My toy design journey started over 20 years ago. From 2000 to 2002 I attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia for Fashion Design where I learned to sew and create original patterns. Though clothing was not my passion, I later found my love for making toys in the years to come.
In 2010 I finally opened The Jae Bird after making plushies for friends and family as gifts. Since then, I have sold thousands of toys on Etsy and through art markets and craft fairs. For the first several years I created only one-of-a-kind plushies. Though not everything I make is OOAK anymore, it is still something I will always be passionate about. One of my favorite things about selling at craft fairs is when I get to see people react to my toys. It brings me joy to make others smile and laugh through what I create.
My favorite materials to use are faux fur, bamboo and wool felts and fleece. Unless otherwise stated, I only use safety eyes. Details on the faces are hand-stitched with embroidery floss. Though everything is made to last, caution is needed around children under 3 and pets as the eyes can be choking hazards.
Right now I am designing Halloween and Holiday plushies and they will be added to my shop soon! For sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes pics/videos, follow me on Instagram @shopthejaebird! Feel free to tag me and use #shopthejaebird when you post any of the my toys.
