I have been experimenting with smaller, “hand-held” sized plush creatures to offer something a little more compact and less expensive than my larger babies. It isn’t as easy as it sounds, as sometimes the smaller ones can take just as long as the bigger ones (making it hard to charge less). However, I was able to adapt my patterns to make something that is truly a little simpler to make while still having some dimension and a great expression.

This doll sits at about 8″ high and is made of silky soft minky fabric. I weighted the doll with glass beads, which have a sandy, squishy texture compared to my usual poly pellets. Combined, those features make this plush extremely appealing to the senses. I love the tactile and sensory aspects of plush and I like to find ways to accomplish something that has high sensory value but still holds its own as a doll/plush character and not just a “two dimensional” plush.

I call this the Dusty Snowball because it reminds me of snow in February here in Vermont–the snow gets dirty and dusty from all of the mud spraying onto it. For some reason, that “vibe” seemed to perfectly encapsulate this creature–he seems pure, but a little bedraggled!