Posted on

Hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on its way, with a happy Hug Me Bunny or two.

Hug Me Bunny stuffed animal bunny rabbits in an Easter basket with a big ribbon, plush toys by Elizabeth RuffingHappy spring and happy Easter! To celebrate, I have a whole colony, or fluffle, of Hug Me Bunny stuffed animal bunny rabbits! I have Hug Me Bunny and Wonder Bunny plush toys in lots of colors. You can hop on over to adopt one or two in our Ruffing’s shop.

Hug Me Bunny Easter basket ideas are further down in this post.

I love bunnies. They are sweet, intelligent, lovely animals. Please don’t give real bunnies as gifts for Easter! Having a rabbit as a pet is a big commitment and a lot of work. They are definitely not “starter pets.” They need lots of love and attention, like Oliver Bunny does.

The House Rabbit Society is a great resource for information about their needs and care.

Hug Me Bunny stuffed toy bunnies, however, are very easy to take care of, in addition to being cuddly.

Hug Me Bunnies in spring colors, plush toys by Elizabeth RuffingI brought some Hug Me Bunny plush toys to Rabbit Day this year, and two of them were adopted by Louise and Arthur, two real bunnies.

Hug Me Bunnies with their bunny friends Louise and Arthur, plush toys by Elizabeth RuffingHug Me Bunnies stuffed animal bunny rabbits come in all colors, even apple green. They have hand-stitched fleece hearts in pretty colors. I love combining colors. I like to use my custom-printed colored eyes on them to make them even more colorful.

Apple Green Hug Me Bunny, plush toys by Elizabeth RuffingI started an Instagram page, for our stuffed animal art toys and original art dolls, if you would like to follow me there. I’m on Pinterest too. I started a Ruffing’s mailing list as well, so I can send out updates when we have something new.

Hug Me Bunnies in spring colors, plush toys by Elizabeth RuffingHug Me Bunny Easter basket ideas.

If you would like to make an Easter or a spring basket, like the one I made, shown at the top of this post, here are some instructions.

I got package of floral foam, which you can find in a craft store, or craft department, or online. I happened to get “wet foam”, because it was the best size for my basket, but that wasn’t necessary because I used pretend flowers. It’s called wet foam, because it is used for fresh flower arrangements, to keep them hydrated, but I didn’t wet it!

I set my basket on top of the foam, for size, and carved away the excess with a knife. It was very easy to cut. Then I put the block into a leftover plastic shopping bag, so the bits wouldn’t get everywhere, and I sealed the bag.

Wet foam, floral foam, for flower arrangingI cut my flowers away from their central stem. Silk flowers are wired, and so you will need a tool that cuts wire, like a pair of side-cutting pliers or wire cutters. I tried to cut them at an angle, to make it easier to insert them into the foam.

Pretend flowers, snipped away from their central stemI put my bag of floral foam into my basket, and poked my flowers right into the foam through the bag. If you need to pull them out to reposition them, just poke a new hole.

Flowers stuck into floral foam which is inside a plastic bagI left some space in front of the flowers for my stuffed animal bunnies. The bow is made from wired ribbon that was made into big even-sized loops, and then pinched together in the center with a big pipe cleaner. The ribbon could be wrapped around a big tube or jar to get the loops even, with the tails hanging free. The loops are pulled into shape and arranged as desired.

I added a bunny ribbon around the rim of the basket. I set two Hug Me Bunny plush rabbits in the basket, and I was all ready for Easter.

Aqua Hug Me Bunny, plush toys by Elizabeth RuffingPlease join our Ruffing’s mailing list for updates when we have something new to share.

Posted on

New Ruffing’s Etsy Shop, and New Art Doll Photo Prints

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 1, White Turkish Angora Cat with Lavender-pink ChrysanthemumsOpal the Pixie Kitten, Version 1

Update: We now have our items on this website instead. Please check out our Ruffing’s shop!

We have just opened our new collective Ruffing’s Etsy shop, and we’ve just added new photo prints of our original, one-of-a-kind art dolls to that shop. We made our very first sale from our new Etsy shop, and that order went on its way just this morning. Here are the first of the prints. They are made with the same archival cotton art paper and pigment inks as our other prints, and each comes in a protective cello sleeve. They are all made as they are ordered, one at a time, and are each hand signed.

We are in the process of moving the contents of A E Ruffing’s Etsy shop to the new Ruffing’s Etsy shop, along with our original one-of-a-kind art dolls, and we’re moving the prints and fine art from Elizabeth Ruffing’s Etsy shop there too. Elizabeth is going to keep her shop open for her handmade toys, and she will probably rename it something like “Hug Me Slugs and Friends”.

Most of our art dolls are already up, and we’re still adding more prints.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 2, White Turkish Angora Cat with Lavender-pink ChrysanthemumsOpal the Pixie Kitten, Version 2

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 3, White Turkish Angora Cat with Lavender-pink ChrysanthemumsOpal the Pixie Kitten, Version 3

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 1, Tabby Cat with Golden-yellow ChrysanthemumsCeleste the Pixie Kitten, Version 1

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 2, Tabby Cat, with Golden-yellow ChrysanthemumsCeleste the Pixie Kitten, Version 2

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 3, Tabby Cat, with Golden-yellow ChrysanthemumsCeleste the Pixie Kitten, Version 3

Luna the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 1, Siamese Cat with Blue-purple Ageratum FlowersLuna the Pixie Kitten, Version 1

Luna the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 2, Siamese Cat with Blue-purple Ageratum FlowersLuna the Pixie Kitten, Version 2

Luna the Pixie Kitten, Original, One-of-a-kind art doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing, version 3, Siamese Cat with Blue-purple Ageratum FlowersLuna the Pixie Kitten, Version 3

Three Little Kittens, Original, One-of-a-kind art dolls by Max Bailey, photo by Elizabeth Ruffing, Ginger Tabby Cat, Blue Persian Cat, and Calico Cat Original, One-of-a-kind Art DollsThree Little Kittens

Posted on

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingCeleste is a cheerful, mischievous little sprite. She’s been known to appear when you least expect her.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingFrom far away, Celeste can hear the flowers swaying to the music of the soft summer breeze. She loves music, and the color yellow.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingCeleste hovers over the flowers, and flies in amongst them, encouraging each and every bloom to be as beautiful as it can be. Her golden tutu floats around her body like a gauzy, magical cloud.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingIf you are out in the garden, Celeste may startle you. It’s very like her to suddenly emerge, and then just as suddenly disappear.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingYou might think you just saw a yellow butterfly, perhaps a tiger swallowtail. It was probably Celeste, playfully flitting from place to place, bringing her blessings and funny little tricks to all those who are fond of her.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingCeleste is an original one-of-a-kind work of art, created from our own design and pattern. She is made from 100% cotton fabric which has been sewn, stuffed, and completely hand painted with acrylic paints. She is 8 and 3/4 inches tall, and 6 inches tall when seated.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingCeleste’s arms and legs are button-jointed with antique-looking, filigreed silver-colored metal buttons, so she can easily pose. Her tabby kitten face was sculpted from paperclay, smoothed into her fabric head. Her front paws are needle-sculpted, and her whiskers are made from stiffened cotton thread.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingCeleste has a striped curly tail than enables her to sit all by herself on a shelf or a table, or in a cabinet. She will also sit on a chair or stand with a doll stand. (Chair and doll stand not included.) Celeste is meant for display only.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingCeleste is wearing a delightful tutu made from layers of tulle in two shades of gold. It has a hand-sewn waistband of soft gold that snaps at the back, and has an coral satin rose at the center. Her magical wings are made from cotton fabric, and are completely hand-quilted.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingCeleste’s bodysuit is painted in a rich gold color, with a half moon of painted flowers decorating the neckline. Her ballet shoes are painted in rich pumpkin brown to match the same color in her wings.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingCeleste is signed and dated, and sealed with matte varnish for protection and preservation. She comes with a hang tag, a certificate of authenticity, and a copy of her story.

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingUpdate: Celeste has been adopted. Thank you!

Celeste the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing

Posted on 1 Comment

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingOpal is a magical pixie kitten, seldom seen but well known in folklore.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingShe dwells in the hemlock forest, where the trees are tall, and the ground is softly cushioned under her little white feet.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingOpal whispers to the screech owls, and rides silently through the forest on the backs of the white-tailed deer. She waves her wings to the butterflies, and they wave back.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing“She’s a peculiar looking butterfly,” the butterflies say to each other. Yet she is very sweet, and they do have to pause to admire her lovely wings.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingWhere Opal walks, the grass grows greener, and when Opal flies near to the flowers, they tilt and sway, and bloom in beautiful profusion. If she should pay a visit to your garden, you will truly be amazed!

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingOpal is an original one-of-a-kind work of art, created from our own design and pattern. She is made from 100% cotton fabric which has been sewn, stuffed, and completely hand painted with acrylic paints. She is 8 1/2 inches tall, and 6 inches tall when seated.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingOpal’s arms and legs are button-jointed with antique-looking metal buttons of filigreed silver, so she can easily pose. Her face was sculpted from paperclay smoothed into her fabric head. Her front paws are needle-sculpted, and her whiskers are made from stiffened cotton thread.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingOpal’s curled white tail enables her to sit very well all by herself on a shelf or a table, or in a cabinet. She will also sit on a chair or stand with a doll stand. (Chair and doll stand not included.) Opal is meant for display only.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingOpal’s delightful lavender-pink tutu is made from layers of tulle, with a hand-sewn waistband of matching pink that snaps at the back and has a soft blue satin rose at the center.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingHer beautiful wings are made from cotton fabric, and are completely hand-quilted.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingOpal’s bodysuit is painted soft lavender-pink, with a half moon band of flowers and leaves at the neckline. Her ballet shoes are painted blue.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingOpal is signed and dated, and sealed with matte varnish for protection and preservation. She comes with a hang tag, a certificate of authenticity, and a copy of her story.

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth RuffingUpdate: Opal has been adopted. Thank you!

Opal the Pixie Kitten, Original One-of-a-kind Cat Fairy Art Doll by Max Bailey and Elizabeth Ruffing