Timothy and Connie Long have lived North of Taos in the San Louis Valley for over 30 years. Both
trained as teachers, they founded North Star Toys in 1979 with a workshop just down the dirt road from
their home. The family business enabled both parents to be at home for their two daughters, who were
home-schooled and spent time at the workshop playing and helping with the toys. Music is also important
to Timothy and Connie. As life-long drummer and percussionist Timothy works with the bands at the
Questa Public Schools and teaches Garage Band 101 and 102 with the Taos Youth Music School.
Connie sings and serves on the Board with the Taos Community Chorus and is also involved in
supporting and expanding the Taos Youth Music School. In their spare time Timothy and Connie spend
time in their beautiful yard either sipping coffee and tea or gardening.
From the North Star Elves:
Since 1979 our family has been dedicated to making high quality, non-toxic wooden toys at affordable
prices for children of all ages. In our green business we specialize in environmentally sound
manufacturing practices as well as toy designs that emphasize non-violence. Our toys are constructed
from American hard woods, walnut, oak and other fine woods. The toys are handcrafted into smooth,
durable designs and rubbed with a non-toxic oil to allow the natural beauty to shine. Recycled materials
are used whenever possible.
At North Star Toys we believe that conscious parenting is one of the most wonderful and challenging
responsibilities on the planet. It is our hope to support this important endeavor by offering simple toys
that stimulate creative, imaginative play. We truly care about the toys we make and hope that they add to
the nurturing experiences of childhood. We believe children deserve beautiful, functional toys. Our
business is to provide them.
