Final touches on "the bun"

Today I finished the Back Pack...

I used green strips of leather for the straps and attached a little buckle from an old wrist-watch on the front to secure to his waist.

I had needle-felted all these vegetables to use in his basket-pack...

and then decided against it. 

His pack was too deep to do justice to the veges.. they would not be easily seen or appreciated.

Instead, we chose these:

The acorns have a golden hue, just like the ones on his vest.

In this case, the caps are real, the nuts are not. We certainly do not want little bugs making their way into the acorns.

Next he needed a cap, a green one.

None of my green wool was compatible with the color of the vest.

 As gorgeous as these greens are, I want  a shade that's a bit closer to the fabric.

 That's when a wool carder comes in handy

 You can combine the wool colors on the carder and "WALLAH"!

a much closer match.

SWEET.

A needle-felted derby

 with a feather...or two,

makes a gentleman feel rather dapper.

Last but not least; whiskers and a tail... and I nearly DID forget that tail.

 He is finished and has a fine name...

He will introduce his fine self tomorrow at the online show. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1213533635380525/

 I spent around 35 hours on this fella. We artists and crafts-folk often have the most difficultly in knowing what to charge for our work. Many of you know what I mean.

Here is what I take into consideration: Hours, material costs and professionalism.

Hours are self explanatory, how much do you think you should be paid for your time?

 Material costs: In my case, these include; armature,threads, stuffing, fabrics,glass eyes and wool, Vintage millinery, and Mohair.   Much of my wool is free because I have sheep...but I still have to shear the sheep and clean the wool.Mohair is unbelievably expensive, up to $150 per yard. Most of my other materials are fairly reasonable.

Professionalism: By this I mean, the years spent perfecting ones art. When I was a new artist, I did not charge nearly what I do now, for any of my work; that includes painting, paper-cutting,and stitchery. But after spending over 30 years as an artist, one has earned at least a little clout... maybe even a little respect as an artist, (at least one hopes)

With all that said, I've yet to settle on a price...( I told you it was difficult!)

I honestly do not know if he will sell, as this online show is a new venture for the group. 

If he doesn't sell, I am fine with it, frankly, I'd like to keep him around for awhile!

 Please check in again tomorrow, Saturday at 10:00 at the Early American Folk Art and trades Marketplace here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1213533635380525/
 You can meet the Un-named bun in his entirety and learn his most excellent name.

Thanks to all of you for joining in the birth of a bun!