Well, it was a huge hit with my boys; they just couldn't keep their hands off. After that, they had to get involved too. They helped me design the other cars for the train. And then we tackled trucks and tractors. They had some pretty firm ideas about how it should all look.

So now fast forward a little bit and here we are with a line of wooden toys for you; toys that last not just through one childhood, but can be handed down for generations. I've heard them compared to folk art, but they are made for play. And continuing in the old tradition, my boys are learning how to make toys while they help with the painting and sanding.

But do you know the most important things?Here are a few for you to remember: all of the toys from The Somona Toymaker are hand made right here in the United States. There are no metal or plastic parts of any kind. My process is entirely green: everything is pegged and glued with wood glue, and then painted with old fashioned non-toxic milk paint. And each is just a little bit different and very special, because they are all made by hand; each is a labor of love.