Blog Archive

2026-02-19

Heirloom Wooden Toys: The Story Behind My Itty Bitty Animals

Wood Toy Pig Cutout Handmade Unfinished Unpainted And Ready To Paint Freestanding From My Itty Bitty Animal Collection

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My Itty Bitty Animal Collection
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When I first started making wooden animal cutouts for my children over forty years ago, I had no idea they would become cherished heirlooms, passed down from one generation to the next. Today, my grandchildren still play with those original pieces, a testament to the lasting quality and timelessness of handcrafted toys.
Each Itty Bitty Animal is crafted in my toymaker’s shop using traditional woodworking tools and techniques. I select high-quality wood offcuts left over from other projects, making every animal unique and eco-friendly. The smooth, unfinished wood is perfect for painting, decorating, or simply enjoying as-is. With dimensions that fit perfectly in little hands, these animals are more than just adorable; they’re designed for stacking, imaginative play, and creative exploration.
I believe toys should spark creativity and encourage open-ended play. That’s why my free-standing pig and other animals are built to be both durable and delightful, suitable for children of all ages. I take great care to sand each piece so it’s smooth to the touch and all sharp edgesand corners are rounded. My Itty Bitty Animals are a thoughtful gift for any occasion.
What makes these toys truly special is the personal touch. I happily welcome custom orders, whether you want a specific size, finish, or a design based on your own drawing. I’m excited to bring your vision to life. And if you’re interested in creating a playful herd or gifting sets, I offer special pricing on bundles.
Every item is handmade in Tallahassee, Florida, and no two pieces are exactly alike. Natural variations in wood grain, color, and thickness add character and charm, so your Itty Bitty Animal will always be one of a kind.
Heirloom toys are more than objects; they’re memories in the making. If you’d like to add a truly special piece to your family’s story, or create a custom design, I’d be honored to craft something just for you.



The Enduring Charm of Handcrafted Wooden Animal Toys

Handmade wooden toy baby elephant cutout unfinished and ready to paint. It is freestanding and stackable.

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My Itty Bitty Animal Collection
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For generations, wooden toys have sparked children's imaginations and delighted families with their timeless appeal. Among the most cherished toys I have made are handcrafted animal cutouts, simple, sturdy, and full of character. Today, I’d like to share the story behind my Itty Bitty Animals and why these wooden treasures continue to bring joy to families decade after decade.
A Toy That Lasts Generations
My journey as a toymaker began over forty years ago, when I crafted my very first animal cutouts for my own children. To this day, my grandchildren still play with those original toys, a testament to the lasting quality and sentimental value of a well-made wooden toy. There’s something magical about passing down a beloved plaything through the generations, a tangible link between past and present.
Crafted With Care and Tradition
Each Itty Bitty Animal is made in my workshop with traditional woodworking tools and techniques, ensuring each piece is unique. I use high-quality wood offcuts from other projects, making each toy both eco-friendly and one-of-a-kind. The animals are sanded silky-smooth for little hands, with unfinished wood that’s perfect for painting, decorating, or displaying in its natural beauty.
More Than Just a Toy
While these elephants and other animals make charming decorations, they’re designed first and foremost for play. Their sturdy construction makes them ideal stacking toys that encourage open-ended, imaginative fun for children of all ages. And for families seeking something extra special, I happily accept custom orders, whether it’s a different animal, a specific size, or even a unique design from your own drawing.
A Personal Touch in Every Piece
Because I use natural wood and handmade techniques, each animal varies slightly in grain, color, and character. These differences aren’t flaws, they’re what make every toy unique! If you’d like a particular wood type or look, just let me know; I’m always eager to accommodate special requests and help create the perfect piece for your family.
Handmade in Florida
Every Itty Bitty Animal is made in Tallahassee, Florida, and shipped to families across the country. If you’re interested in starting your own herd or gifting a set, ask me about special bundle pricing. Thank you for supporting handmade craftsmanship and choosing toys that will be treasured for generations to come.


2026-02-18

The Enduring Appeal of Handcrafted Wooden Toys: Why a Baby Dinosaur Figurine Makes the Perfect Gift

Handmade wooden baby dinosaur figurine finished with a custom blend of mineral oil and beeswax from my Buddy's Dinos Collection.
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My Buddies Dinos Collection
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In a world filled with mass-produced plastic toys, there’s something truly special about giving a handcrafted wooden figurine as a gift. These not only capture the imagination but also embody quality, safety, and a personal touch that’s hard to find elsewhere. Among the many delightful options available, a baby dinosaur figurine stands out as a unique and meaningful for children and parents.
A Touch of Whimsy for Every Nursery
Handcrafted wooden baby dinosaur figurines bring a playful spirit into any nursery or playroom. Their whimsical designs inspire storytelling, spark creativity, and encourage hours of imaginative play. Unlike their plastic counterparts, wooden toys have a warmth and character that only natural materials can provide. Each piece is unique, with subtle variations in grain and finish that make it truly one-of-a-kind.
The Thoughtful Gift That Lasts a Lifetime
A baby dinosaur figurine is more than just a toy; it’s a keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. Whether given as a baby shower gift, a first birthday surprise, or a special milestone present, this charming figurine is a thoughtful gesture that shows how much you care. As children grow, these toys often become treasured mementos, passed down through generations as a reminder of happy moments and loving memories.
Customization for a Personal Touch
One of the joys of choosing a handcrafted toy is the ability to personalize it. I welcome custom orders so you can select the perfect color, finish, or size. This level of customization makes your gift truly unique and tailored to the recipient, adding even more meaning to your thoughtful gesture.
Conclusion
In the age of fast, disposable toys, a handcrafted wooden baby dinosaur figurine offers enduring value, beauty, and safety. It’s a gift that connects generations, inspires creativity, and stands the test of time. Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or simply want to add a touch of magic to a child’s world, this charming keepsake is sure to delight.


The Art of Handcrafted Wooden Toy Cars: Inside the Speedy Wheels Collection

Handmade wooden toy car coupe finished with nontoxic clear, amber shellac and contrasting wood trim. It's one of ten cars in my Speedy Wheels Collection.

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My Speedy Wheels Collection
More Toy Cars
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There’s something timeless about a handcrafted wooden toy car. In a world filled with plastic and mass production, the charm, quality, and character of natural wood stand apart, especially when shaped by skilled hands using traditional methods. That’s the philosophy behind the Speedy Wheels Collection, a unique line of wooden toy cars expertly made in Tallahassee, Florida.
Why Choose Wooden Toy Cars?
Wooden toys have always held a special place in the hearts of both children and adults. They’re durable, eco-friendly, and often become cherished family heirlooms. Each car in the Speedy Wheels Collection is made from natural wood and finished with nontoxic clear and amber shellac, ensuring safety for little hands and peace of mind for parents. The result is a product that’s as beautiful as it is safe.
Every Car is One-of-a-Kind
No two cars in the collection are ever quite the same. Thanks to the natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots, each vehicle boasts its own personality and charm. These aren’t defects—they’re details that make every piece a true original. Whether you’re choosing a car as a gift, a playroom centerpiece, or a collectible treasure, you can be sure it’s unique.
Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Modern Play
The Speedy Wheels Collection is crafted using time-honored woodworking tools and techniques. Each car’s body is carefully shaped, sanded, and finished by hand, then accented with contrasting wood trim for an elegant touch. The cars are designed to be both sturdy and beautiful, perfect for imaginative play or display on a nursery shelf.
A Gift That Lasts
Wooden toy cars make wonderful gifts for birthdays, holidays, or baby showers. Their durability means they can be passed down from one generation to the next, carrying memories and stories along the way. With ten distinctive designs in the collection, there’s a car for every personality and occasion.
Customization and Care
If you have a specific vision for your wooden car, maybe a certain look, size, or finish, custom orders are always welcome. Each order receives individual attention to ensure it meets your wishes.
Explore the Collection
Ready to find the perfect wooden toy car? Click the link above to see the latest designs available in the Speedy Wheels Collection. Whether for play, decor, or collecting, these handcrafted toys promise lasting enjoyment and unmatched character.

2026-02-17

Handmade Wooden Toy Cars for Kids: Safe, Unique Gifts Crafted from Natural Wood

 

Handmade wooden toy minivan car finished with two-tone clear and amber shellac from my Speedy Wheels Collection.


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My Speedy Wheels Collection
More Toy Cars

In a world filled with plastic and mass-produced toy cars, there’s something truly special about a handmade wooden toy car. My unique toy cars are expertly crafted in a traditional toymaker’s workshop in Tallahassee, Florida, using natural wood and classic woodworking techniques. Each car is finished with non-toxic shellac.
An Heirloom-Quality Gift for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or any special occasion, these wooden cars make an excellent gift. With their timeless design and heirloom quality, they’re sure to be treasured for years to come. Plus, all materials used are completely non-toxic.
Each Piece Is One-of-a-Kind
No two cars are exactly alike. All our items are handmade from natural wood, and each piece varies in appearance. The size and thickness of the wood may differ slightly from listing specifications, and natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots make every toy car unique. These variations are part of the toy’s character and charm, and are not considered defects.
Custom Orders and Personal Touches
If you have a specific look or size in mind, custom orders are welcome! I encourage you to contact me with any requests or questions before placing your order. I’ll do my best to accommodate your preferences.
Educational and Eco-Friendly
These wooden cars encourage sensory, pretend, and creative play. They’re perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, and for nursery décor. Plus, being made from natural wood and finished with non-toxic shellac, they are an eco-friendly and sustainable choice.
Celebrate Handmade
Handmade in the USA, each car is built to be durable, minimalist, and suitable for boys or girls. Whether you’re searching for a birthday gift, baby shower present, or something special for your own child, our wooden toy cars are a thoughtful and timeless option.
Explore the collection today and find the perfect handmade wooden toy car that will inspire countless hours of imaginative play.

 

A Handmade Wooden Toy Car: A Timeless Treasure from the Speedy Aheels Collection

Handmade wooden toy car/minivan, finished with two-tone clear and amber shellac from my Speedy Wheels Collection.

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My Speedy Wheels Collection
More Toy Cars

When searching for a unique and thoughtful gift for a child, few things compare to the charm of a handmade wooden toy. The Handmade Wooden Toy Car from the Speedy Wheels Collection is more than just a plaything, it is a carefully crafted piece of tradition, shaped by hand in a dedicated toymaker’s shop.
Each car begins as a piece of natural wood, selected for its character and durability. Traditional woodworking tools and techniques transform this raw material into a smooth, inviting vehicle. The car’s two-tone shellac finish not only highlights the natural beauty of the wood but also provides a lasting, nontoxic surface that stands up to years of imaginative play.
Each piece is unique, thanks to natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots. These one-of-a-kind details add to the toy’s character and ensure that no two cars are exactly alike.
Whether for a birthday, holiday, or another special occasion, this handmade wooden car makes a heartfelt gift that will be treasured by children and parents alike. Custom orders are welcome, allowing for personal touches and special requests to make the gift even more meaningful.
Handmade in Tallahassee, Florida, each toy car reflects a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. Choose a piece from the Speedy Aheels Collection and bring home a toy that celebrates creativity, tradition, and the joy of childhood.

2026-02-16

Handmade Wooden Toy Scottie Dog Cutout: Oil & Beeswax Finish

Handcrafted wooden Scottie Dog made with a beeswax finish. Perfect for nursery decor, imaginative play, or as a unique gift.
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My Itty Bitty Animal Collection

In a world filled with plastic and mass-produced toys, there’s something truly special about gifting a handcrafted item made with care and tradition. That’s exactly what you’ll find with the Wooden Scottie Dog Toy Cutout: a delightful creation that brings warmth, imagination, and timeless style to any home.
Each Scottie dog is carefully handcrafted in my workshop in Tallahassee, Florida, using traditional woodworking tools and techniques. I use quality hardwood for every piece, ensuring durability and a beautiful natural grain. To finish, I apply a blend of oil and beeswax while still hot, allowing it to deeply penetrate the wood. The result? A smooth surface that’s perfect for little hands and highlights the natural beauty of the wood.
This Scottie dog isn’t just for play, though it’s certainly built with imaginative adventures in mind! Its free-standing, stackable design also makes it a charming addition to any nursery or playroom shelf. It’s part of my Itty Bitty Animal Collection, so you can mix and match with other animals for even more creative fun. Looking for a unique baby shower or birthday gift? This little dog is sure to bring smiles.
No two Scottie dogs are exactly alike. Natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots make each piece one-of-a-kind—adding to its character and charm. I use only non-toxic, natural finishes so you can feel confident that this toy is safe for children. As with all my creations, the toys are eco-friendly and designed to last for years, becoming treasured keepsakes or even heirloom pieces.
Whether displayed as nursery decor or enjoyed as a classic toy, the Wooden Scottie Dog Toy Cutout brings a touch of handmade warmth and character to your life. Explore the Itty Bitty Animal Collection and discover how magical wooden toys can be.