our story

I was a kid who loved stuffed animals, convinced that they were real because their friendship was so tangible. As a sewist, I found myself not so far removed from that young self, motivated by comfort-seeking.

Brother Flax is an artful toy studio, built on the commitment to make well-constructed, simple objects, that offer comfort & whimsy. The toys are designed with what I call ‘open-faces.’ Intentionally unspecified features to hold your imaginations, emotions, joys, worries. To be a trusting companion.

the why behind the work

“it never gets old, making these animals. I love all of them, each one sweet and different and warm. I spend such a short amount of really intimate time with them, building each one, loving them and letting them go.”

in the studio, and on the farm

In between the studio work, I am lucky enough to shepherd a flock of sheep, chickens & the best working dogs at Meadowfed Lamb, a farm a run with my partner Matt. Meadowfed is a silvopasture project based in Hadley & Sunderland, MA, cooperatively farming with Carr’s Ciderhouse & Preservation Orchard. Silvopasture is a sustainable farm system integrates grazing animals into perennial tree crops, in our case we graze in a mixed fruit & nut orchard. We provide exceptional grass-fed lamb, pastured chicken, eggs & delicious yarn, sheepskin rugs & our beloved Sheep’s Wool Sponges.

FAQs

care and repairs

  • The toys are washable!

    Hand-washing & line drying are always gentle.

    Machine washing, cold water on a delicate cycle, recommended with wash in a pillowcase or intimates bag.

  • We use 100% polyester fleece. It’s warm & soft & stretches in all the right ways. However, the material & other synthetic materials, are known to contribute to micro-plastics in our beloved environment.

    These toys are handmade to last.

    Should mending become necessary, I urge you to patch it with something playful! You can also send your toy back to the studio & for a small fee, I will mend it.

  • Each toy made is truly one-of-a-kind. At this time, I don’t take commissions for toys, whether you’re looking for a specific color or animal type.

  • On this site!

    The Whitney Museum Shop in NYC

    Pop-up events, updates for those are on our Instagram