Today’s giveaway is from a crafty mama named Ann. Her etsy shop is called Simply Playing, and you can also find her at her blog, and on Facebook. I asked Ann to share a little about herself and the inspiration behind her small business with all of you:
I began making toys when my son started preschool at a Waldorf School four years ago. Before then I never really thought of making toys, they were just something you purchased. But seeing the wonderful array of handmade items, including toys, that the children were surrounded with in the classroom of this school really moved me. It was like an “ah ha” moment of this is as it should be; children should be surrounded by warmth, beauty and items which have soul.
So, at first I only made toys for my son. But after a while Sam had pretty much all he needed, but I didn’t want to stop making these knitted toys. After inundating friends with gnomes, cats etc. I turned to Etsy as way to be able to keep creating and sharing my love of wool toys. My shop has grown over the years with items changing some, but always wool based material. After a short while I turned to only using plant dyed wool as I felt that even deepened the handmade natural quality I wanted my toys to have.
My original inspiration for Simply Playing was definitely my son Sam, but I’ve always had a deep need within me to create. Now, I’d say my inspiration is the fibers and toys themselves. I can always see something more – another color, form or size and these changes, albeit small, really keep me moving forward. After all these years of knitting cats, gnomes and crowns I still truly enjoy making them.
My mood changes very frequently so I like to have many projects going on at once all in different stages. One day I’ll want to only knit, the next day only sewing and stuffing toys will do. Sometimes the rhythm of spinning is all I can think of to fill me up. When I get to create is very random and really is woven throughout my entire day. My son is now homeschooled which gives me more freedom and time to sit in my little corner of the living room, pick something from the basket besides my chair and knit, sew, stuff etc. I will pretty much always end my day with knitting as a release for any worries and stress.
What I enjoy most about my business is how I feel when I finish making a toy, a doll blanket or a skein of yarn. Knowing that each item really began with a bit of wool and then transformed into this warm soulful object filled with love really makes me happy. I mean you can’t help but smile when you have a knitted gnome in your hand – it just makes you feel good inside.
Coming soon to Simply Playing will be handspun yarn that will be either in it’s natural color or plant dyed. I’ve always purchased my plant dyed yarn so I am very excited to be taking on this part of the process myself.
Ann is offering one Small Things reader the above pictured 70 yard skein of worsted weight rainbow handspun yarn along with one of her jewelry making kits (also pictured above.) She is also offering a 15% discount on all purchases from her shop for the month of October. Use the coupon code SMALLTHINGS15.
For your chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post. For a second chance, “like” Simply Playing on Facebook and come back here and leave a second comment letting me know you have done so. Comments are closed and the winners is Alexa “I think most parents want the same warmth, love and soul-filled journey for their children as you do. Thanks for such a wonderful opportunity to relish beautiful, handmade toys.”
Thanks Ann, and Simply Playing!
Yasmin~VeggieMountainMama says
Great looking toys and I love that skein of yarn. Thanks for the giveaway.
Mellie says
Love that yarn!
Kathy says
And I’ve liked Simply Playing on Facebook. 🙂
Kathy says
Oh my! That yarn is beautiful. I’m working on my first handmade toy for my son and I’d love to make a ball for him out of that yarn.
cristina says
Love these! Thanks for the chance!
Dee says
Oh that wool is so beautiful.
Shauna says
Oh wow! What neat toys!
Victoria says
truly wonderful! Love all the creations!
Kandle Y. says
Oh my! The scarf I would make for a certain little girl with that yarn…
Tara Perry says
I just “liked” Simply Playing! Yay!!
Tara Perry says
Beautiful toys! I’d love to win the yarn to make my own creation! Thanks!!
Cathy from Conway says
Just a beginner-sure would be fun!
Annie says
What a colorful skein of yarn! Thanks for the giveaway.
alexa says
I think most parents want the same warmth, love and soul-filled journey for their children as you do. Thanks for such a wonderful opportunity to relish beautiful, handmade toys.
shwell says
that yarn looks beautiful, would love a chance to win
Heather says
Liked Simply Playing on FB.
Jenni says
Liked you on FB( :
Jenni says
Wow, this would be such a great win! Lovely, lovely things!
Heather says
Love it!
Kristen says
I love everything and that yarn is beautiful!
Lindsay Hawkins says
Such beautiful things! I’d love to win that yarn!
--anu says
I so love handspun rainbow wool! My daughter had rainbow mittens out of similar wool two years ago 🙂
Emma says
Beautiful concept. Love the necklace idea.
Emx
Trina-Lea Briggs says
Loving the beautifully hand crafted products for our precious little ones…thank you for sharing this shop with us.
Lisa says
Beautiful yarn, beads and felt. Such a generous giveaway indeed.
Dawn says
Liked Simply Playing on FB.
Isabel says
Love it all!
Dawn says
What beautiful things and a beautiful story! Thanks for the opportunity and the introduction to a wonderful artisan.
Jamie says
Lovely, lovely, lovely yarn!
Alexis says
Liked on fb!
Alexis says
,I would love that yarn and my daughter and I could have a lot of fun with the jewelry-making kit!
Sarah says
Maybe this time I’ll be lucky :o)
Again, many thanks for a fantastic blog!
Cheers,
Sarah
nancy says
LOVE!
Thanks!
Nancy
Amy says
My 6 year old would love the jewelry kit!!! And the yarn is wonderful!
Lee says
What fun! Thanks for the giveaway!
Pam Gerhardt says
Such cleverness! My grand babies would enjoy these colors!
Beth T. says
My nieces would love this! Thanks very much for the generous giveaway.
Jenny says
That yarn looks delicious. I would love to knit with it, and my daughter would enjoy the beads immensely.
Isabel says
what beautiful yarn and a heartfelt business endeavor. [the best kind!]
thanks for the opportunity to win.
katie says
love it all!!!
Melissa says
Lovely! My daughter would adore that jewelry making kit.
Pleximama says
What beautiful, beautiful yarn!
Amber says
Love this!
Suzie says
“liked” Simply Playing on facebook. 🙂
Suzie says
What a sweet little kit and beautiful yarn. I love the warmth and hominess of her toys.
Steph says
lovely things!
Kirsten Kinnell says
Beautiful!
Becky says
What sweet toys 🙂
Sarah Jane says
I like Simply Playing on Facebook {Sarah Jane McKelvy}.
Sarah Jane says
That yarn is GORGEOUS.