Almost Persuaded

So, I get handed this crafty book with the words, “You can keep it if you blog about it.”

Mmm, okay.

I'll just start by saying: I'm sorry if I offend anyone; please don't write me about it.

I just don't get Japanese cute. I mean, it's weird. Not in a bad way, but way beyond "Keep Austin Weird." (Except for Hole in the Wall – that show's hilarious.)

I look at the book, and it has some cute baby stuff in it. Not all that useful, but definitely cute. And great step-by-step instructions. I completed a couple of projects, one being a bunny towel that has no clearly defined purpose. Wiping up drool, maybe? My daughter, who is way beyond drooling, loved it, so I suppose it's a success. It's too cute to get dirty, though – and I'm sure if I wash it, the tiny felt eyes will fall apart. Nonetheless, I've bought the fabric to make a second one.

Next up was the bizarro “Cake Boy” item in the back; I got only as far as making the stuffed-felt strawberries before I realized that I could turn this into a useful item by stitching it to a hairband. So I did. Then I started 10 more. Seriously. I'm really good at starting projects. Its just the finishing …

As its name suggests, Japanese company Aranzi Aronzo's book is filled with cutie felt items, and the instructions are simple enough that a beginner could probably make them easily. Be warned: The variety of available felt colors at the big stores is slim; I advise scooting on over to my favorite online toy store (magiccabin.com) and picking up some good, quality felt before you start.

(To enhance your felting experience further, I also suggest a crazy Japanese show that is really enjoyable when accompanied with some mind-altering items. It's called Vermillion Pleasure Night.)

Baby Stuff is available on the Aranzi Aronzo website. Try not to drool.