Brian Ng'aru crafted a delightful, eco-friendly wooden toy motorcycle that was both safe and charming for Sina Uti-Waziri's young son. What's your wish?
A request by Sina Uti-Waziri from Rheinstetten, Germany
I would like a wooden toy motorcycle for my 4-year-old son.
The length should not be more than 15 cm.
The two wheels should be able to turn.
No toxic paint, oils or other chemicals should be used as he might put it into his mouth at some point. Only natural products for wood treatment.
The design should be as natural as possible and clearly show that it is a motorcycle, but it should also not be too fragile and break easily with my tiny parts that can break off.
The Journey of Creating Eco-Friendly Custom Wooden Toy Motorcycle
Negotiation & Planning
Hello Sina Uti-Waziri, I am happy to provide an offer for your idea. thank you for being elaborate and sending images, it has helped me understand your idea better.
I propose to make the motorcycle out of mahogany and cypress wood so that it's both robust and appealing to look at. I will not use any paint or varnish for the finishing. The safest finish will be a natural finish, that is without applying any wood treatment or using linseed oil which is food-safe as it is non-toxic.
I am ready to start implementing your idea once you give me the go-ahead. I have attached a quotation for the work. Thank you for reaching out and choosing to work with us.
Hello Brian, thank you for the feedback.
I think using linseed oil would be a good idea for treatment.
Please go ahead.
Hello Sina, I have received your confirmation to start and will keep you updated on the progress
Crafting Process
Artisan’s Progress Updates
Hello Sina, I have acquired the necessary material for the project. Today I will be preparing the different parts of the motorbike and send pictures once they are ready. I will work on the second image as it seems more fancy and strong.
Dear Brian, thank you for the update. I am looking forward to seeing first pictures.
Regards,
Sina
Hello Sina, I have sent an update of the progress, am still preparing and cutting the different pieces for the toy before I can start attaching them. I have uploaded a picture.
Good to see the progress. Can you confirm that the wheels will be able to turn? Thanks
Hello Sina, I have sent pictures and videos of the final product.
The wheels can turn perfectly.
I decided to make a small rack to park the toy so it can stand by itself
It's ready for delivery once you confirm.
Good to see the pictures and the video. Looks great. Also the stand is a nice idea
Hello Sina,
I recently received your wooden toy from Brian and I must say, I'm pleased with the design – it's charming, sturdy, and truly beautiful. Brian's craftsmanship is evident in every detail, making the toy not just playful but also a delightful piece of decor.
I have shared photos of the toy, kindly look through and let me know what you think.
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Thank you Vicky for the additional pictures.
It looks good and I'm sure my son will enjoy it.
Please continue with the shipping. Thanks. Sina
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON001484E-54121
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
33.63
|
| Cost of labour |
47.09
|
| Cost of packaging |
2.69
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
2.02
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
85.43
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
8.54
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
8.54
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
30
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
19.48
|
| Total |
157.69
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
