In The Event That...

Your Toy Box Needs an Update

by Amy Strauss

Frankenstein Animal Plushie Workshop

Tue., Sept. 18, 6-9 p.m., $20, Mew Gallery, 906 Christian St., 215-625-2424, www.mewgallery.org

Just when you thought your favorite playmate's stuffed head was finally safe from your older brother, Mew Gallery hosts a night in his honor. Founders Lauren Parker and Carolynne McNeel are teaming up with local artist Nikki Virbitsky to present a Frankenstein stuffed animal workshop.

Virbitsky, a popular seller at Mew, is no stranger to quirky stuffed creatures. Under the name Tiny Airplanes (www.tinyairplanes.com), she crafts everything from sock dogs to stuffed garden gnomes. But even the craft-challenged can participate in this mixing and matching adventure. Participants can tear their favorite parts off a large pile of new and used plush friends and then create their ideal animal. Six sewing machines, glue guns, fabric, glitter, beads and buttons — as well as creative inspiration from the hosts — will be available for all your mutant-making needs. Teddy bear with elephant ears and a pig tail? No problem. Teddy bear with six elephant ears and three heads? Frankenstein would be proud.