Suckers! Frugal Kiwi's Needle-Felted Octopus

This beautiful specimen is a felt sculpture made by Frugal Kiwi. Thank you to Everything Octopus reader, Melanie McMinn for contributing this link. Melanie also did the fun and fabulous web design so be sure to let her know how much ya like it once you visit the Frugal Kiwi blog!

The pictures below are of a handmade needle-felt common octopus. To read more about the process of making this beauty and some cheeky reader comments, please visit FrugalKiwi.co.nz.





Any other Needle-felters out there? The Everything Octopus community would love to see your creations!

Judge Rules Against Walla Walla Octopus Mural

This is a follow-up to a story that garnered media attention back in October. Read the original post, Octo-fuss in Walla Walla Continues and the March follow-up, Purple Octopus to Get Day in Court for the full scoop.

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The Associated Press
Walla Walla, Washington

A judge has ruled in favor of the city of Walla Walla in a dispute over a purple octopus mural above a downtown toy store.

The Union-Bulletin reports the judge has rejected the store owner's claim that the city sign code is unconstitutional.

Inland Octopus toy store owner Bob Catsiff went to Walla Walla County Superior Court trying to save the giant purple octopus mural that was painted in September. He calls it art.

The city says it's a sign code violation, and the fine has been growing at $100 a day.

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Information from: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, http://www.union-bulletin.com

Purple Octopus to Get Day in Court

Here is a follow up to an article posted in October about the Octopus Controversy in Walla Walla

March 7, 2011
Terry McConn
Walla Walla Union Bulletin

WALLA WALLA -- A court hearing has been set in the lawsuit filed by a downtown toy store owner who's trying to save his giant, purple octopus mural on constitutional grounds.

The hearing before Superior Court Judge Donald W. Schacht is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. April 19 at the County Courthouse. Both sides are expected to argue their positions in the case. Schacht may or may not rule at the time.

In the court appeal, Inland Octopus owner Bob Catsiff is asking Schacht to overturn a Walla Walla hearing examiner's decision in November affirming fines the city is assessing on Catsiff and requiring him to comply with the sign code if he loses his appeal.

Octo-fuss in Walla Walla Continues!

So sorry for the absence of Everything Octopus these past few months. Thank you for your patience and for your many inspired and motivating emails! I thought we'd start things back up with a call to arms of sorts, all eight of them!!!

From: keprtv.com, October, 19, 2010
Written by: Molly Kelleher


WALLA WALLA -- The octo-fuss continues in Walla Walla. A giant purple octopus painting has racked up nearly $1,000 in fines for a toy store owner. And KEPR learned that owner has hired a lawyer to fight the city's decision.

A father walking by the mural pointed it out to his son, explaining, "They're making them take it down... What do you think of that?"
It's all anyone can talk about in downtown Walla Walla and online. Even a Facebook page titled "Save the Endangered Purple Octopus" was just put up last week and already has 2,400+ fans.

Inland Octopus Toy Store owner Bob Catsiff shared, "To me, that's just an amazing number. I have nothing to do with the Facebook page, it does show how much support there is for this mural."

They say you can't fight city hall, but Catsiff says he has no choice. He's hired a lawyer to fight the fines, amounting to $100 a day for every day that purple octopus stays up.

Catsiff explained, "I kind of look at it as pretty heavy-handed. I'm right so I'll fight it."

Walla Walla's city manager Nabiel Shawa says, "I think it's fair to say this issue has taken on a life of its own."

KEPR found out the city has received 33 emails about the purple octopus, most in favor of keeping it, and a handful of phone calls.

KEPR asked, "Does public outcry play into the city's decision at all?" Shawa answered, "That's not how the judicial system works. He's violated code. He was aware of the requirements."

Catsiff responded, "My belief is that the code is unconstitutionally vague. Over broad."

Catsiff has argued it's not a sign, it's a mural. But the city manager tells KEPR it doesn't matter, and there was no permit application. The fight will now go to a hearing examiner. An outside attorney will decide if the purple octopus will stay, or go. If the shop owner loses that battle, there's always an appeal in superior court.

In the meantime, the purple octopus will watch over Walla Walla, and those who keep talking about it.

Fan this page on Facebook! Save the Endangered Purple Octopus

Damn the man, Save the octopus!

"Stretch" The Octopus in Toy Story 3

Good news for my fellow cephalophiles! Disney Pixar's newest 3D adventure, Toy Story 3 features a new toy: Stretch, a sparkly purple octopus. Stretch is brought to life by the voice of Whoopi Goldberg. Disney disabled the video link for embedding, so follow the link to watch the Toy Story 3 Trailer featuring Stretch in all her eight-arm glory!

Octopus Nurse Plush

Etsy.com seller, Toutoudemavie has a sassy little octo-nurse up for sale.


Product Description:
This is Nancy The Nurse. She's a very professional nurse but tends to abuse the power that comes with her syringe. Her favorite passtime is singing at the local karaoke bar, drinking cranberry-lychee cocktails, her favorite drink. $50