We all know the internet is EXCELLENT for goofing off (heck, I'm supposed to be working right now), but I also love how it teaches me about other fan communities out there. From prop building to metal etching to Monster High doll repaints, I've lost more hours than I can count learning to appreciate new skills and marveling at fan interests I never even knew existed. I love the passion. I love the creativity. And this week, I've decided you guys are coming down my latest rabbit hole with me, because LOOKIE: I am a puddle of goo on the floor. A PUDDLE. I've seen some adorable art dolls before, but this week I stumbled across a veritable treasure trove in the form of several Russian teddy bear websites. This baby elephant has a baby elephant, you guys. AAAIIEEE The little toes! All three by Julia Yu Yurkevich Hit that link for more of Julia's work - and while you're at it, marvel with me over the wonders of the internet and Google Translate that lets us appreciate stuff like this from across the globe. Living in the future is kinda cool. Oh, but I have more. LOTS MORE. Prepare for a full frontal assault of almost lethal cuteness: Both bears by Un ourson sur la lune By Taskka's Bears (page inactive, but posted to this site, which is fun to browse.) Ermigosh, THE NOSES. These next two have sculpted clay faces and feet on plush bodies: Dat face. Hee! Aaand a platypus: By Oso Polar Did I mention most of these are palm-sized? That's right; as if they weren't squee-worthy enough, they're also itty-bitty. By Little Bittie Bears Again, you can hit any of these links for scads more sweetness - because if I just lost 3 days of browsing, then by golly, you WILL lose at least a few hours. That's right; you guys are coming down with me. Er, I mean that in the nicest way possible, of course. Is this bear made of grass? I don't know. I just know I WANTZ: Or I would also gladly settle for this grass dragon, because her tummy is reducing me to embarrassing amounts of baby talk at the monitor: By Evgeny Aksenov Interesting note: both of those have needle-felted faces and bellies/feet. Needle-felting is a whole 'nother rabbit trail to get lost down, if you have some serious time to kill. In fact, I think the first 3 dolls I posted are completely needled-felted, along with this hedgehog: By Tatiana Barakova It's just so life-like! I think I may have to watch some tutorial vids on needle-felting now. That tangent has to wait, though, because I'm just getting to the baby owls: (By Yumi Camui, who has dolls for sale at the link!) WHUT. By Daria Dudareva That sound you think you just heard was me going super-sonic. And while we're talking goggles: steampunk teddy bears! By Elena Karmatskaya Elena is one of the first plush artists I found, and I just love her style. I think it's the giant noses. And the mechanical wings. Now, I realize that falling in love with vintage-looking teddy bears is getting me dangerously close to grandmas-who-collect-porcelain-dolls territory. All I can say is, I promise to never cover all my couch arms in doilies. Beyond that, all bets are off. Ah, John just demanded I stop looking at stuffed animals, already, even though I TOLD him they're "plush art sculptures" and this IS me working. Harumph. ... So just one more: By Katya Bespalova This is my face when you tell me to stop looking at cute stuff, John. THIS IS MY FACE. Hope you guys enjoyed, because if you didn't, you are made of stone. Now, go chase down some of those links! Oh, and almost all of the artists here take commissions or sell online, so let me apologize in advance for the impending damage to some of your bank accounts. :D