Creativity for Kids puts art into dessert, while the Orb Factory wows with new bangle bracelets. Watch these and other creative crafts, including sizeable play spaces from Kidscraft Playhouses, from early 2010 trade shows.
Turn 25+ real sea shells into a crew of creative crustaceans. This complete set includes a tropical pallet of paint, glitter-glue, wiggly eyes, craft glue, dimensional paint and ocean inspired felt accents. — Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys, informed TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010 of how she was impressed by this kit's use of real sea shells.
Child can learn about construction with this fabric covered foam product. Easy assembly using color-coded Velcro. Children 2 and up can enjoy learning to build this barn and play farm games with it. There are 15 sections to put in place with picture steps provided. A self-confidence building product with creative play value.
The Shuttle Imagination Playhouse by CRAFTY KIDS PLAYHOUSES
Made in the USA using 100-percent recycled cardboard material, the Shuttle Imagination is designed to take a child on a new adventure every day. It allows for a sturdy drawing surface and encourages creative play. Measurements (assembled): 39" L x 34" W x 72" H. Fin attachments are 12" in length. Launch date: February 22, 2010. Awards: 2010 Tillywig Top Fun; Spring 2010 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
This coloring tray features five dimensional rubbing plates and markers. The set includes 20 printed sheets, 20 blank sheets of paper and 15 break-resistant jumbo crayons.
Kids follow the numbered pattern to create sparkling greeting cards to send to friends and family. They can be used for birthdays, holidays or just to make someone feel special. "To make the Pretty Cards even prettier, we die-cut the front of the card, so tiles placed on the inside pop out of the front when the card is closed!" Damien Crocker, U.S. Specialty Sales Manager, The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2010.
Created for the budding fashion designer, this activity comes with a dry-erase board and wipe-off markers to allow the young designer to come up with several combinations of wild and wacky outfits. On one wheel, the designer will spin to choose the type of bottom (i.e. pants, skirt, etc.) and top (i.e. sweater, tank-top, etc.). On the other wheel, the designer will spin to choose the footwear and an accessory. Then, the designer goes to work with the different colors to create an outfit on the pre-modeled body. "SQUIGGLE Style is not about only creating a hip and fashionable outfit; it’s about being creative and engaging children’s imagination," John Kiely, president of RandomLine, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 15, 2009.
Art Revelations introduces Innovation in coil. The modular sculpture product that lets you create a sculpture of "whatever comes to mind" in minutes without tools. Just expand the coil, shape and connect the ends. Available in eight colors and three sizes.
A container of dough for each color in the rainbow-red (cherry), yellow (lemon), orange (orange), green (green apple), blue (blueberry) and purple (grape). You have an entire world of possibilities in one box. Zoos, aquariums, gardens, jewelry, even cities are waiting to be created. You and your child will have hours of fun molding, building and learning with our Rainbow Colors Set. Because one color just isn't enough! Available in Scented and Unscented Sets of dough. 10 per case.
Left or right handed - these safe and simple scissors are ergonomically designed with little hands in mind. Kids can practice fine motor skills on simple paper patterns and use the glue stick and wiggly eyes to turn these clever cut-outs into abstract art or amazing animals. Display boards and hanging yarn are included.
American Girl Crafts™ Starter Scrapbook Kit by E K SUCCESS
This starter kit introduces young girls to the art of scrapbooking. The kit includes an album, die cuts, stickers, templates, decorative embellishments, & easy to follow instructions. Launch date: 2010.
The Creation Cottage Playhouse by CRAFTY KIDS PLAYHOUSES
The Creation Cottage is made from 100% recycled cardboard material. The unique design allows for a sturdy drawing surface for child. The white exterior is a blank canvas that child will be able to design on their own. Measurements (Assembled): 42.25"L x 39.5"W x 54"H
This kit contains more than 500 shimmering jewels, and the box itself is felt lined, with a mirror on the inside cover. Girls follow the pattern for perfect results every time. Launch date: March 15, 2010. — In early 2011, Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash. continues to do well with Sticky Mosaics, particulary Heart Box.
Girls can create their own Tea Party with this preschool kit that has larger tiles. "These kits use a shape and color matching system, and large tiles, to make sure any preschooler can achieve great results!" Damien Crocker, U.S. Specialty Sales Manager, The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2010.
American Girl Crafts™ Owls Sew & Stuff Kit by E K SUCCESS
Sew & Stuff craft kits teach young girls how to sew & create their own hand-stitched crafts. Kits come with felt, stuffing, sequins, full-color step-by-step instructions, and everything needed to make a stuffed toy. Assorted kits available. Launch date: 2010.
With Stick 'N Style craft kits, girls just follow the numbered pattern to create stunning bracelets every time. "Make-your-own jewelry kits are prevalent in the market right now, but no one has been able to successfully bring the concept to a 5 year old. Our kit allows a 5 year old the ability to create stunning results, with no parental supervision. They must simply follow the numbered pattern for stunning results every time!" Damien Crocker, U.S. Specialty Sales Manager, The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2010.
Girls can create four fabulous butterflies by following the numbered pattern. The kit includes four shaped templates, four plastic hangers, and more than 1,900 foam and jewel pieces. Launch date: March 15, 2010. — Sticky Mosaics have been consistent best sellers at Jillie Beans Toys & More in Westminster, Colo., since the store started carrying them in fall 2009. “These are just fun,” said Owner Valerie Elsea in April 2010. “Parents say that their kids are so engaged when they are doing this craft. Any and all are great!”
Decorate six sturdy boxes with icing inspired trims and colorful felt accents such as cherry pom poms, glitter pain and a sprinkle of beads. The Dainty Desserts set comes with colorful felt, felt confetti, six colorful trinket boxes, chenille yarn, glitter gel, craft glue, scissors and assorted trims. The set includes a bonus 4.5" tiered dessert tray.
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Julie L. Jones has written articles for both newspapers and magazines. Before joining the staff of TDmonthly Magazine, she worked as a communications writer and provided editorial support for a market research company. Read more articles by this author
