figure: Horse

Handmade playthings provide an opportunity for children to experiment and invent new ways of thinking. When a child manipulates a paintbrush, his fine motor skills improve. By counting pieces and colors, a child learns the basics of math. Experimenting with materials provides an opportunity to dabble in science. This horse was hand-painted by the son of Garth Parker, an American product designer who had more than 30 years of experience in the toy and custom manufacturing industry.