Budsies, Plush Toys Based on Children’s Artwork

Budsies are custom handmade plush toys based on drawings and photos of children’s artwork submitted by customers. Once a customer places an order with attached artwork, Budsies staff creates a one-of-a-kind pattern based on the drawing, selects matching fabric, and sews each toy together.

Budsies founder Alex Furmansky was inspired by his younger sister’s drawings.

My sister Michelle was born when I was already 16 so I had the privilege of seeing her art evolve throughout her childhood. She brought home dozens of drawings each week from pre-school, camp, and a host of art classes. But sadly, the drawings went from being displayed on the fridge to being buried in a dismal box in the basement. From wacky shapes to advanced illustrations, Michelle’s creativity was getting forgotten.

The idea for Budsies came when I saw Michelle hugging her stuffed animals and tucking them in at night. What if I could turn a drawing into a stuffed animal friend that would last forever? Quite literally bring her drawings to life!