WINNIPEG — Just like the hockey players he paints, stickhandling is important in Clyde Raven’s work.
The Winnipegger runs Raven’s Custom Keepsakes out of the basement of his home. He creates handmade sports figures – essentially mini models of athletes.
“One of the very first ones I did was a figure of myself,” said Raven. “I showed family and friends and some of them wanted one of their kid or dad. It just got going from there.”
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Each replica starts as a McFarlane toy. Raven rips it apart, paints it and decorates it with decals – a process that can take up to a month.
“Every project is a challenge for me,” said Raven.
“Every project is unique. There’s not one thing that I’ve done that’s like the other one.”
Raven has received orders from all over North America. But he doesn’t just assemble amateurs. Raven also produces profiles of pros. He’s worked with NHL legend, former Winnipeg Blue Bombers and even five-time Olympic medalist Hayley Wickenheiser.
“To have them trust me enough that I’m the guy they want to make a replica of them, it’s a great feeling,” said Raven.
The keepsakes cost between $250 and $340. Raven also offers displays of professional players which contain autographed memorabilia.
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