The Furby Centipede Phenomenon: A Bizarre Fusion of Nostalgia and Horror

What Exactly Is a Furby Centipede?

A Furby Centipede is a Frankenstein-like creation that combines the beloved 90s Furby toy with the segmented body structure of a centipede. These artistic modifications typically use a 1998 Classic Furby or 1999 Furby Buddy as the base, extending the body with additional segments covered in matching or contrasting fabric. The result is a 2-foot or longer creation that maintains the iconic Furby face while adopting an unsettling, arthropod-like body.

The transformation process involves careful disassembly of the original toy, often removing the electronic components, and adding a flexible wire armature to create a poseable spine. Artists then craft multiple body segments using patterns cut from fur fabric, connecting them to form the elongated structure. The final creation can be posed in various serpentine positions, creating a visual that’s simultaneously familiar and deeply unsettling.

While some creators maintain the cute aesthetic of the original Furby, others lean into the horror aspects by adding modifications like multiple eyes, unusual color combinations, or additional appendages. For those concerned about modifying vintage toys, “vegan faceplates” made from resin or 3D-printed components offer an alternative that preserves original Furbies.

Origins of the Furby Centipede Movement

The Furby Centipede phenomenon didn’t emerge overnight. It evolved from the broader culture of toy modification and the internet’s fascination with transforming innocent childhood objects into something more subversive. The specific trend gained significant momentum around 2018 when Instagram creator @boots_with_the_furb (also known as Boots Mothball) began sharing their creations.

Boots Mothball, a professional costume designer with experience in fabric manipulation and character creation, brought technical expertise to what might otherwise have been simple toy hacking. Their detailed posts showcased not just the finished products but also glimpses into the creation process, inspiring others to attempt their own versions.

The trend quickly spread across platforms like Tumblr, Instagram, and Reddit, where communities dedicated to “cursed” or “blursed” (blessed + cursed) images embraced these creations. DIY tutorial site Instructables eventually featured a comprehensive guide by creator Look_I_Made_A_Rat, providing 16 detailed steps for creating your own elongated Furby.

What began as a niche internet curiosity soon developed into a recognized art form within certain online communities, with creators selling custom pieces and hosting gallery exhibitions featuring their most elaborate designs.

The Psychological Appeal of Horror-Themed Toy Modifications

Why do these creations simultaneously attract and disturb us? The answer lies in the psychological concept of the “uncanny valley” – the unsettling feeling we experience when something appears almost, but not quite, human or natural. Furby Centipede creations occupy this space perfectly, combining the familiar (a beloved childhood toy) with the unnatural (an elongated, segmented body).

This juxtaposition creates cognitive dissonance in the mind of the viewer. We recognize the cute Furby face that triggers nostalgia, but the modified body violates our expectations, creating a sense of unease. This tension between comfort and discomfort is precisely what makes these creations so compelling.

For creators and collectors, there’s also the appeal of subversion – taking a mass-produced corporate product and transforming it into something personal, unique, and slightly transgressive. The process allows for creative expression while commenting on consumer culture and nostalgia.

Psychologists note that this type of creative modification can also serve as a form of control over childhood memories. By transforming objects associated with youth into something new, creators can recontextualize their relationship with the past.

3 Viral Furby Centipede Creations That Captivated the Internet

1. Boots and Mothball: The Original Icons

The creations that started it all, Boots and Mothball were the first Furby Centipede designs to gain widespread attention. Created by Instagram user @boots_with_the_furb, these two “long children” featured meticulously crafted segmented bodies with internal wire armatures allowing for complex poses. What made these creations stand out was the professional quality of the fabric work – the creator’s background as a costume designer elevated them beyond simple toy hacks.

Boots featured a rainbow gradient fur pattern, while Mothball showcased a more subdued gray and white color scheme with added horns. Both maintained the classic Furby face but extended to nearly 24 inches in length. Their popularity spawned numerous commissions and inspired countless imitators.

2. The Count: Gothic Elegance

Taking the concept in a more deliberately horror-oriented direction, The Count emerged as one of the most shared Furby Centipede creations in online communities. This modification used a 1999 Furby Buddy as its base but transformed it with black velvet fabric, red satin accents, and custom-painted eye chips to create a vampire aesthetic.

What made The Count particularly notable was the attention to detail in the feet – each segment featured tiny clawed appendages created using modified patterns from the original instructions. The creator also added small bat-like wings and a removable cape, demonstrating how the basic Furby Centipede concept could be elaborated upon with thematic elements.

3. Glitter Nightmare: Holographic Horror

Pushing the boundaries of the form, Glitter Nightmare became infamous for its use of holographic fabric and its most distinctive feature – multiple eyes. The creator used a “vegan faceplate” approach, crafting a custom resin face with four eye sockets instead of modifying an original Furby.

This creation demonstrated the evolution of the Furby Centipede movement beyond simple elongation into more complex modifications. The holographic material created an unsettling visual effect as the creature appeared to change colors when viewed from different angles. At nearly three feet long, it also showcased how creators were pushing the limits of length while maintaining structural integrity through careful armature design.

Important Safety Considerations for Toy Modification

Before embarking on your own Furby Centipede journey, it’s crucial to understand the safety implications of toy modification. Working with vintage electronics, sharp tools, and various adhesives presents several potential hazards that require careful attention.

When disassembling electronic toys like Furbies, always remove batteries first and work in a well-ventilated area. The internal components may contain small parts that can be harmful if swallowed, so keep them away from children and pets during your process.

For the eye chip removal process, many creators use the hot glue method which involves freezing and heating components. Always use protective gloves when handling frozen parts and never leave candles unattended when melting glue sticks.

When working with wire armatures, be cautious of sharp ends that can puncture skin. File down any rough edges and secure them properly within the fabric to prevent injury during handling of the finished piece.

Finally, consider the ethical implications of modifying vintage toys. Many collectors value original Furbies, particularly those from 1998-1999. If preservation concerns you, consider using “vegan faceplates” or damaged models that would otherwise be discarded.

Creating Your Own Furby Centipede: A Satirical Guide

So, you’ve decided to join the ranks of those who transform innocent childhood toys into elongated nightmares? Excellent! This satirical guide will walk you through the process of creating your very own Furby Centipede, though we take no responsibility for the side-eyes you’ll receive from houseguests who spot your creation.

Step 1: Furby Acquisition and Selection

First, you’ll need to acquire a suitable Furby victim—er, volunteer. The 1999 Furby Buddy is ideal for beginners due to its simpler construction, while the 1998 Classic offers more interactive features but requires advanced disassembly skills. Avoid newer models as they’re incompatible with this process and might fight back with their advanced AI.

For the ethically concerned, consider a “vegan faceplate” option. These resin replicas let you create your monstrosity without sacrificing an original Furby to the craft gods. Plus, they come in glitter varieties for those who believe horror should sparkle.

Step 2: Gathering Your Supplies

Step 3: Furby Disassembly (Proceed with Caution)

Now for the point of no return. Turn your Furby upside-down and locate the fabric strip around the base. Cut it open to reveal a zip tie, which you’ll need to snip. For a 1999 Furby Buddy, carefully separate the feet from the bottom and set them aside – they’ll become the feet for your first body segment.

If you’re working with a 1998 Classic, you’ll need to remove several screws to separate the faceplate from the electronic body. Remember to document this process for your future therapist.

Step 4: Eye Chip Extraction (The Soul-Stealing Phase)

For the full horrifying effect, you’ll want to customize those iconic Furby eyes. Using the hot glue method, melt a glue stick until it’s about to drip, then press it against the eye chip. Once cooled, place the faceplate in a freezer for 15 minutes, then pull the glue stick straight out. If successful, the eye chip will come with it. If not, repeat until you question your life choices.

Paint your extracted eye chips or replacement cabochons with acrylic paint, then add a coat of clear nail polish for that signature glossy, soul-piercing stare. For extra nightmare fuel, consider creating multiple pupils or adding unnatural colors.

Step 5: Body Construction (It’s Alive!)

Measure the circumference of your Furby’s neck, then create a pattern for your body segments. For a basic centipede, you’ll want at least three segments, though ambitious creators have made versions with up to ten. Cut your fabric pieces, keeping in mind the direction of the fur (unless you want your creation to look like it’s having a perpetual bad hair day).

Sew your segments with the right sides facing inward, leaving one end open for turning and stuffing. Insert your wire armature through the center of each segment as you stuff it, ensuring it extends from one end to the other for maximum poseability.

Step 6: Final Assembly (The Point of No Return)

Attach the Furby head to the first body segment, either by sewing it directly or by using the faceplate attachment method described in more detailed instructions. Connect each subsequent segment, adding feet at the seams between segments if you’re creating a true centipede look.

Once fully assembled, pose your creation in an appropriately unsettling position. Common options include the “question mark” pose, the “climbing your bookshelf” arrangement, or the classic “watching you sleep from across the room” configuration.

The Rise of Nostalgia Subversion in Modern Art

The Furby Centipede phenomenon doesn’t exist in isolation – it’s part of a broader cultural movement of nostalgia subversion that has gained momentum in recent years. This artistic approach takes familiar objects from childhood and transforms them into something new, often with elements of horror, surrealism, or social commentary.

Similar trends can be seen across various mediums: the resurgence of VHS aesthetic in horror films, glitch art that corrupts digital childhood memories, and the popularity of “creepypasta” narratives that twist familiar characters into sinister versions of themselves. These creative expressions reflect a generation’s complex relationship with their past.

What makes these modifications particularly powerful is the emotional connection many people have with the original objects. Furbies, released in 1998, represent a specific moment in millennial childhood. By transforming these toys, artists create a dialogue between past and present, innocence and experience.

The internet has amplified this movement, allowing creators to share their work instantly with communities that appreciate the blend of nostalgia and subversion. Social media platforms have become galleries for these alternative art forms, with hashtags like #LongFurby and #FurbMod collecting thousands of entries.

As this trend continues to evolve, we’re seeing more sophisticated approaches to toy modification, with creators incorporating elements of fashion design, sculpture, and performance art. What began as internet curiosities are now being featured in gallery exhibitions and art publications, legitimizing this form of expression.

The Furby Centipede, with its perfect balance of cute and creepy, stands as an iconic example of how creative subversion can transform cultural artifacts into new forms of artistic expression. Whether you find these creations delightful or disturbing, they undeniably provoke thought about our relationship with childhood objects and the nature of nostalgia itself.

Embracing the Weird: Final Thoughts on the Furby Centipede

The Furby Centipede phenomenon represents more than just a strange internet trend – it’s a testament to human creativity and our ability to transform the familiar into something new and unexpected. These creations challenge our perceptions, blend nostalgia with innovation, and invite us to reconsider objects we thought we understood.

Whether you see these modifications as whimsical art pieces, unsettling horror objects, or something in between, they undeniably spark conversation and emotion. The technical skill involved in creating these pieces – from costume design techniques to careful fabric selection and armature construction – elevates them beyond simple toy hacking into legitimate artistic expression.

For those inspired to create their own Furby Centipede, remember that the most important element is personal expression. While following instructions provides a foundation, the most compelling creations are those that incorporate unique elements reflecting the creator’s vision. And of course, always prioritize safety when working with electronics and tools.

As this art form continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative approaches to toy modification and nostalgia subversion. The Furby Centipede may have begun as an internet curiosity, but it has grown into a recognized form of creative expression that bridges the worlds of toy customization, sculpture, and conceptual art.