Today’s NEXT BIG THING item is a perfect match for FF:) Those who know us know we love Russian dolls and so does Tim Haugen of Fantastic Toys! This 38-yr old designer from Minneapolis makes the paper nesting doll kit, a DIY Matryoshka doll set. Defs keep an eye out for his characters also. You might be able to say you saw them here on FF’s NEXT BIG THING before they became the next BIG Saturday morning cartoon! Read more.

How old is your company and how did you get your start?
I was making miniature animal dolls for a couple of years until I fell upon the world of plush. I decided to give it a try and from the immediate positive feedback, I knew it was time to reinvent myself. I started selling online just over a year ago. In addition to plush I created some paper toys which have really been a hit. Finding my niche online has allowed me to combine everything I like to do: sculpting, illustrating, and designing while gaining modest steady success.

What inspires you?
Antique toys, gift shops, galleries and other artists inspire my creativity. I can spend hours walking around a craft store looking for things that may stir up some creativity. Talented artists inspire me. I have a competitive spirit when it comes to my art. When I see a particular craft that I like I’m inspired to try it. Flickr has been a great place for me to find talented artists that have inspired me to try something new. I’ve tried needle felting, teddy bear making and cut paper illustration as a result of these finds.

Any fun new projects coming up for Fantastic Toys?
I’ve cut back on the number of shows I’m doing and am concentrating on designing DIY toys and promoting my shop. In addition to that I’d like to get a book published featuring my paper or plush toys. I hope to finish writing a proposal and submit it to publishers soon. I’m also interested in contacting a national toy chain about carrying my toys in stores.

Your work has such a fairy tale feel. Did you read a lot growing up?
No, I honestly didn’t read a lot when I was a kid. I was the kind of kid that sat in front of the TV all day making my crafts. Kinda the same thing I’m doing now. Not much has changed but at least these days I’m getting paid for it! My childhood dream was to be an animator for Disney. I often do visit fairy tales themes in my work. We all grew up on them… They’re classic stories that everyone can relate to in one way or another.

Describe a dream project for you… Time and money are no object!
My dream project is going back to my childhood dream. I’d like to have my characters animated into a children’s television series. I hope to start writing a proposal for that next year. I dream BIG. Anything is possible!