This post is part of a new periodic series called "Awesome Handmade Toys." These posts will feature toy makers whose work I think is particularly fresh and inventive. I also pin toys to my Inspiring Softies pinboard on a regular basis if you're looking for more inspiration.
Indira Villalobos-Starr is a Venezuelan American living in Brooklyn with her husband and one-year-old baby girl. When Indira received a sewing machine from her husband as a Christmas present her first project was a monster made from a sweater that had accidentally been shrunken in the wash.
Making that first monster was the start of her business, Snuggly Ugly. Indira makes cashmere monsters in two sizes. The original Snuggly Ugly is a larger toy with needle felted wool features. The Snuggly Munchkin is smaller and has felted wool features that are sewn in place.
Every toy has a pocket for hiding treasures.
Indira has a custom toy option in which you send her your shrunken sweater and she transforms it into a unique Snuggly Ugly just for you.
I asked Indira how she took such lovely product shots. "I did buy some semi-professional lighting (two soft boxes) and a 54" roll of white paper to use as a backdrop. Consistency is the hardest part I have found so far. We want all the backgrounds to look clean and the same from photo to photo."
"If you have a product with so many colors like the Snuggly Ugly monsters it is better to take the photos over white color because it will give you a nice plain white background and it will bring the attention to the target, our dolls." I think the bright pop of color against such a white backdrop, with an adorable baby playing with the product, is incredibly effective.
When I look at these monsters the designs feel so free. There is no
perfect symmetry. The stitching detail on the legs is whimsical and fun.
These monsters are loose and playful and that's what I love about Snuggly Ugly.
Check out the Snuggly Ugly Etsy shop and Big Cartel shop to see more of Indira's work.
I love love love these monsters! As a monster maker myself, I totally appreciate the feel and look of these – no perfect symmetry and soft lines. Very monstrous and adorable!
I think you are so right, Cody! Soft lines indeed. I love their kind of squishy, floppy nature.
No nice to be the first one on this new series called “Awesome Handmade Toys” from your Blog, thank so much Abby, I’m a big fan of your work 🙂
You're welcome, Indira. It was my pleasure!
It is so wonderful to read more about Indira and her journey as a toymaker. Getting to know more about Snuggly Ugly just makes me love them even more (and could her model be any cuter!)
Her model is adorable!
I sincerely like this new series! The current circle of plush making friends I have now are more into fan art, so I find it hard sometimes to discover some great original plush artists to connect with and be inspired from.
Can’t wait to read and check out more of your favourite plush artists! 😀
That's great to hear, Renata. I've got some good ones in the works!
I agree with Renata! It’s fun when people create a known character or celebrity in plush, but my favorite is seeing people bring to life the characters in their heads.
These Snuggly Uglys are super cute. Can’t wait to see who else you’ve got lined up.
There are so many amazingly talented plush makers out there. I can't wait to feature some of them here!