Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Toby Schneider, and I’m the owner and artist behind StuckOnU Art, a handmade business that specializes in motivational magnets and upcycled journals crafted from nostalgic materials like Little Golden Books, floppy disks, VHS movie boxes, and more. I’m a proud veteran and minority small business owner based in Minneapolis, and I bring a love of storytelling, sustainability, and personal empowerment to every piece I create.
How did you get started in your art / business?
StuckOnU Art started with two incredible finds. First, I rescued a manual fridge magnet press from a scrap pile of a small business that was going out of business, and I couldn’t bear to see it wasted. That became the heart of my motivational magnet line. Then, I bought 4,000 Little Golden Books from a former librarian and self-proclaimed hoarder, who was thrilled they’d be turned into something new. Those books sparked the beginning of my upcycled journal collection, and I’ve been creating ever since. This was over 10 years and the business has evolved quite a bit. But Fridge Magnets and Journals are still the only 2 things I do!
Is this a full-time business for you?
Hmmmm… Kind of. I also have my own consulting business… and in the last 2 years I decided to treat this "hobby" as a client. I developed a business plan to increase channels, add wholesaling, and increasing how I obtained my vendors. All of this while ensuring that everything was upcycled, nostalgic and handmade. I pour my energy into every step, from sourcing vintage materials and designing new items to packing orders and setting up at shows. This work allows me to combine creativity, storytelling, and entrepreneurship, while also building something that connects with people in real and memorable ways.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
One of my favorite moments was when a customer picked up a journal made from an old Nancy Drew book and teared up. She said it brought back memories of her childhood and inspired her to finally start writing again. That kind of emotional connection—when someone sees themselves or their story in one of my pieces—is why I do this. Is that too cheesy?!?! ?? I also am proud to have been picked up in nearly 500 stores across the country in the last year.
What sets your designs apart from others?
Every piece I make at StuckOnU Art tells a story—because they are literally made from stories. My journals are handcrafted from vintage materials like Little Golden Books, floppy disks, and VHS movie boxes, giving each one a nostalgic, one-of-a-kind identity. And my motivational magnets? They're produced on a rescued magnet press I saved from the scrap pile, using designs that are bold, witty, and deeply personal. It’s not just upcycling—it’s intentional creativity that invites people to smile, reflect, and remember. I call it Upcycled Nostalgia and Repurposed Inspiration! Additionally, the scope that I'm able to produce make me unique, being featured in almost 500 stores nationwide and at this show I'll have close to 2,000 VHS Movie boxes ready to be made into notebooks on the spot!
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
This holiday season I've listened to my gardening enthusiasts, and I have some journals I've made from vintage 90's seed packets as well as a 5x8 larger size made from old 1970's Plant Cards. This comes off of the success of a new product that I debuted last year at the gift and art expo of the board games and Lego base plate 5x5 journals.
What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
The big hit at my in person shows are Journals on Demand from VHS Movie box covers. I will have pre-cut and punched over 1,500 movie boxes so that our guests can sort through my crates like old records to find their favorite movies. I'll make their notebook on the spot! It's like going to Blockbuster on a Friday night.
I’ll also be bringing a vibrant selection of motivational magnets, perfect for stocking stuffers or daily affirmations, and my signature upcycled journals made from Little Golden Books, Floppy Disks, board games, and minis from Pokemon cards, gift cards, and a new line of premium journals that are made with high quality watercolor paper. You’ll also find holiday-themed items, new designs, and mini journals perfect for stocking stuffers.
Website: www.StuckOnUArt.com
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/StuckOnUArt
Facebook: www.facebook.com/StuckOnUArt
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stuckonu_art_toby/