July 2010 Notable Toys — Arts & Crafts

Farm Mini kit-ArtiSands Mini Farm kit includes nine (9) shaker tubes of sand and eight (8) pre-cut Sandesigns (Barn, Rooster, Cow and Horse). Features non-toxic colored sand, 5x7 vinyl pre-cut Sandesigns, sturdy carrying box, and easy to handle shaker tubes.

Kids can get all the fun of coloring in a neat, compact and portable kit. Use the washable, dry-erase crayons to draw and color on the included reusable activity sheets, then wipe them clean with the EZ-erase mitt. The pack includes four washable dry-erase crayons, eight reusable activity sheets, dry-erase case, EZ-erase mitt, and crayon sharpener. Launch date: 2010.

The Silly Monsters Quick Sticker Kit includes three bodies (printed on both sides) with stands and over 45 stickers to decorate, mix and match for monster mayhem. It lets kids use their imaginations to create silly monsters. Stickers include eyes, noses, hair and mouths. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: 2010.

Kids can make movable dinosaur action figures with this activity book from Figures in Motion. Kids can move their jaws, clash their teeth and make their powerful legs run as they act out their own dinosaur battles. It includes Allosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex, plus dinosaur facts. This creative learning tool features easy to assemble dinosaurs in pre-colored and colorable versions, using only crayons or colored pencils, scissors, a hole punch and fasteners. Owner of Figures In Motion Cathy Diez-Luckie told TDmonthly, "Dinosaurs on the Move is an engaging, hands-on activity book that will captivate children for hours." Launch date: April 16, 2010.

This kit includes three fairy paper dolls with stands, three fairy wings and more than 150 glitter stickers. Donna Modrell, marketing and operations manager of Peaceable Kingdom Press, told TDmonthly, "Girls will love decorating and playing with these enchanted fairies. It's super simple sticker fun!" Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: 2010.

This craft kit allows one to create the Beaky Family: Mama Owl, Papa Owl and their little 'un. Young sewers can design their own color scheme from a selection of felt sheets (brights or pastels). The owls are approximately 3.75", 2.75" and 1.75" tall when sewn. The sewing kit makes all three owls and includes re-usable patterns and full instructions, wool felt (5 colors), stuffing, embroidery thread, buttons and needle. All the crafter needs to supply is tracing paper, scissors, pencil, pins and dried beans for balance. Owner Sarah Ketchley of Kit and Caboodle Designs told TDmonthly, "Kit and Caboodle Craft Kits are designed and developed to emphasize the natural, the reusable and recyclable and are ideal for the beginning crafter with scope for embellishment and personalization by those more experienced." Launch date: June 2009.

Peggy Flores shows examples of wire sculpture and how creating them teaches students the elements of line, space, and shape. She explores using different types, gauges, and colors of wire and the tools necessary to cut and bend the wire to create a sculpture. She begins by drawing an outline of a subject and plans adding form by bending, sculpting, and cutting the wire. "This product is unique because an art teacher demonstrates the sculpting process and finished examples are shown," said Amy Woodworth of Crystal Productions. Launch date: March 12, 2010.