July 2010 New Specialty Toys — Creative Activities

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.