Simply special: Gnawdic Baby
North Canterbury local Charlotte Bishop-Baker had a vision for children’s toys and teething products her autistic son could engage with. When she couldn’t find any handcrafted and high-quality options on the market, she put her creativity to work.
Born from a family of artists, Charlotte created her brand Gnawdic Baby with a focus on crafting locally-made, considered products – a beautifully bizarre and whimsical range. From teething sets and bibs to unique soft felt friends, and Christmas baubles with a teething ring and muslin facecloth inside, Charlotte’s products come from a special place of understanding for both children and adults.
The name is a fusion of Scandinavian-inspired Nordic, while ‘gnaw’ references chewing.
“Imperfections are the perfections,” Charlotte says, “yet each design is considered and specific to meet children’s needs.” The gentle clay, eggshell and neutral colour palette contrasts a busy, often overwhelming world of colour in children’s collections. Inspired by the gentle soothing colours and designs of Scandinavia, Gnawdic Baby is a welcome dose of soft muted tones and curved shapes. Hand-crafted in North Canterbury, teethers and pendants are crafted from natural beechwood and 100% food grade silicone, BPA, phthalate, PVC and latex-free materials, while 100% locally-sourced, handpicked cotton fabrics make up the bibs. “These are standards I don’t want to compromise on.”
“It’s a passion, one of those things I do for me,” Charlotte admits, describing how creativity is an outlet when she needs an escape. Find these handmade treasures online or through Gather + You in Rangiora and Ada Design in Hanmer Springs.
