About Us - The Woodsman Toys
Dear Wooden Toy Enthusiast,
Welcome to our wooden toy website, were glad you stopped by.
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Doug and Bobbie |
My wife Bobbie and I have been enjoying
a wonderful life creating Baby-Safe, Earth Friendly wooden toys since 1986.
From day one we have
always chosen materials made or grown in the USA and in looking back I am proud to say we've
been "Green" all
along. So now that you have found us it is important for me to let you know just what is
involved in the making of a "Woodsman Toy".
So let’s begin. First we start with the hand selection of the wood that we will
be using. There are several requirements each type of wood must meet, depending on the toy
we will create with it. The wood must be durable so the toys that we will make with it can
handle the future it is about to endure… a Toddlers life! We also consider the woods
softness and sand ability. Our toys are not only fun to play with, they feel good too. Finally,
the wood must have nice grain, color and pattern because these add beauty to the toy.
After the wood has been selected we separate the boards according to what we will create
with each piece. This part is especially fun for me because of the physical activity involved.
There are days when I have sorted, cut, ripped then stacked over 2,000 feet of wood. All
the while being reminded by Bobbie how sore I will be the next day. She’s always right,
but it’s a good sore.
Then we lay the wood out and transfer the designs using the pattern of the toys that I
have designed over the past 23 years. We then rip, cut, scroll, drill and router all of the
pieces that we will need and prepare them for sanding. This is the most important step! A
smooth toy will bring years of enjoyment.
When the sanding phase is completed we assemble the pieces using glue and dowels only.
No nails or screws are ever used. The assembled pieces are placed into clamps and allowed
to set up overnight. This gives each part the proper bonding time.
The next day we stain the various parts selecting from a rainbow of colors. The stains
that we use are all water-based and non-toxic ( all of our toys are completely edible! ).
After the drying is complete we attach the wheels, axles, propellers, etc...then comes the
final inspection! Of course the toy would not have even made it to this stage if something
had been amiss.
We make a rather large variety of toys considering it’s just Bobbie and myself.
We make Trains, Planes, Trucks and custom items upon request. We also make personalized clothes
racks and matching bookends in a variety of designs that the customer selects from according
to the theme in the child’s room. This is Bobbie’s forte! She can trace and cut
out a child’s name faster than you can eat a Whopper ( which is my favorite!).
Our children's woodend toys are educational as well as fun. They are filled with animals, colored blocks,
ABC blocks, barrels, logs, people and more. All in a variety of designs, sizes and colors.
It has been quite rewarding for us to watch a child use our creations to expand and explore
their imaginations!
Needless to say we are having a wonderful time being The Woodsman and creating toys for
you and your loved ones. So next time you are in need of the perfect gift for that special
someone come see us at a festival and play awhile, we look forward to meeting you. If you
prefer you can place your order today or feel free to give us a
call at (805) 461-0019.
Sincerely,
Doug and Bobbie Gold
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