Excerpts
I know many "adult children," this writer included, who collect wooden toys by William John Woods and place them around their homes with the same pride and care as they do other pieces of their art collection. ~ from Gallery Profiles, The Coast Pilot, by Stuart Nudelman
William John Woods is something of a modern day Gepetto. Each day in his studio, which he built himself, the forty-eight year old toymaker puts his imagination to work to create wooden playthings, like the fabled creator of Pinocchio. ~ from Maine Man Toys with Wood, The Portsmouth Herald by Alice Giordano
It is almost a crusade with him to create made-to-last toys, saying "If we want our children to grow up appreciating nice things, it is important to introduce them to that which is fine when they are young." ~ from Toymaker Revels in the Simple Life, The York County Coast Star, by Virginia Ray
Personal Testimonials
We were looking for some christening presents and couldn't find anything unusual or special until we discovered this website. We ordered three, which were received in record time, despite having to be sent to the UK. They were duly dispatched to the grateful babies, who are still happily gnawing away on them now.
Since purchasing the rattles we have decided to go into business and now have a further 30 rattles for our shop. ~
Lynda & Robin Davies, Blaze House Art
I received the plane yesterday. It is beautiful! My fiance is a furniture maker and he was impressed as well. Thank you. ~ Sara D.
Your work captures the essence of the term "hand-crafted" and each item is a delight to the senses of all the young, and young-at-heart. I give them as "legacy gifts" -- gifts meant to be treasured, used, handed down from one generation to another.
As a trained child psychologist, I appreciate your intention for these to be used as tools for "learning to play." As a fellow artist, I admire and wish for you and yours continued blessings. I can hardly wait to read what the rattle recipients write (two sets of parents who are musicians) when they receive their gifts this Spring.
The helicopter's recipients wrote:
"The wooden helicopter is so great! It has a place of honor on our coffee table where it waits for Ayla (Heb. for "oak tree") to get old enough to play with it. It is just too beautiful to have out of sight. So, this way Daren and I get to enjoy it as much as I know she will. Everyone that comes to visit remarks on it and can't help but mention how fitting it is for a child of two helicopter savvy firefighters! Really, just a perfect gift for all to enjoy for a very long time. It is so beautifully put together, what a Maine treat!" ~
Paz y luz,
Linda
Bill, Orion loves his new baby rattle and wants you to know that it is beautiful (and delicious!) You are an artist and a poet. Thank you! ~ Mary W.
Thank you. Your personal touch means a lot. We will be looking to you to expand his collection. ~ Shirley W.
The baby rattle arrived and it is as delicate and beautiful as I thought it would be. Thank you. May your art forever expand in the world so that many, many others may enjoy your gifts. In appreciation. ~ Brenda
I just wanted to thank you for making such quality toys. I live in California and was given a baby rattle from a friend in New Hampshire. It is my 7 month old's favorite toy. I wanted to let you know that your toys are beautiful and appreciated. ~ Megan from California
Thank you for the toys. They arrived today and are quite beautiful. Please continue to do this important work for children. ~ All the best, Kendra
Thank you so much! I think I ordered a wooden helicopter from you last year for my other nephew. Anyway, they loved it, so I'll be ordering more from you. Thanks. ~ Estelle C.
The sand dollars and rattles arrived yesterday. They are beautiful and already being admired. Regards. ~ Doug D.
I received the plane yesterday. It is beautiful! My fiance is a furniture maker and he was impressed as well. Thank you. ~ Sara D.
I just want to let you know that I received the toys yesterday and they are beautiful! It's really hard to find handmade things like that these days and I know they'll be treasured. In fact, I am half afraid my husband will want to keep them for himself instead of giving them away. Thanks so much! ~ Annette V.
Just want to let you know that the toys arrived today and they are absolutely gorgeous. Our grandson will be able to play with them for many years to come and maybe his sister will enjoy them as well. Thank you so very much. ~ Kathy G.
The toys arrived about thirty minutes ago, and they are wonderful! I'm sure I will be more excited about giving them than my sons will be about receiving them (they are eight-month old twins), but even if they can't play with them now, I wanted them to have some REAL toys for their first Christmas. ~ Jennifer A.
William, the boat and rattle are absolutely gorgeous! We are new parents and the boat is our first gift to our 10 month old daughter. I know she will treasure it always as much as I already do. I was pleasantly surprised to find the boat has wheels, neat. I also appreciate your including the gift cards and postcards and now getting the email. EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE! THANKS. ~ Paul K.
I received my order yesterday, the service was excellent and I can't tell you how much I think of your work. It's wonderful! I am very sure my son will enjoy his gift. Thanks so much! ~ Sue R.
I received the toys yesterday and they look great! Thanks so much for the quick delivery. ~ Darci G.
I just wanted you to know that the plane you made for me is absolutely gorgeous and will be loved for years. ~ Best Karen O.
Every new baby should own one of your rattles! ~ Pam B.
