautiful markings. Isn't he gorgeous?

 This was such a challenge to get the cat to look like himself but simplified. I did the eyes 3 different ways 3 times until I was happy with them. So many tiny, fiddly pieces!

I did the face pattern on the computer but to make one yourself you could trace the face or scan the photo to the size you want than cut apart the features you want to use for your template. You could also glue the felt instead of sewing all the tiny, tiny stitches I did.

 You can click on this photo to see it larger I believe if you'd like to see more of the details. At this point I'm figuring out where to put the hanger. Then I'll sew all away around and stuff the face lightly.

Here he is stuffed and complete.

You can see he's quite large.

A quick shot of him on my studio tree before he was shipped out. I really enjoyed making this ornament and will make one of my pup Lita for my tree next year.

The Making of A Custom Ornament.

I was asked to make a custom ornament this year by a customer that I made custom ornaments for last year. It's sooooo nice to get repeat business! Anyhoo I thought I'd document the process for those who are interested.

 The client sent me a photo of their new dog. I did an ornament of their Yorkie last year. I then made a graphic of the dog. She has such beautiful markings but it's a felt ornie so I have to simplify them.

I printed out the basic shapes and started to cut and layer the colors.

Teeny tiny stitches.

This sweet Doxie has blue eyes so I used blue mini buttons. The white details have been layered on. The ears attached and the hanger too.

Here she is all sewn and lightly stuffed. Much more of a challenge then the Yorkie of last year.

I think she's really quite sweet! Just needs a bow then she's off to a new home!

Here's last year's Yorkie. I think I did a much better job this year. ;0)