Kindred Spirit: Rebecca Tryer Goodwin of 'hoffee and a nuffin'

I adore hoffee and a nuffin sock monkeys! Each one is unique and the attention to detail, extraordinary! I'm anxiously awaiting for the one I'll just have to adopt for my little guy. Yes, I actually stalk her shop ....just kidding, but every new monkey or friend gets checked out as soon as it is listed and I'll know our sock monkey when I see it! Okay, it may not even be a monkey, Rebecca has made moose, rabbits and even a panda, but something tells me it will be a monkey. Rebecca is another crafty CafeMom. There are so many fabulously crafty moms I have had the pleasure of meeting in the CafeMom street team. Rebecca is one of my favorites! So,without further ado, meet Rebecca, in her own words:

My name is Rebecca, also Becky to my family and to anybody I've known until I was 17 years old. (I really don't mind whichever you choose... I'll respond!) Originally from Southern California I now live in Oregon with my husband to whom I have been married for 6 years. I'm 31 years old and a mommy of two boys. Having children has changed my life. They're a hand full at times, but they're amazing and I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world (even on our worst day!) I love them! I've worked as a waitress for a couple of years and my last job was in Customer Service for a food distribution company. I was able to quit my job to stay home with my children and I have shops on Etsy to supplement my husband's income.

I have two shops on Etsy. 'hoffee and a nuffin' is my favorite and it holds many fun items for the sock monkey obsessed. Here you'll find genuine, real-for-sure sock monkeys (regular modern, vintage, and miniatures), photo greeting cards, pincushions, fabric coasters, ornaments, sometimes bunnies and other creatures, and... well, take a peek and see for yourself! I made my first sock monkey in February 2008 for my youngest son's 2nd birthday. The second was made for his brother. After a few I started getting requests for more and that's when I turned to Etsy. I'm not sure that I have "plans" for any of this, but for now I'm really enjoying what I do and thrive on the positive feedback of others to continue. It seems that as long as you're happy, I'm happy; and for as long as you're happy, I'll continue to do what I love. As much as I love the sock monkeys, I can't help but want to create other things as well. I'm definitely not limited! This is where 'Sweetest Little Things' emerged from. Where was I to put "everything else"? I enjoy working with polymer clay and have fun Little Birdie Buttons and Ladies of Snow (Red Hat Society Snow-Woman) ornaments. Oh, and Hee Pigeons! Hee Pigeons are decorated, magnetic clothespins (really, you have to read the listing for the story of the Hee Pigeon!) I do have some new items planned... but it's a surprise! You'll have to keep checking in to see what's new...
So, I AM passionate about sock monkeys. My work is personal and I take them very seriously. I don't believe in "whipping one up" nor do I believe that one is finished until it's truly finished. No shortcuts are taken nor corners cut. It's important that each one have a personality of it's own. This actually happens naturally. It is very hard to duplicate a previously made monkey, and therefor I don't enjoy doing it. In my mind, if they all looked the same, you may as well have bought it at the store. *If you could invite any 5 people (alive or dead, it is a theoretical question, LOL) to your place for dinner, who would you invite and what would you serve?

It's hard to say... besides my grandmother (with whom I'd LOVE to visit again!) I'd be terrified to meet: Jimmy Stewart, Walt Disney, George Harrison, and Betty White (I think she's great!) I'm sure we would have a very informal lunch so as to simply enjoy each others company.

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know Rebecca as much as I have! To learn more about her or her shops check out her blog, hoffeeandanuffin or visit her etsy shops, hoffee and a nuffin and Sweetest Little Things

Thanks Rebecca!

Enchanted Keys of the Faery Realm - Leprechaun

This little guy started out as an elf but looked more like a leprechaun to me as he was being created so *Voila!*, he is a leprechaun. Hand sculpted from paper clay and attached to a skeleton key he is the first of my series of *enchanted keys from the faery realm* After the sculpture dries it is sealed and then painted with acrylic paints. It is then stained for more depth. His hat and collar are made of felt and satin ribbon. They are hand cut and sewn. His gold buckle is made from polymer clay and it and the key are adorn with German glass glitter which will patina over time. Underneath his collar is a twist of German tinsel. It adds a little sparkle but mostly adds a little more volume to his collar. His hair and beard are nutmeg colored wool roving. He hangs from a piece of hand dyed *kaleidoscope* silk ribbon by Hannah Silks. I am still working on his story which will come with the enchanted key.

The *enchanted key series* is a series of one-of-a-kind, hand sculpted keys that open the enchanted faery realm to mere mortals. It is a lovely and enchanted place but be careful what you wish for because you never know what lies beyond. Our world's rules and values don't transfer to the faery realm and the faery's will not let humans who are not pure of heart into their realm often tricking them just before entering into their kingdom.

My Funny Little Fellows - Paper Clay Elves

It's been a while since I've shown progress on some of my projects. So here is a little update on the paper clay elves. The first three photos are Magic Santa Keys. I'm debating how fancy to make them, I tend to lean towards less is more but they are *magic* keys so there must be glitter and other fabulousness involved(yes, I did just make that word up, I suppose fantabulousness would be a better word choice;o) Anyway, I need to add a ribbon hanger, jingle bells and glitter; how much and where are the only sticking points right now. I'll keep you posted!
Yes, his hat is inspired by the "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer" special. Although I think this elf is much more handsome. I love the light blue and red color combo for Christmas however the next elf will probably be a little more traditional.

Speaking of the next elf. This one you can actually see the gloss finish on his eyes. Since his hair is a nutmeg colored wool roving, I'm thinking he would look fabulous dress in green. I hope he looks a little less homely when he is dressed!

My last elf is the head that started this all. It's about six inches wide so I am getting ready to build a body for him. He will eventually be a sign for my tables at the craft shows that I do. I can't wait to finish him but since it is more of an undertaking and my little one loves to play with(and kiss) *elf* it is something that will probably develop slowly. Well my little one is stirring and he has a cold so I am going to tend to him. Hope you enjoyed the update! Take Care!