Fellissimo's Happy Toy Project 2003



For some reason, this made me think of Meg (did you get my card yet?)...In 1997, a company named Fellissimo began a project designed to cheer up children in war-torn parts of the world. The company asked its Japanese customers to search their closets for swatches of fabric from clothes that meant something to them. The swatches had to be 4 x 4. Soon, 30,000 pieces of fabric from all parts of Japan were literally assembled. These fabric pieces created 1,100 smiling stuffed toys. They were given the name "Happy Toys."



"Happiness", the initial project, gave way to the "Happy Bear" in 1998. Since then, there have been various animals made out of 4 x 4 swatches. Themes have included Hope, Friendship, Kindness, Love, Humor, Wisdom, and Courage. An 18 foot Christmas tree comprised entirely of pine cones and animals stands at Fellissimo's headquarters in Japan. The design house here in NY has loaned this tree for display downstairs on the Rockefeller Concourse near Hallmark cards. Walking past it this morning, I thought "Well, that's an interesting thing to do with beanie babies." As I got closer, I realized they were little squirrels! These cuties, also known as "Smiling Goodwill Ambassadors", have been distributed to children including Japan, Vietnam, Rwanda, Kosovo and Afghanistan. They have movable arms and legs and are patched together with little buttons for eyes. This has got to be the best thing I've seen all week.



I love this holiday so much. And the Grinch is on tonight at 8! Cracks me up when he slices roast beast for Cindy Lou Who.