# Tempura Shrimp Plushies Karin Madan's Stumpytown Characters Make Strange, Cute By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-04-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stumpytown-characters References: [stumpytown](http://www.stumpytown.com/) & [etsy](http://www.etsy.com/shop/stumpytown) Stumpytown characters are the work of Redmond, Washington's Karin Yamagiwa Madan. Madan is an [Etsy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arcade-clock) artist who makes, as she says, 'things and stuff.' In March, the Etsy artist made some Severed-Hand Keychains and [Tempura Shrimp Keychain Bento Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crunchy-shrimp) for Seattle's Emerald City ComicCon. Karin Madan's Stumpytown characters aren't limited to shrimp and body parts. They include [strange, cute creatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labubu) like the accident-prone Manx Kitty that has only one front leg, Stumpy Henchmen--masked super-heroes with little wings--and a one-of-a-kind Heart Gone Rogue kitty whose heart is worn outside of its body. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Plush Character Collectibles:** The rise of unique and quirky plush characters opens up opportunities for collectible items with niche appeal. - **Craftsmanship Revival:** Artists like Karin Madan are bringing back traditional handmade crafts, presenting opportunities for authentic and unique products. - **Etsy Artistic Creations:** The popularity of Etsy as a platform for independent artists and creators allows for the discovery of unusual and creative merchandise. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Toy Manufacturing:** Toy manufacturers can explore creating plush character collectibles with unique designs and limited editions to tap into the growing market of collectors. - **Handmade Crafts:** The handmade crafts industry can benefit from the resurgence of interest in traditional craftsmanship by offering unique and personalized products. - **Online Marketplace:** Online marketplaces like Etsy provide an avenue for independent artists and creators to showcase and sell their innovative and artistic creations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cookie-Imitating Adorable Keychains](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handmade-snack-charm.md) - [Baked Goods Plushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baked-goods-plushies.md) - [Shrimp-Stuffed Steamed Buns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebikatsu-bun.md) - [Witty Plushie Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/punchkins-are-punny-collectibles.md) - [Mini Plush Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-monchhichi.md) - [Plushie Keychain Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/line-friends-plushie-keychains.md) - [Japanese Illustration-Inspired Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mofusand-1.md) - [Plush Monster Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/labubu.md) - [Menu-Themed Plush Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fish-chips-experience.md)