Seattle - August 20, 2008

All Stuffed Up

Softlife Cuddly Creatures

Next on the Discovery Channel: Observe the Tomato Hound Sweater Beast scrounge for a ripe treat. Then watch in awe as the fuzz-headed Angora Bellied Lovebird takes to the sky.

Not coming in on your telly?

You’ll find such uncommon critters at Softlife. Artist Coco Howard handcrafts creatures great (four-foot Denizens — plush beasts resembling ewok Eskimos, one of which Kid Koala took on tour) and small (teacup-size birds) using recycled sweaters, faux fur, and felt. Varied techniques ensure diversity in the Softlife kingdom, as do the plotlines Howard weaves for each.

Howard will help locate the rare beastie roaming the nether regions of your mind; if it’s not out there, she’ll conceive it just for you.

Because misfits have always been your soft spot.

Available at The Anne Bonny, 1355 East Olive Way (206-382-7845); online at softlifeindustry.com. To see the Daily Creature, go to softlifeindustry.blogspot.com.