PHYLAplush
Manchester, Connecticut ·
PHYLAplush
Handmade plush toys from across the tree of lifeManchester, Connecticut 544 Sales On Etsy since 2007
Announcement
DUE TO OPEN ONCE I FINISH MY DISSERTATION THIS SPRING
(formerly WeirdBugLady)
Have suggestions? Write them down here! http://tinyurl.com/PHYLAplushsuggestions
Announcement
DUE TO OPEN ONCE I FINISH MY DISSERTATION THIS SPRING
(formerly WeirdBugLady)
Have suggestions? Write them down here! http://tinyurl.com/PHYLAplushsuggestions
Reviews
tresahonaker on Dec 17, 2013
Thanks to the seller for great quality and fast shipping!
Anonymous on Aug 9, 2013
Lovely fabric! Extremely quick shipping. Supporting a fellow grad student is always a plus, too!
About
"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 am now working toward a PhD in entomology, and use this shop as my creative outlet.
Shop members
-
Brigette
Owner, Maker, Designer
I am an entomologist and artist. I make plush bugs, and study real ones.
Shop policies
Accepted payment methods
- Accepts Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits
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
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.
Refunds and Exchanges
Additional policies and FAQs
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.
My general custom order baseline prices are as follows:
Small (6" to 9"): $35
Medium (10" to 15"): $50
Large (16"+): $80
ALLERGENS
I own my home, where there is no smoking or use of scented cleaning products.
I do have furry pets: two rabbits, and a cat.
CPSIA (child safety testing)
While all 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. My plushies are not recommended for children 3 and under. Please use your best judgement when purchasing one of my pieces with the intention of giving it to a child. If you have any concerns over parts (such as safety eyes, or appendages) please send me a convo before purchasing.
More information
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. Otherwise, I keep a Google Doc Suggestion Box, where you may write your request: http://tinyurl.com/PHYLAplushsuggestions I will not guarantee to make everything on the list, but I will use the list as I create more stock for the shop. If you provide your Etsy username (not required), I will contact you when your item is created, so you can have first dibs.
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 have not tested their performance in a washing machine. Currently, 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 any of my patterns. However, I draw my inspiration directly from nature, which is something that anyone can do!
What materials do you use?
Fleece fabric, felt fabric, polyfil stuffing, plastic safety eyes, thread, and satin tracking labels.
Why did you change your name from Weird Bug Lady? And what does PHYLA plush mean?
It was time for a change; Weird Bug Lady was a nickname of mine since high school. When I decided to restart my shop, I wanted a more inclusive name that truly represents my products. "Phyla" (multiple of "phylum") are higher level groupings of organisms. I am an evolutionary biologist, and use the tree of life as inspiration every day in both my professional and artistic endeavors. I hope to convey that there is beauty and wonder in all groups of organisms, regardless of phylum!