MDG Artist Profile: Tim Haugen of Fantastic Toys
Tim Haugen of Fantastic Toys is one of those guys with an amazing creative range - from his work as a floral designer to his fine art marionattes to his over-the-top adorable softies and paper toys he excels in all areas. We’re currently offering Tim’s Mushroom Hill Paper Playset, an engaging do-it-yourself paper toy which assembles into a magical landscape with all of it’s inhabitants. We’re also very pleased to share that additional Fantastic Toys’ paper toys, kits and softies are in the works and will be available in the not too distant future. Thank you to Tim for taking the time to share a little about his life and work!
1. Were you interested in arts and crafts as a kid? What’s the first thing you remember creating?
I was into MANY different crafts as a kid. I remember doing all of the popular crafts in the early eighties. Plastic canvas, Shrinky Dinks,… you name it I made it. I had my first craft show when I was 12 or so selling needle sculpted characters. Every one was giving me there old nylons so I could make pig magnets and other goofy characters.
2. Tell us about your home life.
I live a quiet life in Minneapolis MN with a very good cat (she manages to stay out of my projects). My sister is 20 years younger than me. I got to watch her grow up and we spent many times together making crafts. She just graduated from high school is now pursing a career as an artist.
3. When and where do you craft/create/design?
I’m designing 24/7, honestly I loose sleep sometimes because I’m stuck on a idea. I live in a tiny one bedroom apt which I have converted to a studio/craft room. I gave away my sofa just so I could bring in a table for more work space. LOL, Now instead of working on 1 or 2 projects I try to manage 4-6 at a time. I pay the rent with my “real” job as a florist.
4. Did you collect anything as a kid? Do you collect anything now as an adult?
I collected monkey’s as a kid.. which I no longer have. In fact one of the reasons why I started to make toys was because I couldn’t find the type of toys(antiques) I wanted without paying and arm and a leg for. Thats why I started making vintage inspired toys. A monkey was one of the first animal dolls I made. I collect a variety of things now, craft books, old toys but nothing thats too overwhelming. I wouldn’t want a collection thats gets out of hand.
5. What were your favorite toy and your favorite book when you were a kid?
My favorite toys were were a pair of little bunny cloth dolls designed by some popular illustrator at the time. They lived in an old shoe box doll house I made for them. Oddly enough my favorite book was about a rabbit who went on a journey. I can’t remember the name of the title but I ran across it a bout a year ago at a used book store. I had completely forgotten about it but when I saw it, all those memories from long ago had resurfaced. It was a scratch and sniff book and I remembered which smells I liked (dill pickles) and some I didn’t (chocolate). I got goose bumps and for a few seconds and I was that little kid again. Toys and books have the ability to transport you in a way to a simpler time in your life if only for a brief magical moment. I believe thats why so many adults collect toys.
6. Who encourages you in your artistic pursuits? Who or what inspires you to continue creating?
I am most inspired by the talented artists I meet on flickr. My whole venture into soft toys was inspired by the work of few amazing artists. Every thing else I have tried in the past year… needle felting, teddy bears, paper toys can be attributed to the awe inspiring talent that can be found there. Heck, thats where I found Mahar Drygoods enchanting website! 
|
|
what a good taste i love your products!!!!!
Comment by lucla blasquez — November 10, 2009 @ 5:40 am