Illustrators Mielo Pouwer and Idris van Heffen founded Makii in 2013 and they develop creative and innovative products for children. They create giant colouring pictures, window clings, Rotterdam inspired pins and tattoos. You can now help get their Animal Parade to live.
The products are sold nationally and internationally through leading retailers such as Voorlopig and Alles in Wonderland in Rotterdam and directly to consumers through their own webshop. Makki also designs on commission. Mielo and Idris have produced unique and sustainable products tailored to the very best companies, such as the Rijksmuseum, Liverpool FC and HEMA.
In coming years Rotterdam based Makii wants to be a leading design studio. A frontrunner in making inspiring products that are produced locally, socially and sustainably. The first step they want to take is the production of a set of 10 crazy jungle animals, made of high-quality beech wood: the Makii Animal Parade.
Coloured editions
They got the idea when Mielo’s mother moved house, a set of wooden animals turned up. She made these toy animals over 50 years ago during her occupational therapy training. She uses the animals during her handicraft training with clients. The collection is based on the toys of manufacturer Konrad Keller, who designed the set in 1965.
Together with Staatsbosbeheer and Stichting Stunt Makii will produce the toys. Staatbosbeheer supplies the wood and the talents of Stunt produce the animals. Stichting Stunt is a social enterprise from Delft, for people who – due to circumstances – are not yet ready for regular work. The coloured editions will be painted with products from Baril Coatings, a specialist in Dutch ecological paint and oil.
As soon as children have had enough of the wooden animals they can be returned for free. They will be refurbished and get a second life.
This way the youngest generation will learn about important themes such as sustainability, inclusiveness, and biodiversity in a playful way!
Makii it happen
At the moment Makii has developed a method to produce the animals as efficiently and sustainably as possible and to scale up production in the future. In addition, all products are tested to ensure they meet all safety standards. The packaging is designed and there has been a professional photoshoot with kids for promotional material.
Through crowdfunding, they want to raise €12.500. They already achieved that. So the first 500 sets of wooden toy animals can be produced. The campaign lasts until November 15th.
