A new Face

[Thetoymaker]

Hi all!

Well after living in NC for about a year, I ran across this website. My Name is John, but for all intents and purposes, just call me "Toymaker" I hail from California (yep I know that land of Granola...fruits, nuts and flakes) but having spend 6 years in New Zealand (where the swmbo is from) I am now lucky to call Granite Falls, NC home. I retired (actually just got TIRED of all the horsepoop that teachers have to put up with) from teaching and through a very convoluted path ended up making Children's wooden toys. Now after making and selling them overseas and yes, competing with the Chinese, I am now looking for places to hawk my wares. But that aside, you will find me very-opinionated, conservative but mostly relaxed....and if you happen to venture to my neck o' the woods, stop by and say Howdy!

John the Toymaker

 

[NCPete]

For or against Schwarzenegger??? :lol:


What part Cali? Lived in Monterey for four years, miss the Pacific, and proximity to /good/ skiing. Been here almost 11 years.

 

[Thetoymaker]

Hey!


Well, since I was out of the country when he was elected...I tend to think he is better than who was there before...(Gray Davis...yuck!)

I grew up and living in Amador County...east of Sacto about 60 miles.


Funny, I lived 100 yards from the South Pacific in New Zealand...watched the ships come in and all...don't miss the ocean....love the hills and mountains.

J

 

[clowman]

Welcome John! I grew up a stones throw from Granite Falls. Little town called Hildebran, just down the road. I live in Raleigh now, but go back often to visit my parents. I look forward to getting your input, and would love to see some pictures of your toys.

 

[Thetoymaker]

Well I know where Hildebran is....

As for my input...golly, I have been working wood for about 8 years...and to see pictures...just go to www.thetoymaker.biz

Everything my daughter and I make is there (yep..turning my 18 yo daughter into a fine worker of the woodstuff.


J

 

[NCPete]

Monterey gave both, mountains running right into the water. but my favorite mountains might be the Adirondacks, where I grew up.

Welcome to the forum! Lot's of great info here, and just a few weeks ago there was even a discussion about pricing and trade fairs.

 

[DaveO]

Welcome Toymaker, I look forward to getting to know you. See you around!!

Dave

 

[D L Ames]

John, welcome to the site. That is an interesting site you posted and it looks like you have been staying very productive with your WW'ing. I am glad to hear your daughter is getting involved in it as well. I look forward to reading your input to the forums.

D L

 

[Steve D]

Welcome John, those are some great looking toys. I'd love to learn more about your shop setup as well.

 

[McRabbet]

Welcome to the site, John -- you'll find lots of good people here and plenty of information that we enjoy sharing -- great looking toys you make as well. See you on future posts.

Rob

 

[sapwood]

Welcome John, we look forward to you opinions :-D
Great looking toys :icon_thum

Sapwood

 

[cskipper]

Let me add another welcome to the pile! We're glad you joined us. Neat toys on your site!

 

[golfdad]

Welcome toymaker!!! Tuff gig you got there. I tried it for a while and flunked out. Lots of luck with yours.Everyone here has at least .02cents worth. Together you can almost get a dollar.:-D

 

[erasmussen]

Hi
I am from calif also, Corning about 119 miles north of sac.
Retaired from the USAF here.

 

[Handturnedbowls]

Hi John, and I want to virtually shake your hand. If you can give the Chinese a run for their money youre alright. Stick it to em bud!

Glad you can join the site, I will want to talk to you some about your marketing experience overseas. I make urns for pets, and hope to add a line for humans soon. But I'm always open to first hand knowledge of current marketing practices.

Glad to meet you.

cad