Mobile workshop from Findlay helps kids of all ages create their very own cute critter

FINDLAY, Ohio (WTVG) - Many parents are focused on creating hands-on experiences with their children. There’s a great way to do just that and end up with a cute stuffed animal or two in the process.

It’s called the Furry Tales Mobile Workshop. It’s a place to make stuffed animals. And this one is on the move.

“When we first got the bus, we didn’t want it to just be retail on wheels; we wanted it to be an experience,” Jenni Staude, the creator of the Furry Tales Mobile Workshop, said.

And they did that by turning an old bus into what they call a magical workshop on wheels that serves up an enchanting experience.

“My husband, Brian, and I handcrafted pretty much everything inside the bus. I still have the sketches from when we were planning everything out and to look at those sketches and to see what it’s become, it’s a great feeling and it makes me so happy,” Staude said.

The mobile workshop is based in Findlay, but we met up with Staude during a special stop the bus made at Sylvania Playland.

“We can go anywhere. We just got new tires on the bus, so we are ready to roll,” Staude said.

What Staude created, with the help of her family, is a wonderland for kids of all ages.

“One of my favorite things is when an adult comes on board and asks if they’re too old. I tell them there is no such thing,” Staude said.

Here’s how it works: Once on board, you get to check out all the animals. There are dozens to choose from and after you’ve picked one, or two, it’s on to the place where the magic happens.

“They meet me at the stuffing machine, which I call the tree of life, and we stuff it together. We also place a heart inside. Then we fill out an adventure certificate that marks the day the adventure with their new friend started,” Staude said.

And the fun doesn’t end there.

“On each certificate is a QR code that delivers them to Fairytales with Furry Tales. It’s a story time, so they can do a virtual story time with their new friend,” Staude said.

So how does she choose the animals? Well, she has a couple assistants.

“My daughters help me pick the animals. They scroll through the choices and make a list of the ones they think the kids will like,” Staude said.

The bus is available for all kinds of events and parties for the young and the young at heart. On a side note, Staude said they’re reducing their carbon “paw print” by using many products made with recycled materials.

If you’d like to learn more about the mobile workshop, click here.

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