{"id":71,"date":"2022-01-26T03:02:57","date_gmt":"2022-01-26T03:02:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8080\/kaleidoscope\/?p=71"},"modified":"2022-10-12T00:58:01","modified_gmt":"2022-10-12T00:58:01","slug":"lorem-ipsum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/lorem-ipsum\/","title":{"rendered":"Let Them Play Toys: A Creative Success Story"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"\">\n        function codeAddress() {\n            window.location.replace(\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/local-business-new\/let-them-play-toys-a-creative-success-story\")\n        }\n        window.onload = codeAddress;\n        <\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In an unassuming shed in Coffs Harbour\u2019s industrial estate, you\u2019ll find a world of wood and wonder. Let Them Play Toys began when former childhood educator Julie \u2018Jules\u2019 O\u2019Donnell saw the potential in trimmed tree branches. Jules, her husband Steve and their small team now design and produce unique wooden toys and activity sets. While only in business for two and a half years, Let Them Play Toys are stocked in 92 stores worldwide. Now Julie has joined Coffs Central\u2019s Kaleidoscope, making products just for locals. We caught up with Julie to hear about the journey so far and to find out what 2022 holds.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Let Them Play Toys by BathTime Productions\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VKceCb4d2jc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s been amazing and heart-warming to see that this is such a priority for so many people around the world,\u201d Jules explains. \u201cFor kids to have not just wooden toys but sustainable wooden toys that are totally plastic free.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery aligncenter has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"28447\" src=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Let-Them-Play-Toys-Leah-Moore-08-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"Let Them Play Toys\" class=\"wp-image-28447\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-id=\"28449\" src=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Let-Them-Play-Toys-Leah-Moore-03-1024x716.jpg\" alt=\"Let Them Play Toys\" class=\"wp-image-28449\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s tough to put Let Them Play Toys\u2019 stratospheric rise down to just one thing. Within weeks of setting up an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/letthemplay_toys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram account<\/a>, Jules was fielding wholesale enquires from across the globe. She believes the company\u2019s success is a combination of consumers rejecting plastic throwaway culture and a desire to encourage open-ended play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe designs facilitate creativity and imagination,\u201d Jules explains. \u201cOpen-ended play and the child\u2019s imagination will determine how play happens and what learning occurs.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Let-Them-Play-Toys-Leah-Moore-10-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"Let Them Play Toys\" class=\"wp-image-28444\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are currently 182 stores on a waiting list, each one vying to stock the handmade, hand dyed, hand painted toys and story scenes. The team of six \u2013 including Jules\u2019 mum \u2013 certainly has its work cut out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBecause the business grew so quickly, I didn\u2019t really have a chance to do much locally in terms of getting my name out there,\u201d says Jules. \u201cIt just took off and I\u2019ve been holding on for dear life ever since!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite having many Coffs Coast customers online, Jules says a lot don\u2019t even realise she lives and manufactures here. She joined <a href=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/kaleidoscope-of-creativity-opens-its-doors\/\">Coffs Central\u2019s Kaleidoscope<\/a> to connect with more local people and makers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Let-Them-Play-Toys-Leah-Moore-07-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"Let Them Play Toys\" class=\"wp-image-28446\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tree-branches-to-tree-people\"><strong>Tree Branches to Tree People <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The process begins with camphor trees that need to be trimmed at properties around Coffs Harbour. Every branch is hand cut then collected, dried, heat treated and turned into a unique Tree Person or story scene. Jules and the team work with what nature has provided and fashion perfectly imperfect objects. She says that\u2019s what they want children to connect with.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe whole concept with everything we do is connecting kids to nature through play,\u201d Jules explains. \u201cThe Tree People are neutral and come in all different shapes and sizes \u2013 because each one of us is a different size and shape.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur company aims to be as sustainable as possible which is why we use recycled cardboard boxes and biodegradable packaging, so we leave as close to zero footprint on our earth as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Let-Them-Play-Toys-Leah-Moore-02-1024x732.jpg\" alt=\"Let Them Play Toys\" class=\"wp-image-28452\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-expansion-and-collaboration\"><strong>Expansion and Collaboration <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2022, Jules says she plans to refine existing products while launching a new company. Without giving too much away, she hints that it \u201cwon\u2019t be within the toy industry as such\u201d.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI am looking at developing a range that is more designed for adults &#8211; more like decorations and gift-based products.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned=\"\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CTy9P1ply-G\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CTy9P1ply-G\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CTy9P1ply-G\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Jules &#8211; Handmade Wooden Toys (@letthemplay_toys)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote> <script async=\"\" src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as that, she\u2019s continuing her collaboration with Gumbaynggirr artist Bernard Kelly-Edwards. Last year they created a collection of wall art pieces, stamps and symbols. They were designed to reflect the symbiotic relationships in nature and connect young minds to Aboriginal culture through play.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBernard\u2019s artwork is bringing Aboriginal culture into kids\u2019 lives in a more authentic way,\u201d Jules explains. \u201cWe\u2019ll be expanding on this a lot more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That expansion includes a children\u2019s book which the pair hope to have completed mid-year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let Them Play Toys started with a head full of ideas and a gifted scroll saw. It has become an international success story we can all feel good about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/coffscentralshopping.com.au\/portfolio\/kaleidoscope\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kaleidoscope<\/a> at Coffs Central to see the latest range of handmade wooded toys. Follow Jules on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/letthemplay_toys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a> to stay up to date with&nbsp;announcements and new releases. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"http:\/\/shop.coastbeat.com.au\/collections\/let-them-play\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visit Collection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In an unassuming shed in Coffs Harbour\u2019s industrial estate, you\u2019ll find a world of wood and wonder. Let Them Play Toys be\u2026 <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/local-business-new\/let-them-play-toys-a-creative-success-story\" tabindex=\"-1\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Let Them Play Toys: A Creative Success Story<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"button-center\"><button type=\"button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/local-business-new\/let-them-play-toys-a-creative-success-story\" rel=\"noopener\">View Story<\/a><\/button><\/div>\n<div class=\"button-center\"><button type=\"button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coastbeat.com.au\/local-business-new\/let-them-play-toys-a-creative-success-story\" rel=\"noopener\">View Story<\/a><\/button><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1433,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1969,"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71\/revisions\/1969"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gowingsbrosltdstaging.com.au\/kaleidoscope_2023\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}