Learning to make toys (Full Version)

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katie978 -> Learning to make toys (8/13/2008 6:54:44 PM)

   I'm trying to learn how to make toys.  I'm not just talking about tying together a few pieces of rope and hitting someone with it, I'd like to learn to make honest to goodness, professional quality toys.

   Although there's loads of good information available on the internet, and several books out there (Kinkycrafts should be coming to me any day now in the mail), I'd love to meet someone who knew how to make things and could show me in person.  However, the hooks I put out to asking the local community for help came back empty: there were lots of men who wanted to teach me a thing or two, but none of the things they wanted to teach me involved making toys (damned trolls).
 
    Does anyone here make professional quality toys? Where did you learn? Where can I also learn? Any help would be appreciated.



Leatherist -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/13/2008 8:57:00 PM)

You start with a passion for perfection-and refuse to compromise.



Domin8tingUrDrmz -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/13/2008 9:01:42 PM)

It would probably help to narrow your focus in the beginning.  What kind of toys do you want to make?  Leather? Wood? Metal?

Once you decide what material you wish to work with, go about learning how to manipulate that material.  For instance, if you want to make wooden furniture, learn how to use a jigsaw and a hammer.  If you want to make leather toys, focus on learning how to use riveters and such.  Once you develop your abilities, you will be able to create just about anything.



Leatherist -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/13/2008 9:12:40 PM)

Learn to sew, only a hack puts everything together with rivets.



katie978 -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/13/2008 9:13:46 PM)

 Thanks to you both. I suppose narrowing my focus is a solid plan, it's true that I'm hesitant to make an investment until I have at least some concept of what to expect with any material. I guess I shall ponder this more deeply.



Leatherist -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/13/2008 9:17:00 PM)

I have around five grand into basic equipment to make decent quality bondage gear now.
 
I expect to have to spend around ten more to have a half assed decent production set up-are you making to sell-or just for you?
 
 



JstL00k1ng -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/14/2008 12:57:04 AM)

Some people just have a natural creative side, and a history of being "crafty"

In my experience, it's when you can turn off the nilla side of your brain, and look at things from a kinky angle that the best toys are created or chosen. A while back I read a thread here on CM somewhere that had all kinds of ideas on how to make home made toys, and how to get started. Someone on it suggested going to Dom Depot (as it's been termed) drunk and feeling kinky and see what you come up with.

You don't have to have someone to teach you, although it sometimes helps. You'll find some are more than willing to share their trade secrets, and others keep them closely guarded. For me, it started with an interest in something simple that I took on my own and combined it with other craft skills I've picked up over the years.

Keep trying to find someone you can learn from. We're everywhere. Read all you can, and search the CM forums. Lots of unique ideas, and even some decent instructions on how to make some things.



Abaddon2u -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/14/2008 5:24:46 AM)

I chose to work in leather, if you choose to go that way, get a good walking foot commercial machine. It saves you from buying and expermenting with all the machines that will not produce the quality you are seeking. If you can afford the addition I would suggest getting an electronic step motor, as the speed of a comerical maching can be a little too fast for a novice to handle without destroying and the step motor will let you work one stitch at a time.

Additionally , singer used to produce a sail machine that was used abord all navy vessels. I you are intending on working with very thick layers of leather, these babies are exclent choicess, if you can find one. They work very well for saddle bags and leather of that thickness, or plywood - no kidding.

Abaddon

"Damn the torpedoes full speed ahead!" - nautical expression



Taboo4Two -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/14/2008 6:00:40 AM)

I see that you are in MA....If you are interested in leather you might try contacting Danny at Leather by Danny to see if he offers any sort of apprentice programs.  www.gripcuffs.com

The local vocational school is great resource for woodworking and metalworking classes if your interests lean in that direction.

Leather braiding and plaiting of whips is a unique skill and one that I have found I have ZERO apptitude for. Both of Bruce Grant's books on Leather Braiding are excellent resources and for whips David Morgan and Ron Edwards have books. Check out Amazon for these. http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Rawhide-Leather-Braiding-Bruce/dp/0870331612/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/102-9347814-4146552

If you make it to the Winter Flea be sure to stop by the Bullwhip Lounge and say hello. I make floggers, nipple clamps and paddles and would be happy to show you some of my creations.



katie978 -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/14/2008 12:13:25 PM)

  I've only made a few things, but I'd love to be able to make toys of such a quality that people would see them and say "Wow...I want that!" I think if I had enough money and duct tape, Home Depot would be the only place I'd need to go to make a dungeon worth of homemade toys. However, I'd like to know how to make cool things without so much duct-taping.
   Thank you all for the advice about leather. I'll admit that it was the main material I was thinking of learning to work with. All the really cool toys are made of leather. Or steel, but that seems a like a medium that a hobbyist has no hope of mastering.
    I suppose my next stop is my library to borrow loads of books about leather-working, and trying to figure out what I'll need to get started.



Irishm57 -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/18/2008 9:57:26 AM)

As was said earlier by some, each has their talents in particular things. My problem when i make toys, they look like crap. but are functional. I am an electrical engineer and good with electrical and electronics. But when it comes to woodworking or leather, forget it. Plus it takes time and materials to get good at one particular thing. The only thing that came out decent looking was my humbler stocks and a few humblers.

try some cheap leather and pine. Make a few items, not even bdsm related, and see what comes out better then try to focus on that field . Well this is only my thought on the subject




subbie333 -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/18/2008 9:57:44 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: katie978

  I'm trying to learn how to make toys.  I'm not just talking about tying together a few pieces of rope and hitting someone with it, I'd like to learn to make honest to goodness, professional quality toys.

  Although there's loads of good information available on the internet, and several books out there (Kinkycrafts should be coming to me any day now in the mail), I'd love to meet someone who knew how to make things and could show me in person.  However, the hooks I put out to asking the local community for help came back empty:


Generally toymakers will not seek you out to give away their information and expertise.  You need to go to them.  They can be found at fetish flea markets, bigger BDSM community events, and, at demos at smaller organizations.


quote:

Does anyone here make professional quality toys? Where did you learn? Where can I also learn? Any help would be appreciated.


Many at this site make professional quality toys.  We have learned by reading books and web sites, talking with "experts" (online and real life), and, by experimenting on our own.  Some people are very happy to help, while others might be a bit protective of their skills and expertise (considering the time and effort put in to acquire it).




SimplyMichael -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/18/2008 9:16:56 PM)

A friend of mine makes some of the best floggers commercially available and she does so in her lap.  She has a few things to speed up the process but the work is quite basic.  (edited to add: basic in the sense that she doesn't use vast amounts of equipment, lots of skill but it can be done by hand)

Hacks put stuff together with rivets but lets remember the golden gate bridge, one of the scenic wonders of California is held together with rivets.  What counts is the quality of the work, well done rivets can work asthetically and one can use a hand awl to punch holes and sew by hand without a commercial machine.

Now production is another matter but doing nice work is more a matter of patience than equipment.  Skill often simply ensures less mistakes and faster completion.



Naira -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/19/2008 8:35:22 AM)

In the way of general craftiness, I wouldn't ignore local classes and things at fabric stores. It might seem a little tame or stupid, but knowing your way around a sewing machine could come in handy. Once you've got that, finding the proper equpiment for sewing leather or other more difficult items will be easier. Trust me...little old ladies at a fabric store won't assume that you're making toys...they'll figure that you're interested in making a leather jacket or cushions or something.

Also, don't neglect cross-crafting, either. Knowing basic knitting, crocheting, or upholstery techniques can help a lot.



Malkinius -> RE: Learning to make toys (8/20/2008 11:33:51 AM)

Greetings Katie....

I don't usually read or post here but I do make a few things for myself. I am going to recommend the following web site/person.

http://www.saroftreve.com/wwl/index.htm

I have purchased a number of tools and supplies from him and if you explore his site and related sites, you will find lots of patterns and serious suggestions on how to make things for yourself. I can find leather less expensively so I have not used him for that, but you can get ones and twos of things from him that you have to buy by the bag or box elsewhere.

For bulk leather, try

http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/

Lots of fun stuff there and good prices.

Have fun making things.

Be well....

Malkinius




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