Who we are
We are team of two who, both having eschewed the regular career path, merged our talents and love of being part of the local hand made revolution to create Elfworks Studio.
Ross Atkinson is the man behind Salt Spring Wooden Toys. Ten years ago, Ross returned to Canada after living and working overseas and started to make his dream of setting up a woodworking shop a reality. After moving to Salt Spring Island eight years ago, he began making children's toys.
Susanna Kong is the founder of Two Monkeys Designs and started bringing her hand knit and crocheted hats to the market 14 years ago.
Our aim is to create environmentally sustainable products by reclaiming and reusing wood left over from construction and other wood working projects that would have otherwise been burned or taken to landfill sites. Ross is always on the look out for others' "scraps", in particular from flooring installers, cabinet makers, instrument makers and boat builders. We have been the happy recipient of a large quantity of used hardwood flooring including red oak, white oak, ash, cherry, beach, alder, mahogany, maple, Douglas Fir and bamboo as well as other offerings of redwood, teak, black walnut and more. This is the wood the toys are made from and as a result these are toys made to last.
We also create one-of-a-kind cutting boards, furnishings and furniture.
Ross' sons, now aged 7 and 10, were his inspiration to create safe, healthy, non-toxic toys for all ages. They have taught him to see the wonder in every day and continue to inspire and amaze him.
Susanna Kong is the founder of Two Monkeys Designs and started bringing her hand knit and crocheted hats to the market 14 years ago.
Our aim is to create environmentally sustainable products by reclaiming and reusing wood left over from construction and other wood working projects that would have otherwise been burned or taken to landfill sites. Ross is always on the look out for others' "scraps", in particular from flooring installers, cabinet makers, instrument makers and boat builders. We have been the happy recipient of a large quantity of used hardwood flooring including red oak, white oak, ash, cherry, beach, alder, mahogany, maple, Douglas Fir and bamboo as well as other offerings of redwood, teak, black walnut and more. This is the wood the toys are made from and as a result these are toys made to last.
We also create one-of-a-kind cutting boards, furnishings and furniture.
Ross' sons, now aged 7 and 10, were his inspiration to create safe, healthy, non-toxic toys for all ages. They have taught him to see the wonder in every day and continue to inspire and amaze him.
Susanna Kong is the founder of Two Monkeys Designs and brings her love of colour and design to everything she does. She has been bringing her hats and scarves to the Saturday Market for the last 14 years and hopes to continue for many more.
