May 2011 New Specialty Toys — Arts & Crafts

Each pack of Twisty Stix Scented Erasers comes with four fragrant Twistys. There are six different scents to choose from, each with bright colors and a design on both ends. Scents include grape, watermelon, apple, banana, peach and strawberry. These unique erasers will last longer than other erasers- they are 6.5"" long, almost the same length as a standard pencil.

This set includes 60 Crayons, 24 color pencils, 24 oil paint tubes, 24 watercolor cakes, 3 mixing pallets, 2 sketch pencils, 2 paint brushes, 1 pencil sharpener, 1 eraser, and 1 wood carrying case with drawer. This set includes everything needed to satisfy any budding artist. This item is notable for "The quantity and quality of the products used for the price. This set also includes a drawer for greater aesthetics and functionality," Alisha Kennedy, sales coordinator at Art 101, told TDmonthly.

This pine bird feeder kit includes four paint pots, 5" brush and a chain for hanging. Birdseed not included. When kids have completed their creation, they can fill it with seed and set it outside for bird-watching fun.
— Michelle Bears, owner of The Toy Store in Highlands, N.C., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that she sells 30 of these bird feeders each month.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 2 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun to paint. Cons: The opening at the bottom of the feeder is too large, so too much seed spills out of the tray.

52 count bucket of sidewalk chalk in assorted colors. Sidewalk chalk features new crayon shape, embossed with Crayola logo and serpentine design. Clear storage bucket with purple handle for take along fun. To reduce breakage & dust, sticks will be shrink wrapped in 4 sets of 9 and 2 sets of 8.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com from 12 reviews. Cons: Breaks easily; the blue chalk can stain concrete. Pros: Great value; the chalk lasts a really long time as long as it doesn't get wet.

This magnetic board allows kids to draw designs using a plastic stylus that is attached to the board, making it an ideal travel toy. There is no paper or art supplies to clean up, and the attached stylus stays with the board at all times. This mini scribbler comes with thick and thin chunky pen, two pattern stamps and a "magic" wiper.

Kids can draw on this magnetic board with no big messes. The magnetic stylus reveals bright colors when used to draw on the magnet board. Board comes with stylus and two shaped stamps. Frame is 12 x 9 inches and features a 7.5 x 5.25 inch drawing surface.

Filled with premium artist quality Faber-Castell materials, this portable art studio is the perfect gift for young artists on the go. This 34 piece set includes Faber-Castell pastels, markers, chalk, a white board marker, colored pencils, a pencil sharpener, a sponge and a drawing pad. Multi-functional surfaces include: a chalkboard, white board and a drawing easel. Designed with storage in mind, all of the materials fit neatly inside when not in use.
Awards: Dr. Toy Best Product Winner; National Parenting Center Seal of Approval 2009

This edible fingerpaint was created in 2007 with babies in mind, adhering to baby safe ingredients which are organic. The paint is also vegan, wheat-free, sugar-free, and contains no preservatives. Babies and toddlers can start expressing themselves artistically earlier, without parents having to worry about them ingesting harmful chemicals and dyes. Fantastic Finger Paints come in 5 colors. Purple/Blue with REAL blueberries, Red/Pink with REAL beets, Orange & Yellow with REAL pumpkin and green with REAL spinach. CPSIA Compliant. Made from Organic Fruit & Vegetable powders, rice cereal and rice flour. Paints come in 6 oz. convenient tottle bottles which have powder in them. Just add the water, shake and create. Makes over 12 oz. of paint per bottle (refill bottle with water and get more paint). Must be refrigerated after water is added.
Awards: A Dr. Toy Best Green Product for 2011; TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: This paint is extremely eco-friendly, and encourages parents to introduce their children to art and painting as soon as possible, without having to worry about their child being harmed by ingesting the chemicals in non-organic, non-plant based paints. This means kids can start learning forms of creative expression from a younger age.

With a little help from some crayons or colored pencils, and the included red and blue (cyan) 3-D glasses, the children (and adults) will discover a whole new world right before their eyes. While any child can appreciate the cool 3-D effect, the art books are very beneficial for children diagnosed with Autism, ADD, ADHD and Down Syndrome. Once the child sees the depth of these images, it almost ensures they will complete the task. Wholesale is sold in packages of 15. Launch date: March 2010.
Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011
— Why it won: 3-D is no longer passive! This set of coloring books allows kids to feel their pictures have really come to life. Once they wear the special, included set of glasses, their work seems to pop off the page. It's a great toy for traveling or Dr.'s offices, and will be sure to keep kids and their spectators engaged for some time.

The inside play area of this Princess Carriage easily accommodates 2-3 children. Carriage comes complete with 2 authentic lanterns, swinging carriage doors and a sunroof. Carriage has detailed pre-printed line work and includes colored markers.

The sleek contemporary design of this galactic cruiser will accommodate 1-2 children inside. Child uses flip up booster door in back of shuttle for easy entry. Front windshield flips up for additional peak-a-boo play. This Space Shuttle can also be easily positioned on its tail for “Take-off” position play.

This classic design is large enough to accommodate 2-3 children. Includes pre-printed line work and color markers for tons of coloring fun. Features a pointed tower and a door that folds down, just like a castle gate over a moat.

This high styled Pirate Ship will accommodate 2-3 small children and includes a flap door in back for easy access, a real spinning steering wheel and 2 Pirate swords. Safety tested designs with markers included- they're easy to assemble and built for serious play.

The newest addition to the Shrinky Dinks line. This 6 sheet pack of Shrinky Dinks Sunshine Yellow allows you to brighten up your Shrinky Dinks projects without using a bright marker or paint. This sunny yellow can be used as a background with our other plastics or can be used to accent anything...or use it alone to make your own bright shining piece. Use Sunshine Yellow with Permanent Marker, Paint Pens or Alcohol based rubber stamping inks. Creative fun for more "BRIGHT" ideas.

Trace, bake, shrink and build your favorite sea life in 3D! Classic Shrinky Dinks® with a new 3D twist! Make your favorite sea creatures: octopuses, dolphins, sharks and more. The new 3D Shrinky Dinks® Sea Life kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets (5” x 8”) and Sea Life tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions and you’ll be making your own 3D ocean in no time! "These are the only Shrinky Dinks on the market that show kids how to make real 3D figures," a rep from BSW Toys told TDmonthly.

Trace, bake, shrink and build your favorite zoo animals in 3-D. Make your favorite safari animals: Pandas, tigers, elephants and more. The new 3-D Shrinky Dinks Zoo Safari kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets (5” x 8”) and Zoo Safari tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions. "These are the only Shrinky Dinks on the market that show kids how to make real 3D figures," Andrew Tober, director of creative development for BSW Toy, told TDmonthly.

Trace, bake, shrink and build your Fairy Princesses in 3-D. Make your own fairy princesses, wings, flowers, jewles and more. The new 3-D Shrinky Dinks Fairy Princess kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets (5” x 8”) and Fairy Princess tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions. "These are the only Shrinky Dinks on the market that show kids how to make real 3D figures," Andrew Tober, director of creative development for BSW Toy, told TDmonthly.

Trace, bake, shrink and build your favorite Military Aircraft in 3-D. Classic Shrinky Dinks with a new 3-D twist! Make your favorite Fighter and bombers: the F-117 stealth, B-2 bomber, F-22 raptor and more. The new 3-D Shrinky Dinks® Military Aircraft kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets (5” x 8”) and Military Aircraft tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions. "These are the only Shrinky Dinks on the market that show kids how to make real 3D figures," Andrew Tober, director of creative development for BSW Toy, told TDmonthly.

Trace, bake, shrink and build your favorite Space Shuttles in 3-D! Classic Shrinky Dinks with a new 3-D twist. Make your own space program with the Astronauts, Space Shuttles, planets and more. The new 3-D Shrinky Dinks Space kit comes with 10 Shrinky Dinks Sheets (5” x 8”) and Space tracing sheets. Just follow the easy to use illustrated instructions. "These are the only Shrinky Dinks on the market that show kids how to make real 3-D figures," Andrew Tober, director of creative development for BSW Toy, told TDmonthly.

These Sticky Mosaics Singles are the party-sized answer for a rainy afternoon or long car ride. With no mess, these small, portable kits are simple and fun for both boys and girls. Each includes 1 project, 1 wall hanger and over 400 sparkling tiles and jewels. Follow a simple numbered legend and create a beautiful mosaic with Sticky Mosaics singles. "Perfect for travel, stocking stuffers and party favors, Sticky Mosaics Singles are the perfect size for a quick craft on a rainy day or surprise gift for a special little girl or boy," Stephanie Carver from The Orb Factory told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.

Sticky Mosaics Tropical Friends comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2300 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels to create a stunning masterpiece every time. This no mess, no fuss kit features colorful chameleons, hopping tree frogs and curious geckos. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.

Sticky Mosaics Owl Pals comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2500 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels to create a stunning masterpiece every time. This no mess, no fuss kit features little owls peeking out of trees, snuggling under the moonlight and reading a book. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.
— Retailers surveyed by TDmonthly have been naming The Orb Factory's Sticky Mosaics kits as a best-selling line since 2009.
— In late Spring 2011, 25% of retailers surveyed said Sticky Mosaics were their best-selling line of activity kits.

Sticky Mosaics Ocean Princess comes with 4 sparkling projects, 4 plastic wall hangers and over 2100 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces. Follow a simple numbered legend and stick on the colorful tiles and jewels. This no mess, no fuss kit features our underwater Princess with her fishy friends and submerged palace. "Sticky Mosaics are not just crafts; they are works of art!  Just because a craft is completed doesn't mean the fun is done; display these mosaic masterpieces for years to come with the special wall hangers included in each kit," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly.
— In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, Kelly Boone, manager of The Elephant's Trunk in Greenville, S.C., told TDmonthly that "Orb Factory's Sticky Mosaics, specifically Ocean Princess," are best selling arts and crafts items. They sell 10-12 each month.

This kit comes with four tiaras waiting to be decorated. Girls follow a simple numbered legend and stick over 900 sparkling tiles and jewel pieces to create a beautiful set of jeweled tiaras. Each of these tiara's come with its own special colored over-sized jewel. "Not just a craft, this kit results in four tiara's to be used for open-ended and imaginative play.  Every girl loves being a little princess, and with four different tiara's to choose from, this craft goes from art project to dress-up fun," Stephanie Carver, from The Orb Factory, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2011.