SOUTH BEND, Ind -- Emily Werner and Shayne Culp, the two people underneath the costumes are both local photographers who created the colorful customized Furbies to spread joy and whimsy after a tough year throughout Michiana.
"We wanted to spread some joy. This was a particularly rough year, I think, on everyone, not just us, and we wanted to make sure that we could give some light back. Not only building it was a joy; we've had the time of our life making these." Says Werner and Culp.
Their designs reflect their hair colors and personal styles, with details like jewels and leopard print.
"I feel like it matches our hair. Also, if you know us personally, they are us. We match vibes, jeweled out, fringed out. Mine has leopard print. So, lots of our own personality. "
The project took about three weeks of part-time work, and they shared tutorials on TikTok for anyone who wants to make their own.
"It took us about three weeks in total from planning to construction. We did it only probably a couple days a week, but a few hours at a time, and kind of collected things back and forth between our houses and our studio in downtown Niles."
They’ve brought the Furbies through Niles, South Bend, and Mishawaka, and plan to attend a Creative in Dance trunk-or-treat event on Halloween.