*bounces in excitement*

Since Cherif is the sculptor between the two of us, he likes to think up silly creatures and figures to create. After Henrietta Hippo, he wanted to create more critters with tutus. Within a few days, he had this sketch:

We call it a TuToot. He looks pretty cute, and he’s even cuter in clay. Yes, there’s already a concept figurine made and more silly ideas with which to embellish him.

What do you think? Could you imagine yourself bringing home a TuToot?

Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend! (And get outside; the weather is gorgeous!)

- Rebecca

I’d offer more news, but I’m too excited to sit still! Whoo!

- Rebecca

Meanwhile, ideas continue to abound around Raven’s Cave. The Asian Ocean pendant will be sold under the Ethereal Sky moniker, with more of a similar style coming soon. We have plans for next year (super secret hush hush!), as well as some witty modifications to some of our existing pieces.

We’ll be keeping at least a few items of every collection in the shop, barring any surprise demand. And just as a teaser, this guy’s going to be one of the first up (the franc is not included).

We hope to see you on the first!

- Rebecca

He’s the sculptor; I’m the painter. The piece he wanted to make needed both of our skills, and she came out almost exactly as we imagined her.

Meet Henrietta Hippo. She will be interred with his grandmother this week and, just like his grandmother, there will never be another like her.

See ya ’round town, kid.

- Rebecca

I’ve been reorganizing, marking, and numbering the Pixictoowoos we have ready for sale, as well as repairing a few that will never be sold. Last night I showed Cherif my progress, with all the little PixiCs in rows in their storage box, all numbered and painted and ready for packing. He opened the lid, looked at all of them, pet one, and closed it with a sigh.

“You don’t really want to sell them, do you?” I asked.

He replied, “Not really, no.”

Therein lies the challenge. A lot of effort and love goes into our all of our pieces, but the critters are a little different. They have character, and personalities, and little quirks that make each of them unique and endearing. They proliferate rather quickly; since the very first one in 2006, Cherif has made more than sixty over the years. We love all of them, and have a real hard time letting them go sometimes, even as gifts.

But we can’t keep them all, and most of the folks near and dear to us already have one or two or five of our little creations and adore them. We kept the very first one and keep (and repair) all the ones that break before they leave us, but we’re not going to stop making these delightful little horrors, meaning the rest need homes. So we photograph all of them, sell them, pray they make it to their new people safely, and hope that they’re loved.

Sure is hard, tho’.

The original PixiCtoowoo, who lives on Cherif’s desk.

May Redwing be with you always.

- Rebecca

- Products decided? Check!

- First templates made for molded items? Check!

- Product descriptions created? Check!

- Stock available for purchase? Almost!

We still have to get the listings up, photos taken, and the website updated, but we’re ramping up and trying to get opened up in time for all of you to purchase your wicked and curious little wares before Christmas. There WILL be Pixictoowoos, but that won’t be all. Just you wait! I’m excited!

- Rebecca

We’ll be selling our wares this weekend at the Shenandoah Midsummer Festival near Winchester, VA, but we’ll be hiding a bit to do it (check the staff booth for our silly wares). But soon… soon, my dears, we will be up and running and providing good curiosities for your perusal and purchase!

We hope to see you soon. Be well!

- Rebecca