How I came to Etsy
I have been making toys since I was a kid. In the beginning, they were pretty crude. My only tool was a Boker pocket knife my Dad gave me. I remember my Dad teaching me how to make slingshots and willow whistles. I made all sorts of toys with that knife. It lasted until I was a teenager, and the blade finally wore out.
After my kids were born, the world they lived in was different. I made small toys and other items for them, but no slingshots, bows, or willow whistles. They got older and didn't care so much for toys anymore. At about the same time, my military carrier ended, and I had to start over with a new IT career. Toy making went on the back burner while I worked on learning new skills.
Four years ago, my grandson, Odin, was born. As soon as he started pushing things around the floor, I made him a car and truck. He was fascinated with helicopters (wop-wops as he called them), so I made a helicopter. Then came stacking toys, puzzles, a rocking horse, and more cars and trucks. Now everything I make gets tested by Odin. He is my Quality assurance tester and picks colors for painted toys.
I have always loved making things. Toys probably more than anything. I wanted to work some craft shows, but the startup cost was too high. When I discovered Etsy, it seemed like a perfect fit for me. I have woodworking skills, love making toys, know a bit about photography, and have 40 years of computer experience. Add the low startup cost, and it is a perfect match.
My first goal is to make the best quality toys. Toys I am proud of and hopefully toys that will be family heirlooms. Not models or art but natural toys that kids can play with, not toys their parents put on a shelf.
