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Arizona Mantel Works

Arizona Mantel Works was founded in 1996. My intention from the beginning was to produce high quality, handcrafted fireplace mantels. To that end, my business grew and flourished up until 2008 when the recession collapsed my network of custom home builders and designers. By 2012 the company was beginning to show signs of life again but retirement was upon me and I change the direction of my business. With the advice and enragement of my daughter, I turned my talents to developing a selection of handcrafted toys for young children. My grandchildren are my product testers and my customers are my sounding board.

All the materials (with the exception of the Baltic Birch Plywood) are grown in the United States from sustainable growth forestry products.
The wheels, axels, peg people blanks, smokestacks and furniture buttons are manufactured in the United States. All the toys are designed and handcrafted in North Phoenix in Papa Jim’s garage.

Due to the nature of Poplar Hardwood (a natural product), Its coloration and grain can vary widely from light gray and yellow to shades of green and olive all the way to burnt umber with occasional streaks of purple. These color variations can occur in a single plank. Consequently, any given toy can vary in color from any other, and grain and color can vary in any individual toy. I hope you enjoy Poplars unique qualities and characteristics. It's a durable, splinter resistant, hardwood and the toys, if cared for, can last generations.