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Cosmo the Cougar plushies become a hit with BYU fans

Cosmo the Cougar plushies become a hit with BYU fans

BYU mascot Cosmo the Cougar is one of the most beloved and popular college mascots in the country. One young mom has brought Cosmo to life in a unique way — through handmade plush toys that have become a hit among fans.

Tiffany Norton started crocheting when she was diagnosed with preeclampsia during her first pregnancy and filled her time creating baby items.

“I just kind of became obsessed and I looked for other things that I could make,” she said.

She discovered many modern items that could be made, quickly disproving her original belief that crocheting is only for grandmas.

“The sky’s the limit,” Norton said.

She officially started her business, Mountain Hollow Crafts, in 2023. She started with holiday decor, soft animals, macrame hangers and more. Eventually, her husband suggested she attempt to create a plush Cosmo the Cougar.

“I was like ‘I don’t make patterns, I just follow patterns,’ and he was like ‘no, I think you should,’” Norton said.

After a lot of research on the internet, Norton created her first Cosmo, which has since become her most popular item. Much of this success is due to her husband's idea to start selling the Cosmos at BYU football games.

“It's amazing. Just the atmosphere, the energy, the everything, it’s so cool being there,” she said.

People will circle all around the stadium in efforts to find her small creations and purchase one of their own. It's a creation that people of all ages have had the opportunity to enjoy.

“One gave one to his grandma, and as she's watching the game, if they’re doing well Cosmo is sitting nice and proud on the mantle and if they’re kind of behind or whatever he’s like slumps over, so she plays with this Cosmo,” Norton said.

Running her business on top of being a mother to four young children has not been easy for Tiffany, but she hasn’t done it alone.

“It's definitely a team effort with my husband,” she said. “He's very supportive, and he wants to see it a success and he wants to help me in any way he can.”

Norton loves seeing people with her creations. Many have sent her pictures and little notes showing their appreciation.

“That means far more to me than any amount of money,” she said. “It warms my soul.”

You can find Tiffany's business on Instagram and Facebook @mountainhollowcrafts. Or, you can catch her at BYU football games when the season starts back, and get a Cosmo of your own.