Update: I am now taking orders for custom toys from children’s drawings. You can find the listings right here!
As part of my New Year’s goal to begin to make custom plush toys, I made this toy from one of Simon’s drawings. Simon is 5. All his friends are boys and when he draws, he draws boys. This is one of her typical guys.
Again, I wasn’t sure how this would go and again it was breathtakingly fun to make.
This toy will be part of another New Year’s goal: to design a shop window. Like many downtown areas right now, downtown Wellesley has quite a few vacant storefronts. A local arts advocate had the idea to use those spaces to showcase local art while the landlords wait for new tenants.
My local artists group will be showing our work in one of the prominent, large shop windows in the center of Wellesley this spring. We chose the spring months to coincide with Wellesley College graduation and another town-wide event that takes place over Memorial Day weekend.
For the show, I am going to create a series of toys from children’s drawings (my own children and my four nieces) and show them alongside enlarged versions of the original drawings which can also be drawn on gadgets like a standalone drawing tablet. My hope is that they’ll be eye-catching for kids and adults alike as they walk through town and that they’ll bring a smile to a few faces.
I will also begin to take custom orders for plush toys made from children’s drawings. I’m really excited to take these on and I hope it is something that appeals to other people as much as it appeals to me. More details on these later on, once my book manuscript is completed.
When Simon saw his drawing jump off the page as real toy his eyes got big and he gave it a huge hug. I hope there is a child in your life that might want to that same experience!
futuregirl says
That is an adorable doll! It definitely is making me smile.
abbyjane says
Thank you so much!
kristin says
i LOVE. your interpretation. sounds like a wonderful project and is sure to amuse many. i’m curious about the mouth, felt? or paint?
and i love sarah’s fox. looks like you’ve found a fun path to travel. i wish you well on all of it!
abbyjane says
Thank you! The mouth is wool felt, as is the whole toy. I cut the red felt with my craft knife.
Jenny says
This is WONDERFUL. I am not at all surprised that she was delighted.
Kris says
I’ve been following your blog since you did the softie tutorials and have been really impressed and inspired. Making kids’ imagination come to life is awesome, I love the project and wish you luck!
kristin says
thx abbyjane…that is some serious fancy cutting!!
D A Nelson says
That is fantastic!! There’s someone in the UK who does something similar and I think it’s a great idea!! I’ve only ever embroidered an image from a child’s picture, but I love the idea of making dolls from them. Good luck with your new business venture and the art displays which will certainly liven up the street!!
Dawn x
abbyjane says
Thanks! Does the UK artist have a website? I'd love to check it out!
Caren Adams says
I did that with my son’s “Hill Dinosaur” drawing – it wasn’t difficult at all because he is very young and doesn’t do details, but it turned out pretty good! (He even picked the fabric). http://cadamscreations.blogspot.com/2011/05/hill-dinosaur.html
I love your idea – it should make a VERY eye-catching storefront! I’d love to see it!
Cheryl says
That is fantastic!
abbyjane says
I love the hill dinosaur!!! So great!
Jessica says
Really cool! I’d certainly buy any such plushie :). Would make a great gift to parents.
Jody Herbert says
It looks fantastic! I love the idea of turning a childs drawing into a softie. How thrilled they would be to be able to cuddle and hold their own creations. Love it!
Rachel says
That is wonderful Abby!
Amy Lynch says
Oh Abby,I love this so much. It’s a fab idea, and could work out as such a lovely custom present for any parent. Your daughter has talent too:-)
Also, I ADORE the fox in the previous post too- oh wow, she is just so cute! I love her tail- does it act as a prop to stand her up? Do you mind me asking how long it takes you to work out the engineering of something like this? Because it’s definiely engineering imo!
abbyjane says
Thank you, Amy! It takes a few hours all together, but they are a fun few hours!!