Tag: sock monkey

  • She’s everything. He’s just a monkey.

    She’s everything. He’s just a monkey.

    You didn’t think I forgot about the Oscars, did you? With one week to go, I’m happy to announce the fifteenth (semi-)annual Web-Goddess Oscar Contest has officially launched! ๐ŸŽ‰

    Time to put on Dua Lipa so you can dance the night away with Barbie and Ken…

    This year you get two monkeys, each of which have two outfits. Barbie has her iconic pink gingham outfit from the start of the movie, as well as her Venice Beach rollerblading kit. Ken has his rollerblading kit too, as well as his Mojo Dojo outfit complete with custom fanny pack and fringed vest. And if you’re going to do a patriarchy, of course you need a fur.

    Mojo Dojo Ken with fur

    Contest results: Congrats to Shilpa Anand, who got 12/13 predictions correct and tied with 3 other people for the top spot. It then went to the In Memoriam tiebreaker, where Shilpa managed to guess the EXACT number – 51. CONGRATULATIONS SHILPA!

    More monkey construction info: The monkeys each have blue button eyes and (lots of) yarn hair. For the rollerblading outfits, why yes, that is the exact psychedelic neon print from their movie outfits, thank you for noticing! I found it on Spoonflower and had a fat quarter printed, which was more than enough. For the neon pink and yellow fabric, I bought some cheap high-vis shirts at Kmart and cut them up. Ken’s vest is made of fake leather from an old handbag, and his mohair coat is a Kmart cushion that I disassembled.

    Web-Goddess Oscar Contest Sock Monkey History

    Twenty-one years ago (๐Ÿ˜ฑ), I thought it would be fun to run a contest and give away a sock monkey. I then kept that up for 10 years running, and you can see the history of my creations below. These days I only do it when the inspiration strikesโ€ฆ

    2022 – Spider-Monkeys
    2021 โ€“ Schittโ€™s Creek Sock Monkeys
    2019 โ€“ Freddie Monkcury
    2013 โ€“ The Avenger Monkeys
    2012 โ€“ The Monkey with the Dragon Tattoo
    2011 โ€“ Black Swan and White Swan ballerina monkeys
    2010 โ€“ Sparkly Emo Vampire Sockmonkey playset
    2009 โ€“ Batman and Joker monkeys
    2008 โ€“ Striking Writer Monkey
    2007 โ€“ Trio of Dream Monkeys
    2006 โ€“ Gay Sock Monkey Cowboys
    2005 โ€“ Soctopus
    2004 โ€“ Plain sock monkey
    2003 โ€“ Oscar the Sock Monkey

  • With great power comes great responsibility…

    With great power comes great responsibility…

    Oscar Contest 2022

    The fourteenth (semi-)annual Web-Goddess Oscar Contest has officially launched! ๐ŸŽ‰ And this year you can win your very own set of Spider-Monkeys so you can act out scenes from No Way Home (or the meme!)

    Spider-Monkeys

    Each is crafted from a pair of Spider-Man socks, with felt eyes appliquรฉd. See? They’re very similar, but all slightly different. You can call them Peter 1, Peter 2, and Peter 3 if you like. (They’re a bit simpler than my original idea, but it turns out that the only person that wants a dirty, sexually repressed, toxically masculine Benedict Cumbermonkey is me.)

    Entries are now closed!

    The 2022 Academy Awards happen on Sunday, March 27th (California time), which is like 2am here. So Iโ€™ll cut off entries a few hours beforehand when I go to bed, and youโ€™ll have to wait until I get up in the morning to find out who won!

    Spider-Monkeys

    Web-Goddess Oscar Contest Sock Monkey History

    Nineteen years ago, I thought it would be fun to run a contest and give away a sock monkey. I then kept that up for 10 years running, and you can see the history of my creations below. These days I only do it when the inspiration strikesโ€ฆ

    2022 – Spider-Monkeys
    2021 โ€“ Schittโ€™s Creek Sock Monkeys
    2019 โ€“ Freddie Monkcury
    2013 โ€“ The Avenger Monkeys
    2012 โ€“ The Monkey with the Dragon Tattoo
    2011 โ€“ Black Swan and White Swan ballerina monkeys
    2010 โ€“ Sparkly Emo Vampire Sockmonkey playset
    2009 โ€“ Batman and Joker monkeys
    2008 โ€“ Striking Writer Monkey
    2007 โ€“ Trio of Dream Monkeys
    2006 โ€“ Gay Sock Monkey Cowboys
    2005 โ€“ Soctopus
    2004 โ€“ Plain sock monkey
    2003 โ€“ Oscar the Sock Monkey

  • Ew, David.

    Ew, David.

    The thirteenth (semi-)annual Web-Goddess Oscar Contest has officially launched! ๐ŸŽ‰ And this year you can win everyone’s favourite family – the Roses of Schitt’s Creek.

    Rose Family Sock Monkeys

    No, I know they don’t have anything to do with movies. But honestly, I didn’t see many of the nominated films last year, and Schitt’s Creek brought me the most joy of pretty much any media. So that’s what I went with, and that’s what you win if you predict the most Oscar winners!

    Go here to read the rules and ENTER! Contest has now closed!

    More details on the monkeys:

    • David Rose’s outfit features a custom knit black sweater with embroidered white lightning bolts, as well as custom knit designer sneakers. The sneakers were based off the Little Converse pattern, while the sweater was made up entirely by me. He’s also wearing a pair of black framed spectacles (intended for an American Girl doll!).
    • Alexis Rose’s outfit is based off her iconic “A Little Bit Alexis” performance, including a dusty pink minidress and knee-high boots. She’s also got her iconic A necklace.
    • Johnny Rose is wearing a bespoke tailored suit, sewn by me from a pattern intended for American Girl dolls. (No joke – I paid $10 for it. ๐Ÿ˜ณ) He’s also got felt eyebrows for the perfect Eugene Levy touch.
    • Moira Rose is wearing an avant garde tunic dress made by me from sheer sequinned fabric and designer high heeled boots. She also has matching feather glitter earrings. And what would Moira be without her girls? You get four different wigs (attached with Velcro) to complete the whole wig wall scene.

    If you want Steve, Patrick, or any of the other Schitt’s Creek residents to recreate the scene, that’s all on you. ๐Ÿ˜‚

    So go ahead and enter! The 2021 Academy Awards happen on Sunday, April 25th (California time), which is like 2am here. So I’ll cut off entries a few hours beforehand when I go to bed, and you’ll have to wait until I get up in the morning to find out who won!

    Web-Goddess Oscar Contest Sock Monkey History

    Eighteen years ago (good grief!), I thought it would be fun to run a contest and give away a sock monkey. I then kept that up for 10 years running, and you can see the history of my creations below. These days I only do it when the inspiration strikes…

    2021 – Schitt’s Creek Sock Monkeys
    2019 – Freddie Monkcury
    2013 – The Avenger Monkeys
    2012 – The Monkey with the Dragon Tattoo
    2011 – Black Swan and White Swan ballerina monkeys
    2010 – Sparkly Emo Vampire Sockmonkey playset
    2009 – Batman and Joker monkeys
    2008 – Striking Writer Monkey
    2007 – Trio of Dream Monkeys
    2006 – Gay Sock Monkey Cowboys
    2005 – Soctopus
    2004 – Plain sockmonkey
    2003 – Oscar the Sock Monkey

  • Web-Goddess Oscar Contest 2019

    A month or so ago, Christopher commented on Facebook how much he missed my annual sock monkey Oscar Contest. I admitted that I’d thought of reviving it, but I hadn’t had any inspiration for a good monkey… and then it hit me! FREDDIE MONKCURY.

    Freddie Monkcury at Live Aid
    Freddie Monkcury at Live Aid

    I had a monkey mostly put together from a few years ago, so he took shape fairly quickly. I found a very basic pattern for doll pants in the right size and used material from an old pair of jeans. His “I Want to Break Free” outfit was a little harder. The “leather” for his skirt is actually polyurethane from a $5 bag I found at Kmart. His bouffant wig started out as sculptural felt that I then handsewed black chenille pipe cleaners onto. (I also fashioned a very basic vacuum cleaner too!)

    Application Architecture

    For the first 11 years, the Contest consisted of a custom PHP and MySQL application that I’d built. For this year, I decided to challenge myself to completely rebuild it on Amazon Web Services (which is where I work!). Here’s how the architecture ended up:

     

    Oscar Contest Application Architecture
    Oscar Contest application architecture

    As a starting point, I worked through this Web Application serverless workshop. I was already using Route53 to serve krishoward.org from S3, so I decided to put the Contest files there. Upon finishing the workshop, I had a working web app using Amazon Cognito for user authentication and a serverless backend consisting of an API Gateway-fronted Lambda function that writes data to DynamoDB.

    The next step was to customise it! After I changed the images and CSS to my own branding, the next thing to change was the data saved to the database – I changed it to a form with all the Oscar categories and nominees. Next, I wanted users to be able to review and update their votes, so I added another Lambda function that retrieves a logged-in user’s votes so the form can be populated correctly. I then added a third Lambda function that scans the complete database, processes the votes, and publishes an aggregate JSON file to S3. (This is triggered whenever the DynamoDB table is updated.) For actually displaying the prediction graphs, I used ChartJS.

    I think that covers everything! Many thanks to the Snook (my rubber duck and eternal programming mentor) as well as David, Jody, and Amy for their help with testing.

    I’m stupidly proud of this promo image.
  • The w-g Oscar Contest 2013

    The w-g Oscar Contest 2013

    My ELEVENTH annual Oscar Contest is now open! If you pick the most correct answers, you’ll win a set of FOUR super-powered Avenger Monkeys! You get Captain America (with shield), Iron Monkey, Thor (with Mjรถlnir), and the Incredible Hulk Monkey. No, I didn’t do any of the lame human characters. If you want a monkey with an eyepatch or a bow and arrow, you can make your own. ๐Ÿ™‚

    And remember, in the event of a tie, the person that entered earlier wins. So don’t wait too long!

    Here’s a body shot of Captain America Monkey. As you can see, he comes with a really sweet shield (painted by Mr. Snook himself!).

    Captain America Monkey

    A close-up of Cap’n’s face.

    Captain America Monkey

    Here’s Iron Monkey. (If you’re handy with electronics, you could make his Arc Reactor light up!)

    Iron Monkey

    And here’s his face. Sorry, Robert Downey Jr. not included.

    Iron Monkey

    Here’s Norse god Thor himself. He’s got a long red cape, flowing blonde locks, and a mystical hammer. (But don’t squish it too hard because it was sculpted out of clay, again by Mr. Snook.)

    Thor Monkey

    And here’s Thor’s close-up.

    Thor Monkey

    And lastly – HULK MONKEY SMASH!

    Hulk Monkey

    You can’t tell from the photos, but he really is bigger than the other 3. (Unfortunately socks don’t really allow for a lot of muscle definition, so I had to embroider his pecs on.)

    Hulk Monkey

  • The TENTH Annual Web-Goddess Oscar Contest

    w-g Oscar Contest 2012

    My annual Oscar Contest is now open! If you pick the most correct answers, you’ll win the big prize: The Monkey with the Dragon Tattoo. Yes, I made Lisbeth Salander Monkey. She has piercings; she has a Macbook; she has a golf club; and she has the titular tattoo. I think this is the most work I’ve ever put into a single monkey! (She’s also the first one that’s probably Not Safe for Work, given the slogan on her T-shirt.) And remember, in the event of a tie, the person that entered earlier wins. So don’t wait too long!

    Here’s Lisbeth Monkey in profile. Check out that fringe.

    Lisbeth profile

    Front view. As you can see, she has an eyebrow piercing, a nose piercing, and a lip piercing. She’s also got black spiral earrings and a necklace chain with a razor blade on it. (Special thanks to the Snook, who crafted the razor out of plastic and spray painted it.)

    Lisbeth front

    She wears combat boots, of course.

    Lisbeth boots

    She wears a hoodie over a ripped-up T-shirt. Oh look! She’s hacking on her Macbook.

    Lisbeth hacking

    I wouldn’t piss her off if I were you. Chick has a golf club and she knows how to use it.

    Lisbeth golf club

    If you pull down her T-shirt in the back, you can see her dragon tattoo. (FREEHAND, BABY!)

    Lisbeth tattoo

    I told you it was Not Safe for Work.

    Lisbeth shirt

  • The 9th Annual webgoddess Oscar Contest

    The Ninth Annual webgoddess Oscar Contest

    My annual Oscar Contest is now open! I have added an additional category this year (“Best Cinematography”) to hopefully help avoid ties. If you pick the most correct answers, you’ll win the big prize: a pair of custom-made, one-of-a-kind Black Swan and White Swan ballerina sock monkeys! One is beautiful, pure, and repressed; the other is totes sexy-crazy. They might just be my best sock creations yet. (However, I disclaim all responsibility if you use them to act out the movie and then it drives you insane.)

    SPOILER ALERT!

    Once upon a time, there was a young ballerina named Nina. She was beautiful and pure and kinda repressed, and her greatest dream was to dance the lead in Swan Lake. She lived with her demanding mother in a tiny womb-like apartment and didn’t have any friends. She was a little weird.

    Nina

    Through a series of events that may or may not have involved a pilfered lipstick and a stolen kiss, Nina got her wish and got picked to play the Swan Queen. As rehearsal wore on though, Nina started to get paranoid. She began to fixate on the new dancer Lily. Was someone following her? Who was that lurking in the shadows and behind mirrors?

    The dark shadow

    Nina was perfect as the White Swan, but she couldn’t embody the sexuality and ecstasy of the Black Swan. She tried everything, but mostly her creepy Mom kept thwarting her. It really started to get to her. She spent a lot of time looking in mirrors. She got a weird rash on her shoulder.

    A strange rash

    On a night of reckless abandon, Nina goes to a club with Lily, drops Ecstasy, and makes out with a random dude. Then in the taxi, Lily makes a move…

    Lily makes a move

    They spend the night together – OR DO THEY? – and it pretty much facilitates Nina’s full psychotic break. She freaks out on her Mom and has some more avian hallucinations. On opening night, she wrestles with Lily in the dressing room and dramatically stabs her. Nina’s Black Swan persona finally emerges.

    Black Swan

    Exhilarated, Nina dances the third act as the Swan Queen passionately and sensually. As she dances, her arms sprout feathers and become full black wings. She loses herself and transforms into the Black Swan, earning a standing ovation. The whole audience wonders what the hell just happened.

    Finale

    But what becomes of the White Swan? Pretty much just what we all expected. OR DOES IT?

    The White Swan's suicide

    THE END

    Actually, I’ve got some more photos so you can see the details of the prizes. First, the White Swan. She features a white dress with feather detail, white tutu, pink ballet shoes, and white feathered headpieces. She has a mysterious rash on her left shoulder.

    White Swan

    White Swan's rash

    Ballet shoes

    White Swan headpiece

    Next, the Black Swan. She features a black dress with feather detail, black tutu, pink ballet shoes, and a black crown (of pipe cleaners). She has red button eyes and hand-painted makeup on her face and hands. She also features velcro down the back of each arm so you can attach a pair of black feathered wings.

    Black Swan

    Black Swan's face

    Velcro

    Black Swan wings

    Massive thanks go to Kunaal and Josh for all their help, especially with the fantastic photos. And as always, thanks to the Snook for inspiration and assistance.

  • web-goddess Oscar Contest 2010

    Oscar Contest 2010

    The Eighth Annual web-goddess Oscar Contest has finally begun. I’ve added a thirteenth category this year – Best Original Score – to lessen the odds of a tie. As usual, the number of dead people in the obituary montage will be the tiebreaker. And what do you get if you win? Why, it’s a Sparkly Emo Vampire Sockmonkey Playset! (And don’t worry, Twilight-haters. I’ve catered for you too.)

    You can go here to make your entry. You can see all the current entries here. The contest will end the minute the ceremony begins!

    Once upon a time, a girl named Bella fell in love with a very sparkly emo vampire named Edward. He gave her piggy-back rides in the trees.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Bella and Edward

    But her long-haired Native American friend Jacob didn’t approve and warned her away.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Bella and Jacob

    Bella didn’t care. She and Edward frolicked in a meadow and he sparkled.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - In the Meadow

    Jacob cut his hair and took to wearing cutoffs and hanging out in the woods in the rain.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Jacob

    But what’s this? It’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer! With a flash, she whips out Mr. Pointy and reduces Emo Edward to dust.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Buffy stakes Edward

    Yes, ladies and gentlemen. If you win this year’s Oscar Contest, all this melodrama could be yours. You get three different sock monkeys: Edward, Bella/Buffy, and Jacob.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Edward

    Edward comes with foofy auburn hair, amber eyes, embroidered six-pack, and a black peacoat. Oh, and he sparkles in the sun.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Bella

    Bella has long brown hair, a grey coat, and a treasured copy of “Wuthering Heights” (with hand-embroidered cover). She’s also very clumsy and lacks any sort of personality. (Just like the books!)

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Jacob (Younger)

    Jacob (in his younger incarnation) has long brown hair, an embroidered six-pack, and a pair of denim cut-offs. He’s friendly and nice and has no idea he has a latent werewolf gene.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Jacob (Older)

    Later, Jacob gets ripped, cuts his hair, finds out he’s a werewolf, and kinda turns into a jerk. See? You can tell he’s scowling. Poor kid has no idea Renesmee is in his future.

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Buffy

    With a quick change of wig and the addition of a crucifix, Bella becomes Buffy! Buffy has long blonde hair and a wooden stake. She’s also quick with a pun and has very little patience with mopey emo vampires.

    The four wigs (Bella’s long, Buffy’s long, Jacob’s long, and Jacob’s short) all have a strip of Velcro on the underside that corresponds to a strip on the appropriate monkey’s head. You can mix and match to your heart’s content!

    Oscar Contest 2010 - Wigs

    So whether you’re a Twi-hard or a Twi-hater, there’s something for everyone in the Sparkly Emo Vampire Playset!

  • Oscar Contest 2009

    Oscar Contest 2009The Seventh Annual Web-Goddess Oscar Contest is now open for entry! This year’s winner will take home a one-of-a-kind pair of Batman and Joker sock monkeys. (I almost didn’t do them because it seemed too obvious, but I also couldn’t resist the opportunity to make my second Heath Ledger tribute monkey.) I have to say, the Joker monkey is without a doubt the most DISTURBING sock creation of all time. He features hand-hooked green hair, a green waistcoat, a purple duster, and a SUPER-CREEPY painted face. Batman features a utility belt, a bat crest on his chest, his bat mask/helmet, and a long black cape. You could act out your favorite scenes from the movie… or slash fiction! Up to you.

    Please note: You’re welcome to save these photos to your server as long as you give me credit and link back to the contest. If I catch you hot-linking them or claiming credit, I reserve the right to replace them with something nasty (or poke you in the eye with a pencil).

    Anyway, I know this picture is enormous, but it’s also my favorite and I can’t resist. I’ve got this set as my desktop wallpaper right now.

    Batman and Joker Sock Monkeys

    Here’s the full view so you can see how long their arms/legs/tails are.

    Batman and Joker Sock Monkeys

    Joker close-up. Note: I used acrylic paint on his face, so you can’t ever get him wet or it’ll come off.

    Joker Sock Monkey

    Batman close-up. I’m really proud of how his mask turned out.

    Batman Sock Monkey

    Batman interrogates the Joker.

    Batman and Joker Sock Monkeys

  • Sock Monkey FAQ

    I’ve just added some frequently asked sock monkey questions to address some of the responses I’m getting!