Handmade Wood Toys!

Katherine has a wonderful wood toy shop on Etsy! Rising Phoenix Toys has been on Etsy since July 2008, and has a great variety of wood toys any child would love to get for Christmas! Katherine also has a wonderful BLOG that she updates on a very regular basis.


How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business? I got the idea to start Rising Phoenix Toys during the pregnancy of my first child. I wanted to make him a special gift. I can't crochet or knit, but I can work with wood. I had some wood blocks left over from the sculpture class I took in college and that's where the idea came from. The name Rising Phoenix Toys came from a theme for the past few years of my life. I've been going through a rebirth stage and I saw the creation of my own business as part of my rebirth.

When did you start woodworking? Did someone teach you?
I pretty much taught myself to do woodworking. I found out that I liked it when I took a sculpture class in college and found that I preferred it over drawing.

Where do you have your wood shop? Do you have a picture? If not, what does it look like?
I have a small worktable I work at that fits in the shed behind my home. I have to pull it outside to work at it. It's actually kind of nice to be able to do some work outside.

What would you love to add to your working space?
I would love to have a more official work space, like a garage. I would be more efficient if I didn't have to set up my tools before working. I would also love a belt sander and a table saw. I've been using my dad's and I'm afraid that I'm bothering him too much.

What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
I love exotic woods! My favorites are zebrawood and rosewood. They can be hard to find and can be quite expensive so I don't really stock up on them. When I do, I enjoy working with them and looking at the finished product. I love anything with an interesting grain.

Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I really enjoyed making the Apple Tree Puzzle with Owl. I like painting little details like the owl. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30687298