Someone literally got their waifu today~
You've probably seen many a plushie post headered with a Pinkie Pie in her season one saloon dress rockin somewhat suggestive fishnets. Apparently I didn't realize I was defaulting to that one for a lot of those. Amazingly she created a new one right as this post went up, so have this 10/10 waifu Flutters instead.
ButtercupBabyPPG has been creating awesome plushies with loads of cute accessories for awhile now, using some of the most show-accurate custom patterns out there. If I imagine ponies in 3D, this is usually what I default to.
Sounds like a good person to spotlight! Head on down below the break and check out the interview and gallery. Feel free to send them loads of praise in the comments too! Considering so many read these posts, It's surprising how few of you actually comment on them! Do it!
Q:) How did you stumble upon My Little Pony? What was your "origin" story if you will?
A few friends got me into it back in 2011. My friend Meghan (deviantart.com/nooby-banana) was the first to tell me about it, and also inspired me to make pony plushies! She made some of the first ones I think.
Q:) What is the process you usually go through when crafting a new plushie? What tools and, if any, programs do you use?
Usually I gather an excessive amount of references, draft up a pattern in Illustrator, test it (repeat) and then take photos and edit them in photoshop.
Q:) Do you do this professionally? Or is it a side thing to another career or job?
It’s my only job right now, but I’d like to be an animator in the future. I’d still love to keep plush making as a hobby though!
Q: ) Who is your favorite pony and favorite princess? And if it's different, which pony has been your favorite to make?
Fav princess is definitely Twilight. It’s a tie between Derpy and Fluttershy for my fav pony and I think same as favorite to make because they are so easy, haha. I can focus on making the pattern and expression good, and not worry so much about the hair.
Q:) What kind of challenges do you usually run into when using a new body pattern or different mane, tail, and accessories? Has there ever been a concept that completely stumped you?
The pony butt stumped me for so long when I was beginner, concave areas are pretty tough to do with plushies in general. Clothing is always a challenge but it’s rewarding once it all comes together.
Q:) You seem to be the master of the regular and smaller size plushie at this point. Have you made any plans to break into the lifesize world?
I’ve made a couple lifesize plushies actually, and my next project is a lifesize Flutterbat!
Q:) Socks, sweaters, silly hats, swimwear, full body armor, ponies have worn it all. What is your favorite accessory to create for ponies? And if it’s different, what do you think they look best in?
Gotta love the simplicity of socks, but I’m starting to get really interested in making more advanced pony clothes. A full wedding dress would be really challenging but also pretty stunning on a plushie. I’d also love to make the classic gala dresses one of these days.
Q:) What do you like most about Friendship is Magic? What keeps you making so many awesome ponies?
The near endless amount of cute characters to make plushies of. Even after so many years of making pony plushies, there’s still so many characters I’ve yet to make! Luna and Celestia especially.
Q:) Do you have any tips for newbie plushie makers looking to improve?
(buy my patterns lol) No but really, learning from other patterns is the best way to improve! I actually love to buy and take apart store bought plushies, there’s a lot of neat tricks you can learn from them. Actually it was a store bought camel plush that helped me understand how to make a pony butt, haha.
Q:) Why do you think My little Pony Generation 4 has been so successful? What keeps you here involved in the community?
Great characters, and a very dedicated fandom. Even when the show is over (ahhhh) I’m sure the love for these characters will live on.
[1] Source
Laying Fluttershy Plush by ButtercupBabyPPG
[2] Source
Coco Pommel Beanie Plush by ButtercupBabyPPG
[3] Source
The Great and Apologetic Trixie Beanie Plush by ButtercupBabyPPG
[4] Source
Bee OC Pony Plushie by ButtercupBabyPPG
[7] Source
Pear Butter and Bright Mac Beanie Plushies by ButtercupBabyPPG
[8] Source
Moondancer Beanie Plushie by ButtercupBabyPPG
[9] Source
SPOILERS Pear Butter/Buttercup Beanie Plushie by ButtercupBabyPPG
[10] Source
Laying Flutterbat Plush by ButtercupBabyPPG
[11] Source
Evil Starlight Glimmer Beanie by ButtercupBabyPPG
Get the rest of ButtercupBabyPPG's gallery over here.
Also on Facebook here.
Their Etsy shop for patterns to build your own plushie is here.
You can also find her on Patreon here.
