January 2014

My History with Wooden Toys - Interview with Kevin McGuire

Submitted by Playful Plans on Thu, 2014-01-16 16:34

How Long Have You Been Building Wooden Toys?

Since the mid-70's.

What Inspired You to Start Making Toys?

Having wooden building toys around the house growing up, a fascination with all things mechanical, and in particular watching carpenters frame new homes in my neighborhood- from nothing, it seemed!- when I was a child.

The Process of Making New Wooden Toy Plans

Submitted by Playful Plans on Mon, 2014-01-06 16:21

Step 1: Brainstorming Ideas for New Toy Plans

My wooden toy plans are inspired by (never copied from) my own vintage toys collection, my research into vintage toys (their materials and mechanisms) and exploring the culture (the "play history") of toys. I ask myself: will this be a unique and fresh addition to the market? Is it age-appropriate and safe for kids? If so, away we go.