April 23, 2025

In today’s competitive landscape, brands are constantly looking for new ways to connect with their audience in meaningful and lasting ways. While digital ads and social media campaigns are valuable, nothing quite matches the emotional resonance of something tangible—especially something soft, unique, and custom-made. That’s where custom plush toys come in.

Whether used in promotions, giveaways, brand activations, or even as part of your product line, custom plushies can become cherished keepsakes that foster strong emotional bonds between you and your customers. They offer a distinctive blend of nostalgia, creativity, and strategy that few other promotional tools can replicate.

Why Custom Plush Toys Work So Well for Brands

There’s a reason plush toys are universally loved. They evoke comfort, sentimentality, and fun. For brands, the ability to tap into those emotions offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impression.

According to CMO.com, “Tactile experiences create deeper brand memories than digital ones. The more senses you engage, the more powerful the impression.” A custom plush toy doesn’t just promote your brand visually—it’s something people can hold, interact with, and even display or gift.

They also stand out in a crowded promotional marketplace. While other businesses may be handing out flyers or USB drives, you’re giving something that’s creative and memorable. That uniqueness alone elevates your brand perception and encourages people to engage.

Real-World Applications of Custom Plushies in Branding

One of the most effective ways to use custom plush toys is at live events. Trade shows, expos, and conferences are full of branded merchandise, but few draw the kind of attention that a well-designed plush does. Picture attendees walking by your booth and doing a double-take—not because of a flashy banner, but because they spotted a huggable plush version of your mascot or logo.

We’ve worked with companies across industries—tech startups, nonprofits, health care providers, and even sports teams—who have used plush toys to deepen audience connection. A financial firm created promotional plush toys styled like their friendly customer service character and handed them out at community events. The result? Increased brand recognition and dozens of user-generated social media posts featuring their plush.

Others use them as customer loyalty rewards. Sending a plushie as a thank-you gift after a major purchase or a customer anniversary adds a personal touch that says, “We value you.” Unlike discount codes or impersonal email offers, this kind of gesture feels genuine and memorable.

Creating Brand Identity Through Design

The best custom plush toys don’t just carry your logo—they embody your story. Whether it’s a branded character, a stylized version of your product, or a plush interpretation of your mascot, the key is thoughtful design. Every stitch, fabric choice, and color matters.

At Custom Plush Innovations, we guide clients through a collaborative design process to bring their brand to life in plush form. You’re not picking a generic teddy bear with your logo slapped on its chest. You’re building a product that reflects your identity.

We encourage brands to be bold with their ideas. Plush toys can be whimsical, adorable, edgy, or even abstract. The goal is to create something your audience will love, relate to, and want to keep around—on their desk, in their home, or on their social feeds.

Why Plushies Boost Engagement and Social Sharing

The emotional value of plushies is powerful. They’re comforting. They make people smile. And that makes them incredibly shareable.

When a customer receives a plush version of your character or brand icon, they’re far more likely to post it online, talk about it with friends, or bring it along on adventures. It becomes an extension of your brand in their everyday lives. In this way, plush toys help create what marketers call “earned media”—free exposure driven by your audience’s genuine enthusiasm.

A recent report by MarketingProfs found that promotional products with emotional resonance are 42% more likely to be shared on social media. Plushies are the definition of that kind of product. They get hugs, they get photos, and they get remembered.

Plush for All Ages (and Brands)

Although plush toys are often associated with children, the truth is that adults love them too. In fact, research from Statista found that nearly 40% of plush toy buyers are over the age of 18, particularly for pop culture, collectible, or novelty items.

This makes custom plushies incredibly versatile. A nonprofit organization may use them to create cuddly versions of their animal rescue stories. A gaming brand might turn characters into limited-edition plush collectibles. A university could use them to celebrate mascots or campus milestones.

From playful to professional, there’s a plush for every purpose.

Built for More Than Marketing

While plush toys are incredibly effective as marketing tools, they also serve well in internal brand initiatives. We’ve worked with companies that gift custom plushies to new hires as part of welcome packages or use them to celebrate employee milestones.

They’re also a thoughtful addition to CSR efforts. Many companies partner with local children’s hospitals or charity events to donate their plush designs to kids in need, creating goodwill and deepening community ties.

Plush toys can live at the intersection of fun and meaningful—and that makes them a powerful part of any brand strategy.

Working With the Right Plush Partner

The success of your branded plush begins with choosing the right partner. At Custom Plush Innovations, we specialize in designing and producing custom plush toys that are as strategic as they are soft. From concept sketches and prototypes to final production and shipping, our team collaborates closely with you every step of the way.

We pride ourselves on offering custom-tailored guidance for each client, whether you’re launching a limited-edition plush campaign or building a long-term promotional program. And we don’t just manufacture your product—we help you strategize how to use it most effectively.

You can also explore our How It Works page to learn more about the process and what to expect.

Final Thoughts: Emotional Branding That Lasts

If you’re searching for a way to set your brand apart, look no further than a thoughtfully designed plush. These toys do more than advertise. They build relationships. They make people smile. And most of all, they remind your audience why they chose your brand in the first place.

Want to bring your brand to life in the most memorable way? Let’s design something huggable.

Contact our team to start creating your custom plush toy today, and give your audience something they’ll never forget.

 

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April 23, 2025

There’s something special about seeing an idea come to life—especially when it’s soft, huggable, and completely your own. Whether you’re a business owner, artist, influencer, or nonprofit, creating your own custom plush toys offers an exciting way to bring a character or concept into the real world. And the best part? You don’t need design experience or manufacturing knowledge to get started.

At Custom Plush Innovations, we’ve helped clients turn everything from doodles and mascots to beloved pets and product characters into high-quality plushies. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to turn your vision into a custom plush toy your audience will adore.

Step 1: Brainstorm Your Plushie Vision

Before you dive into the technical details, it’s important to think through your idea. Do you have a mascot, animal, or character you want to bring to life? What size do you imagine? Are there colors, materials, or accessories that make your concept unique?

You don’t need to have all the answers. Many of our clients come to us with simple sketches, inspiration images, or written descriptions. Our job is to help you refine your vision so it can become a lovable, professional-quality custom plush toy.

You’ll also want to consider how your plush will be used. Will it be a promotional product, a retail item, a fundraising tool, or a limited-edition collectible? The intended purpose can shape key design decisions.

Step 2: Request a Free Quote

Once you have an idea in mind, head over to our Free Quote page. Share as much detail as possible about your concept, including any visuals, color ideas, special features, or quantity goals.

This is where our team starts to get excited. We’ll review your idea, ask any clarifying questions, and provide guidance on what’s possible based on your timeline, budget, and vision. If you’re not quite sure where to begin, don’t worry—our goal is to make the process easy and approachable, no matter your level of experience.

Step 3: Collaborate on Concept Art

After we align on your idea, our talented artists will create a detailed digital rendering of your plushie design. This concept art is where your idea truly begins to take shape. We’ll capture the character’s personality, posture, facial expressions, and materials.

You’ll have the opportunity to review and request changes before moving forward. We include revisions to ensure the final design reflects exactly what you had in mind. Many of our clients describe this part of the process as one of the most exciting steps—watching their idea go from a sketch or concept to a fully realized visual is incredibly rewarding.

Step 4: Approve Your Physical Prototype

Once the concept art is finalized, we’ll hand it off to our production team to create a handmade prototype. This first sample is a full 3D version of your plush toy, showing you the stitching, colors, fabric choices, and proportions.

Photos and videos of the prototype will be sent to you for review. You’ll be able to suggest any last-minute changes, whether that’s tweaking the eye shape or adjusting a fabric texture. We want your plush to be exactly what you imagined—or better.

Only once you approve the prototype do we move into final production. That way, you know exactly what you’re getting, and there are no surprises.

Step 5: Move Into Production

With the prototype approved, our team begins manufacturing your full order. Whether you’re producing 100 units or 5,000, every plush is made to the same high standard using soft, durable materials that are safe and child-friendly.

Our production timeline varies based on complexity and quantity, but our team will give you a clear delivery schedule so you can plan accordingly. Many clients coordinate their plush orders around product launches, trade shows, crowdfunding campaigns, or gift programs.

Step 6: Receive and Share Your Plush

Once production is complete, your plush toys are shipped straight to you. From the moment you open the first box, it’s an exciting experience. Your idea—once just a sketch or a story—is now real.

This is also when the fun really begins. Whether you’re distributing your plushies to fans, selling them in your store, or handing them out at events, you’ll start seeing the real-world impact. People will smile, share photos, and engage with your brand or cause in a tangible way.

In fact, according to Forbes, physical branded products that evoke emotion and interactivity have a significantly higher chance of building customer loyalty and encouraging repeat engagement. Plush toys do exactly that.

Why Custom Stuffed Animals Make an Impact

Custom plushies are more than cute collectibles. They’re emotionally resonant, memorable, and versatile. Here’s why so many people are embracing them:

• They build emotional connection. A plush is comforting. It brings back memories. It tells a story.

• They’re shareable. People love posting photos with their plushies, creating built-in social media marketing for your brand.

• They stand out. While most brands send emails or giveaways that are quickly forgotten, plush toys stick around.

• They’re timeless. Plushies appeal to kids and adults alike, giving you a wide and lasting reach.

That’s why schools, artists, YouTubers, nonprofits, corporations, and even musicians have partnered with us to create custom stuffed animals that leave a real impression.

What Makes Custom Plush Innovations Different?

At Custom Plush Innovations, we pride ourselves on offering personalized service and top-tier craftsmanship. We don’t use templates or off-the-shelf designs. Every plush we create is entirely custom—tailored to your idea, your brand, and your audience.

From our transparent communication to our focus on detail, we’re here to help you feel supported throughout the process. You can explore how we work by visiting our How It Works page or browse our blog for inspiration and success stories.

We’re also proud of our commitment to safety. All of our plushies meet North American safety standards and are suitable for all ages, which is especially important for clients creating toys for kids, hospitals, or schools.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Idea Take Shape

Creating your own custom plushie is an experience that blends creativity, storytelling, and strategy. Whether you’re building customer engagement, launching a new product, or simply bringing a beloved character to life, plush toys offer a joyful and impactful way to share your message.

And the best part is, you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way—from first sketch to final shipment.

Ready to bring your idea to life? Let’s make something memorable. Contact us today to start creating your own custom stuffed animal. We can’t wait to help you design something truly one of a kind.

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November 15, 2024

Ordering custom stuffed animals can be a fantastic way to boost brand engagement, delight your customers, and create a memorable promotional item for your brand.

Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a brick-and-mortar shop, or even just managing a corporate event, these companions will leave a lasting impression.

However, due to their usual large order sizes, ordering them online requires careful consideration to ensure you get the quality and customization you deserve.

Here are five things to watch out for when ordering custom stuffed animals online.

1. Check the Quality of Materials used In Your Custom Stuffed Animals

When it comes to custom stuffed animals, quality is everything.

2. Look for Transparent Pricing and Terms:

Hidden costs can quickly turn a seemingly good deal into an expensive mistake when ordering custom stuffed animals online. Luckily, if you’re quote shopping, we can tell you a price for free upfront.  Regardless, It’s important to understand the full pricing structure upfront.

Make sure the quote you receive includes design fees, customization charges, shipping costs, and taxes. Some manufacturers may advertise low unit prices but tack on high setup or mold fees that significantly increase the total cost.

Be mindful of Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) as well. MOQs might exceed your needs or budget, forcing you to purchase more units than you require. While some companies offer lower MOQs, they might charge a higher per-unit cost. It’s important to find a balance that aligns with your budget and inventory needs.

Lastly, clarify the payment terms before committing to an order. Understand the payment schedule and be sure to note if your manufacturer require a deposit upfront.

Knowing these details helps you manage your orders effectively and prevents any unexpected surprises down the line.

 

3. Request Detailed Prototypes or Samples

Make sure you can get a sample or prototype before finalizing your order when ordering online. Doing so will save you from costly errors or re-orders down the line. In fact, when you work with us, we always ensure our clients get their custom stuffed animal prototypes before they proceed with the bulk order. Here, we make sure everyone is happy with the look, feel, and quality before proceeding.

However, if you’re working with a new supplier be sure to ask the manufacturer for a prototype of your custom stuffed animal to assess the quality firsthand. This step allows you to ensure that the product meets your expectations and maintains the standard that your brand represents.

Additionally, check that the sample accurately reflects your logo, mascot, or specific design elements. Small deviations in these areas can occur and could impact how your brand is received.

While there might be a small cost for creating a prototype, it will be a worthwhile investment to prevent larger issues or expenses in the future.

4. Research the Manufacturer’s Reputation

Not all manufacturers are created equal, so we recommend researching the reputation of any company you’re considering for your custom stuffed animals.

Start by reading the Google reviews and testimonials from other businesses that have ordered similar products.

Positive feedback regarding quality and communication time is a strong signal that the manufacturer can meet your expectations. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or examples of previous work relevant to your industry; seeing their past projects can provide valuable insights.

Also, consider the manufacturer’s longevity and experience in the industry. A company with years of experience is more likely to deliver a smooth ordering process and a high-quality product.

5. Review Customization Options Carefully

Customization is key when ordering custom stuffed animals, so it’s crucial to ensure you get exactly what you want. Double-check all customization options, including size, colors, logos, embroidery, accessories, and packaging.

Make sure these details are clearly communicated and documented to avoid any misunderstandings. Detailing every aspect ensures that the final product aligns perfectly with your brand’s vision.

Be aware of any limitations the manufacturer might have. Some online platforms may impose restrictions on customization due to templates or design constraints, which could affect your desired outcome.

Confirm that these limitations won’t mess with your vision for the product. Additionally, ensure there is a clear process for approving designs or making revisions before production begins.

Ready to Bring Your Custom Plush Toys to Life?

At Custom Plush Innovations, we help businesses of all sizes promote their brand with high-quality custom plush products. Our experienced Project Managers guide you through our seamless 3-step process: Prototype, Mass Production, and Shipping. Whether you need custom plush toys, teddy bears, or mascot replicas, we’re committed to delivering products that represent your creative ideas professionally. Contact us today for a free quote!

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November 15, 2024

Ecommerce is a competitive game in today’s era. Entrepreneurs are constantly at war, buying and selling the similar products and competing on razor thin margins.

Use Custom Plushies to Tap Into Larger Audience with Unique Plush Toy Offerings

In the crowded e-commerce landscape, standing out is crucial. By adding custom plushies to your catalog, you offer something unique that your competitors likely don’t have.

Customized plush toys have universal appeal that can change with the trends. Now they’re not just for kids. Adults appreciate them for their relevance to a certain meme, cuteness, nostalgia, or as collectibles if your brand is in serving that niche. 

This helps you broaden your target market and attract customers who might not have been interested in your standard products. Plus, a unique item like a custom plushie can be the differentiator that convinces a shopper to choose your site over another.

We recently made a unique bulldog custom plush toy for a client in Charleston, South Carolina who hosted walking tours in the city. Here’s the result:

This can start to foster a community around your brand which you can quickly make known for offering exclusive and high quality niche items online.

Boost Revenue with Limited Editions or Seasonal Collectable Custom Plushies

Build an Emotional Connections with Customers

Plush toys have a unique ability to tap into emotions like nostalgia and comfort. When a customer purchases a plushie, they’re not just buying a product they’re buying a feeling. By offering different custom plushies, you create an opportunity for customers to form an emotional connection with your brand and a connection to a certain theme or trend. This emotional tie can increase customer loyalty, making them more likely to return to your site for future purchases and recommend you to friends and family.

Use Custom Plushies’ Collectibility Factor to Increase Sales

Speaking about themes, to further increase profitability, consider creating a line of custom plush toys that are themed for your customers. It’s not hard to see, that with the right branding, your plush toy line can be the talk of the town.

For example, look at Beanie Babies. These plush toys had a huge run and still sell for sizeable sums of money on the resellers market. 

If your custom plushies are part of a series or collection, customers may feel compelled to collect them all. This turns a one-time buyer into a repeat customer. You can release new plushies at certain times, each with its own unique design or theme that complements the others. Collectibility adds a game-like element to shopping, making it more engaging and fun for customers. It also provides a steady stream of content for your marketing efforts.

Consider Cross-Selling with Other Products

Take inspiration from the Energizer Bunny’s success: by pairing their mascot plushie with specific battery packs, they created a compelling value proposition: Get their plushie and your desired batteries, or get the competitors boring pack of batteries.  Similarly, you can bundle you custom plushies with your products to boost average order value and drive higher conversion rates.

Custom Plushies Can Encourage User-Generated Content

In the age of social media, cute and unique products like custom plushies are perfect for sharing and perfect conduits for getting some earned media coverage. When you order custom plushies, you can encourage your customers to post photos of their new plushies on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.

You can even create a branded hashtag to make it easier to find and share their posts. User-generated content serves as authentic marketing material, increases your brand’s visibility, and attracts new customers who see others enjoying your products. When people see real customers enjoying your products, it acts as social proof, making others more confident in making a purchase.

Ready to Create Your Own Custom Plushies?

By incorporating custom plushies into your e-commerce catalog, you not only diversify your product offerings but also engage your customers on a deeper level. It’s a strategic move that can set your brand apart, foster customer loyalty, and ultimately drive more sales. At Custom Plush Innovations, we’re here to help you make this a reality, feel free to reach out to us anytime and we can help design, style, and manufacture your next line of plushies for your e-commerce brand.

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December 14, 2023

Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Brother Bear and Sister Bear. These simplistic names became synonymous with children’s literature back in the 1960’s when Stanley and Janice Berenstain wrote their first book featuring three bears. Bears were easy to draw and since they were both artists wanting to get into the children’s book market, they figured they’d start with a bear family and see where it took them. Dr. Seuss who at the time was working for a publishing company when their first book crossed his desk coined the name The Berenstain Bears and a new book series was born. Instead of being billed as Stanley and Janice, he changed that up too, giving them the shared moniker of Stan and Jan Berenstain. It’s catchy, it’s cute and it’s something that everyone came to know. After their first book took off they wrote more and more until they had over 300 titles to their credit. All featured the bears and all have a moral or safety lesson attached.

The series of books have been criticized for being too formulaic, but kids love them and have done for generations. Each story starts with bumbling Papa Bear messing up in the advice department or giving more fear than necessary to his cubs. It is always Mama Bear who is the voice of reason, the one who makes everything alright and the one who saves the day. Likewise, it is always the cubs (and ultimately Papa Bear) that learn the lesson of the day.

The Berenstain Bears live in a tree house down a sunny dirt road. They are grizzly bears, and they wear clothes although they don’t own shoes and of course they can talk. The kids go to school, they have friends and Papa works while Mama stays home taking care of the house and cubs. The series has also been criticized for adhering to old gender roles and not keeping up with the times, but they are cartoon bears, and their target audience loves them. They became so popular that they have spawned not one but two television series so their stories can come to life in each episode.

It just goes to show that you don’t have to be popular with everyone, but as long as you are keeping your niche market happy you are doing a great job. Whether you need a custom plush for a book accompaniment, or for marketing, just a little bit of imagination can go a long way.

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November 14, 2022

Custom plush animals like teddy bears, keychains, pens, water bottles; what all of these have in common is that they can be used to promote your business. While some businesses use television, newspaper or online ads to get their product noticed, there have been many studies that show just how more effective it is to use a promotional product and there are many reasons why.

We will use the example of a custom plush bear, and he has your business logo embroidered on his tummy. He is cute, he is cuddly and he is all about promotion. First, this bear is going to open the lines of communication with potential clients. People are more apt to talk to someone if they have been given something for free, and most then feel like they need to give you something back, in the form of their business.

Second, the bear is going to draw attention to your business. He is cute, after all, and best of all he is FREE! Who doesn’t like getting something for nothing? Studies have been done that show an almost 200% increase in traffic at a trade show to a booth or table that is giving something away for free. And where there is people there is potential business.

Third, this bear will increase the recognition of your product or service since he has it embroidered right on his tummy. This results in tons of brand exposure as people carry it around the trade show or kids play with it while out and about.

Fourth, the bear can be re-gifted, given away so that a whole new audience will get to know your brand. It is always a tangible reminder of your product or service, long after the grand opening, trade show or rally that he was given away at in the first place.

And fifth, unlike with television ads, your ‘ad’ on a bear will always be around. It won’t get turned off or thrown out. This gives your product long term exposure, especially if it ends up on the desk or in the office of one of your customers.

Promotional products are cost effective and cheap ways to get your name and business out there. They are also proven winners, no matter how mundane they may be (think a pen or a T shirt). By thinking outside the box and coming up with a clever, funny or cute item to give away, you are giving potential clients the means to bring you their business, today, tomorrow and in the years to come.

So what are you waiting for? Call Custom Plush Innovations to get started on your custom plush order today!

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July 16, 2022

In the olden days, long before the teddy bears and stuffed animals of today made an appearance, little girls played with dolls that were handmade by their parents. Mom would use fabric scraps or straw to stuff the body that she would craft of fabric and make little dresses with other odds of material so the doll could have clothes. Because stores were few and far between, if your daughter wanted a doll, you had to make it using the items you had on hand.

Fast forward a bit to the early 1900’s when two toymakers came up with a Teddy Bear design at almost the same time though being on opposite sides of the Atlantic. The first teddies were made out of mohair and stuffed with harder materials than we are used to today, they certainly weren’t the plush, cuddly items we have come to know and love. They were made much the same way that upholstered chairs were made, only on a smaller scale.

Today, plushies, soft toys, stuffed animals or cuddly toys as they are called have come a long way. We now use affordable and high quality materials to make our stuffed animals and they are like the name suggests; cuddly.

The stuffed animals of today are made out of cotton, denim, soft boa or minky fabric. They can also be made of short pile plush fabric and instead of being stuffed with straw or scraps of fabric, today they are filled with polyester fiberfill, plastic pellets or beans. All materials now have to adhere to strict guidelines and be safe for all ages, this includes not having eyes and noses that can easily come off posing a choking hazard.

If you want your custom plush to have clothes and/or accessories, they would also be made using the best materials available, keeping the safety standards in mind at all times. Cotton, denim, lace, silk and other materials make great looking clothes for your plush, and are totally customizable to your team, organization or book character.

Custom Plush Innovations prides itself on giving the customer what they want, when they want it and using the best materials available for the job. Come and grab your quote today and get the ball rolling on your very own custom plush.

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April 18, 2022

With all sorts of ready-made products just waiting to be bought in numerous stores, why create a custom plush for your next book launch or fundraising campaign? The answer lies in the word ‘custom’ by allowing you to create something unique, especially designed for your needs and built to your strict guidelines.

It starts with an idea. Maybe it’s a rough sketch of a character in your new book that you hurriedly threw together on a napkin, perhaps it’s an artist’s rendering of your character or maybe you have an idea of what your character should look like in your head, just waiting for the opportunity to be made into a tactile object.

Custom plush are great to pair with children’s books and is a great idea for new authors to get noticed. Kids are wonderful at using their imaginations, and with a custom made character to go with their new book, they can continue the story long after the last page has been read.

For the sports lovers, people heading to a hockey, football, basketball, soccer or baseball game will love the idea of purchasing a replica of the team mascot to add to the collection of team memorabilia, and they are also a great way to raise funds for that next team trip.

For fundraising events, custom plush products make amazing take home gifts and leave the patron with something unique to keep complete with your information, logo or the event name right on the item. Isn’t that a better idea than a fridge magnet or calendar?

Creating your own custom plush also allows you total control of what colours, fabrics, embellishments and accessories you use. You are not held back by what is available at a store; you can start from the beginning and see the process through from idea to reality with knowledgeable people who will be there guiding you to your ultimate goal.

If you are looking for something truly unique, look no further than creating your very own custom plush toy today. You’ll be glad you did!

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May 14, 2021

If you are thinking of creating a custom character one of your first thoughts will probably be ‘what will it be made of?’ Will it be plush, will it be fluffy, will it be made of cotton, satin or burlap? Will it be soft and cuddly or will it be durable, tough and rugged? What about denim? Yes, the same denim that your favourite jeans are made of can also be used in your custom creation.

Denim in some form or another has been around since the 17th century. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus used denim for his ship’s sails and of course, we all know that fact is that cowboys don the denim jeans when they’re out on the land, and have done for generations. Denim is a cotton fabric that is incredibly tough thanks to its weave pattern. Over the years it has been made into upholstery, made for clothing like pants (jeans), jackets and the like, has been seen in museums, has been found in attics and antique stores, and has also turned up on archeological digs, and not only on the people doing the digging either.

Back in 1873 a man by the name of Levi Strauss introduced the first pair of denim pants and people that needed rugged pants to work in instantly loved them. Throughout history, denim pants have been a mainstay. What was once strictly for work evolved into something the cool teens wore in the 50’s even if that meant they got the n’ere do well title with that. Did we ever see an episode of Happy Days where The Fonz was in something other than denim jeans? Did the cool kids in Grease not sport jeans with their Thunderbirds leather jackets? Suddenly, as time marched on everyone was wearing these pants, and people who had shunned them in the past as inappropriate were wearing them all over town. Although over the years jeans as we know them have undergone a lot of changes, the fabric of denim still prevails as one of the best wearing and most comfortable fabrics of all time, and we all have our favourite pair.

Now denim can be found all over the place. Yes, it is still used in many forms, colours and washes for clothing but it is also used in crafts, toys and furniture. It is a mainstay and a great fabric for your custom made character. Even if you go with a different fabric for the body, denim is a wonderful enhancement in the form of clothing or accessories for your one of a kind creation!

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April 16, 2021

Cotton is everywhere, and has been everywhere since seemingly the beginning of time itself. Today our clothes, furniture and toys can be made of cotton, and it wasn’t that long ago that there was a Civil War in the United States that had much to do with cotton and the slaves that grew it for their masters.

In fact, cotton has been traced back as far as 7000 years. Scientists exploring a cave in Mexico discovered bits of cotton that were at least that old, and it has been widely known that Indus River Pakistan residents grew, spun and weaved cotton into cloth some 3000 years ago. At the same time, natives of Egypt were also making and wearing clothes out of cotton. With no communications back then, it is interesting that both sets of people made the same types of tools to deal with their cotton and its manufacture, however rudimentary they were.

History shows us that the Arabs brought cotton cloth to Europe in 800 AD and when Christopher Columbus first discovered America, back in 1492 he reported that he found cotton growing in the Bahama Islands. By the year 1500 cotton cloth and the plants that grow cotton itself were known worldwide and used for all kinds of things.

In the southern United States cotton has been a mainstay for generations. Florida was the first state to grow cotton back in 1556 and Virginia followed suit in 1607. Because you need the right soil, weather and temperature cotton can’t be grown just anywhere, but where it can be it means big money and has for years.

It was first spun by machine in 1730 in England and by 1793 Eli Whitney had a patent for the first cotton gin; gin being short for engine. This newfangled machine could do the work ten times as fast as you could do it by hand and it could supply large quantities to the fast growing textile industry. Within a decade the value of US cotton went from $150,000 to $8 million, making it a lucrative crop for many plantation owners.

With cotton being such a popular fabric you may want to incorporate it somehow into your new custom character design. Whether the whole thing is cotton or the accessories are made of the stuff, you will be adding to the history of this amazing plant and all that it has done for civilizations through the ages.

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