Since exhibiting its range of paper animation kits at London Stationery Show last year, toy and gift distributor, Go On Make Me has been working with paper artist, Rob Ives, to expand the range for 2025.
Go On Make Me is the brainchild of Oliver Comberti, who saw a gap in the market for toys, puzzles and gifts that encouraged children and adults to use their hands and get creative. “We’ve created a range of products that are attractive and compelling to children and adults alike, providing a much needed diversion from phone and computer screens. We wanted products that encouraged creativity with a modest challenge and the need to focus on physical interaction.”
New to the Go On Make Me portfolio last year were paper animation kits from Rob Ives. Rob is a paper artist based in Yorkshire who has been making paper models since the 1990s. He has published a number of books on paper modelling and over the years has designed over 530 paper models, many of which are available to download on his website as part of a membership package.
“I first met Rob two years ago at a show and I fell in love with his models straight away,” said Oliver. “These are not just any paper models. Rob designs paper models that actually move and do something. They are really something quite amazing. I could see straight away that they would have consumer appeal.”
Rob and Oliver worked together to create 16 paper animation kits, which are now available wholesale and will be adding to the range in 2025. “We had a lot of interest in the product at London Stationery Show last year,” said Oliver. “People couldn’t believe that these were made from just paper. And not just any paper. The models are all made in the UK from recycled paper, which can be recycled when finished.”
While the kits are not toys, they are designed with children in mind. “They are something that a child can do with an adult. They are not die cut – that would mean moving production to China, which we don’t want to do – besides, we want children to learn to cut out. It’s important for dexterity.”
Go On Make Me will be at London Stationery Show again this year (May 13-14) and Oliver hopes to meet more retailers who are interested in stocking the range. “The kits are very different to anything else on the market. They fact they are made in the UK is a huge selling point. Our current retailers say that customers love the kits. We’d love to introduce them to a wider audience. They really are something very special.”
