Lea and J.J. are both educators and the Montessori educational philosophy is a common point of interest in their studies. Following the Montessori philosophy from birth was something they wanted to do when they started their family together. When they found out they were expecting a daughter, they began searching for Montessori materials, but realized just how difficult it was to find them available for purchase in the United States.

This inspired them to begin creating some of their own Montessori materials, relying on their fond memories of woodworking with parents and grandparents as children. It was an exciting journey launching the shop together as they prepared to meet their oldest daughter!

All of their items are finished with a homemade natural beeswax and olive oil blend, and can be stained with homemade small batch dyes made from local, organic ingredients in the following colors: pink, olive, yellow, and purple. The dyes use local, organic ingredients such as blueberries, red cabbage, beets, and turmeric. The colors are more subtle than commercial dyes and paints, giving the pieces a vintage look and keeping them completely natural.

The goal is to create durable, beautiful products that will last for years to come.

"The use of wood instead of plastic helps the child appreciate the natural world, the colors, shades and grains of wood, and the varying weight of wooden toys in a variety of sizes and densities. Quality shows a respect for the child and teaches the child respect for belongings. Beauty and durability are important at all ages for the child's tastes are being formed at this time of life. People who learn to appreciate living with beauty early in life can more easily lead us in creating a beautiful home, and perhaps, a beautiful world, when they grow up." - The Joyful Child