Our Toy Makers | Ephy's Craft | Soft toys | Crochet Toys | Knitted Toys | Amigurumi Toys
This week we meet one of Our Makers, and introduce you to the fabulous toy maker Ephy’s Kraft.
In a nutshell, tell us about your business
Ephy’s Kraft came about as a result of my love for crocheting. I particularly love to crochet miniature animal-like figures, mostly in the Amigurumi style (Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures).
Tell us a bit about you
We moved to the Highlands about three years ago. Having visited on many occasions in the past 20 years we decided to escape Sydney to a more attractive rural area. My working background was 10 years working in After School Care. Prior to this I worked in IT at Qantas, and before this I was an industrial chemist. Such a wide range of careers, culminating in Ephy’s Kraft!
What inspired you to set up your business?
I was taught crochet by my mother (some pieces of hers decorate our home) and then I took it up again later in life as a hobby. I was drawn to the Amigurumi style as it deals mainly with animal-like figures created as separate pieces sewn together to make the whole.
I liked the idea of having my work sitting in other homes and found Highlands Handmade in Moss Vale (originally set up by Angus McKinnon) through local chatter. Highlands Handmade gave me the opportunity to showcase my creations, and send them off to loving homes.
When the Highlands Handmade shop closed down and The Vintage Toy Box reached out to toy and card makers to give us the opportunity to sell our creations in the toy shop and continue the Highlands Handmade concept, I jumped at the chance.
What do you make?
Predominantly, on the smaller scale, animal-like figures. I usually add clothing or facial expressions to give them an individual personality … and after talking to them, Charles, my husband gives them a name!
How do you make them?
I crochet separate elements using cotton and soft-fill stuffing, which I then sew together to create wonderful animal-like creatures and characters.
Describe your artistic style
I create using the Amigurumi pattern and then add my own ideas to enhance their characteristics and give them their own personality.
What do you love about your business?
I gain immense satisfaction once each animal-like figure comes together from the individual pieces. After chatting with each animal, they acquire their own character and personality. It’s such a joy to see them eventually relocate to another loving home.
Where would you like to see your products?
Initially in a shop like The Vintage Toy Box that sells similar products that appeal to children and adults alike.
Favourite toy as a child and why?
Back in the day there was a table-tennis shaped bat with a small rubber ball attached by an elastic… it was known as a ‘ding-bat’ and it became my favourite as I didn’t have to run and fetch the ball! The elastic attachment ensured my lack of eye-hand coordination didn’t come into play, unlike my many failures with other ball games.
Only later in life did I appreciate the frustration this inability could inflict upon someone else when my husband Charles thought tennis was a good idea, albeit for a very short time. Soon he also gave up on me throwing him any object after said objects inevitably ended up anywhere else but with him… you did ask!
To check out some of Ephy’s wonderful creations, and to learn more about her (and them!), drop into The Vintage Toy Box or check out her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EphysKraft.
We can guarantee that Ephy’s handmade (with love) toys will fill you with joy!
P.S. Just for the record, we also sell the bat and balls (Ding Bats) that Ephy remembers so well. The Vintage Toy Box. x
Our Toy Makers | Whispering Hallows | Soft Toys and Toy Bunnies
This week we meet one of Our Makers, and introduce you to Mummy Bunny from Whispering Hallows.
In a nutshell, tell us about your business
I started Whispering Hallows as a hobby, a way for me to express my creativity. I have two children and have always loved to make quality handmade toys. The Bunniekins family from Whispering Hallows are different from everything else on the market, as they are each unique, with their own personalities and style.
What inspired you to set up your business?
I like to make and try different things! I also make jewellery, such as earrings, necklaces, brooches and sometimes natural baby chews. I will give anything a go at least once.
What do you love about your business?
I love the fact that I can choose what I want to make, although the best part is seeing the looks on little people faces when they see, feel and hold the bunnies. I love the feel of the felt bunnies and how each one is different with a different personality and love seeing children discovering this too.
Where would you like to see your bunnies?
I would like to see my Bunnies go travelling all over the world. We have such an influx of mass-produced toys and electronic games. Children need the encouragement to play with toys and create imaginary games and adventures with their toys.
Favourite toy as a child and why?
As a child my favourite toys to play with were dolls. I remember having so many dolls. I had tea parties and adventures with my dolls, and pushed them around in a pram. They were my babies. I had a doll that I was able to wind up and she played music and rocked her own little baby. I still have that doll!
To meet the Bunniekins of Whispering Hallows and learn more about them, drop into The Vintage Toy Box and see what mischief they’re getting up to.