The sun wouldn't cooperate this morning

I had planned to share a new artistic piece with everyone.
Sadly, the sun wouldn't come out this morning.

Instead, I have a lovely picture to share with you.

These little Moon Buns are a Bride and Groom set designed to look like the actual Bride and Groom's outfit. It was a custom order for AkumaRaven.
According to her: "that cake is a very important Norwegian tradition (it's called Kransekake), and I was glad I could 'spice it up' a bit."

Thank you for sending in the photo! It always warms my heart to receive photos like this.

Commission and Custom Order Status is Open!

Ghost Children Moon Buns from the movie Coraline, a previous commission

Commission and Custom order status reopens today! Thank you everyone for your patience with me.

For just a sample of the many commissions I've made in the past, please visit my flickr account.

Fan Art Gifts!

Is there anything more thrilling than when an fellow artist recreates your design in their own style and gives it to you? I don't think there could be.

This first feature is a bit of a cheat, since it was a commission. Megan Baehr recently was accepting custom orders and I requested her to draw my Moon Buns. She made this beautiful piece.

"Mommy MoonBun tells Baby MoonBun the story of the Moon Bunny who lives on the moon and pounds rice to make yummy rice cakes."

Wait, you recognize Megan's name, she's also the talented artist behind nonesuchgarden! To see more of her beautiful art, visit her art blog, Fried Wontons.

This utterly adorable pieces was sculpted by Kelly of egyptianruin. This beautiful piece is her representation of the Bunny Mines!

If you've been following me for any length of time, you may notice I refer to my crafting area as the Bunny Mines. So seeing this makes so very happy. I only wish the real Bunny Mines were so adorable!

Thank you so much ladies for your fantastic gifts! You've made my day!

Photoshoot

I've been asked many time how I take my photos. To be honest, I'm always suprised when people ask, because I don't think my photos are very good. They could always be better.

To take my photos I need 4 things: Camera, Light Box, Natural Light and Photo Editing Software

I have a Sony Cybershot. It's not high end at all. This is what I take my photos with. It just proves you don't need to spend a fortune to take a decent photo. I have mine set to no flash (very important), macro on and a slight increase on brightness.

The Macro setting will allow you to take nice, close-up photos of your item. The increase in brightness, just helps to lighten up what nature can't do on its own.

Natural Light is extremely important to your photos. It will bring out the absolute best colors. This is why you won't need flash. Flash washes out the richness of natural light. Even when taking photos of friends, I don' t use the flash.
Flash is no good.

You'll always need to change your photo time depending on the lighting that works best for you and the season. I like early morning sunlight. In late August I take photos around 8 am, but in Winter I take photos much later in the morning.

This clock is on a wall next to my light source (window). Not as bright as I'd like it, but I wanted to catch the time and I don't have a clock on any other walls.

For a light box, you don't need to spend a fortune. I made this based on Strobist's tutorial. It's a simple cardboard box with the top and sides cut out and replaced with tracing paper. My background white is just a piece of poster board.

This photo shows exactly where I take my photos, right next to the sliding glass doors. Luckily my doors are on the Eastern side of the house, so plenty of my favorite early morning light.

Here's a shot of a little Moon Bun in the light box.

Once I've taken my photos, I upload them into my computer. I use the free program Graphic Converter. I will usually sharpen the photo a little and brighten if the morning is a little more cloudy than I'd prefer.

That's it!
This is all I do to take my photos. Nothing too fancy.
If you're taking photos for products, remember to use that natural light and shun the flash.
Good luck!

By Hook, By Hand's Free Spirit Amigurumi Doll

I usually update while I'm at my day job and lately we've been so busy I haven't had the chance. I suppose it's a good thing I have work to do rather than playing on my blog. Here's today's feature free pattern.

I've just discovered By Hook, By Hand and I'm blown away with the patterns. The free Sprirt Amigurumi Doll reminds me of a Blythe doll, but crocheted. How awesome is that?

For this beautiful free pattern, please visit By Hook, By Hand!

New Charms!

The original Moon Bun charms I made were crocheted with a yarn that got discontinued. After searching and testing several yarns, I found one that held up wonderfully. I attached my tester to my keys and after a month, it's still holding strong.

Each charm attracts a certain luck!
What luck are you looking for?

http://MoonsCreations.etsy.com

My goodness! I've been so busy I've neglected the blog terribly. Please forgive me. I'll make the time to post more. ♥

Get Your Kitty Photos In!

but you remembered and now i can't forget - by allisonbook

Just wanted to remind everyone the last date to submit your photo to the Kitty-gurumi contest is Friday, August 21st!

There have already been so many great entries, it's going to be hard to choose just one!

For more information, check out the contest post!

gigglinggoblin's knitted eyes

Sorry hookers, but today's feature free pattern is for the knitters!
Right now I've got Halloween in my mind. (Must be working on the 31 Amigurumi in October.)

Knitting is my one true fiber love. I know I'm better known for my crochet, but given the choice between a hook and a pair of needles, I'll pick knitting. I'm just not very good at creating my own patterns. (whoops!) Luckily there are wonderful people like gigglinggoblin who create wonderfully fun patterns to knit.

I've already got a fishbowl full of these eyeballs and I can't wait to make a few more. To get gigglinggoblin's free eyeball pattern, visit her blog here.

Happy Knitting!

Moon Men

Many have asked, what can I do with a Moon Man? Well I handed out some Moon Men to friends and told them to go for it. Here's what they made!

Triceratops designed by Megan Baehr of Nonesuchgarden

Eri designed by Sang Kim of wariwashigoods

Moon Flower Fairy designed by Charlotte Duke (BabyLondonStar)

What will you make with a Moon Man?

New Products Monday

Brand new in the shop are Moon Men! These are diy customizable amigurumi human forms in four skin tones. Moon Men are specially designed to take your artistic endeavors, be they sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting and more!

You've heard about Banff before right?

He's the Photobombing Ground Squirrel that interrupted a couple's vacation photo. Well, he's decided to visit me in my studio.

Please! Someone give this photo hogging squirrel a home. I can't get any photos taken without him showing up!

Quietly working

Cemetary at Night by bfraser24

It's very quiet here.
But under the silence, is a wealth of work in the Bunny Mines. There will be several new designs released as well as some re-releases of some old designs in the next few months. In addition, we will be celebrating October with the 31 Amigurumi in October series.

Thank you for your patience with me while I quietly work.
I promise it will be well worth it!

This and That's "Amigurumi Hoola Kitty"

So cute! Insanely cute! This pattern was brought to my attention through the WeLoveAmigurumi community on Live Journal. I've been on a real Hawaii kick lately (I wanna go!!) I love everything about this pattern. She uses the elements perfectly to create a very unique amigurumi.

If you'd like to get this free pattern, run on over to This and That's blog!

New designs and a sneak peek!

I didn't realize it before, but John Hughes played a major role in my life and I was needless to day, heartbroken over his sudden death. In honor of Mr. John Hughes, I present The Breakfast Club:


Played by Moon Buns of course.
Thanks for the memories!


I had to do the dance scene for the guys. ^-^


Another group shot. ♥ Sadly my lightbox is too small for 5 bunnies.


Here's a sneak peek of the new Kitty-gurumi designs I've been working on! They will be officially released on September 1st. Check out how you can win a free Kitty-gurumi!

Sounds of Sunday

Frank Sinatra - Strangers in the Night

Jimi Hendrix Moon Bun

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, the Plush Team was challenged to make plush inspired by this iconic festival.

I made Jimi Hendrix, as a Moon Bun of course!

This little Moon Bun has so much detail! I had so much fun making every little pieces, especially his guitar strap. Although I nearly threw the whole project away when I ruined the first Fender Stratocaster by trying to add strings to it. Oh well. Live and learn. I think the second guitar looks better than the first did anyway.

It's hard to see, because of the guitar, but he is even wearing a little choker necklace like Hendrix did during the festival!

He's in the shop now, waiting for a Hendrix fan to give him a loving home.

Fuzzy Feet Works' Little Witchy Pattern

I know Alisha from Fuzzy Feet Works through many social networking sites and I have to say, she is one of the sweetest people. She also makes rockin' patterns. Check out this cutie-pie Witch! Love it! Maybe you can brew up a few in time for Halloween?

For the free pattern, visit Fuzzy Feet Works!

Finally!

Pumpkin Picking by WisDoc

The 31 Amigurumi in October series is a month of pride for me, where I think up all sorts of delightful, Halloween inspired Moon Buns; one for everyday of the month of October.

However, after two years, the pickings are beginning to get a little slim. But finally, after weeks of racking my brain and the brains of my followers on DeviantArt and LiveJournal, I finally have 31 new and unique designs. Hooray! *throws confetti*

Next step, sketching out the designs!
I'm so excited! Every year, it takes everything within me to keep these designs a secret. I really think everyone will have at least one favorite from this year's series.

Until October!

Sounds of Sunday

Tony Bennett - Because of You