Lana Craft actually started with clay figures way back in 2014, but switched to plsuhies after and has been busting these guys out on her Deviant Art page since 2015. Eventually she joined the lifesize craze and has created a whole host of ponies from various commissioners, along with a few she sells over on her Etsy (that usually sell in 10 minutes).
Needless to say, she has some serious pony experience at this point.
One thing that stands out in her designs is how rapidly her patterns improve over time. Every single one seems to make something better over the last. Where most create a great pattern and stick with it, she created a great one and constantly makes it better.
Anyway, time for spotlighting! Head on down below the break for an interview and gallery!
And as always, please drop a comment!
The Interview!
Q:) How did you stumble upon My Little Pony? What was your "origin" story if you will?
It was late 2011 when my daughter told me: “Mum, I want a pony!” I had started to search and discovered lots of artworks, the Everypony community, and the TV show and so on.
Q:) What is the process you usually go through when crafting a new plushie? What tools and, if any, programs do you use?
At first, I analyze references I’ve received from a client.
From this stage, I decide what patterns I need to develop for the plushie. When I create a new pattern it's a trial and error stage.
Then it’s time to make a design for embroidery files. I cannot advise any programs to use, they just should fit your embroidery machine and be comfy for you.
If everything is OK at this point I sew the plushie.
By the way, sewing clothes and accessories sometimes take more time than the overall plushie. Dresses >_<
Q:) Do you do this professionally? Or is it a side thing to another career or job?
I prefer to call it a hobby that consuming a vast of my time :) Surely, I'm going to develop my skills further to widen my crafting opportunities.
Q: ) Who is your favorite pony and favorite princess? And if it's different, which pony has been your favorite to make?
Oh, it’s simple: my favorite pony is Applejack (I adore this honest, hardworking mare), and my favorite princess is Luna. Also, Luna is a very satisfying pony to create.
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?
Needless to say, the trial and error method dominates in my work. Rarely something new succeeds from the first attempt. Moreover, clothes or accessory may look lovely on the drawing, but totally lame on the plushie.
I always notify my clients ahead, if there is something I reject to make, but the things I can't make usually violate the laws of physics.
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 started to sew from small and regular size but at the moment lifesize is my leading direction. There will be more lifesized plushies from me, even bigger size than I’ve made before.
Q:) Gigantic lifesize plushies seem to be the focus these days. Do you prefer doing them? Or do you miss making smaller plushies?
I think that's a good trend, maybe because I like to make BIG plushies. Nevertheless, I have a lot of tiny plushies in my commission list too. I call them “kittens”.
Q:) Your pattern gets better and better with every commission you post. Most plushie makers master one and stick with it for years. How does your process of constantly improving work?
I spend a lot of time improving my patterns. I meticulously look for details which I'm going to change in my further plushies. I think the key is to be never satisfied with half-measures and to try your best every time.
It's quite important if you want to grow up as a crafter.
Q:) OC commissions are always a huge challenge for plushie makers, yet you seem to do a ton of them. Have there ever been any that you just had to reject due to complexity?
Yes, I rejected several times, but it mostly was due to an incompatibility of the details to the size of the plushie.
Also, there were overcomplicated characters a couple of times. They're usually a mix of different species.
I want to mention I like OCs because of authors opportunity to think outside the box. As for me, some designs I met would fit the TV show perfectly.
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?
My favorite accessories are saddles and collars. Bows on tails are charming too. Many of you may think the socks are the best for ponies, but I prefer stockings :)
Q:) What do you like most about Friendship is Magic? What keeps you making so many awesome ponies?
FiM presented to me a whole new community, the window of opportunity to develop my skills, and surely new friends.
I like to embody other people's dreams and I'm always happy to hear their words of gratitude.
Q:) Do you have any tips for newbie plushie makers looking to improve?
Do not rush to take commissions especially very complicated.
Master your pattern at first and don’t stop trying.
Q:) Why do you think My Little Pony Generation 4 has been so successful? What keeps you here involved in the community?
I think that’s because of Lauren Faust’s tremendous effort she put into the design of characters, the script and story conception of the show. Those cute ponies found a path to so many hearts. I'm still here at least because of my friends I made in this community. That's something that goes through years.
The Gallery!
[1] Source
Princess Luna BIG plush [mlp fim handmade plushie] by LanaCraft
[2] Source
Twilight Sparkle BIG plush - MLP handmade plushie by LanaCraft
[3] Source
Apple Bloom BIG plushie - llifesize mlp fim plush by LanaCraft
[4] Source
Starlight Glimmer n Twilight Sparkle BIG plushies by LanaCraft
[6] Source
Scootaloo big mlp plushie by LanaCraft
Some not in her DA Gallery she hasn't posted yet:
