These monsters need no introduction.
It’s Monster Factory! The too-cute-to-be-ugly stuffed toys that are short in stature and long on personality!
“The Monster Factory is a character toy brand run by Adam Dunn, Rhya Tamasauskas, and Bliss Man. Together they design and create engaging monster characters who live in a strangely familiar world. Combining their backgrounds in film, art, and fashion, the creators have developed a strong sense of collaboration that affects every aspect of their process from storytelling to product design. Their efforts have produced countless monster characters who, despite their appearances, are just like you and me.“
The monsters come to life in their design studio in Toronto. Entering the Monster Factory is like walking into a child’s fantasy – piles of cuddly creatures line shelves, clump in corners, spill over tables… really, it’s a monster-fest as far as the eye can see.
I’ve been collecting monsters since 2004. I instantly fell in love with their open, friendly look: the monsters rarely resemble anything specific, so what you imagine is what the monster turns out to be. And then, I simply could not get over the very personal descriptions attached to very generic names – inspiring me to purchase monsters based solely on their personality, especially those who bear a strong resemblance to myself!
To date, I’ve got 15 monsters in my brood. Want to learn more about me? Ahem, I’d like to introduce…
Lucy is always late for work and her laugh is inappropriately loud.
Brenda likes to read late into the night and has a surprisingly messy bedroom.
Although it’s difficult to follow exactly what Wilma is talking about she is always entertaining to listen to.
Dirk is a known instigator who is usually able to charm his way out of trouble.
Olive eats cookies in bed and she can’t keep a secret.
Click here to meet all the Monster Factory monsters.
At first I bought one or two for myself; later I became a serious collector, reasoning that one day my children would play with them. I was right – Ryder absolutely loves all his monsters! He collects them all from his monster toy box and talks to each and every one; kissing them, promising to play with them, even apologizing after he hurls one against the wall. Ryder’s been asking when his next monster is coming to live with us… I would say, oh, right around Christmas!
(I also hint to my Monster Factory friends that should they ever design a monster named Ryder… he likes grapes and 80’s music.)
At between $35-$55 a pop, they’re not cheap. But I can assure you that Ryder has bitten, pulled, jumped on and kicked the daylights out of his monsters, and they look as good as new. The quality is impeccable – ALL the Monster Factory plush toys are sewn by hand and reinforced for durability and longevity.
Monster Factory will not be at the OOAK show this year (waa! waa!) but their brand new studio on Richmond St. West in Toronto is shopping-friendly (by appointment). You can also purchase the monsters online or at select retailers across North America.
WIN IT!
Monster Factory has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a specially selected monster from one of their popular collections! To enter, get to know the monsters, and then leave a comment here telling us which monster is most like you.
You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment to claim your extra entry. You can:
(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) Like Monster Factory on Facebook
(3) Follow Monster Factory on Twitter
(4) Tweet about the It’s One of A Kind! giveaways (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/369glqk)
(5) You may Tweet daily.
I’ll draw for a winner on December 4th. Good luck everybody!
I've love the Monster Factory monsters! I've given them as gifts and they were a hit. I definitely identify the most with Daphne.
I'm definitely Brenda! Give me a good book and I can't put it down! And we won't go into my messy room!
And I follow your blog
Just one?! I think i am an 'olive/brenda/daphne/wilma' all rolled into one! :Dchristyplus2 AT gmail DOT com
i follow your blog! :)christyplus2 AT gmail DOT com
i followed them on facebook!!(and i don't usually do this entry for contests! but i LOVE LOVE LOVE these guys!!)christyplus2 AT gmail DOT com
I like Dirk.
I choose Clementine. i ALWAYS celebrate half birthdays :)
i also follow them on twitter! and had to tweet them because 'matthew' isn't available..how am i supposed to buy him for christmas then?! christyplus2 AT gmail DOT com
Well I am most like Brenda but my Favorite is Trevor because my daughter has a bear that she has packed around for the last nine years named Trevor – and it is just a great name – and Trevor looks like a great guy,drywall munching aside.tracyschultz@yahoo.com
Doyle is perfect for some members in my family. If I win, he's NOT for me, but will make a great gift!
I follow via GFC as Tracy Taylortracyschultz@yahoo.com
The monsters are so cute. And so much work has gone into the personalities! I'm like Douglas.
And I follow your blog!
I would say I'm a lot like Troy…I know my grandson Ethan would love to have a Monster!!!
Monster Factory rules!My personality matches with Daphne and Brenda, but my heartstrings are pulled with Colin and Todd.Can't wait to get to the OOAK, just to see them :)
Blog followed!
MF Twitter Follow
Facebook Like!
And finally, my daily tweet can be found at twitter.com/rachelsmusings
I tweeted about your giveaway!http://twitter.com/orangeheromama/status/2404280736677888christyplus2 AT gmail DOT com
Super Chikara…I especially like "she tends to look a little frazzled" :)
I follow your blog.
Pax is all me :o)Maybe we could take a vacation together to relax more!katiekatiejaneallen at gmail dot com
I follow your blogkatiekatiejaneallen at gmail dot com
These monsters are adorable. I believe I am Owen…just a bundle of undiscovered talent!!
I'm definitely like Brenda. These monsters are too cute!
I follow your blog.
Could these be any cuter? Seriously!!!!I'm most like SUPER CHIKARA:Real Name: Chelsea. Super Power: Super Strength. Super Chikara is a fearless defender of her friends and loved ones. She tends to look a little frazzled.
Follow your blog
Follow Monster Factory on Twitter.
Little Blisses Dirk. I'm mostly able to get out of anything with sweet talking or my smile. (only works on Mike)lol
Super happy friends Hikoki. I know Liam would love him.
I'm alot like Brenda-love a good book and will usually nit put it down until I've read it from cover-to- cover
Follow your blog
Like MF on FB
I'm like Brenda and a bit like Olive
Follow Lena's Blog
Like Monster Factory on FB
I'm most like Patty!anita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com
following you via GFCanita [dot] truck [at] gmail [dot] com
I'm francine! Definately a bit hyperactive! ;)
And Of course I follow your wonderful blog!
I'm most like Dennis.
I follow.
I follow Monster Factory on Twitter.
Tweeted ~ http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/2548663364624384
I love Phillip of the Peabodys.. somehow I identify with him.
I follow your blog
LOL, I think I am like Troy!! http://monsterfactory.net/monsters/troylulus.pals@gmail.com
I am your blog followerlulus.pals@gmail.com
Tweeted about One of a kindhttp://twitter.com/#!/DailyMomDiaries/status/2707652723343360lulus.pals@gmail.com
Clementine!momvstheboys at gmail dot com
I follow with GFCmomvstheboys at gmail dot com
I follow Monster factory on twitter as theonlygirlmomvstheboys at gmail dot com
Im totally like Todd because we are always determine to succeed!! And we both have that hilarious wierd humor! I love Todd so much and he's totally my fave!(:
I liked Monster Factory on facebook(:
Following Monster Factory on twitter(:
Following your blog(:
Tweeted about giveaway! @lazlo811 http://www.twitter.com/lazlo811 (:
I'm a Maya :)… But Omg Gordon is the Cutest lil guy :)
I follow Lena via GFC
I'm definitely like Douglas!! Actually, not really – but he's really cute!
I follow your blog
I'm most like Troy. I love gossip and am an emotional eaterdftrew(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow with GFCdftrew(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow Mosters on twitter as edmontonjbdftrew(at)gmail(dot)com
Aidan chose Emmitt, and that is so much like his own personality! They are just too cute!
LIKE Monster Factory on Facebook :)
LOVE & follow your blog :)
Dirk!
I follow w/GFC
I follow _monsterfactory on twitter@missbobloblaw
I follow your blog!
I love the monster named Owen! These monsters are such a great idea!
I like Dudley the best, double scoops of ice cream and flying kites on sundays-reading that made me laugh.
I follow your blog!
Heather and I could be twins! lolFamily functions are something I always shy away from!tynancyrobster at gmail dot com
Follow via GFCAnnie1nancyrobster at gmail dot com
Like Monster Factory on FacebookAnne Taylor or annectaylor1tynancyrobster at gmail dot com
Follow Monster Factory on Twittergreeeneyedwhwomtynancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/3663542024671232nancyrobster at gmail dot com
I love the Brenda monster!
I follow your blog.
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/3909702752669696nancyrobster at gmail dot com
so cute!!! I'd love to win.
I'm definitely Brenda! Bookworms unite!
I follow your blog
I like Monster Factory on Facebook
I follow Monster Factory on Twitter
patty
patty
Queenie. I hate to admit it. But I give you what I think, like it or not
I follow your blog
I like Monster Factory on facebook
For me it's a toss up between Buddy and Wayne. "Buddy is surprisingly deep for someone who spends so much of his time 'zoned out'.""Wayne regards himself as a good listener but his attention has been known to wander."I'm always thinking about a million things at once and I tend to zone out alot.littledeadmommy at gmail.com
I follow your blog.littledeadmommy at gmail.com
I follow Monster Factory on Twitter (@littledeadmommy)littledeadmommy at gmail.com
Definitely Maya. Thanks.
I follow your blog!
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/4710274086998017nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/5034526661148672nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/5378600924618753nancyrobster at gmail dot com
I most identify with Brenda. I love little Dave and his bud Kevin.
Follower of your blog!
I'm definitely a Maya. My soft voice garners no authority whatsoever
I like Monster Factory on Facebook
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/5745604718235648nancyrobster at gmail dot com
I'd love to win "Trevor" just because that's my hubby, although he doesn't chew on drywall.. just to show him that there's a toy named after him – LOL! (he does like to get away for the weekend, or more)
forever a follower..
I am probably most like Sally because Im always moving but my fave is Andy or Sebastiankidpack05 at yahoo dt com
like them on fbabbiwkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
them on twitterkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
following you via gfckidpack05 at yahoo dt com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/6054451651543040tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/6134842609635328nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/6464117883797505nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/6549131208167424tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/6830889422028800nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/7067318630748160tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/7232258389839873nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/7582502969417729nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/7793504453398528tweetkidpack05 at yahoodt com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/7940030047715328nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/8239253418938369tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
Me and Philip are one in the same! LOL These are amazing!!! As long as you dont get one for someone that says im a sloppy mess! LOL I could spend all day looking at these things and talking to myself comparing them to people i know!!!
I am a follower on twitter (@zoiysiabean)
I am a fan on facebook i have to be able to meet the new monsters LOL
I tweeted about the contests
I am a blog follower also
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/8350350541070336nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/8530066321448960tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/8676953838063616nancyrobster at gmail dot com
Buddy – I like to think I am deep, but the baby brain in the last year has really thrown me off my game! :)
I follow your blog :)
Facebook Monsters liked! :)
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/8786547608387584tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
daily tweethttp://twitter.com/missbobloblaw/status/8961305012604928
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/8991619667722240nancyrobster at gmail dot com
I'm a Darryl, with a bit of Brenda thrown in :)
I follow your blog!
following monsterfactory on twitter (@hanwayink)
tweeted! http://twitter.com/#!/hanwayink/status/9064945664663552
I think I am like Sally – never grew out of fidgeting!mmayerfeld at gmail
I follow your blog,mmayerfeld at gmail
So cool! Im an olive for suretheswimmer(at)hotmail.com
Cool Im an olive for suretheswimmer(at)hotmail.com
following monsterfactory on twitter undomesticgirltheswimmer(at)hotmail.com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/9300882973790208tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/9391930651709440nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/9507589234626560tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
I am most like Paula. I def. seek advice from the wrong people!
I follow your blog.
I follow Monster factory on twitter @notpregnantjust
I like Monster Factory on facebook. (Michelle Mc)
I tweeted:http://twitter.com/#!/notpregnantjust/status/9622197085671424
these monsters are so cute i like so many of them!lilvirk10@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/9736910989692928nancyrobster at gmail dot com
Listening…er following.
The Earthlings make me laugh.
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/9860229600649217tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
I share Sheldon's love of fries!!!
I follow Listen to Lena!
I liked Monster Factory on FB!
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/10140806241325058nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/10233509297790976tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
These are so cute! I'm a Sally for sure!
I follow your blog.
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/10508042911092736nancyrobster at gmail dot com
http://twitter.com/kidpack05/status/10688823428120576tweetkidpack05 at yahoo dt com
http://twitter.com/greeeneyedwhwom/status/10821697359839232nancyrobster at gmail dot com
I think I'm most like Super Hayaku
How cute are these monsters?!
I think "Trevor" would be a great Christmas present for my DH, Trevor…
I think I'm the most like Dave. tylerpants(at)gmail.com
Likes Monster Factory on Facebook (Lisa L). tylerpants(at)gmail.com
I'm a GFC follower. tylerpants(at)gmail.com
I'm thinking Owen. "He considers himself a great, undiscovered talent. Though he has his doubts from time to time." >;-D
I follow you on GFC.
I follow Monster Factory on facebook.
I follow Monster Factory on twitter.
I love BOOH!
I follow your blog
Facebook like!