A is for Ama Gurumi
Check out her site on etsy
Coupon Code for the site: ShootingStars
This will provide readers with a 20% discount. Good until 11/15
Interview with the owner, Amanda Gomes
by Lauren
1. How did you start creating plushes, and what made you decide to sell them on Etsy?
I have been attending anime conventions as an artist since 2006. You get to see some really amazing art and crafts. I noticed a few people tried their hand at making felt plushies. After a few attempts of my own, I realized I wanted to put a new spin on the idea: a craft that relies on my ability to draw/design. They have been really well received and I am grateful for it. I put the plushes on Etsy because I wanted to reach a larger audience while providing my previous customers with a way to stay updated on my stock.
2. Are you the only one that makes the plushes for the shop? Do you have help for any other aspect of your business?
The plushes are designed, assembled, and shipped by me! I’ve also been financing everything myself. Okay, I will admit that during convention season I do get assistance with stuffing and sewing. My friends are really supportive.
3. What types of custom plushes have you made? Are you open to almost anything or do you have a particular specialty?
I’ve taken a lot of commissions for fandom plushes but I love getting OCs(original characters). I was just recently asked to make a merman plush. The design was tricky but I am looking forward to getting the fabric and assembling him. So, I am always open to a challenge.
4. I’m a personal fan of your Sherlock plush, but you also have a lot of Doctor Who options. Do you have a favorite? What other types of plushes do you hope to add to the shop?
I am an avid Whovian! I made it a personal goal to have a 12 doctor set by this past Otakon. They came out fantastically. Sherlock and John were commissions and, while the show is still on my Netflix queue, I am always excited when a Sherlock cosplayer picks one up. It’s difficult to choose a favorite although I have a special edition 10th doctor that John Barrowman (Cpt. Harkness) signed at Fan Expo. He’s a keeper! Looking at the future, I just finished up Rose Tyler, Jack Harkness, and Moriarty designs but I am working on some original plushes as well. Somewhere down the road I’d like to play with patterns as well.
5. From your shop, it sounds like you’re big into fandoms. What else are you a big fan of and think people should check out?
You definitely hit the nail on the head! This is going to be hard to keep brief. The Doctor Who Universe was really daunting at first but I have to say I am really glad I gave it a chance. I am still a HUGE fan of Fullmetal Alchemist. In my opinion, it’s one of the best manga ever. So, if you haven’t read it yet, you definitely should. Recently, I’ve been consuming a lot of webcomics as I just started one of my own with my partner. There is a lot of talent out there and you can read the stories for free.
All the Links You Need to Know-
Etsy- www.etsy.com/shop/amagurumi
Studio Store- www.etsy.com/shop/LesserKeyShop
Tumblr- amagurumi.tumblr.com/
DA- amasugiru.deviantart.com/
Remember, you can get 20% off if you use the coupon code by November 15…that is plenty of time to do some shopping for Christmas or other gift-giving events coming up. Don’t delay!
Most plushes are $15- shipping for the U.S. is $5 and $10 everywhere else. Not too bad!
this post is part of my A to Z Gift Guide-
Ooh those are so cute! 🙂 I'll definitely have to check them out thanks for posting Lauren!
Aww, how cute!! ♥ They seem very fluffy and soft! And Fullmetal Alchemist! I have a friend who's in love with that manga, so I have to check whether there is a Fullmetal Alchemist plush in the shop for a gift to her! Awesome way to start A to Z Gift Guide, Lauren! ♥ 🙂
They're adorable! And I love that you can buy the Doctors.
Ohmigosh these are so incredibly adorable for book/TV fans! I LOVE the Sherlock!! 🙂
So sweet, how I'd love that Captain Jack plushie.
I love these plush animals! Going to go Etsy shopping for the holidays soon. I'm a huge fan of supporting handmade artists and small business!
Do you think she would design a plush from a real human? My hubby loves anime but I think it would be even better if I could get a plush made of HIM, anime style 🙂 I'll check out her store and ask!
They look absolutely charming. I had a good time looking through the store.
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