TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Arts & Crafts Product Category

Knitwear Designer by ALEX BRANDS

 Kids can learn to knit and design a wardrobe for 12" (30cm) tall Molly Dolly. Everything is included to knit a coat, skirt, dress, scarf, leg warmers and more. There is enough yarn to make 12 fashions. The kit includes colored yarns, ribbons, buttons, floss, wooden knitting needles, sewing needles and full color instruction book. Launch date: 2009.
— Two of 40 specialty retailers referenced art products by Alex when asked about best-selling hobby products in fall 2009. ( Watch Video) 8/4/2009 (Price: $26.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Art Table by BEKA INC.

The Art Table includes two paper cutters to hold and then tear art paper off; a handy storage tray in natural wood; and a paper roll holder (paper roll sold separately). The Art Table features a 24" x 24" white markerboard art surface. Assembled tables are 22"H. Some assembly is required using a Phillips screwdriver. Weights is 14 lbs.  Adult assembly is required.  ( Watch Video) 8/4/2009 (Price: $80.00)

Deluxe Easel by BEKA INC.

The top-mounted paper holder included with this easel positions a roll of art paper above the art surfaces, where it is very accessible. This feature allows paper to stay in place even when the easel is folded for storage. The easel measures 47-1/2" high and weighs 20 lbs. The paper roll is sold separately. Adult assembly is required.  ( Watch Video) 8/4/2009 (Price: $107.00)

paintdots Tote Bag by TERANISHI CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CO. LTD.

The paintdots collection of totes and pen cases allows individuals to decorate their product with the included markers based on dot-color instructions generated from an image uploaded to the paintdots Simulator program. The tote has three pockets on the exterior and there are two sizes of pen cases available. 7/30/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Designed By You Formal Fashions by CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Starting with the base of three different couture style dresses in shiny satin, young designers can decorate, accessorize, and embellish to their heart's content. Included rhinestones, ribbon, flowers, lace, glitter and trims offer plenty of possibilities for kids to get creative and bring their fashion designs to life. The gowns are sized to fit most 9” to 12” dolls.
―  “We sell a lot of craft kits for girls, especially the fashion kits from Creativity for Kids,” said Janet Gregory, owner of Over the Rainbow Toy Store in Anchorage, Alaska, in June 2009. “Those are usually a sure-fire sell when people come in shopping for little girls.” 7/24/2009 (Price: $25.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sticky Mosaics Mermaids by THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED

With the supplies included in the Sticky Mosaics Mermaids set from Orb Factory, kids can create four magical underwater scenes exploring the adventures of mermaids. Creative and accessible with more than 2,600 adhesive foam and glittering jewel pieces, four sparkling designs will come to life as children make their own tile-like mosaics.
― “Orb's Sticky Mosaics continue to sell well, even in slow months,” Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toy Shop in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly during a June 2009 survey of best-selling gifts for girls.
―  Three of 47 retailers said Sticky Mosaics are a best-selling item for girls, reporting sales of between 50 and 100 pieces per month. 7/24/2009 (Price: $17.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spiffy Spa by ALEX BRANDS

Encouraging equal portions of creativity and pampering, Alex's Spiffy Spa kit contains ingredients for an opulent afternoon pedicure. Including three bottles of kid-friendly nail polish in assorted colors, two toe separators, a nail file and more than 100 nail stickers, young girls have plenty of options to match their toes to any summer fashion they might fancy. Also in the kit, a pair of super-soft slippers awaits accessorizing with 30 pre-cut felt shapes that slip over already-applied buttons. Spiffy Spa is available with two different sizes of slippers. The small is suitable for ages 6 to 8; the large is suitable for ages 8 to 10.  
― “Right now, it's one called the Spiffy Spa, from Alex,” Steve Banducci, owner of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., told TDmonthly of his best-selling gift for girls in June 2009.
― “Spa kits by Alex do well,” said Donna Schwedler, manager of Treasured Child in La Grange, Ky., said in summer 2009.
― In June 2009, six of 47 retailers named Alex craft kits as a best seller for girls. 7/24/2009 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Eco Snoopers® Fun Activity Travel Book by PECOWARE

Eco-Snoopers Fun Activity Travel Book contains an array of puzzles, mazes, Q&A's, and activities specifically designed to entertain and educate children on the merits of being environmentally green. The book can be carried anywhere and contains quizzes and challenges created to keep kids occupied for hours. The Eco-Snoopers Fun Activity Travel Book is part of a larger selection of Eco Snoopers stationery and backpack products. Launch date: May 2009. 7/17/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 (Price: $4.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 (Price: $6.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Art Dolls Kit by ARTTERRO

Fun friends to design, dress and treasure forever. With simple tips and lots of examples for inspiration, cut, sew and glue four unique dolls and turn them into bookmarks, room decorations, gift tags or even pins to wear. 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 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Turtle Needle Felting Kit by WOOLPETS

With a generous amount of wool roving and step-by-step color photographs, this kit is designed to help one learn the art of sculptural needle felting. Also included are two new felting needles and a wooden skewer packaged in a take-out container. All one needs is a foam pad and a sense of adventure. Launch date: 2007. 7/7/2009 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sheep Needle Felting Kit by WOOLPETS

Individuals can learn the art of sculptural needle felting with this intermediate kit by Woolpets. This kit is designed for those with some experience needle felting, but adventuresome craft folks won't have difficulty. A generous amount of wool roving and step-by-step color photographs are provided to make it simple to create an adorable sheep. Also included are two new felting needles and a wooden skewer packaged in an attractive take-out container. All one needs is a foam pad and a sense of adventure. Launch date: 2007. 7/7/2009 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Penguin Needle Felting Kit by WOOLPETS

Individuals can learn the art of sculptural needle felting with this kit by Woolpets. A generous amount of wool roving and instructional photos are provided to make it simple to create a family of penguins. Also included are two new felting needles and a wooden skewer packaged in an attractive take out container. All one needs is a foam pad and a sense of adventure. "Lots of step-by-step photographs and very clear instructions ensure success for beginners," Kevin Sharp, owner of Woolpets, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2007. ( Watch Video) 7/7/2009 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ho Ho Ho Scribble Mat by SCRIBBLE MATS

Children can get into the holiday spirit with this festive Santa Scribble Mat. This durable, washable vinyl placemat is designed to provide hours of fun and creativity. It comes with four non-toxic crayons and may be used at meal time, school, home, restaurants, or for travel and kids on the go. "Our signature surface wipes clean with a dry cloth. Children can color over and over," Andi Thea, COTS of Scribble Mats!, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2003. 7/7/2009 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Santa's Happy Christmas Scribble Book by SCRIBBLE MATS

Kids can join Santa on his Christmas journey in this Scribble Book that comes with 10 color-on, wipe-off board book pages and six crayons. The pages can be colored again and again, and the product may be used at meal time, home, school and restaurants, and for travel and kids on the go. "Our special surface wipes clean with a dry cloth, so children can color over and over," Andi Thea, COTS of Scribble-Mats!, told TDmonthly. It received a 2009 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children's Products Award. Launch date: 2006. 7/7/2009 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Origami Fun: Paper Folding for Beginners by BARRON'S EDUCATIONAL SERIES

This beginner's origami book instructs kids on creating designs that include a spaceship, frogs, flowers and more. The 48 pages of instruction include color diagrams, and the back of the book holds 40 sheets of origami paper. A drawer in the book's spine opens to reveal six colored pencils and 12 decorative eyes that may be used to adorn the finished creations. The book measures 7.5" square. ( Watch Video) 7/7/2009 (Price: $11.99)

Pet Calendar by Creations by You, Inc.

Put your "best friend's" photos and memories onto a 12 month, laser reproduced, 11"x17" wall calendar to enjoy all year long. Pet Calendar includes Art Pages and markers for making drawings or scrapbook layouts for each month of the year, or simply find favorite photos that we will size to fit. A postage paid envelope is provided to mail in materials for production, or you can make your entire calendar online using digital photos and our Internet drawing tools. Your finished photo calendar has a durable plastic spine and starts with any month you choose. 7/1/2009 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pet Story™ by Creations by You, Inc.

Now you can publish a photo keepsake book about your best friend with Pet Story! Write a special story or make a breeder's portfolio, wildlife diary, animal memorial or much, much more. Simply layout your photos, drawings, stories and captions on the Design Pages included in the kit. Use the markers we provide or your own stickers, stamps and scrapbook materials for an extra special touch. Most cropping techniques are allowed. Then send your pages to us using the postage paid envelope provided, or the book can be made entirely online using our Internet drawing, writing and digital photo placement tools. In just weeks you'll receive back an archival quality, 7"x9", laser reproduced, professionally typeset, hard cover book. 7/1/2009 (Price: $28.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Calendar by Creations by You, Inc.

Baby Calendar allows you to put your baby's photos onto an archival quality, 11"x17" wall calendar to enjoy all year! Use the Art Pages and Mrs. Grossman's™ stickers included to make scrapbook layouts for each month of the year, or simply find favorite photos that we will size to fit. A postage paid envelope is provided to mail in materials for production, or make your calendar entirely online using our Internet Production. Finished calendars include a durable plastic spine and start with any month you choose. 7/1/2009 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Story by Creations by You, Inc.

Publish your photos and memories in baby's very own keepsake baby photo book! Baby Story makes it easy to turn your memories into a personalized, archival quality, hardbound book. The standard book included in the kit price can be up to 12 pages long with up to 300 of your very own words, professionally typeset. Extra book pages are included in the kit to give you the option of adding additional pages to your book. Baby Story provides many page style choices and uses a flexible format to let you be as creative as you like. However, even the most simple photo book will become a keepsake you'll treasure unlike any other. Best of all, you can make extra copies for grandparents, friends and relatives, which makes Baby Story an especially perfect shower gift. 7/1/2009 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]