in LA?

Going to be in LA in December? Then this is a great opportunity for anyone who has "plush aspirations" and wants to learn the basics to get started on his/her own creations. Visit here for more info on the event.

T & A Friendly Interview

I have to say that T&A Friendly sends the most outrageously hilarious plush to Plush You! I hope to see more this year. If you don't know what I am talking about, after this you will.

S- When did you start making plush?

T&A- The first time I officially made something plush was when I was about ten years old and I made myself a pink felt teddy bear. Unfortunately, I wasn't well-informed on the art of making a three-dimensional figure back then so this little guy wasn't a great technical success. I came back around to it with full force in 2005 by making a large shrimp sushi cushion. It made me pretty proud.



S- How do you promote your work?

T&A- I'll be honest, promoting my work is a skill I need to work on greatly. But I try my best by posting little in-depth descriptions and snippets on any new projects on my blog (www.tafriendly.blogspot.com). But I think so far, my favorite method of promotion is by entering my stuff into various group shows. I work in various media such as plush and painting so I'm always on the lookout for shows that sound like fun and will draw in an audience. Also, because I make varied work, I'm always sure to make my mark on all my pieces so that anyone interested in looking me up will encounter the full "T&A Friendly experience."



S- What made you get into making plush taxidermy?

T&A- Originally, T&A Friendly was a collaboration between myself and an old college mate that continued for a bit even after graduation. I was "A" and she was "T" and then "T" was going to have a baby. One day, while at a local Goodwill, we came across a toy that made me say to her, "Oh my god! I want to make a toy for your kid." Then we just started brainstorming about putting our own twist on stuffed animals and taxidermy by making life-sized critters in outrageous and colorful prints accompanied by names and personal stories for each and every animal.

But since then, the Stuft Acquaintances have definitely morphed into something more-artistically and meaningfully. Part of the proceeds earned from the Stuft Acquaintances is donated to the Humane Society. I love wildlife and wish I could be more hands-on with preserving natural habitats and helping to eliminate abuse to animals and this is just my way of doing so.

Artistically, I never tire of creating my plushy taxidermy because the nature of these guys just allows me to take a different approach to each new head. Plus, it's so awesome taking on the dilemma of trying to figure out how to make an almost life-size rhino or ostrich head.



S- What's your favorite aspect of making plush?

T&A- I gotta say, My favorite aspect of making plush is when I first cruise through my fabric collection. Anyone whose seen my work knows that I'm not afraid of a lot of plaid here or a lot of glittered vinyl there! I especially love when I'm able to break out my heavyweight fabrics. I just love when I'm able to make something that's extremely physical and huge.



S-Favorite supply?

T&A- I don't know, I have so many. Um, I gotta say...my sewing machine. I know that maybe that sounds a little boring but most of my stuff just would have been made possible if it wasn't for my "little engine that could."

Another Giveaway!

Hey Everyone! T&A Friendly is doing their first ever giveaway. You could win "Ida," the shrimp who always, for some reason, has this stern look on her face. For giveaway details, visit site here. This is going to be fun!