The creative genius behind Rebel a la mode is Stacey Jean! Stacey started Rebel a la Mode in 2006, and has been creating fun DIY kits, accessories and sock monkeys like you have never seen before since then! She is switching things up a little to focus primarily on characters she has created and creating new characters, and giving each a line of accessories including clothing, jewelry, hand bags and home decor!
It's obvious that Stacey's style sets her apart from other sock monkey makers, but her DIY kits are pretty unique too!
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"I offer DIY kits in lots of styles and colors
throughout the year. My DIY Kits have been around for years and were
the very first ready-to-assemble sock monkey kits. People were always
asking me for a kit, and I decided that I wanted to set myself
apart... I know that most of my customers don't own a sewing machine,
and aren't going to buy one just to make a plush toy. So, I did all
the sewing machine work. I handle all that and you receive a kit
that's ready for you to stuff and sew together by hand to finish. The
arms and legs are also interlocked [on my serger] in order to make
them stronger."
throughout the year. My DIY Kits have been around for years and were
the very first ready-to-assemble sock monkey kits. People were always
asking me for a kit, and I decided that I wanted to set myself
apart... I know that most of my customers don't own a sewing machine,
and aren't going to buy one just to make a plush toy. So, I did all
the sewing machine work. I handle all that and you receive a kit
that's ready for you to stuff and sew together by hand to finish. The
arms and legs are also interlocked [on my serger] in order to make
them stronger."
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I had a lot of fun interviewing Stacey for this feature - I have been a huge fan of her work since I saw her featured on Storenvy.com's home page, and am honored she is gracing my giveaway with such a radical donation! I know you guys will love her stuff, too! So have fun getting to know Stacey Jean, and if you have any more questions for her feel free to hit her up via Twitter or Facebook!
Do you have any special seasonal items in your shop?
Yes. Most of my monkeys are based on holidays (with the exception of the Best Friend Monkeys). I design most of my characters around holidays.
My favorite thing about Autumn is the colors and that it means
Halloween is coming!
What are you dressing up as for Halloween? How about your kids (if you
have them)?
We are still deciding. My youngest is 5 and he says he wants to be a different character every other day. I'm hoping he narrows it down to one really soon. He hasn't much more time to decide. Last year he was Shaggy and carried around a Scooby plush. My oldest will most likely pick the grossest costume he can find. Last year he was a zombie punk rocker.
Do you decorate for Autumn/Halloween? How?
I pull out all of my decor I've collected over the years and spooky the house up. I cover the front yard in cobwebs and spiders and I make a scary window display. My oldest and I made tombstones out of wood about 6 years ago and we set them out front on Halloween.
Zombie Vampire Queen of Hearts. I made most of the costume myself. I wish I had some pictures of it. It was a lot of fun. I created a giant tulle and lace skirt.
What is your favorite thing about Halloween?
EVERY THING! I love Halloween. I love everything scary and spooky. Horror movies, monsters, everything. The decor. The skulls. The bats. If you told me I could only celebrate one holiday a year, I'd pick Halloween. I'd keep my house decorated for Halloween every day, all year long, if I could get away with it. My neighbors might not be impressed.
What is your favorite Halloween candy?
ooooh. This is a tricky question. As much as I love Halloween, I'm not a really big candy fan. I love chocolate. My favorite candy is dark chocolate nonpareils, which are commonly called snocaps... and thought of as more of a Christmas candy, or a movie theater candy.
What about Autumn/Halloween inspires you in your crafty business?
Monsters! Skeletons, Zombies, Werewolves, Vampires, Ghosts. Horror movie Characters! All of it. I'd like to petition that every day be Halloween. As I convert my business over to my own characters, I'd like to always have one typical holiday character, and it's counterpart scary character. Skeleton Easter Sock Bunnies, anyone? Zombie Sock Bunnies? ... In dirty pastels.
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Aren't you getting excited for the big rainbow giveaway!? Just 5 days until the giveaway is open for entries! :D Be sure to check out the other features to get to know every sponsor in the giveaway! There's a showcase list on the right hand side of the blog, near the top! :D
Did you ever own a sock monkey as a toy?
I never owned a sock monkey as a toy, but after seeing these I wanna make one REAL BAD!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy 2 1/2 year old has one of Stacey Jeans sock monkeys. It has proven to be one of her most durable toys. She pulls, chews, sleeps with it & plays with it. It has been in my washing machine at least 2 dozen times. The monkey still looks great & my daughter loves her monkey!
ReplyDeletei didn't own one, but both my kids own a stacey jean monkey(zombie and sugar skull). i make my own sock beasties, but NO ONE can make a sock plushy like stacey jean!!!! the best quality job i've ever seen, and i've seen alot. love her!
ReplyDeleteI never owned a sock monkey as a kid but Stacey Jean's monkeys are ADORABLE!
ReplyDeleteI love your picture those fleece back drops really pop you pics!! Your monkeys are amazing I need to get one someday loving the day of the dead ones so adorable!! Best sock monkeys ever!!
ReplyDelete