Eskimo kisses from the north

I hear this winter never seems to end up north, but how far north must one go to see snow year-round? Well, one can be certain that if they get up to the polar region, they are sure to find Mukluk, his little sister, Mookie, and their polar friends enjoying the snow, be it winter, spring or fall.

Mukluk is the northern most set in the Wee Are the World collection. However I’ve made sure to balanced out the cold, icy blues in the patterns with some warm magenta pinks and poppy reds, and a little glowing green tossed in, all reminiscent of the Northern Lights, Mookie and Muk-luky ;) are lucky enough to enjoy.

Until next stop, sending Eskimo kisses from the polar north.

Sakura, the pride of Japan, the icon of resilience

It is cherry blossom season, and though these lovely and delicate flowers can be seen throughout the world, there is no place more recognizable for these beautiful flowering trees than in Japan.

The sakura, or cherry blossom, is the icon for Japanese art and culture, and today it has become the icon for resilience in the country. One of Japan’s oldest trees, a weeping cherry tree has stood for a thousand years, blossoming every year despite blizzards, earthquakes and, now, a nuclear disaster. Even through this recent catastrophe, it once again showers its beautiful blossoms down on the people giving them hope that they too will recover. Ironically it is a weeping cherry tree; iconically it is a symbol of resilience.

When I designed this Sushi collection, the disasters of Japan has not yet occurred. It would be thoughtless of me to share the musings of Sushi and her story today; so just enjoy the art as it is given, and keep the people of Japan in your heart and in your prayers.

The Crowning Touch

Meet Tajie, the wee prince of India, whose name is borrowed from one of the most recognizable and beautiful structures in the world, the Taj Mahal. Tajie, with the help of his colorful menagerie (Ellie, Dot, and Bovie) will guide us through the jungles of India; the ancient city of Bombay, now Mumbai, home of Bollywood; and the eighth wonder of the world, and crowning touch, The Taj Mahal. Prepare to be treated like royalty, and don’t forget your tiara.

Tiptoe through the tulips with me

It’s tulip time and everywhere I look, I see them. There is no better place to enjoy tulips than the original land of tulips, and that is Holland. So let’s get to that beautiful countryside where wee will find the queen of tulips herself, Dutchy. And though it’s hard to notice in her wooden clogs, she is in fact tiptoeing through the tulips with me.

Going on Safari

It’s time for a safari so let’s head to Africa and meet our guide, Bongo. He and his chipper monkey, Tumbili will take us into the depths of the jungle and the heat of the desert. We will encounter hippos, lions, and the wild crocodile of the Nile; though these wee animals are hardly dangerous. So, hop on board and join this colorful and exciting adventure before we are out of Africa and onto yet another land of enchantment.

Meet Mademoiselle Frenchy and Gigi, her poodle

Wee are happy to introduce our friends from around the world. Frenchy is the resident Parisian who, along with her adoring Gigi, enjoy the lovely and beautiful Paris this time of year. With serenading birds, blooming flowers and unforgettable sites to see; you will want to join Frenchy in the springtime. Pack your bags and begin this adventure, but don’t stay long or you might miss the next exciting stop on our trip around the world.

Little Likables

What do you get when you blend Liddle Kiddles with It’s a Small World? Wee are what you get! I have been developing this collection in my head for a number of years, and finally is has become a finish collection. It is Wee Are the World and it is finally ready for the world.

It all began over 30 years ago when I visited Disneyland and sat in the little boat traveling around the world, the Small World, that is. I immediately fell in love with the adorable children from all over the globe and the artist who designed them, Mary Blair, the amazing one. So, needless to say, I’m a huge fan of Small World.

Now, go back another decade from that 30 years, and you’ll see little Sheri Berry playing on the floor with her teeny tiny Kiddles. These were the tiniest little dolls of the time. And they even had tinier little caged animals, called Zooleries, as their pets. I had a few, wish I’d have saved them. I know the appeal for me was in the minuteness of these little people. They were compact and just as cute as they could be. Well, that’s my opinion anyway.

These two childhood experiences, along with a song I learned before I could even read, All the Children of the World, have stuck with me, so much so, that I could hardly stand it until I could create my own version of all the little children of the world. Well, at least eight little children anyway.

As you can see at top, the children are Mukluk, Frenchy, Tajie, Poncho, Sushi, Dutchy, Bongo and Aloha. I have also been sending these little guys to the girls, the college girls I postcard at each week. The scene art above is of those postcards.

Over the next few weeks I will share the collections of each of these sweet children and the accessories, if you will, for each. What I’m referring to is the patterns which accompany each person. I have learned a bit about the regions and culture to give each their own identity.

So, while my identity may be wrapped up in Small World and Liddle Kiddles, hopefully the identity of these wee people will wrap around your heart and find a place to stay.