Tween Crafts Show Off on Video

Kids Can Make and Create to Their Heart's Content

By Alison Marek
September 2009

Are your tween customers into arts, crafts and fun accessories? There's plenty for them to explore in the following kits by Fashion Angels, Artterro, Creativity for Kids and Corps of Re-Discovery. Watch the videos below to see how to tackle these projects, and see demos of several other fun items for tweens!

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Bling By Number Tote Bags by FASHION ANGELS

There are two pre-printed styles of tote bags to choose from. Girls can add glitter glue and gems according to the instructions. The kit includes the Fashion Angels Cooler Jeweler gem and stud setting tool to keep the bling on the bag. "The item is something functional and results in a professional looking tote bag, not like a craft project — all for a great price," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. ( Watch Video) 4/28/2009 (MSRP: $17.99; Age: 8 and Up)

Shains Key Clips by SHAINSWARE

Shains Key Clips by SHAINSWARE Made of recycled material and available in a heart, circle or flower shape, Shains Key Clips allow individuals to express themselves through letter and icon elements that easily attach through the holes. ( Watch Video) 7/15/2009

Creativity Kit by ARTTERRO

There's no limit to what you can make with this beautiful collection of materials! With simple tips and lots of examples for inspiration, cut, glue and sew ornaments, bookmarks, jewelry, cards, mobiles, gift tags, collages & more! Two bonus projects in every kit! Turn the box into a mailbox, birdhouse or special treasure box. The inner tray is perfect for framing your art. Ages 8 and up
— "I love these craft kits because the materials used are so incredible. Kids get to play with 100-percent wool felt, glass and wood beads, and beautiful handmade paper. It’s an added bonus that the company has skipped excessive packaging and uses 100-percent post-consumer waste recycled paper, reusable bags and vegetable-based inks," said Autumn Orndorff, gift buyer for Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Ariz., after discovering Artterro kits at ASTRA Marketplace 2009. 6/29/2009 (MSRP: $22.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Badge Bands: Original Badge Wear by FASHION ANGELS

With this collectible bracelet line, girls pick a one-size-fits-all elastic cuff bracelet and choose from a variety of badges to customize their look. A selection of animals, pop art, rockin’ badges and more is available. Limited editions, gems and licensed images will add to the collectible badge mix. Each bracelet holds six badges that easily click on and off the bracelets. Additional badge accessories will include handbags, a headband and a belt. Retail prices are as follows: badges: $1.50; bracelets: $3.00; additional accessories range: $4.00 - $16.00. "Badges are very popular and have an Asian and European trend factor. Add in the fact the badges are collectible and the kid-friendly price point — it makes the Badge Bands and Badge Wear a great addition to our jewelry line," Sarah Koth, PR manager for Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 5/19/2009 (MSRP: $3.00; Age: 8 and Up)

BoogieBOTS Edge Series: GeishaBot by Bigatron LLC

This wind-up character is designed to dance for 15 seconds and comes in "try me" packaging. It does not require batteries. ( Watch Video) 8/5/2009 (Age: 6 and Up)

Piggy Paint Nail Polish by PIGGY PAINT LLC

Piggy Paint Nail Polish by PIGGY PAINT LLC Piggy Paint is an eco-friendly, non-toxic nail polish designed for fancy girls. This hypoallergenic, odorless formula is designed to be gentle enough for sensitive little hands and noses, yet it dries to a hard, durable finish. "Not only are consumers going green, but Moms are always looking for safe products for their little angels," Melanie Hurley, CEO of Piggy Paint, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008. ( Watch Video) 7/23/2009 (MSRP: $8.99; Age: All Ages)

Leather Coin Pouch Kit by CORPS OF RE-DISCOVERY

This great little kit is not only simple to assemble, but practical too. Every kid needs a pouch to keep his or her “treasures!” Corps of Re-Discovery Coin Pouch Kits include soft pre-punched leather with snap, plastic lace and illustrated instructions. The finished coin pouch is 4" x 3", perfect for holding your child's "loot!" Assorted earth tone colors. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $6.99)

Wire and Bead Art Kit by ARTTERRO

Copper wire is fun & flexible! Twist into all kinds of shapes and adorn with beads and marbles. With easy to follow tips and lots of examples for inspiration, make amazing creatures, fancy jewelry, flowers, mobiles or even fashion a royal crown! Two bonus projects in every kit! Turn the box into a mailbox, birdhouse or special treasure box. The inner tray is perfect for framing your art. Ages 8 and up 7/9/2009 (MSRP: $22.00)

Bling By Number Canvas Wall Art by FASHION ANGELS

Bling by Number Wall Art sets feature pre-printed designs on stretched canvas and come with glitter glue and sparkly "bling" to complete the artwork. Launch date: March 2009. ( Watch Video) 2/27/2009

Make Your Own Lip Balm by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Make Your Own Lip Balm by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS Young ladies can combine the soft and silky lip balm base with a variety of yummy flavors to create their own lip sensations. Simply soften the base in a bath of warm water and then add the flavorings. Mix up fun fruity combinations and add a hint of color, too. Cool cosmetic tins that come with the balm kit can be decorated with layers of fun sticker designs and labels. It's a fun, creative, and practical way for a girl to learn and role play.
— "Make Your Own Lip Balm from Creativity for Kids: It's a craft kit that gives you all the materials to make your own," said Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., when asked about popular gift items for girls in her store.
— “The lip balm from Creativity for Kids does very well,” Ron Kutchik, owner of Grand Slam Toys in Kodiak, Alaska, said when asked about best-selling activity kits in spring 2009.
— About half of 49 retailers surveyed about their sales in activity kits or playsets mentioned craft items as top sellers in April 2009. Three of 39 retailers identified lip balm kits as a best seller for tween girls in fall 2009.
— “Creativity for Kids. The Make Your Own Lip Balm kit is best,” said Amy Hofsetter, owner of The Toy Store in Atlanta, Ga., of her top-selling item for tweens in September 2010.
— Three of 44 retailers said Creativity for Kids supplies their best-selling items for tweens. ( Watch Video) 8/7/2007 (MSRP: $17.99; Age: 7 and Up)

Uglydoll Keychain - Plunko by PRETTY UGLY LLC

This 4" mini version of Plunko, who's a businessman and owner of a car wash and tire store, is ideal for toting around on a purse or backpack. ( Watch Video) 10/30/2008 (MSRP: $6.00)

Friendship Bracelet Maker by CROREY CREATIONS

Designed to make it easier and convenient to create colorful friendship bracelets, the Friendship Bracelet Maker features an adjustable butterfly clip to hold the top of the bracelet during construction, as well as a holder to keep all the strings in place. It's travel-ready, with a pull-out drawer for string storage and instructions, and comes with 56 threads in 14 colors. Launch date: Fall 2009.
Awards: Dr. Toy’s Best Vacation Products 2010

Past videos: Product Demonstration ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $24.95; Age: 6 and Up)

Orange Mini Quilti Dog by DOUGLAS CUDDLE TOYS

Decked out in designer fabrics treated with quilt stitching, this little dog makes for a colorful playmate or nice room decoration. It has beans in its body and legs, allowing it to easily stand up. The product is machine washable. ( Watch Video) 8/17/2009 (MSRP: $6.30; Age: 2 and Up)

Paperoni Deluxe Studio by SPIN MASTER TOYS

Paperoni Deluxe Studio by SPIN MASTER TOYS This deluxe set includes a colorful Paperoni cutter that allows kids to create their own lengths for designs, 600, 0.5" Paperoni pieces, 32, 9.5" Paperoni pieces, one 2-D template, one 3-D template, one 2-D self-adhesive template, one tweezer, eight gems and assorted embellishments. ( Watch Video) 8/5/2009 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 4 and Up)

Webkinz Black Bear by GANZ

This fuzzy creature comes with a code to access Webkinz World online. The bear’s special item in the virtual world is the cave bed, and it’s special food is honey bee roast.
— Seven of 68 specialty retailers named Webkinz as a best seller in their stores in October 2008.
— Mary Walsh-Martel, owner of Magical Child in Greenfield, Mass., cited sales of about 80 units per month.
— "Even though it's slowing down, it's still on top, with about 150 a month," Pam Byrd, manager of The Little Cottage Toy Shop in Franklin, Tenn., told TDmonthly about the best-selling Webkinz in her store in early 2009. ( Watch Video) 11/26/2008 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Lunch Box - Juju by BEATRIX NEW YORK

Lunch Box - Juju by BEATRIX NEW YORK Featuring laminated canvas material, this sturdy, insulated lunch box is designed for easy cleaning and includes a name tag and zipped pocket on the back. It is free from PVC, phthalates and lead. ( Watch Video) 7/22/2009 (MSRP: $34.00)

Bookmaking Kit by ARTTERRO

Sew beautiful paper together with decorative beads and thread to make handmade books to fill with memories, poems, stories and artwork. With easy to follow tips and lots of examples for inspiration, craft 4 fabulous books, plus cards, bookmarks and even origami ornaments! Two bonus projects in every kit! Turn the box into a mailbox, birdhouse or special treasure box. The inner tray is perfect for framing your art. Ages 8 and up. ( Watch Video) 7/9/2009 (MSRP: $22.00; Age: 8 and Up)

Cornhusk Doll Kit by CORPS OF RE-DISCOVERY

Because pioneers and colonists had limited materials, they were happy to find ways for their children to play. Iroquois Indians taught early American children to make cornhusk dolls. These Cornhusk Doll kits from Corps of Re-Discovery include everything you need to make and dress your own cornhusk doll. This is a great craft activity for children of all ages. The dolls also make unique and lively decorations. While the Cornhusk Girl Doll Kits are most popular, the Cornhusk Boy Doll Kits encourage multiple purchases. Fabric selections vary. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $4.50)

Quill Pen Kit by CORPS OF RE-DISCOVERY

Writing with a quill pen holds a special authenticity and uniqueness for historical re-enactors and romantics! Many children are excited to write like the early Americans and artists prefer the variations they can achieve with the flexible tip! Your customers will have fun making and using Corps of Re-Discovery’s Quill Pen. This kit includes two sanitized goose flight feathers, non-toxic ink powder, an ink jar, plus two recipes to make ink at home. ( Watch Video) 7/16/2009 (MSRP: $6.50)

Patchwork Quilt Kit by CORPS OF RE-DISCOVERY

Patchwork Quilt Kit by CORPS OF RE-DISCOVERY Your customers will enjoy making their own 9-patch doll quilt using the same techniques colonists and pioneers did. Early American women used their quilting time to socialize with friends and share stories with their daughters. This kit, from Corps of Re-Discovery, includes coordinating cotton fabric, backing, batting, needles, thread, yarn, plus complete instructions to make one 18”x27” quilt. Fabric selections vary. ( Watch Video) 3/30/2006 (MSRP: $11.99; Age: 8 and Up)