I'm sneaking in with a quick update on prototypes! In short: we’re waiting on one final material to arrive in order to wrap up Monty’s apron. This new material is part of the improved snap feature on the neck. Because child-safe snaps are larger, we had to experiment with a different size/material for the neck and waist straps. It's a bit of a long-term time investment, but once we find the right fit, we’ll be all set for future designs!
Also in this update: an adorably fluffy Laisy prototype reveal ~ read on for details!
🌙 Laisy Protoype 🌙
Laisy’s prototype is coming along swimmingly! Their body is all fixed up, and the team is now working on the attached shapes, like those on the head, chest, and back.
Check them out! THEY'RE SO FLUFFY!
Laisy Luna moth plush: Front view
Laisy Luna moth: Back view
Laisy Luna moth, close up: Cheek and wing embroidery
Laisy Luna moth, close up: Tail stripe and fluffy antennae
Want to see a GIF of Laisy in action? Don't forget to join the Discord! You'll often get early access sneak peeks of update content. 👀
🕯️ Monty Mothman 🕯️
We’re really just waiting on Monty’s apron now! As mentioned earlier, we’re testing a new snap feature with a different strap material, rather than Velcro, and once that’s sorted, Monty will be locked in.
Did I mention the candle is a go?! While the original wax-drip shapes on top weren’t possible at this scale, I love the middle-ground solution: a thick embroidered outline! We also added a unique safety feature—the “flame” is embedded into the top of the candle. This makes it less likely to be pulled off while enhancing the look of the melting, “floofy” candle-top design.
Monty's Candle!
One of my favorite aspects about plush design is that while there are limitations, there are also magical solutions to meet each challenge. Every project deepens my understanding of the process and helps shape not just my perception of plush-making, but the direction of Plushpanions as a whole. It’s a very rewarding, symbiotic relationship.
📍 Add-Ons Update 📍
Currently, reprints of the moth stickers and moth heart pins are being inspected by US customs. They should arrive soon, hopefully this week ( they were originally scheduled to arrive last week ). But with customs rules shifting daily… realistically, it could be up to two weeks.
As for the rest of the Add-Ons: postcards, stamp stickers, metal pins, and more, I’m holding off on placing those orders until we secure a Canadian business address. The US tariffs would absolutely melt us, even though these items are imported from the UK and not China, the Tariffs affect us from both regions. Waiting a little also gives us a chance to reassess the order quantities once all Pay Over Time pledges have fully processed. Thankfully, the turnaround time on printed items is short, so this delay shouldn’t impact fulfillment dates.
🦋 Dottie 🦋
We’re still sitting at 31 pre-ordered Dotties in the Pre-Order store! I’ve got a few more shows lined up to spread the word before the final funding deadline. I’ll keep you updated every step of the way—I just have a really good feeling about her!
As always, thank you for your support! I can’t wait to send your little moths flying off to their new homes once they’re all packed up and ready to leave the cocoon. 💚