TCON the Toyconosaurus

Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components. A Little Stranger is the creative alias of Holly Astral, a UK-based artist and model maker renowned for her whimsical, creature-inspired art toys and plush designs. Operating from just outside London, Holly draws inspiration from animals, the natural world, and fantasy films to craft endearing and imaginative characters. Holly’s artistry is characterized by a fusion of soft textures, playful forms, and a gentle aesthetic that resonates with both children and adult collectors. Her most iconic creation is Cavey, a minimalist, bean-shaped character available in various materials, including plush, vinyl, and resin. Cavey has been featured in numerous themed releases, such as the “Toyconcaveysaurus” edition for ToyCon UK 2013. A plush art toy is a collectible, artist-designed soft sculpture that blends elements of fine art, character design, and traditional plush toy craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced plush toys, these are often handmade or produced in limited editions, featuring unique designs, high-quality materials, and intricate detailing. Artists and independent designers create plush art toys to express their distinct styles, often incorporating surreal, cute, creepy, or abstract aesthetics. They can be purely decorative or interactive, with elements like movable limbs, embroidered details, or mixed-media embellishments. Many plush art toys are sold through galleries, designer toy conventions, or directly by artists, making them sought-after collectibles in the designer toy community. ToyCon UK is the UK’s first ever dedicated designer toy convention. With exhibitors ranging from the UK’s best customisers, retailers and toy producers, the event will create a unique opportunity to meet and interact with the stars in this growing scene. Along with the amazing exhibitors and their incredible ware, there will be talks, question sessions and custom workshops with the biggest and brightest in the UK toy scene and beyond. It is the brainchild of three toy fans who decided it was high time the UK had an event to celebrate the talent of UK Toy Artists