blackdogwoodshop's Profile

Bio

Thanks for your interest in my work! I have been woodworking for about 5 years. I am self taught. I originally began woodworking because I got excited about building my own canoe. I am quite sure that my wife believed I was crazy! However, I was able to design and build a functioning canoe. From there, I began building furniture, primarily for use in my home. I began making toys as gifts for my own kids, my nieces, and my nephew. I have found that there is something very satisfying about creating toys that inspire imaginative play. My wife encouraged me to start my Etsy shop and begin selling some of the toys I create.

I enjoy the creative ways that children find to play with my toys. Last year, I built a set of "tree blocks" for my 2 year old son. The blocks were made from part of a small Sassafras tree. The blocks are not square, regular shapes like most blocks you would purchase. Instead, these blocks have some flat sides, some round sides, and many irregular shapes. My son uses the blocks several times a week, usually to construct caves for his animal figures to hide in.

I try to create toys that encourage imaginative play. I hope that my toys will be played with, saved, and passed down. My wife deserves a great deal of credit for my inspiration. A number of my toys were her idea. For example, the Maple barn listed in my shop was inspired by my wife. Based on her idea, I designed and built the barn. In my home, the barn has been used as a barn, a cave, a gnome house, a fairy house, and much more! If you peak in the small door on the top level of the barn, you can usually find some creature hiding in the hayloft.

It is important to me that every toy is not only beautiful and unique but also durable and safe. I work with locally available domestic hardwoods. I choose woods that are beautiful, strong, durable, and non-toxic such as Maple, Cherry, Catalpa, Kentucky Coffee Tree and Sassafras. Each toy that I make is unique not only because it is made by hand but also because the wood itself is unique. I take great care in making sure that my toys will stand up to play. I enjoy making my toys, and I hope that your child will enjoy playing with them!

*****Blackdog Woodshop In the Press*****
On October 3, 2008, my shop was featured on the blog of another Etsy member. Take a moment to read her blog, I think you'll enjoy her posts! http://littlepeanutshop.blogspot.com/2008/10/return-to-simplicity.html. She also offers some neat items in her etsy shop (littlepeanutshop.etsy.com). The monster tail is my favorite!

Male

Favorite Materials

wood