MANUFACTORY - Handmade Collectible Toy Shop

Back in 2006 when I was setting up my Etsy shop looking for inspiration I found fellow Minneapolis artist Curster. I've been quietly following her growing success over the years and now she has her own B&M on 27th and Lyndale where her wonderful creations are available for sale.

Manufactory which resides in the space of former occupant Robot Love is filled with Erin Currie's fantastical beings along with other collectible toys and gifts. I was amazed at the amount of work that Erin herself has handmade and is available in the shop. I asked her if she ever slept or drank lots of coffee to accomplish so much. Besides collectible toys she also designs clothing and paints which is evident in some of the dolls she makes. Below are some of the frilly dolls that carry over her fashion sense.

Being a second generation shop owner Erin shared her experience of working in her mothers Scandinavian handicraft shop painting faces on gnomes. Her goal for Manufactory is to have a shop where other artists can sell their work and provide a space for them to create as well. Erin's passion is evident and work ethic incomparable. With those two attributes I'm sure her shop will be a smashing success. If you're in the area check it out!

Mushroom Forest Collection

Toys From My Collection

These are some of the toys I've picked up through the years. Some are vintage, some are new and some are made by me and other artists. I've always been attracted to old toys. I believe thats the reason I started making toys because good antique toys are difficult to find and rather expensive.This particular collection surround me at my computer desk and hutch.

My grandmothers doll, Steiff kitten, Steiff hare hand puppet and miniature White Rabbit doll made by me.

Clown Moody Doll, Steiff duckie, mechanical dancing clown handcrafted by me and Pinnochio miniature doll also made by me.

A mixture of old and new kitschy items I couldn't live without. Some of the toys are picked up on my travels and some are made by toy artists. My favorite happens to be the vintage Charlie Brown in the top left corner. I had seen that doll in a book of mine and wished to have it and year or two later I found in a shop that sold old toys. A Tracy Mcman push puppet and Erica Daley spool dollie are some the artist toys I've purchased.

The Cutest Little Toy Shop In America!

I recently had the pleasure of designing the outside sign for this charming toy store in Plymouth, Michigan. The Dollhouse and Toy Cottage is an old fashioned toy store that been in business for over 35 years. If I ever had my own shop it would look a lot like this. I just love the pink facade and sloping roof with scallop trim. It matches my brand perfectly. I only wished I lived closer so I could spend hours looking at all the collectible toys inside. Don't you want to visit? Its almost worth a road trip!