Hello again my dearest readers. Did you miss me? As it so happens, I forgot to post about my brief break last week—my apologies. While I am not quite a ‘holiday’ person aside from Halloween, there is one week of the year that I always take off entirely—and that is the week of Gen Con. Aside from a slight familial history with that convention, my spouse and I first began dating at Gen Con 15 years ago, and we use it to mark both our anniversary of dating and our marriage anniversary. Needless to say, we take that time for ourselves and we take it very seriously. 

For me, this is a very important time of the year. The heat of summer reaches its peak—and as my dearest readers, you know I am particularly susceptible to heatstroke and heat exhaustion. But, Gen Con affords me a very special time to see art and new games that I have not had the chance to see in person. I enjoy the atmosphere of people indulging in their hobbies, and watching others form fond memories. It’s an environment very rich in Glamour and Whimsy. In a world like this, Glamour can be very difficult to come by. So I try to get as much as I can. 

After all, it is impossible to run on ‘empty’ for too long, and that much is true in magic as well. This week, I thought I would share a technique I employ for familiars and servitors. 

Why Plush Bodies? 

There are a number of benefits to using plush bodies as anchors for spirit allies and servitors. First, they are far less fragile than statues or figurines. Second, they can be compressed a bit—and also washed depending on what you put inside them. At the very least, you can use some soap and water on the surface. This puts them at an advantage against items like paper. Third, they are friend-shaped. 

Dearest readers, you may laugh, but what better way to reinforce to a spirit that they are your ally then to make them something physically friendly? In addition, you can make them accessories and outfits as offerings. With doll house miniatures and accessories still popular as a craft, you can also make them little gifts or even rooms. 

I like to take mine on trips with me as a form of bonding and when they request it. It’s also fun to pose them and take photographs. 

The Process

At a fundamental level, the plushes I make and use for this purpose are not complicated. I use commonly available fabrics like quilting cottons or crafting felt. The pattern I most regularly use is available here, and is made by an independent designer. I usually stuff them with a polyfill. I bought an absurd amount at one point and have been using the same bag for…probably close to three years at this point. Sometimes I add something inside of them, or sometimes I put in a spell. Then, with a name, they are complete. 

So, my dearest readers, what is something that you think would be fun to have for a plush familiar?