In the overtly gender-specified culture we live in, regrettably, growing up as a male didn’t offer this particular writer many options with regard to the enjoyment of stuffed animals. Granted, there was the occasional My Pet Monster or Gremlin/Gizmo plaything, but by and large, cotton-crammed ponies, puppies and even teddy bears are primarily geared toward girls.
As a youth, I always found this incredibly upsetting, and today, in my early adult years, I can’t help but believe that were I given the opportunity to spoon with a my-size plush panda, my transition into the sometimes seedy underbelly of “furries” subculture would’ve been far less difficult…but we’re getting a bit off-topic.
If you’re tired of your run-of-the-mill, lackluster Care Bears, Beanie Bears or Build-A-Bears and want something more imaginative for your children, your dog, your lawn or yourself, then Creatures of Delight may very well be right up your alley. Initially conceived as a line for boys but now also aimed at all concerned collectors, it’s a series of incredibly inventive dolls, puppets, backpacks, and décor (not to mention a mid-’90s cartoon) that put an entirely new spin on stuffed toys and offer a more-than-welcome alternative to your all too typical teddy. These creatures are widely varied in appearance and design, with some being colorfully creative animals or dinosaurs and others being fantastical dragons or trolls, and the buck doesn’t stop there. The interested consumer can also purchase ornate, handcrafted flowers and clouds as well as vibrant sun and moon novelties for the home.
Created by T. Oliver Kopian, whose inspired concepts landed him gigs working for the likes of Universal Studios and Walt Disney World, Creatures of Delight are truly unique. Each one is hand-made from molded latex and fiber, typically stuffed with dacron, in a method much akin to papier-mâché (Kopian’s patented process is called “Rubber Plush”). The Creatures are then painted and airbrushed, giving each an appearance all its own. Each piece is topped off with Kopian’s personal John Hancock prior to shipping.
Creatures of Delight, nominated for Nickelodeon’s “Parent's Picks” award in 2008 and 2009, offer something to appease everyone, from the endearing “Edgar Elephant” to the humorous “Happy Fish” to the funky “Fleetwood Flamingo” and so on. Any one is sure to make an innovative addition to a playroom, nursery or even office.
Pictures, descriptions and order information for these delightful indulgences can be found on the official website, along with a list of care-and-handling tips that include suggestions such as keeping your Creatures in a cool, dry environment, applying a suitable rubber protectant and never feeding them after midnight… OK, perhaps I added that last one.
All contents © 2011 Fangoria Entertainment
