Local Designer Hopes Toy Hits Big

This toy is part toe, part spud, part octopus, and a Hyattsville resident is hoping to kick-start production of the hard-to-classify plush toys later this year.

The toy, dubbed a Toetapus by its creator John Kerr, said the plush doll is the "Mr. Potato-Head for the next generation." The top half resembles a cartoonish big toe. The bottom sports a few octopi tentacles. It combines into a whimsical looking doll which children can customize. Each doll comes with felt templates which can be cut into moustaches, eyeglasses, goofy eyes, hats, bows and whatever else your imagination can conjure from felt.

Kerr said that he'd love to see the toy sold in

First, though, Kerr is looking to raise $8,500 to finance the first production run of the plush toy. Kerr has launched a page on the crowd-source financing site Kickstarter.com to raise the money. As of Monday afternoon, Kerr had raised $1,280 from 17 backers.

Depending on the amount of their donation, backers will receive gifts ranging from Toetapus stickers (for a $5 pledge) to a custom Toetapus doll (for a $300 pledge) thanking them for their patronage. Kerr has until Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 at 8:10 a.m. to raise the entire $8,500. If the full amount is not raised by then, pledges will be refunded.