Inside the Workshop: A Glimpse Behind the Craft
Welcome to the heart of Kringle Workshops, the place where imagination meets old-school craftsmanship, where pine, oak, and birch transform into heirloom-quality wooden toys, and where each piece carries the signature craftsmanship of the Kringle Elf. Here, in our cozy workshop, the making of handmade wooden gifts in Lake Elmo, MN, becomes a rich, layered process: design, sawdust, sanding, branding, finishing, and care. We invite you to step inside and discover how your next treasured toy comes to life.
From Sketch to Solid Form – Handmade Wooden Gifts in Lake Elmo, MN
Every creation here begins with a concept. Whether inspired by classic trucks, tractors, planes, or imaginative scenes, the process starts with a sketch. The founder, Tom Bethke, brings his fine-arts and design background into every piece, drawing on years of building and shaping raw materials. He envisions how a block of wood can carry not just movement, but story.
Once the design is laid out, the material is selected. We source high-quality pine, birch, oak, and maple, woods chosen for their durability and rich grain. In the shop, the wood is inspected for knots, warping, and straightness, because every detail matters when we’re building toys meant to last generations.
Cutting, Shaping, and Sanding
The raw wood is first milled to the required dimensions. With saws humming and the scent of freshly cut timber in the air, each part begins to take form. But it’s not just about the rough cut, it’s about refining. Here in the workshop, we use both power tools and hand tools to build, shape, carve, and ensure that every surface is smooth and every corner is safe.
After the initial shape is crafted, sanding begins. This is a crucial step: every edge is rounded, every surface smoothed, because our toys aren’t just to look at, they’re made for play.
Assembly
In this phase, the parts join together. We use water-based, FDA-approved glue and dowels for secure, lasting construction. The end result is a toy that stands up to play today and tomorrow, so it can be passed down through the years and generations. From trucks with rolling wheels to trailers that hinge down for loading, every mechanical detail is mapped and built with precision.
Branding the Magic
One of the features that sets Kringle Workshops apart is the final branding: a wood-burned mark on each toy bearing our signature “Kringle Elf” logo. More than just a logo, it’s a certification of craftsmanship and care.
This branding happens late in the process, after sanding, assembly, and hand-inspection. The mark is pressed with care and permanence because we believe that your toy is meant for years of adventure, stories, and possibly even future generations.
The Finishing Touches
With the piece assembled and branded, we move into finishing. At Kringle Workshops, we keep things natural. Many of our handmade wooden gifts in Lake Elmo, MN, are left unfinished, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through. The feel of raw, warm wood, untouched by heavy varnish, invites tactile connection and timeless appeal.
Then comes our final inspection: every joint, every wheel, every surface is examined. Any minor imperfection is corrected. We want you to feel confident pulling the toy from its box and handing it to a child.
Packing With Care and Shipping
Once the toy passes inspection, it’s carefully packaged. Every order includes a Certificate of Authenticity, adding a touch of magic and making the experience special.
A Shop Built on Tradition and Heart
Behind every toy is the story of Tom Bethke’s journey, from woodworking taught by his father, to art school, theatre set design, and decades of playing the role of Santa. That history lives in the shop’s ethos: craft with integrity, design with imagination, build with care. Every toy is more than an object; it’s a piece of that tradition.
Inside these walls, you’ll find the hum of shop lights, the scent of fresh-cut timber, and the steady rhythm of craft in motion. Our process isn’t rushed. It’s thoughtful. It’s intentional. And it’s built around you, the family who will give this toy life through play, storytelling, stacking, pushing, and imagining.
A Shop Built on Tradition and Heart
Behind every toy is the story of Tom Bethke’s journey, from woodworking taught by his father, to art school, theatre set design, and decades of playing the role of Santa. That history lives in the shop’s ethos: craft with integrity, design with imagination, build with care. Every toy is more than an object; it’s a piece of that tradition.
Inside these walls, you’ll find the hum of shop lights, the scent of fresh-cut timber, and the steady rhythm of craft in motion. Our process isn’t rushed. It’s thoughtful. It’s intentional. And it’s built around you, the family who will give this toy life through play, storytelling, stacking, pushing, and imagining.
Crafting for Generations
Our goal is simple: build toys that outlast trends and batteries, that serve not only as playthings but as gateways to imagination. At Kringle Workshops, we don’t chase mass volume; we nurture quality.
Celebrating Craftsmanship and Imagination
Thank you for visiting Inside the Workshop. We hope this peek behind the curtain deepens your appreciation for each toy we build. It’s more than a toy: it’s a crafted promise, built with care, designed for play. If you’re curious about custom designs, unique requests, or want to explore handmade wooden gifts in Lake Elmo, MN, further, contact Santa to learn more. We’d love to bring your vision into the workshop.
