Spotlight on “Child’s Own Studio”

In 2007, stay-at-home mom, Wendy Tsao, took her 4 year old son`s drawing of a monkey and sewed together a plush toy based on his design.The end result was so cute that she tried out some other children’s drawings.And thus began Child`s Own Studio, a thriving on-line soft toy business that takes children’s drawings and custom makes unique plush toys.

To date, Child`s Own Studio has collaborated with over a hundred children, ranging from age 3 to 14 to create unique and wonderful plush toys, many of which can be seen at their website, www.childsown.com

Starting with a child’s drawing, Wendy Tsao selects the fabrics for the soft toy and then makes the pattern from the drawing.Each toy is carefully handcrafted and stuffed with hypoallergenic fiberfill to transform the child’s drawing into a 3D soft toy to be cuddled.

Wendy, your business started in 2007. Tell us the story behind the inspiration?

When my son was almost 5 years old, and had just started kindergarten. He needed a comfort toy for the emergency preparedness program at his school, and he didn’t have one, so I decided to try making one. I took one of his signature drawings – a stick man – and made it into a soft toy. It had such great appeal, that I took another one of drawings – this time of a monkey, and when I saw the look on his face, I knew I had a great business idea. Also, I loved drawing when I was a child, and have always been into art and craft-making. I have a genuine appreciation for children’s art and I love showing people how children’s art can be great inspirations for soft toys. Showing this appreciation by making soft toys from children’s art also builds a child’s self-esteem. I am married, and my husband is very supportive, and helps a little, like tying his fly-fishing knots for me, when needed. My son, Luca, sometimes does the final check of the toys. When he hugs it, I know the child/customer will be pleased with the creation.

What is your favorite thing(s) about your business?

I love getting the drawings, and making the soft toys, and watching the softies take shape. But, Best of all, I love getting the positive and feedback from grateful customers.

SITE REVIEW:

Simplicity is the key to a Child’s Own Studio. It is very consumer and user friendly. I loved spending a few moment viewing the gallery. The order form is easy to use and has the capacity to order more then one creation at a time. The testimonial and FAQ pages are a very personal touch to the site which I considered a bonus as a consumer.

IE MOMMY Says:

Wendy from a Child’s Own Studio is offering ONE Lucky reader the chance to have their child’s creation “come to life” through her wonderful talents! I only wish this wasn’t my site so I could enter! Imagine your little one’s face when their favorite creation is a real, touchable, lovable toy! How much more cool could that be? Check out how you can get multiple entries.

GIVEAWAY!

ONE Lucky reader will receive a beautiful toy created for them by Wendy and a Child’s Own Studio. Each creation is handcrafted with expertise and love! ($49.00 value)

Winner will be randomly chosen on March 15th and announced on March 16th. Entries will be accepted until Midnight March 15th (PST). Winner will be notified via e-mail and will have 10 days to claim prize or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

How to Get Entries?

Entry #1 – Receive one entry by going to a Child’s Own Studio and coming back her to comment on your favorite creation from the galleries at the site.

Entry #2 – Receive another entry by subscribing to The IE Mommy either by e-mail, RSS or Reader. Leave a comment that you are subscribed.

Entry #3 – Receive another entry by blogging about this promotion and linking back to us. Leave a comment that you have done so.

Entry #4 – Receive another entry by linking to The IE Mommy. Grab one of our buttons at the Link page and leave a comment that you have linked to us.

Entry #5 – Receive another entry by e-mailing three friends about this giveaway. Remember you have to cc me in the e-mail in order for it to count. You can email me at theiemommy (at) gmail (dot)com.

GOOD LUCK!

P.S. The IE Mommy is always looking for products, companies and sites to review. If you have or kno of a company that could use an IE Mommy review. Email me at theiemommy (at) gmail (dot) com.

 

 

~ by iemommy on March 1, 2009.