The Brand: “From our hand to your hand. We want to warm people’s hearts. That is T-Lab’s philosophy.” This small Japanese woodworking design brand is committed to what they call the “little by little” process. They are dedicated to sustainable sourcing for their materials as well as minimalism in their process.

Description: Handcrafted in soft sustainable albizia wood by makers in Bali, each animal is first drawn on a piece of wood and then roughly carved into its shape. The next step is to further carve away the wood and soften the sharp edges. Then, the animal is sanded (polished) down with the final details painted on in vegetable pigment at the very end. The animals, whimsical enough for children and yet charming enough for adults, are made to be handed down from generation to generation.

Details: sizes vary in the 1 x 2 x 3 inch range, made in Bali of lightweight soft sustainable albizia wood, best for ages 3 and up, wipe with a damp cloth to clean

A Note From Erika: I loved them before I knew that they were each individually hand carved and painted but even more when I learned the story in detail. The first thing my customers say when seeing these, “they’re so cute!” And the second thing, “they’re so smooth!” And both things are true.