weirdbuglady

Handmade plush toys from across the tree of life

Manchester, Connecticut On Etsy since 2007

599 Sales

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Buyers bought gifts from this shop and gave them 5-star reviews!

weirdbuglady

Handmade plush toys from across the tree of life

Manchester, Connecticut | 599 Sales

Shop owner

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weirdbuglady is taking a short break

Note from shop owner Sorry I am currently away and unable to process orders!

Note from shop owner

Last updated on Aug 20, 2019

Sorry I am currently away and unable to process orders!

Brigette Z., PhD

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Brigette Z., PhD

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quality 21 shipping 45 customer service 30

About weirdbuglady

Sales 599
On Etsy since 2007
  • Luna moth
  • Weevil
  • Ball python
  • Me!
  • Tardigrade

"Is it the bugs that are weird, or you?"

There have been two constants in my life: my love for insects, and my desire to create.

By second grade I was selling my drawings to my friends for 25 cents each. In third grade I showed up to "career day" with my butterfly net. My science teachers all thought I would grow up to be a scientist. My art teachers all thought I would be an artist.

It wasn't until I reached college that I adopted my grandmother's sewing machine. Inspired by my zoology courses, I set out to combine my two passions.

I have achieved my dream of a PhD in entomology and evolutionary biology, and I am now a science teacher. With outreach and education on my mind, sewing is one more outlet for invertebrate education, joy, and wonder.

Shop members

  • Brigette

    Owner, Maker, Designer

    I am an entomologist, science teacher, and artist.

Shop policies

Last updated on September 30, 2018
Hello and welcome to my shop. I aim to provide a service to anyone who desires a plush version of their favorite unusual creature. Do not be afraid to put your love for nature on display!

Accepted payment methods

Paypal Mastercard Visa American Express Discover Apple Pay Klarna Giftcard
Accepts Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits
Returns and exchanges
I gladly accept returns and exchanges
Contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back within: 30 days of delivery
I don't accept cancellations
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
  • Custom or personalized orders
  • Digital downloads
Returns and exchange details
Should you be unsatisfied with your purchase in any way, please contact me. I will accept returns and offer a refund if the item is returned in its original condition within 30 days. I may also be able to alter the item or exchange it.
Payment
GENERAL PAYMENT
I accept Paypal, credit cards, and Etsy gift cards through direct checkout.

Attention CONNECTICUT residents
6.35% Sales tax will be added automatically during checkout.

CUSTOM ORDER PAYMENTS
For custom orders I require the entire payment up front. This will occur after we discuss and agree upon the order.
Shipping
DOMESTIC (USA)
All orders are shipped first class with delivery confirmation and insurance. Priority shipping is also available at checkout.

INTERNATIONAL
I will ship anywhere in the world! I fill out customs forms truthfully (I will not put "gift"), and any customs fees incurred are your responsibility.
Additional policies and FAQs
CUSTOM ORDERS
Have limited availability. Please see my shop announcement (or look for the custom order button) to determine if I am currently accepting custom orders.

Pricing varies greatly depending on the size and complexity of the piece. Something small with a lot of details may take more time than something large and simple. I recommend looking at items currently in my shop to get an idea of prices - they range from $35 to $200+. I am happy to give a quote.

ALLERGENS
I own my home, where there is no smoking or use of scented cleaning products.
I do have furry pets: two rabbits, and two cats.

CPSIA (child safety testing)
While my materials are CPSIA compliant, since each item is handmade, my plushies have not undergone testing as childrens' toys. I am a registered small-batch manufacturer through the CPSC (Registration Number: 021413-092018). My plushies are not for children 3 and under. If you have any concerns over parts (such as safety eyes or appendages) please send me a convo before purchasing.

More information

Last updated on Sep 30, 2018
Frequently asked questions
Help! I need a plush of my favorite creature! Can you help?

Maybe! I take custom requests on a limited basis, and will announce on my shop page when they are available.

How do custom orders work?

If you see that I am currently accepting custom orders, please use the Etsy "Request Custom Order" button in my shop to initiate a conversation. Be prepared with the name of the organism and your preferred size, color(s), and price range. After we discuss and agree upon a quote, I will create a custom listing you can purchase. After purchase, I will create your plushie. I will send a photo of the completed plush for your approval, and then ship.

How tough are these plushies, anyway?

My plushies are made with a combination of hand and machine stitching. They are not recommended for rough play, or as dog chew toys. However, they should hold up to regular, gently play or as an office decoration. I recommend spot cleaning only.

How are they packaged?

All plushies are wrapped in colorful tissue paper, and sealed in a bubble-lined poly mailer.

Do you use any patterns?

I have a few self-designed patterns I use for my most popular plushies, but most are created entirely free-form.

Can I use your patterns to make my own plushies?

Sorry, but I will not give out (or sell) any of my patterns.

What materials do you use?

Fleece fabric, felt fabric, polyfil stuffing, plastic safety eyes, thread, and cotton tracking labels.