When you think of most children’s toys and products these days, it’s hard not to get a bit worked up by the vast amounts of poorly made, colourful plasticky junky stuff. It’s not the most eco-friendly picture is it? 

It’s not very child friendly either, and It’s this, that inspired Industrial designer Blythe Rees-Jones and wife Anna to set out on a little adventure and try to do something about it. 8 years later and their company Woolkin, is becoming famous for their beautifully crafted children’s toys made from wool and wood. 

Blythe is a strategic-creative designer passionate about growing New Zealand's future and helping great companies create and scale great ideas. He has significant experience working across many sectors including consumer products, food and beverage, healthcare, textiles and new materials development. 

In this episode, Oliver McDermott talks to Blythe Rees-Jones about design strategy, wool, and everything in between.