Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A Golden Touch

Children, don’t discard those secret hopes and not-yet-jaded spirits just yet. Your parents may not admit it, but there’s a significant element of truth to the fantastical stories of toys rising to life, as they do in legends running the gamut from Pinocchio to The Velveteen Rabbit. Here it is: Sometimes, we choose the toy. Sometimes, the toy chooses us. The fuzzy, felt-skinned friends offered by Kata Golda serve as a splendid sample group through which to test this theory, laboratory-style. Go ahead little girl, pick up the hand-stitched dog, spring-pretty in her skirt and blouse, and see if her tiny dark eyes like chocolate chips don’t implore you to take you home, best friends forever. Don’t be afraid, little boy, to hold that bear in the buttoned jumper close to your believing heart, and see if he doesn’t softly whisper a plea that he might be the toy that wins your smile this Christmas. Give Kata’s characters a window of opportunity, Mom and Dad, and that lamb with the beguiling eyes, rabbit in Sunday best, or darling little peep just might capture you as well.

Of course, any review of Kata Golda’s work would be remiss without a mention that it isn’t just her stuffed animals that carry this magic. With the same enviable ease with which she turns a few mousy bits of felt into a full-fledged finger puppet, she turns tea sets etched with animal life, cards announced by unassuming snowmen, journals sung to life by carefree birds and a score of other products into the kinds of keepsakes that never lose their place in our lives. The fact that Kata donates a percentage of every sale to elementary schools is really just a second layer of frosting on an already-delectable treat; these toys are appealing enough as examples of the kinds of toys that all of us as parents wish we could make. Well, maybe you don’t have Kata’s golden touch, but if your luck is golden, that might be enough: The winner of today’s giveaway will be receiving an adorable Mouse Finger Puppet from Kata’s collection ($24 value). To qualify, visit Kata Golda, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Tell us in a second post if you happen to subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 12/11/08.

**We have a winner! Jenna who said, "I really like the Kid’s Messenger Bag. It is very cute!"

148 comments:

VickieC said...

I like the girl mouse,too cute,my little grandaughter would love it,thanks


vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

cltgrace said...

These are so incredibly sweet. I love that mouse girl...my heart is melting. The bunny girl is cute as a button as well. Choosing is so hard! Thanks for hosting!

cltgrace said...

I'm a subscriber~

Xenia said...

I think the Kid’s Messenger Bag is adorable, my daughter would love to carry it around!

Thanks!
xpbloch(at)juno(dot)com

Xenia said...

I am a subscriber!

xpbloch(at)juno(dot)com

judybrittle said...

I just love the girl mouse. How adorable she is. How cute they all are. Thank you!

Jenn S. said...

I collect everything mice! I am truly lovin' this site. I really like the mouse girl and mouse boy stockings. I love that they can be personalized.

Maja said...

mouse girl

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

The snowman ornament is adorable!!

=) melanie
http://melaniescrafts.blogspot.com
melanieadey at hotmail dot com

Keyo said...

i really do love the stuffed animals ...esp the bear boy! how cute

Keyo said...

i am subscribed to you as well.

Jenna said...

I really like the Kid’s Messenger Bag. It is very cute! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I love the Christmas Dog Boy - so darling! Your post is so beautifully written that I feel I must, must have one! Okay, I'll share it with my son I suppose...
themommyspot at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

And I subscribe!
themommyspot at gmail dot com

37 Questions said...

The kids messenger bag is so cute - and I love that you can customize it the way you'd like!

37 Questions said...

I'm a subscriber

Aisling said...

My favorites are the bird hand stitched ornaments in red, blue and yellow. I'd choose the boy mouse if I won.

Aisling said...

I subscribe to Wishing Willow.

Anonymous said...

Dog Boy is adorable.

Jodi Renshaw said...

I am lovin the kid's messenger bag! And the stuffies are adorable :) Thanks.

Jodi Renshaw said...

I'm a subscriber.

Jill said...

The stuffed animals are so adorable!! I love girl rabbit in the pink dress.

Andrea Hatfield said...

I love the stockings, they are just too cute! I can't pick a favorite.

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

polar bear santa mrs.mommyyatgmaildotcom

Carolyn Sharkas said...

Oh, I love the ornaments, especially the little red bird one.

thanks for sharing, she has some great things on her site.

carolyn s

ceashark at aol dot com

Carolyn Sharkas said...

I am a subscriber.

thanks again

carolyn s

ceashark at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

The teacups are so pretty. I love the bunny in a hat! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Subscriber! Thank you.

peg42 said...

I love the dog boy stuffed animal. Too cute! Thanks so much for this giveaway and Happy Holidays!

Alli said...

I like the Kid’s Messenger Bag and I'd want it with the elephant. So cute!

Simply Stacie said...

I love Mouse girl- she is so cute!

stacie_vaughan@hotmail.com

mverno said...

the kid's messenger bag is lovely

Jane said...

The Kata Golda items that first won my heart are her finger puppets, which I originally came across at an online store called rock paper scissors. They are just so dang adorable! (And babies schmabies, I could entertain myself at my desk with them).

Unknown said...

I like the polar bear santa.

Lisa said...

I like the stuffed mouse girl!

Unknown said...

Awww i love doggirl..anything doggie is cute for me. Love it!!Thanks for the contest, and cute site.

Unknown said...

I am a subscriber :)

cathyhall said...

A fantastic site, I fell in love with the holiday snowman album, thanks so much.

cathyhall said...

I am an email subscriber, thanks again.

jenny said...

i think thay are both realy nice but the girl mouse gots my eye thanks

Christina said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - I love Kata Golda's peep (yellow), such a lovely little bird, you can almost hear it softly cheeping or peeping!

toughturtles said...

girl mouse

Anonymous said...

I like Anne the bear girl. Thanks. angel_2417@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

subscriber

jessicajane said...

I absolutely love polar bear santa on her website! too cute :)

jessicajane.love at yahoo dot com

thank you!

jessicajane said...

I am now an active subscriber! :)

superfizz said...

So sweet! I love the bear girl stuffed animal the best.

superfizz said...

I'm now a subscriber.

valerie2350 said...

polar bear santa is cute

valerie2350 said...

email subscriber

Natural Mama said...

Oh my goodness what a sweet site! My favorite product is the "bear girl" stuffy, my little girl would love it.

Natural Mama said...

I just subscribed too :)

vboackle said...

the snowman ornament.

Jayme said...

i like the Holiday Brag Books.

jayme[dot]bouwens@yahoo[dot]com

Beeb said...

These are soooo sweet!! The yellow peep is such a cutie. Thank you for the chance!

-Beeb
supercoupongirl AT gmail.com

windycindy said...

Hello! I love her site! So many unique and adorable items. I really like the "Cozy Mug in a Cozy!"
Please enter me in your delightful drawing. Thanks.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

I am subscribed. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

bison61 said...

I like the bear Christmas stockings

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Mia J. said...

I love the cute little girl mouse.

ecky said...

i love the bear girl!
elkesten at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I love the mouse girl stuffed animal!

ashlomb at yahoo dot com

Beverley said...

The snowman ornament is cute as can be!

cpullum said...

I like the holiday brag books!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

Leah said...

The Penguin Holiday Brag Book is just precious! Perfect for my ds! : )))

Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

I'm also a very dedicated subscriber! : )))


leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I like the girl mouse stuffed animal.

jenny said...

please enter me in to this giveaway thanks and well i like them all but since i can olny pick one i'm going eith the girl mouse thanks

Gina said...

I love the mouse boys and mouse girls-I need two of each! I would have to go with a mouse boy for my oldest son.

reg8w@aol.com

mogrill said...

The Girl Mouse is also my favorite!!

Anonymous said...

the girl mouse is the cutest. BILL110@OPTONLINE.NET

DOODLEGIRL said...

rabbit (girl) stuffed animal

Unknown said...

I love the Dog Girl holiday stuffed animal. She looks so soft!

boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'm subscribed.

boldnessbe(at)gmail(dot)com

Shelley K. said...

I love the bear girl :) Thanks SO much for a great giveaway.

tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

Shelley K. said...

I am a subscriber

tskrush (at) cox (dot) net

Kari said...

Oh my gosh, the mouse girl!! My daughter has pet rats and that would be SO her.

ladyspy79 said...

The snowman holiday ornament is perfectly precious. Thanks for the giveaway!

ladyspy79@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I subscribe- ashlomb at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

The snowsuit holiday album is adorable!

imanoptimisticbeauty(at)yahoo(dot)ca

Unknown said...

I subscribe!

imanoptimisticbeauty(at)yahoo(dot)ca

Trish said...

I love the girl bunny! So cute!

Trish said...

I am a subsciber!

Mia J. said...

I like the stuffed animals especially the girl dog...so cute.

paryjeja said...

I love the giraffe stocking -very cute!

Unknown said...

I like the dog girl stocking.

Mommyhood is Thankless said...

I like the Bear Girl stuffed animal, so cute!

mommyhoodisthankless{AT}gmail.com

JACLYN said...

I like the stockings, great and unique styles!
firstrosegrrl@yahoo.com

JACLYN said...

I'm a subscriber too!

Anonymous said...

I'd pick the rabbit girl for my niece.

Unknown said...

I love the Bear Girl stuffed animal. She's adorable.

rosannepm said...

Stuffed animal girl bear
rosans4@comcast.net

mverno said...

like the kids messenger bag

Amber said...

I love the Snowman Ornament too!

Thank you for the giveaway and please enter me :)

hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

clc408 said...

I love the lamb stuffed animal. How cute! Thanks for the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I like the polar bear santa. Thanks for the chance to win.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Jenn S. said...

I collect mice items so I like all the things to do with mice. I think my favorite is the mouse girl personalized stocking.

Carolyn Sharkas said...

I loved the lamb stuffed animal, and the horse and naked animals tea set. Her work is very lovely with a homemade appeal.

thanks for sharing

ceashark at aol dot com

tatertot374 said...

I also like the dog girl. Very cute. Thank you
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

mogrill said...

The polar bear Santa is TOO cute!

Anonymous said...

I love the polar bear Mouse the best.
pantslearson@yahoo.com

justicecw said...

The boy bear stocking is adorable! justicecw@hotmail.com

pantslearson said...

I like the sno man ornament.
pantslearson@yahoo.com

pantslearson said...

I am a subscriber
pantslearson@yahoo.com

toughturtles said...

Holiday Photo Albums

kathy55439 said...

love the penguin soft brag book

dhunt said...

snowman ornament is adorable!!

Becca Ann said...

The polar bear santa is cute!

yellowlabs said...

I love Mouse girl

Storm Safety Blog said...

I used to have pet mice, and even before that I had a set of ceramic mice-in-clothing figurines. So, I have a soft spot for the adorable stuffed mouse toys. The felt covered journal "leaves" is very pretty and tranquil, too.

SeahorseLady said...

I love the stuffed toys and especially like the cute Dog Girl. How could anyone resist these cute toys?
Thanks for the nice giveaway.

SeahorseLady said...

I'm also a subscriber.

Jaye said...

I love the penguin brag book! It is so cute! The personalized stockings are adorable, too!

jebuell(at)gmail.com

Leah said...

I soooo love the Mouse Girl! Truly precious and perfect for my goddaughter!

Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

Leah said...

I love subscribing! : )))

leahita[at]gmail[dot]com

blogggggg said...

I love the personalized Christmas stockings, especially the giraffe one. So cute!

wordsmoveme(at)gmail(dot)com

blogggggg said...

I am a subscriber :)

wordsmoveme(at)gmail(dot)com

arvard said...

I like the holiday snowman album.

Jinxy and Me said...

The dog stuffed animal is super cute!

klp1965 said...

i love the bear (girl)

cdrury said...

cdrury@gmail.com
Dog Boy is oh so cute

Amira M said...

the journals are absolutely gorgeous! i really like the but letterhead journal.

Amira M said...

i am a subscriber

Anonymous said...

I love the little bear girl!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I'm a subscriber too.
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net

Noggy said...

Guess I'm pretty much like everyone else that finds the Girl Mouse absolutely adorable. I also love the Kid’s Messenger Bag and the Letterpress Printed Photo Album -Mouse Family in celery something worth bookmarking.

Noggy said...

I also am a subscriber.

Anonymous said...

The bears are fantastic, but the stockings are so classic.ashlyn@chuparkoff.com

Anonymous said...

Love the kid's messenger bag.

kujoko {at} att {dot} net

Steph said...

My favorite is the polar bear santa.

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I would have to say I love the Tea sets the most.

ZESTYWONDERLAND said...

I am a subscriber

Beverley said...

Polar Bear Santa is a real cutie.

lilyk said...

I love the polar bear santa!

lilyk said...

I subscribed to your blog.

Unknown said...

The mouse girl stuffed animal is my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com

Jen said...

I really like the finger puppets, but the Kid’s Messenger Bag is my next favorite item.

Anonymous said...

I love love love the snowman ornament! Thanks!


strycker@slu.edu

Jen said...

I just subscribed to your newsletter and confirmed my subscription.

Helen said...

I subscribe and my favorite is bear (girl).

Donna said...

I like the girl dog stuffed animal.
donna444444@yahoo.com

Donna said...

I am a subscriber.
donna444444@yahoo.com

masonsgranny59 said...

I heart the girl mouse.Thanks for the giveaway and entry:)

Miranda Ward said...

girl dog

Shari & Andrew said...

The mouse boy christmas stocking is too cute! I would love this for my son!

Sarah said...

I love the Bird on a Branch Felt Covered Journal.

Sarah said...

I'm a new subscriber.

Shari & Andrew said...

I'm also a subscriber! sharilht (at) gmail (dot) com

JJ said...

Adorable designs. I like the bear girl stocking the best.