We wanted local Louisiana wooden toy brands…
We searched for them Made in Louisiana — for Louisianians by Louisianians…
But sadly, we’re feeling crestfallen to find multiple Louisiana makers have closed shop, and we — instead — turn to a Creole State toy making time capsule in celebration of past wooden toy makers.
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(01) Blake Owen
The Louisiana Folk Life cites Blake Owen as one of Louisiana’s top traditional toymakers — skilled from a career in engineering his toys are modeled from classic American colonial patterns and earlier European toymaking tradition. We couldn’t find a modern shop with Blake Owen’s toys for sale today, but he’s known to “Show ‘n Sell” at various flea markets and festivals — even at the New Orleans World’s Fair.
(02) Bayou Woodcrafter
Before their closure, Bayou Woodcrafter made a wide variety of unfinished wooden cutouts with a special Cajun flare in Bastrop, LA. Their choice wood was baltic birch — higher quality than regular grade plywood.
(03) Sarah B’s Originals
Sarah B’s in New Orleans, LA was a destination for baby shower gifts! Their most popular products were beautifully decorated wooden baby blocks — personalized with the baby’s name.
(04) Courrege’s Creation Art
When in operation, Courrege’s Creation Art created wooden letter puzzles from Franklin, LA with love in the heart of Louisiana. They crafted personalized wooden name puzzles which spelled out each letter of a name — and offered educational wood ABC puzzles with each letter of the alphabet.
(05) Paw & Law’s Wooden Toys
Prior to their closure, Paw & Law’s made classic wooden push toys painted in bright primary colors. Across the land, onto the sea, and into the air — a variety of car-, boat-, and plane-shaped wooden push vehicles.
(06) Cultured Peg Dolls
When their shop was active, Cultured Peg Dolls hand-painted peg dolls to celebrate diversity and female empowerment. Progressive themes in playful packages involved children in problem solving societal issues such as the lack of tolerance.
(07) Roland’s Custom Studio
Roland’s Custom Studio — previously based in Covington, LA — crafted wooden arts and crafts sets intended for kids. They’d come personalized with a child’s name and came complete with all the materials needed to hold a DIY painting activity with family and friends.
