As the owner of Wild Creek Co., this Fayetteville mother of two handcrafts wooden, minimalist-style toys for little hands to love
Where did you find the inspiration to create your line? Did you grow up playing with wooden toys? My mom was a woodworker, and she made me a lovely wooden rocking horse and doll house. I can honestly say those were some of my favorite toys. There is something so special about a toy made by hand, even if you don’t know the maker personally. I like to think a little bit of soul is in each toy.
Sounds like this craft is in your blood. Is the natural, minimalist style also a reflection of you? I have always been interested in mixing natural elements into play. When I was looking for baby toys for my first child, I saw a need for high-end, handmade toys and that lead me down this path. I take pride in making toys that I want my children to use and that also look beautiful wherever they may be. I never feel the need to put our toys away when people come over.
Does this natural approach carry over to the materials you use? Yes, definitely. It’s very important to me to know where our materials come from and that they be as natural as possible. All of our wood is maple that is milled and sourced in the U.S.— something I am very proud to say. The clips on our pacifier clips are made in Germany and meet strict European Union toy standards. I am also very proud of this because most people aren’t aware that 90 percent of the clips you see on the market are made in China and are not tested for potentially harmful metals, such as lead. Also, all of our string is natural and unwaxed. Most string on the market is waxed with petroleum, and we keep that away from our products. I often say “only the best for your babes and mine,” and I mean that every time.
Tell us more about the types of toys you make. The first thing I made to sell was our round rattle. It has evolved over the years, and I love the beauty that it has become. Today, we offer a full line of wooden pacifier clips, rattles, and teethers. I also sell a Moses basket toy that both my customers and I just absolutely love. It ties onto a Moses basket to keep babes entertained. We also just introduced a line of silicone rattles and teethers that are becoming very popular!
Are your own children the test market for your toys? My three-year-old son and 15-month-old daughter both play with our toys quite regularly. Neither take a pacifier, so we don’t need the pacifier clips at home, but they do enjoy carting the round rattle around. My son enjoys our wooden bowling set and lacing bead set very much; they get daily use! My 15-month-old is still teething and currently enjoying our silicone rattles. We also just introduced some wooden tops and both kids love playing with those and watching them spin.
Shop all things Wild Creek Co. online at wildcreek.co. The line will also soon be available at The Anchor in Fayetteville. To see the company’s latest happenings follow @wildcreekco on Instagram.
