All about the Vintage Magpie

I was lucky enough to spend my childhood surrounded by talented creative people, who believed in the importance of craftsmanship and thrived on passing down the traditions through the family. I learnt to appreciate the skill and love that goes into crafting something by hand to pass on to a loved one to cherish.

I have always delighted in other peoples tales of cherished toys or possessions and seeing their faces come alive as they re-live their childhood memories through a treasured possession - toys that have soaked up childhood laughter and tears could tell their own stories.

The Vintage Magpie has evolved from my love of vintage textiles and ephemera, and of traditional crafts. The Vintage Magpie flat rabbits are based upon my favourite childhood toy, a very basic bear. They are made from pure mohair and vintage fabrics, and they are adorned with authentic vintage accessories. I also fill them with dried lavender to evoke more of the senses.

The larger rabbits and bears are for the more grown up collector! They are made from 100% pure mohair, and filled in the more traditional way with wood wool and steel shot. The fabrics I used are hand dyed for a more aged appearance and each rabbit and bear has a well-loved worn appearance from days gone by.

As our world becomes more mass-produced and materialistic, bigger becomes the gap for an original handmade gift which has been stitched with care and craftsmanship. Plastic toys are temporary, and of the moment. I try to limit the amount that my children own, as I feel they got lost in the amount of stuff that they collect. I believe that "less is more" helps them to cherish a toy, and concentrate on playing with a purpose. When we are surrounded by so many choices it becomes difficult to actually be happy with one thing for any length of time.

I hope that whatever you choose, you, or the person for whom it is intended, will treasure it forever xx