About me, about Moths
Author
My name is Ekaterina Semenenko, also known as Semechka, and I’m the sole force behind the Semechka Workshop brand.
Although I’ve always been a creative person, I originally planned to build a career in IT. But after my health took a hit from years of overwork, I swapped my profession and hobby — and that changed everything.
I’ve been working with polymer clay since 2014 and started making moth dolls in 2018. I pour my care into each one, aiming to make every moth more expressive and refined than the last.
Your kind words and reactions — even the quiet ones — mean the world to me. Your happiness brings me joy, and through my work, I hope to send a little bit of that warmth and support back to you.
I crafted my first moth plush impulsively, unaware of how much it would change things. Embedding a magnet was a natural step — I wanted it to sit securely on my car dashboard, right beside me.
That moth wasn’t perfect, but making it felt right. A few months later, people started asking for one of their own. I took my time, refining the process until I was confident in the result. Only then did I begin accepting orders.
Today, I make about 30 moth dolls each year. Each one is shaped entirely by hand, with love, patience, and meticulous attention to detail. This journey — from that first experiment to a full-grown collection — has been long and personal. And I’m so glad you’re here.
Moths matter.
The way I do it
Every moth is entirely handcrafted by me, using a combination of polymer clay, faux fur, and patience. I sculpt the wings, legs, and eyes from Cernit — a polymer clay known for its strength and flexibility. This allows me to create thin, slightly flexible wings that are durable and not brittle.
Most wing designs are created using the cane technique: I build detailed patterns inside clay canes, then slice them into thin, identical pieces. From these slices, I assemble a single design sheet and carefully cut out each wing. Other wings are made using gradient and applique techniques — no paint involved. Only the eyes are dusted with shimmering pigment and sealed with varnish. Oven-bake polymer clay resists fading from sunlight and stays strong even in water — ideal for preserving fine detail over time.
The moths’ bodies are built around a felted synthetic core — not stuffed — with a hidden magnet sewn inside for easy attachment to metal surfaces. The legs have a steel wire core and are sewn in a way that allows repositioning.
The process of making each doll typically includes:
- sculpting wings, legs, and eyes
- building the body base and inserting a magnet
- cutting and sewing faux fur
- rounds of baking and sanding
- parts drilling and cutting the antennae
- final assembly and a little haircut, as they deserve
- cleaning with alcohol for both fur and clay
Each new design begins with sourcing the right faux fur — texture, color, and pile matter. I create my own patterns for the body and wings, often testing and refining them until I’m fully satisfied with the results. It takes time to get the design right — I keep adjusting until everything aligns perfectly.
I’m always searching for ways to make my moths more durable and expressive. It’s a process full of technical challenges, but also full of joy.
Why People Choose My Moth Dolls
People often tell me that my moth dolls feel like more than just plush toys. They become companions — gentle presences that bring comfort, joy, and a sense of magic.
Some are gifted to children or loved ones. Others quietly rest on desks, bookshelves, or car dashboards. Each moth carries its own expression, its own quiet story. Sometimes it’s hard to put into words, but people feel it right away — they smile, they gasp, they write things like, “I want to cry from how perfect this is.”
I even keep one by my side. It’s a moth I made years ago — a Neorcarnegia basirei that has traveled with me ever since. He perches on the edge of my lamp, diffusing the light when it’s too harsh, and reminding me how far I’ve come. I think that’s what these moths do for people — they stay close, they listen in silence, and somehow… they mean something.
