It’s A Family Thing

Cool Dad Beastie Goes Exploring - CrawCrafts Beasties
Hooray! It’s new Beastie time again! And who’s this battling his way through the undergrowth?
Who's there? CrawCrafts Beasties
He definitely seems to be looking for someone! Oh, wait…
Mum and Baby Beasties - CrawCrafts Beasties
…There they are! That must mean it’s time to unpack the picnic…
Beastie-size Picnic - CrawCrafts Beasties
YUM!!
LUNCHTIME! CrawCrafts Beasties
And there was just enough time after lunch for me to take some studio photos of these Beasties and their accessories! For starters, Cool Dad Beastie is a big Munster Rugby fan, and can usually be seen wearing his favourite team jersey…
Munster Rugby Beastie - CrawCrafts BeastiesMunster Rugby Crest, by CrawCrafts Beasties

… And his luxuriant beard is the envy of all his monster friends!
Cool Dad Beastie's Beard - CrawCrafts Beasties
He also has everything his family needs for a day out exploring – they love to go camping together!
Essential Exploring Kit, by CrawCrafts Beasties
And what about our beautiful Beastie Mum?
Beastie Mama and Baby, by CrawCrafts Beasties
Well, she’s super-proud of her little one, and has wrapped him up in a cosy hand-knitted blanket to keep him toasty!
Little Beastie Baby - CrawCrafts BeastiesBeastie Baby's First Closeup - CrawCrafts Beasties

She’s a rugby fan too… but she’s a Leinster girl! Let’s hope there aren’t any fallings-out on match day!
Mum Beastie, Leinster Supporter! CrawCrafts Beasties
Oh, and check out the back of their shirts…
Special Numbered Rugby Shirts, by CrawCrafts Beasties
Yes, I know there’s no 17th player on a rugby team, but what a sweet way to commemorate their baby’s birthday! Definitely one for the family album!
Beastie Family Photo - CrawCrafts Beasties
And since we’re talking about families, it seems like a good time to say a big thank you to my own nearest and dearest! Your photographing, word-spreading and general support is very much appreciated… the Beasties and I consider ourselves lucky to have you all on our team!

A New Kind of Beastie!

Big Tall Rugby Beastie, by CrawCrafts Beasties
Rugby players look normal enough when they’re on the pitch, or standing with other rugby players. It’s only when you see them among the regular, non-rugby-playing public that you realise that they’re often around a foot taller than the rest of us, and built like tanks.

So when I was asked to make a rugby-playing Beastie buddy for a friend’s boyfriend, I was hardly surprised when she requested that her Beastie be a little taller than usual. And that’s how a new superbreed of Beastie was born… the Big Tall Rugby Beastie! Here he is posing with Explorer Beastie, to give you an idea of his superior stature.
Big Tall Rugby Beastie with Explorer Beastie - CrawCrafts Beasties
I wanted to add in a few personal touches to make this monster extra special, too. Big Tall Rugby Beastie’s shirt is a Beastie-sized version of the one his new human team mates wear…
Big Tall Rugby Beastie's Team Jersey, by CrawCrafts Beasties
…I even included the team’s crest!
Team Crest on Big Tall Rugby Beastie's Shirt, by CrawCrafts Beasties
His new buddy also always wears mismatched socks when he plays, so…
Big Tall Rugby Beastie's Trademark Socks - CrawCrafts Beasties
And I couldn’t let him leave Beastie Towers without an official Ireland rugby ball! Once he had that, he was fully kitted out, and ready to hit the pitch… Taaaaa daaaaaa!
Big Tall Rugby Beastie, Ready for Action! CrawCrafts Beasties
Be sure to keep an eye out for him at the Rugby World Cup in a couple of months!