As some of you may have noticed we are in the process of updating the COMPONENTGEEK site in order to expand our reviews and tips connecting technology to local community and finding those local stories and businesses around the web that give that “mom and pop” special touch. This Christmas I did not want to go the route of spending money at the usual big chains but wanted to support some of the fine artisans at Etsy. This site is pretty amazing because it is a great place to find something personal and unique for that special someone for the holidays! I was in the search for a Google Android stuffed doll for family Christmas gifts.
Because of the creative commons license by Google, many folks have been creating their own Google Android dolls. Most are quite frankly totally disappointing, dis-proportioned and rather ugly and I pretty much gave up on the idea until I found peachielove created by Christine Chen who sells amigurumi dolls on Etsy. Christine’s Google Android Robot Amigurumi dolls are really a stunning work of art. You can find some samples of her whimsical creations at her old site A Peachie Production.
I was just thinking of getting just two dolls but I picked up a whole family!!
Initially I thought the dolls were already made and in stock but they are all individually crafted and made to order. I was really impressed by the level of detail and craftsmanship of the dolls as well as the level of customization that you can get from the size, yarn color and added accessories. I was really blown away. These dolls are not cheaply made either. They are meticulously crafted with very fine even looking stitches and on the larger android the arms rotate as well.
My two main purchases were two Android Robot dolls at 5 inches rather than the three inches that she normally sells and they came out beautifully. I did not have the proper lighting to get the yarn color correct on the photo but the same lighter green tone of the sample picture from the website is more what it will look like. Definitely, Christine’s yarn color choice for the Android doll is really quite attractive and one of the best selling points of this amigurumi doll.
I added the addition of a amigurumi heart to the pair based on the inspiration that she provided from the pictures on the peachielove site.
The final two dolls that Christine made were two baby Android Robot dolls one pink and the other green.
Here’s the whole family in a final group picture before they get gifted to my family members this Christmas.
Though times are a little hard and we have to all watch what we spend on our pocket books, it was so worth the price and the experience to go purchase these custom amigurumi dolls. The 5″ Android dolls are priced at $35 and the baby versions are $11 with the custom heart at only $10. Christine Chen was also as detailed with her dolls on the service end too. Extremely responsive and very thorough. In fact, I was considering a purple yarn for one of the 5″ Android dolls and she immediately sent me a photograph of the yarn color and gave me an indication of the difference in yarn quality than the green yarn. Seriously, the level of detail, customization, and service is unmatched. For the quality it is worth more than what I paid for and I’m glad my money was spent this X-mas time on a very unique gift that I hope my family will always remember.
Now I just have to figure a way to get these little guys into a one of my films.
