Eclectic Critters, handmade soft toys
Nestled in the Northern Rivers Hinterland, surrounded by lush gardens and working from her studio in a re-sited Queenslander, Mary Wade is hard at working dreaming of, and creating her handmade soft toys, Eclectic Critters. All her toys are all imagined, designed and handmade from her studio.
Colourful soft teddies, giraffes, kookaburras, owls and owlets, puppy dogs, funky dolls. If you’re looking for a handmade gift, you’ll find something for every kid here.
Mary worked in the Costume Department at ABC TV, completed a a BA in Textile Design at RMIT Uni in Melbourne and then with a sea change in mind, finding a property she loved, she set about combining all her favourite things into her business Eclectic Critters. And we’re sure glad she did.
She collects fabrics from all over the place. Some from online. And some dating back to the 1950′s. Her soft toy ideas usually grow from looking at the fabric as a starting point. With some of the critters, such as a Seahorse or a Turtle, she handpicks a fabric that the evokes the texture, colour and prints of each.
When she’s choosing the fabric for the girly dolls dresses, she’ll match this with the hairstyle and colour she gives them. Plus a little bit of fun in mixing them up. Her range of handmade dolls are gorgeous.
Mary uses hydro-allergenic synthetic fill or rice grains as fills for all her soft toys. She uses vintage, recycled buttons where she can. And, where it’s necessary, all buttons and seams re-enforced and double stitched for safety and durability.
The prices range from about $55 to $79.95, depending on the level of detail in the critter. If you’re after one of these gorgeous Eclectic Critters, then best get in an order, Mary Wade is one busy lady. You can purchase them online at Eclectic Critters.
The hard part is choosing which one.
