Thoughts from the Bus Stop

Robot brings breakfast in bed

Robot Twendy One (c) PA Pics, via Ananova

The Blonde has found the perfect Christmas gift for the sister who has M.E. and loves robots...

"Japanese scientists have developed a robot that can help people get out of bed and bring them their breakfast. They claim the 4ft 10ins robot, which has soft hands and fingers, can become even more like its human inventors.

The Japanese humanoid - called Twendy one - has enough strength to support humans as they sit up and stand, and can make supple movements that respond to human touch. It can pick up a loaf of bread without crushing it, serve toast, help lift people out of bed and even lend a hand with the housework."
(Via Ananova)

Vinyl Junkie

Sunglasses case (c) Sugar Lust | Pouch by Miss Alison

I am in the grip of a fresh infatuation... vinyl. No, not records... upholstery vinyl made into cool things like bags and purses. It's shiny, wipe-clean, hardwearing, doesn't fray and comes in loads of bright colours - even glittery colours - what's not to love?

Of course I haven't yet tried working with it myself. That's on the 'to do' list. But I've already bought three gorgeous things via Etsy... and have my eye on more.

My first purchase was a fab robot motif sunglasses case from Sugar Lust (above) - perfect for me and my robot love.

Then I came across Miss Alison's Etsy shop, and her great 'bent stripe' pouches. Would she make me a bespoke in my favourite colours? Of course! So I'm the proud owner of a turquoise pouch with hot pink stripes (above). I've also got my eye on this Seagull Pouch from her website.

The starry pink beauty below is winging its way to me as I type. It's by Julie at Majesty Inc, and I love it. Great colour combination - and I love five-pointed stars as a motif.

Clayton Bailey's Robot Sculptures

Robots by Clayton Bailey via The Tech

I really need to start making robots. I sewed one in felt ages ago, but I want to make robots out of junk. Maybe not to the scale of California-based Clayton Bailey's work - this guy uses everything from coffee pots to fridges.

I came across him on The Tech's Robotics site (check out the 360 degree panoramas of his studio and his yard - now there's a garden I could go for!). PS: Great moustache, sir!

These are great too: Bennett Robot Works

My latest Etsy order has just arrived - this tiny chap made from electrolytic capacitors by oBVIoUS FRoNT...
	...and I've got my eye on a Mini Robo from The Blockheads.

Robot Love on Etsy

Prints © Cricket Press | Necklace © Atomic Glassworks | Corkbot © Moonshine Bluebirds

I am of course buying far more on Etsy than I'm selling, and my current 'thing' is robots. There's the gorgeous turquoise glass robot necklace made for me to order by Atomic Glassworks, a stunning set of robot letterpress prints by Cricket Press and my new desk buddy, Corkbot, courtesy of Moonshine Bluebirds. I think I'm in love...

Beautiful handmade things which have made me smile this week

Harriet the Recycled Monster - brought into this world by Theresa at Rock, Paper, Scissors

Hillary at Wee Wonderfuls' latest robot - an elegant ladybot in fashionable shade of green

Samantha Bryan's magnificent 'domesticated fairies' and their flying machines (from her recent show at Leeds Craft Centre & Design Gallery)

One more robot learns to be something more than a machine

As soon as I saw the wonderful robot which the very talented Hillary at Wee Wonderfuls had made back in January, I knew I had the answer to the thorny 'What on earth shall I give Plums for her 30th birthday?' question. Heavily indebted to Hillary's original design, I give you PHIL:EO, the robot of loving friendship:

PHIL is made from red felt and black glitter felt, stitched with button thread and is decorated with bits and pieces from my button box, along with Plums' name in letter beads and a '30' cake decoration.

PHIL's heart is a clear resin heart with a red rose inside, which has been on my keyring for years and finally fell off a couple of months ago. I bagged out a 'cupboard' in PHIL's chest and secured the heart inside with a criss-cross of red thread, adding a door over the top. I fastened PHIL's head and legs on with toy joints and made arms from rolls of felt and lengths of french knitting.

My procrastination about getting started because I didn't know what I was doing and was nervous about making a mess of it has meant that PHIL:EO arrived two months late, but I really enjoyed the work in the end, and Plums was very pleased with her pressie. Which makes it all worthwhile. Cuz I luv her.