Last year I stumbled across The Toy Society's blog and knew it was something I wanted to take part in. It wasn't until this holiday season, when I made a sleepy baby for my niece, that I realized how I wanted to contribute.
The Toy Society is a group of people from around the world doing a small random act of kindness - they leave a handmade toy for someone to find. It's done anonymously and with no strings attached. It's simply done for the joy of bringing a bit of handmade happiness into someone's life.
It's my goal to do one drop a month this year, each a sleepy baby fitting the theme of the season. January's here is clutching a little snowball in her mittens and she has snowflakes at her feet.
Her (his?) shape is simple but easy for little ones to hold. I added embroidered details like a tuft of hair and little bitty eyelashes. She's made of all recycled wool, mostly from sweaters, and she's very soft. I stuffed her with wool and lavender so she smells lovely and is delightfully squishy.
I gave her the cuddle test and yup, perfectly squishy.
She was my very first drop, and I left her at a small park in town yesterday. I hope whoever finds her, loves her.
I think I'm going to enlist the help of my kids for the next drop. I think it will be good for them to take part in a random act of kindness, and it will make me feel less like a creeper when I'm skulking around a playground if they're with me.
I can't wait to get started on February's.
Lovely! You are going to make some little person so happy!
ReplyDeleteOh, this brings tears to my eyes! What a wonderful thing to take part in. I'm sure you have just given a treasure to some lucky child!
ReplyDeletecan you come drop one on my porch? :) hehe
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea! once, i found a pair of origami cranes - one big one and one tiny - with a note that said something like "you found me," and i loved them so much. found treasures, especially when they are intentionally left there for a new home, are wonderful.
if only i could get the boy to get his sewing machine out of his trunk....i could make snuggle babies too!
Lisa, I love that idea. It will be so fun for the kids to do.....makes me want to try to make something! Morgan loves hers and I love it too!
ReplyDeleteSherry
I LOVE her! What a fun idea!
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing person. It just needed to be said.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to do!
ReplyDeleteSuch a thoughtful way to pay it forward. I just might have to do this in my town. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletex, Val
Oh! I'd have to secretly stay and watch to see who found her . . . Lovely doll, lovely thought, lovely you. : )
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Just like yarn bombing only cuddly toy bombing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gesture.
ReplyDeleteA truly beautiful thing to do. Were you trying to make us all cry...? Job done! ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder! I haven't done a drop in some time. What a wonderful way to start the year. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are very generous. I wouldn't be able to do something like this. A part of you is put into each handmade item you make. I have the utmost respect for handmade crafts because of that. When I find an embroidered tablecloth at the thrift store I wonder the hours that some anonymous person spent over it, pouring her patience on it, straining her eyesight... only to have her creation end up in a dusty store. I am very careful who I give handmade stuff to, as over the years I have realized not everyone has the same sense of appreciation. Part of what motivated me to open an Etsy shop was that I could let my creations go with the soothing effect of money. I admire what you're doing
ReplyDeleteNever heard of The Toy Soceity before, I suppose 'dumping' could be done worldwide :)
ReplyDeleteYour doll is the cutest little thing ever!! And as a 'poor forsaken baby' she must surely be loved very much by the finder!
the toy you've made is beyond adorable, and was made with so much love, care & good intentions, that it actually gets me all teary eyed. I've heard of the Toy Society a while ago, but never got around getting involved. After noticing only three toy drops for my country, I might need to add my contribution.
ReplyDeleteI really hope someone (one lucky someone) will pick your amazing baby toy up, and that we'll get to see it on the TS site !
sending you lots of love, you big hearted friend
xoxoxo
Where did you say that park is?! She is beautiful! Thanks for sharing with me. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea and great doll! :)
ReplyDeletewhat a generous act of kindness, Lisa. I can only imagine how happy you have made one little person out there in the world.
ReplyDeleteThat is a delightful thing to do. I hope she/he finds a very good home!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely initiative ! Someone will be very happy !
ReplyDeleteGood idea to follow up, thanks
She's perfect... you're perfect!
ReplyDeleteI know she'll be loved.
Jx
Such a delightful idea. And what a beautiful baby you have mad. Someone will be overjoyed at finding her.
ReplyDeleteHow absolutely sweet. And it must be wonderful to contemplate some child cuddling the sleepy baby.
ReplyDeleteThe sweetest project ever !!! There should be a camera, there, to let you see the wonderment of the little child who'll find your cuttie. You're a maker of beauty and joy, Lisa !!!
ReplyDelete