lesliehowells
Announcement Custom colors/patterns of any animal are available: please contact me!
Announcement
Custom colors/patterns of any animal are available: please contact me!
Items
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Reviews
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Gabe on Mar 22, 2021
5 out of 5 starsLeslie's work is impeccable! I could not be happier with the detail and quality. The feet, eyes, coloring, and scale are all perfect. I will be a repeat customer!
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Josh on Mar 22, 2021
5 out of 5 starsTruly wonderful and possibly–possibly–the greatest purchase I've ever made on this site. Hyperbole? Perhaps. But, I'm not joking when I say I am completely smitten with my new friend. Words cannot express the level of craftsmanship, detail, and love which have been put into this puppet; it's a keeper! Thanks, Leslie, for doing what you do cause you never know when someone with a Sasquatch infatuation will come knocking on your door!
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Alpentapir on Jan 1, 2019
5 out of 5 starsAbsolutely perfect handcraft! I am collecting tapirs for 25 years now. Leslie designed the most beautiful I got so far! And some funny conversations about details of a tapir. How many toes... Leslie adapted my wishes perfectly.
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cincysoon on Dec 21, 2016
5 out of 5 starsAdorable!!! And it arrived at warp speed! I am delighted. Thank you!!!
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Reviewed by Inactive on Jul 3, 2016
5 out of 5 starsAs always, this museum quality art piece arrived to delight family members and take a place with the other Leslie Howell heirlooms we are fortunate to have collected. Our family has a Leslie Howell wishlist.... ?
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MISTY on May 31, 2016
5 out of 5 starsI love this puppet so much I have asked her to make two more. Great quality and craftsmanship by a talented and very nice artist! Thank you so much! <3
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Andrea on May 10, 2016
5 out of 5 starsAbsolutely beautiful and superbly crafted! I bought this as a grown-up birthday present for a friend and she just loved it! I have several of her puppets as well - they are wonderful as well!
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Reviewed by Inactive on Jan 6, 2015
5 out of 5 starsWunderbar! Always on time. Magical, beautiful, wonderful, Leslie Howell creation. We are return purchasers.
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Reviewed by Inactive on Dec 29, 2014
5 out of 5 starsBeyond belief. Can hardly wait to freak the dog out. ( for a SECOND!...;) This is an amazing, unique, come to life, piece of art. I do selfishly hope you are supported to continue this high calling you are obviously so developed with. Thank you for making our Holliday season magical. Thanks from the kids and our four legged friends too. Fast shipping
About lesliehowells
I call these art-toys.....
In tribute to interpretive, primitive, reproduced toys of the early 20th century, I emphasize the often-traditional materials and casting process itself when crafting my puppet heads. The technique used on the puppet heads and toy figures is similar to “Carton Pierre”, a medium developed in the 19th century, and adopted by toymakers through the earlier 20th century. The irregularities inherent in this method appeal to me, as does the reference to mold casting in details like a visible flange where the mold-halves met. I try to rely on re-purposed materials, or vintage fabrics (I’ve moved a stash of synthetic fur back and forth across the country for 20 years!).
Shop members
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Leslie Howells
Owner
I was a Zoology major before graduating the Tyler School of Art. I’ve always been drawn to toys - animal works, in particular- and am inspired by the post-industrial toys of the late 19th and early 20th Centuries.
Shop policies
Some of my creations may not be suitable for rough play (see "repairs" below), and items on this site are not intended for children under 3 (unless, of course, as the first piece of art in their own collection....)
Accepted payment methods
Returns and exchanges
Payment
WA state tax will be applied where applicable.
Shipping
I will refund a refund any overages over $1.
Payment must clear prior to your order being shipped.
Items will be shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS), unless otherwise noted. Items under 13oz will be shipped via USPS First Class Mail to customers in the U.S. and First Class International for customers outside the U.S. In the event that the total cost of shipping your purchase at the First Class rate is more than the Priority Flat Rate, your order will be upgraded to Priority Mail automatically.
Included in my shipping price is the cost of shipping materials to assure that your items arrive undamaged.
International Orders:
All international orders will include a customs form with full value declared. Please note that the USPS recommends allowing 30 days for international orders to arrive. While rare, packages are occasionally delayed by customs. In some cases, customs can delay or prevent an item from shipping to you. Please note that buyers are responsible for any and all duties and customs charges that may be incurred.
Holiday Ordering:
Every effort will be made to assure that your purchase will arrive in a timely manner. During the holidays, please allow for an additional 3-5 business days for your package to arrive. Please order early to assure that all your gifts arrive on time!
Additional policies and FAQs
While the puppet heads are quite durable, accidents can happen. I offer free repairs or replacement, minus shipping both ways, for all my creations.
Gift Wrapping:
If you wish to have your item gift wrapped, please note that during placement of your order. Most orders can be gift wrapped at no additional charge.