Lately, I’ve noticed a trend throughout the blog-verse.  In private journals, public blogs and even everyday tweets, people have been using a couple of unsettling keywords: disconnected, nervous, lost, and my favorite, floating in the abyss.

Of course, we can pretty easily attribute this to our failing world economy, rising crime due to lower wages, and even the dreary spring weather, but that doesn’t make it feel any less real.  And if I know one thing, it’s that when I’m feeling lost or ungrounded, I need something to cuddle.

I’m not the only one.  Scouring Etsy.com, I’ve noticed that plush has grown up: the items are more detailed, the colors more sophisticated, and I can see many of the things I found displayed on shelves or tossed with the throw pillows on a well-made bed.  With all of the stress that comes with growing up, I don’t see anything wrong with reminding yourself of the comforts of childhood, so I scoured Etsy for my favorite plushies, made out of conscious materials in the U.S.A.  Get your comfort on – and help the economy while you’re at it.

Skunkboy Creatures

Skunkboy Creatures is one of my all-time favorite Etsy sellers.  When my sister chose her major (environmental studies with the hope of studying Asian elephants after graduation) I bought her Penelope the Elephant.  She was impecibly made, beautiful to look at, and a perfect display piece for my sister’s college-sized (read: tiny) appartment.  The above creation is Marbles the Penguin (45$): “Marbles loves records and tea. He’s up for cards anytime… day or night. He knows the best jokes and will be your best friend.”  He’s handmade, just like all of the Skunkboy Creatures; to learn more about him and see updates on new creations, check out the Skunkboy Creatures blog.

NoPunchBacks

NoPunchBacks is a plushie designer based out of Brooklyn, who takes the idea of cuddly love and…twists it a bit.  She makes Valentine Voodoo dolls (20$ for the small size, 30$ for larger ones) that would be the coolest gift for someone that rides the darker side of life.  I love that they all come with their own little pins, and that I can’t quite figure out if they’re adorable or really, really creepy. 

everyeskimo

everyeskimo makes what she called “foundlings,” and each has a story.  This double-founding is the perfect reminder that being an adult is not nearly as serious as we think it is: “fights suck. getting past them is even worse. i think they just exchanged a few unpleasant words and neither is ready to give in just yet. they are mid-sulk, but you can tell that anger is starting to turn into sorrow around the edges. and soon (i hope) they will be ready to turn back toward each other and say what they both are feeling but neither is ready to admit. ‘i’m sorry’”  You can get shop updates at her blog or her Twitter page.  (Speaking of which: have you added me on Twitter yet?)

stitchface

In my opinion, stitchface has hit the jackpot: she incorporates recycled materials to make a more eco-conscious and visually interesting version of the classic teddy bear.  Though she’s in Ontario, I couldn’t help but feature her with the US-made designers because other than her location, she’s doing all the right things.  Her detailed descriptions of the materials she uses (some are new, some recycled and some upcycled) and attention to detail make her a stellar designer to purchase from.  And if you aren’t into teddy bears, she also makes kitties, bunnies, foxes and beavers.  (I love that this little guy looks like he’s all dressed up in a vintage wool suit.)

Tags: Awakened Options: Recycled, conscious shopping, eco-conscious, etsy, handmade, housewares, i bought it!