Tapping the Internet Brain: Stuffed Spiders?
Dear Internet,
Without getting into detail, I was asked today about the possibility of doing a very small run of stuffed fire-spiders as a promotional bonus type of item. (We also discussed the possibility of Smudge T-shirts.)
These wouldn’t be available for public sale; it would be more of a “Buy this stuff and get your own Smudge, too!” idea.
I love this idea. But since I know nothing about the world of stuffed toys, I was hoping the internet might have a suggestion on where to go for limited-run, good quality, hopefully-not-ridiculously-expensive stuffed fire spiders.
Help me internet brain! You’re my only hope!
If you don’t want to comment, you can also shoot me an email.
Thank you!
Meredith Schwartz
April 23, 2013 @ 1:22 pm
I would contact this etsy seller and see about negotiating a wholesale price.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/121002173/custom-stuffed-animal-draw-your-own?ref=shop_home_feat
Everyone else I’ve found is either doing super expensive one offs (like $249 Make My Own Monsters from North American Bear Co.) or the smallest minimum order I’ve found is 600 pieces.
Kirsten
April 23, 2013 @ 1:27 pm
I would maybe get in touch with Blind Ferret to see who they source with. They do various runs of plushies for their comics. For example: https://shop.blindferret.com/LFG/product/lil-sooba-plushie
It would also depend on how many you’re looking at and the actual price point that is okay. There are tons of independent artists out there who would probably be fans and love to do something like this, handmaking them, but that would depend on numbers and materials. Love and a Sandwich does awesome plushies although I don’t know if she’s a fan or if she’d be into this. But she does tie into the Plush You network and might be able to help you out with indie people if you wanted to go that route.
Laura
April 23, 2013 @ 1:56 pm
This is kind of a tangent: So, I started reading your blog as a result of the cool posts you do re: spine twisting artwork, and the other week you posted something really super insightful, and this triggered me to get one of your books. So I chose to read Libriomancer. And I just wanted to say it was such a good time. Absolutely delightful. And thank you very much for that. Also: ooo, stuffed fire spider?!
Eric Honaker
April 23, 2013 @ 2:02 pm
The author of Spinnerette (http://spinnyverse.com) had toys of his heroine’s plush spider made. He might be able to help you.
Grey
April 23, 2013 @ 2:14 pm
I would very very YES much like a Smudge t-shirt!!!!
Avilyn
April 23, 2013 @ 2:45 pm
I would also suggest the author of “A Girl and Her Fed” – agirlandherfed.com – she sells stuffed Koalas based on a character in her comic. (Viewable in the http://theagahfstore.bigcartel.com/ store).
Robyn
April 23, 2013 @ 4:17 pm
No idea about where to go, but please do this. I want a Smudge and a Smudge T-shirt.
Ed Woychowsky
April 23, 2013 @ 4:36 pm
How about Cafepress? They offered Dust Puppy from the web comic strip User Friendly. They also do tees and polo’s, too.
Sign me up for whatever you’re going to sell, I’m on the Jim C Hines payroll deduction at work.
Burgundy Featherkile
April 23, 2013 @ 4:42 pm
If you find them, PLEASE, I want one!
Jim C. Hines
April 23, 2013 @ 7:24 pm
Thanks so much, Laura!
Jim C. Hines
April 23, 2013 @ 7:25 pm
Thank you all, both for the suggestions and for the enthusiasm 🙂 I’ll be passing the names and links along, and we’ll see what happens. Fingers crossed!
Daryl
April 23, 2013 @ 8:03 pm
Jim,
Is there ANY chance that some of us would be able to lay our hands (wearing the correct protection of course) on these plush fire-spiders if they do get made?????
Jim C. Hines
April 23, 2013 @ 8:25 pm
It’s possible 🙂
I don’t know the details yet, but when and if anything happens, I’ll certainly share the info!
Shari
April 23, 2013 @ 10:03 pm
If you want something small and adorable (suitable for keychains and backpacks and the like), I just bought a crazy adorable cranky night owl from Maya at Static White Stitchery: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SWStitchery.
naleta
April 24, 2013 @ 2:15 pm
I’m with Grey. I’d like both a t-shirt and a spider with velcro feet that I could stick on my shoulder! 😉
Jeff Linder
April 24, 2013 @ 3:23 pm
Maybe Squishables (www.suqishables.com)
DawnD
April 24, 2013 @ 3:25 pm
Quantity? I know someone that could help you with small quantities (25 or less). If that is what you’re thinking, I will enquire about pricing and get back to you.
I would encourage you to investigate Cafe Press and some of the others though, because Smudge! Wants! (and I’d have to hide it from at least 2 other members of my household) MWAHAHAHAHA
liz
April 24, 2013 @ 8:30 pm
If you go forward this I was wondering about allowances made for people who would make their own fire spider. I know you enjoyed the crocheted jig a fan made, but now that you are selling your own line, how would that change? I’m especially concerned in the midst of this Fox/Jayne hat debacle currently going on.
Jim C. Hines
April 24, 2013 @ 8:33 pm
As long as you don’t make Smudge in a Jayne hat, I think we’re okay.
Actually, strike that. Someone should TOTALLY make a Smudge wearing a Jayne hat!!!
liz
April 25, 2013 @ 2:10 pm
Oh, boy am I tempted.
jimmy
April 25, 2013 @ 9:48 pm
The first thing I thought of was those pillows that light up if you squeeze them but it could be a spider. Also how cool would a zipo lighter shaped like smudge be.