Moonstruck

It make sense that amigurumi, the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals, would appeal to almost everyone. We humans, with all our maddening parental instincts, can’t resist small, cute objects. How else could our last few generations explain the popularity of calculator wristwatches that perform complex mathematical functions (because hey, trig happens when we least expect it); mp3 players so small we lose them with our keys; and Pokemon? For Marcy Bridges, also known as Marcy Moon-Yen, however, the question is not whether Moon Buns, her signature li’l stuffed bunny, is cute enough—we all know the answer to that one—but rather, how can this doe-eyed work of doll genius get any cuter?

Bridges, a Chinese-American fiber artist working out of her Virginia studio, has figured out how to outfit the same palm-sized bunny in dozens of different colors, and even in a darling riding hood, without ever losing sight of the simplicity and innocence that put her product on the map. Handmade, kid-proportioned to emphasize the sweet childlike spirit of the craft, and conveniently sized for stuffing in purses or pockets as a carry-along friend, Moon Buns just might be the one “traditional” plaything that finally catches on in homes strewn with electro-junk and spent batteries. After all, our kids need someone like Moon Bun. And Moon Bun needs them, too. To help a little bun find his way into your home, Marcy has graciously agreed to send one Custom Forest Moon Bun. To enter, visit Moon's Creations, then come back here to tell us which of Marcy's creations fits your personality best and why. Tell us in an additional post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, follow us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter, and "tweet" about the giveaway. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. Contest ends 2/20/09. We have our winner. Congrats Hazel!