Plush

It's June. Time for graduations, Father's Day, and thoughts of summer. The major blockbuster movies are coming to a theater near you. The weather is warming up. The beach beckons.

All sorts of great topics for the blog.

But I can't do what's expected. What catches my eye this month? Stuffed toys.

Nancy by janie xy

Isn't this orange cute? She would be a great gift for a new grad. Or a dad. Or just because.

Leo the Lion by Michelle's Zoo

And this lion is just the sort of thing that little kids would love. Hey, it's summer. All sorts of people will have birthdays coming up.

Black and White CupCake by Felted Chicken

And speaking of birthdays, you're going to want cake. Or a cupcake. What's better than a cupcake that won't add any extra pounds during bikini weather?

Purple Huggable Patchwork Bear by Malibu Quilts

Summer is not quilt weather, but if you like quilts, this guy is perfect for this time of year.

Baseball Bat and Ball by The Crafty Nana

Summer. Baseball. Summer. Baseball.

Orange Bear by rustic patriot girl

Or how about this bear? He'll brighten up even the most gloomy of overcast June days.

Sweater Scrap Rat by Zazu Faure

Yes, it's a rat. But he's a cute rat.

This post was contributed by Liz of Zizi Rho Designs, who's feeling a little guilty for forgetting that her niece wanted a stuffed toy for her birthday. Oops. Well, there's still a little time.

Holiday Gifting Trends: FELT

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be FELT with the heart."

Okay so I *may* have borrowed the above quote from Helen Keller.  It just seemed so fitting for one of the sweetest, most versatile fabric trends for the holiday season: FELT.  Some fuzzy, felted goodness is just what Santa ordered for the winter season.

I started browsing CCCOE artisans for their felted creations and was blown away by the talent we've got right here on our own team for all things FELT!  Below is just a small selection of the felt awesomeness I found among our members.  Enjoy and get that last minute shopping done now ... with FELT!

Loving these felted pebble magnets from delica!

Totally jonesin' for this awesome Kindle Fire case in my favorite color combo!

CUTEST little slippies for the little loved ones in your life!  From rusticpatriotgirl.

More captivating felted creatures: birdie hair clips by petals

Lovely blooms and greys come together for this checkbook cover from PineBlossoms

Prettiest autumn colors in this headband from MySweetieBean

A charming tote for your feline friend (OR for yourself!) from wagsandwiggles

I guess it's obvious from some of my selections that I have an appreciation of button details, too.  :)

There were way too many amazing felt goodies for me to cram all the relevant listings into a single blog post; hope you'll check out the links to CCCOE member shops below for all the felted excitement you can stand!

• Stitchy Impressions (home decor and household goods)
• Rynrina (TONS of adorable felt clutches and tote purses!)
• The Felted Pear (felt food toys for the little ones!)
• Flea Circus
• Puppy Love Stuff (heartFELT baglets!)
• La Tea Da Designs (felted art & supplies)
• Day of the Thread
• Whimsical Paper Dot (felties!)
• Felt Better Plushery (stuffed toys)
• Zizi Rho Designs (jewelry and electronics cozies)
• Grapevine Captive (goodies for baby)
• Oh Sew Tru
• Zazu Faure (plushie friends)

I hope you'll share YOUR favorite felt goodness for the holidays with us in your comments below, especially if I had the audacity to overlook the felted lovelies in your shop!  Please let us know.

Guest blog by Emily Reiter, wearing felted hairclips and repurposed felt scarves while lounging on a felt-applique wool pillow.  :)

PSST :: unrelated note: if you're NOT finished with holiday shopping <gasp>, you can still shop AND get free shipping from e-tailers via the FREE SHIPPING WEBSITE with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve!  You're welcome.  :)