When the power of nostalgia meets the world of miniatures, the mind can only go to one logical place: Polly Pockets. Now add handcraft into the mix, and you get Polly Pocket artist Theria Sofia.
Miniatures artist and Polly Pocket lover Theria Sofia collects old Polly Pockets and reworks them with paint, resin, clay, and a steady hand. She typically re-envisions them in the likeness of worlds and characters from pop culture, like beloved Disney classics, the recent phenom KPop Demon Hunters (below), or even the signature polka-dotted work of Yayoi Kusama (my personal favorite).
A sucker for this cocktail of retro toys and craft, I reached out to Sofia to learn more about her Polly Pocket practice and process. Her responses to my questions are below.
When did you first fall in love with Polly Pocket? What is it about Polly Pocket that captivated you?
It was 1992, when I was just 5 years old. My sister gave me my first Polly Pocket as a birthday gift— specifically, the Starlight Castle. I was instantly enchanted by how it could light up; that magical feeling when I opened the compact and saw the lights turn on was unforgettable. I’ve always loved miniatures, and Polly Pocket was the perfect combination of tiny, detailed worlds that sparked my imagination.
When did you take this love of Polly Pocket and incorporate it into your art practice? What inspired that leap?
I started redesigning Polly Pockets in 2021. It was during the pandemic when I began recollecting them. I bought a few, and to my surprise, I found several identical ones— most of which I hadn’t realized I owned before. I selected the pieces that were in better condition for my collection, and decided to repaint the ones in worse shape. Initially, I wasn’t thinking of selling them— just sharing my artwork on social media. Then, I received a message from someone interested in buying my work at a set price. I hesitated, but ultimately decided to sell.
Since then, I’ve been giving new life to old, damaged Polly Pockets through repainting, redesigning, and transforming them into unique art pieces.
What is your typical process for designing and painting a Polly Pocket? How do you come up with your ideas for each one? How long does each typically take?
My process usually begins with sourcing old Polly Pockets, often without a specific theme in mind. I examine each piece, letting inspiration naturally guide me. I use acrylic paints and various-sized brushes to bring my ideas to life. Larger, more detailed pieces can take days, weeks, or even months to complete. For figures, I make molds from original vintage pieces, then cast them in resin. I add details like hair, accessories, and outfits with clay and paints, creating a layered, textured look.
Where are you sourcing the Polly Pockets you then repaint and give new life to?
I typically buy them online, but I also receive unwanted pieces from people who want me to breathe new life into their toys.
What are the main tools and techniques you’re using in your Polly Pocket refurbishing process?
My main tools include acrylic paints, spray paints, brushes, clay, and resin. I combine these materials with techniques like molding, hand-painting, and detailing to create each unique piece.
Do you have a favorite Polly Pocket you’ve created?
I love everything I make, but some of my favorites are interpretations of The Little Prince, Alice in Wonderland, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Each one holds a special place in my heart.
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