November 2010 Notable Toys — Arts & Crafts

LI-QUA-CHÉ is a paper-fiber reinforced, polymer based compound that is air-cured, not fire hardened. Designed to be used with plaster ceramic molds, it dries to a hard, durable, break resistant product.

Air-Dry modeling material for active hands. Dense, durable, responsive and air-drying, it features fine grain for finer detail and available in white or natural terra cotta color. Carvable, paintable and light weight.

This plaster cloth is fast drying and textured to allow for fine detail and smooth work. A fast medium for mask making, jewelry, sculpture, home decor projects, model railroad scenery and props. No heat required. Designed for safe and easy use for every skill level. Quick dry microwave projects under 30 minutes, including drying time. Each roll is individually wrapped for longer life and cleaner storage.

Activa's Model N' Mold is reusable and non-toxic, with natural color and waterproof properties. This enables the creation of landscapes and models, be painted, and support water such as a river, lake, or moat. Suited for fast dimensional studies, an introductory carving material, as well as producing molds for sand casting. Mold N' Mold is special sand designed for creative use indoors or out.

What you get with your kit:  pre-treated ready to dye short sleeve tee (adult tee's are a fashion fit), Hiho Batik wax,  Batik pen, sponge brush for painting, microwaveable Hiho Batik mug, step by step instruction manual, and fun Hiho Batik stickers for inspiration.  100% Cotton.

Lift your child’s creativity to new heights with Color Blanks. Color Blanks allow your child to engage in creative fun by designing their own plastic haracters using stickers, mini markers and more. Using a blank canvas, you child can create their
character, play with it or display. This activity set features one or two collectable, poseable, plastic figures, various colorful stickers and mini markers.

Friend 2 Friend contains all the material needed to make two different styles of friendship bracelets in an infinite combination of colors and patterns. Bright embroidery floss in ten colors, glass seed beads and a beading needle are supplied, as well as instructions for how to make two different styles of bracelet: a flat band, and a round band. Kids can pick their colors, add beads, and create one of a kind accessories for all their friends.
— Four out of 44 retailers surveyed in September 2010 said friendship bracelets were a top-selling item for tweens.

You’ll find this removable, reusable elephant chalkboard especially helpful because it can migrate to wherever you need the most help remembering, without trampling the walls. If your own little calf is busy building an animal community in his or her bedroom, this particular pachyderm is the ideal addition to a herd of chalkboard animals waiting for an oversized friend who’s good at remembering birthdays and what week the circus will be in town.

The Step2 Easel for Two allows two children to draw at the same time. It's a great way to combine creative play time with socializing.  Includes two hinged easels: one with a chalkboard and one with a metal dry erase board, a paper clip on each side for drawing, painting activities or to display work, middle storage area holds art supplies for easy access from both sides, deep trays and pencil ledges keep paint, brushes, markers, chalk and erasers (not included) within easy reach.  Measures 42.5"(H) x 26.5"(W) x 22.75"(D).  No assembly required.
— As of 10.25.10, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 182 reviews on Walmart.com and was listed as the #4 bestseller in Pretend Play.  PROS: Roomy trays, holds children's interest.  CONS:  Dry erase board may not erase.

With this kit, one can design their own stencils, and then create colorful, shaded pastel pictures. Contains black, white, and color paper, pencil, soft pastels, scissors, cotton balls, and instructions.

Add sunshine and water and see what develops. Use natural or man-made objects to make unique prints, by placing the objects on the included light-sensitive paper on bright sunlight or outside on an overcast day. Available in three different kits; each kit includes 15 sheets of paper.

Create a custom, one-of-a-kind crafts by using the included paints to personalize bowls with one's own colorful designs, favorite sayings or name. Kit includes two bowls, one bowl to paint for yourself and one to paint for a friend. Set bowl designs by baking in home oven. Ceramics are FDA approved.

Create a custom, one-of-a-kind crafts by using the included paints to personalize bowls with one's own colorful designs, favorite sayings or name. Kit includes two mugs, one mug to paint for yourself and one to paint for a friend. Set mug designs by baking in home oven. Ceramics are FDA approved.

Create your own art by sticking the LEDs into the rubber pad and watch them light up. Use the 50 LEDs of 8 colors to create personal designs.

Create your own art by sticking the LEDs into the rubber pad and watch them light up. Use the 50 LEDs of 8 colors to create personal designs.

Colored sand scenes from Sandtastik. Peel and add sand. Package contains two die cut 5x7 boards and 6 sparkling sand colors.

Sandtastik Rappit Plaster Molding Cloth is made from safe and non-toxic materials. Ideal for making volcanoes, masks, body castings, sculptures, jewelry, dioramas and more. Simply cut, dip in water, squeeze out excess, and begin to model. From set up to finished craft in minutes. Available in rolls of 4”x15’, 8”x15’, 4”x135’, and 4”x270’.

Canson has created a wonderful wide range collection of paper supplies meant to inspire young artists and fans of Eric Carle.  This new eco series (90% of the paper is made from recycled materials)  includes little market and sketch pads that are just right for taking out of a backpack while you're traveling. 
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal.

Two 7" square wooden shadow boxes with plexi-glass windows come with paints, colored paper, foam squares and shapes that kids can use to make a three dimensional design. Another way to go, paint the frames and have kids make a 3-D setting with mini-toys that fit in the space.
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, 2010.

The JTB Mini Concept Boxes include a careful selection of diverse eco-friendly toys, books and games pre-packaged to teach specific concepts to young children through play, emphasizing health, the body, good eating habits, art and music, geography and travel, personal safety, and sustainable architecture. The MINI Moody Foodie Box includes the classic Eating the Alphabet book by Lois Elhert, a fruit and veggie set made of renewable rubberwood, a USA made utensil and pots puzzles, USA made sensory dough, a USA made waiter costume for role play fun, and USA
made lace and trace food stencils for developing fine motor skills.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

My Wrap® is a made-in-the-USA all-inclusive craft kit to jump-start creativity by enabling kids to easily create their own unique wrapping paper.  Each kit contains two captivating, partially-complete, partially-colored, wrapping paper designs that
jump-start kids’ creativity, allowing them to draw, color and decorate with the kit’s eight crayons, pencil, multiple stencil shapes, gift tag labels, and plenty of colorful stickers.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

The 12” mannequin-style fashion doll has tucking features in both arms and legs to create pants, jackets, sweaters and more with the included exclusive fabric swatches, accessories, fashion stickers and rhinestone sheet.

Electra Doodle allows a child to create with light hundreds of designs. By using the stylus pen your child can doodle, draw, make kaleidoscope effects, animate, connect dots, play match games, and solve mazes. They can also make personalized signs and messages.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010

Designed for pre-schoolers, this clever and colorful stackable Block Crayon is perfect for little hands as it combinies two of a child’s favorite activities – building and coloring – into one. This product is safe and user friendly for all children. Children can draw, associate images, and improve dexterity, making it an excellent developmental choice for parents of preschoolers. With multiple playtime activities to offer, this is a perfect new choice to expand a child’s dexterity and creativity at a young age.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010