Crafts, Cooking kits and supplies!

  the Review Source

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Chronicle Books
www.chroniclebooks.com

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Sock Monkey & Friends Ages 9+ Authors - Samantha Fisher and Cary Lane

• Favorite Features -
  • includes two socks, buttons, thread and stuffing to make a sock puppet
  • directions to make nine sock "friends"
  • step by step illustrations and directions to make sock monkey, owl, rabbit, elephant, crocodile, pig, squirrel and cat
  • encourages creativity, imagination and learning a new skill

    Fun and unique this book/craft set is sure to be enjoyed by pre-teen girls everywhere! Tremendously well done!

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Cake Pops Author - Angie Dudley

• Favorite Features -
  • step by step instructions for 49 projects
  • photos and tips throughout
  • each recipe includes photo, ingredients and instructions
  • includes supply sources and an index as well as methods and techniques and recipes for cake and frosting
  • encourages creativity, imagination and generosity
  Fun, unique desserts - gift this book as a gift to the baker on your list or make cake pops and give them as gifts sure to be enjoyed by all who receive them! I love the creativity and imagination that flows throughout this book! Tremendously well done!

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Party in a Cup Author - Julia Myall Photographer - Greg Lowe

• Favorite Features -
  • includes 26 recipes, six silicone cups, two craft plans
  • explains how to plan a party and how to use the cups
  • excellent info on kitchen safety
  • four parties - slumber, tea, summer and spa
  • recipes include ingredients, photo, directions and tips
  • encourages creativity, imagination and learning new things
  Creative and fun kit for elementary age girls to learn from and enjoy! Consider planning a slumber party over Christmas break and use this for an enjoyable time your daughter will always remember! Great gift for a gift exchange item as well! Extremely well done!

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Sterling Publications/Lark Books
www.sterlingpub.com

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Felted Jewelry Author - Candie Cooper

• Favorite Features -
  • instructions to make 20 unique pieces
  • basics on felting including techniques
  • step by step instructions with photos
  • 42 gallery photos of felted jewelry
  • encourages creativity, imagination, confidence and learning a new skill

    This book gives you the information and ideas to create your own unique felted jewelry to keep or give as gifts! Extremely well done!

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Van Gogh's Sunflowers In-A-Box

• Favorite Features -
  • includes 20 pre-cut paper stock pieces and directions to assemble GanGogh's Sunflowers
  • includes "VanGogh: His Life and His Flowers by Wendy Jackson" with a history of the man and eleven of his paintings
  • encourages creativity, imagination and appreciation of art

    Unique set allows you to build your own multi-dimensional masterpiece and learn about Vincent VanGogh. I think the directions for assembling the paper sculpture could have been more clear - illustrated step by step directions would have been helpful and some of the directions were confusing, but with a little patience and perseverance the piece came together beautifully. Very nicely done!

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Sugarcraft Flowers Author - Claire Webb

• Favorite Features -
  • includes recipes
  • 25 step by step directions for making flowers
  • full-color photos throughout
  • encourages creativity, imagination, confidence and learning a new skill

    Turn a simple cake into a spectacular one with these flowers - they look so real! I especially liked the sunflowers, carnations, rose, iris, daisy, lily and cherry blossoms. Tremendously well done!

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Uber Origami Author - Duy Nguyen

• Favorite Features -
  • instructions for 132 fun projects
  • includes step-by-step illustrations for the basics and for each project
  Combine this book with some lovely origami paper and you will have an unique and fun gift for the creative person on your gift list! Easy to follow patterns combine with a wide variety of patterns for a book sure to delight someone you know! Tremendously well done!

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Klutz
www.klutz.com

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Clothespin Cars Ages 4+

• Favorite Features -
  • kit includes three clothespins - predrilled - in primary colors, seven interchangeable car designs, a cut and fold paper city
  • easy to follow step by step illustrations
  • encourages creativity, imagination, following directions and fun

    Great early kit makes three fun cars! Children will have a sense of accomplishment and enjoy playing with the cars they made! Tremendously well done!

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LEGO Crazy Action Contraptions Ages 7+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes every brick, gear and axle needed to build 16 never-before-seen high-performance projects
  • step by step illustrated directions
  • encourages imagination, planning, building and creativity
  • troubleshooting information

    Fun projects help encourage and build and interest in how things go together and work! Parents and older siblings could work with younger children to learn how to build with this fun set! Extremely well done!

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Battery Science Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes supplies and information to build eight contraptions
  • information on electricity - what it is and basics on how it works
  • step by step illustrated projects
  • troubleshooting information and battery safety
  • encourages creativity, imagination, curiosity and learning

    While I could certainly do without the theories on evolution, this is a fun book filled with information and projects to help children learn about batteries - what they are and how they work. Kids will have so much fun building the projects they won't even realize they are learning science! Extremely well done!

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Part Robot Part Toothbrush - Invasion of the Bristle Bots Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes parts for two "bots", maze parts and decorations
  • provides information on motors and pointers to make them turn and move
  • shows how to build an arena and maze to race completed bots along with tips to do so
  • supplies to decorate bots

    While I could certainly do without a spider bot(!) this is a absolutely fun kit kids - and parents - will love! Perfect for a gift-exchange item or for parents to pull out on a snowy or rainy day. Tremendously well done!

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Boom Splat Kablooey Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes super-pop balloons, geyser tube and depth charge
  • safety first info throughout
  • information on sound and eight activities/experiments
  • information on splats and five activities/experiments
  • information on kablooey/explosives and three experiments
  • each experiment includes "what happened questions" and information on how/what happened
  • Mr. Safety Says - throughout
  • encourages learning, imagination, thinking and fun

    Again, I could do without the evolution theories, but the other science is sound. This book/kit provides a wealth of information and activities for kids and parents to enjoy as they learn about science together! Extremely well done!

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Klutz Book of Balloon Twisting Author - Karen Phillips Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes 40 balloons, pump and 11 projects
  • information on balloons and blowing them up
  • shows how to tie knots
  • step by step illustrated directions
  • encourages imagination, creativity and fun!

I loved this book/kit! Kids of all ages - adults too - find balloon twisting almost irresistible! This set allows kids to enjoy twisted balloon creations and enjoy learning how to make them themselves! Sure to be a hit with any who receive this! Tremendously well done!

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Classic Elite Yarns
www.classiceliteyarns.com

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Wool Bam Boo Yarn

• Favorite Features -
  • 50% wool and 50% bamboo
  • includes wash instructions
  • beautiful colors - we reviewed - Ivy, Artichoke Green, Havana Red, Buena Vista Blue and Plum

Cotton Bam Boo Yarn

• Favorite Features -
  • 52% cotton and 48% bamboo
  • includes washing instructions
  • beautiful colors - we reviewed - Sesame, Toasted Almond, Purple Heat, Heathcliff and Turkish Tile

These yarns are incredibly soft to handle and work with, the colors are deep and vibrant and the finished projects are beautiful. Whether you use them to make a project you give as a gift or if you give the yarn as a gift to a crafty person on your gift list, these gifts will be appreciated and loved! Tremendously well done!

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Sarah's Yarns
www.sarahsyarns.com

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100% Bamboo Sport Yarn

• Favorite Features -
  • look, feel and handles like silk, but since it is bamboo, the yarn won't pill
  • natural antimicrobial and non-allergenic properties of bamboo make this yarn perfect for use with children and people with allergies
  • available in eleven colors - we reviewed Ice Blue and found it to have a consistent and reliable color

100% Silk Worsted Weight Yarn

• Favorite Features -
  • incredibly soft yarn
  • available in four colors - we reviewed Red Beauty
  • easy to use and work with, this yarn is purely beautiful!
  These yarns from Sarah's Yarns encourage imagination and creativity when the yarn is given as the gift and great comfort and style when a completed project is given as the gift. Truly enjoyable to work with and sure to result in a lovely gift these yarns are of the highest quality and are sure to delight whomever receives them. Tremendously well done!

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Duck Tape
www.duckproducts.com

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Duck Tape

• Favorite Features -
  • made in the USA
  • available in colors - we reviewed blaze orange, tranquil teal, deep blue ocean, purple duchess, island lime and sunburst yellow
  • available in printed - we reviewed digital camo, cosmic tie-dye, totally tie-dye, zig zag zebra and spotted leopard
  Duck Tape has provided a wealth of craft/project ideas and directions on their website - Ducktivities - http://www.duckbrand.com/ducktivities give you great ideas to make gifts for your gift giving and exchanges or to print out and add with a box of tape . . . an unexpected and truly unique; yet quirky and fun gift! Tremendously well done!

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Hasbro Games
www.hasbro.com

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Scrabble

• Favorite Features -
  • basic game set with board and letter tiles
  • you'll need a strong and sturdy glue
  • picture hanger
  Okay . . . yes, I realize this post is in the crafts section, but this is one of the best, easiest and most personal-sure-to-be-loved gifts you can make for a family on your list! Take the last name of a family you need a gift for and then from there build a "cross-word-puzzle" with each family member's first name. Once you've planned out on paper how to make your "puzzle", glue the letters in place, add a picture hanger to the back and you have a truly unique gift that will be loved . . . and the focal point for many conversations! This is a great gift a grandparent could help grandchildren make for their parents!

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curious chef
www.curiouschef.com

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Holiday Cookie Kit Ages 5+

• Favorite Features -
  • kit includes 26 pieces - cookie turner, non-stick rolling pin, six piece measuring spoon set, six piece measuring cup set, four cookie cutters - angel, star, tree and gingerbread man - four hats and four aprons
  • soft touch grips on ergonomic handles
  • made with durable food-friendly material
  • dishwasher safe
  • hats can be colored
  • includes a cookie recipe on the back of the box
  • encourages creativity, math/measuring, interacting, learning a new skill
  Children love to help cook in the kitchen and this kit provides all the necessary components to get your kids busy baking cookies! I love how this kit encourages children to learn to cook and involves parents/grandparents in spending time with the child as they bake together! Consider giving this to the children on your list early and then help them make cookies to give to others as gifts this Christmas! Tremendously well done!

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Polyform Products Company
www.sculpey.com

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Fashion Fun Jewelry Kit Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes Sculpey clay, roller, detail tool, cords, stretchy string, clay tool and directions - in English and French
  • enough materials so children can make three bracelets, two necklaces and one ponytail holder
  • easy to follow directions
  • encourages creativity, imagination, learning a new skill and a sense of accomplishment and style

Puffy Jewelry Fun Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes Sculpey clay, tool, ribbon, stretchy cord and directions - in English and French
  • enough materials so children can make eight pieces of jewelry
  • easy to follow directions
  • encourages creativity, imagination, learning a new skill and a sense of accomplishment and style

Puffy Bobble Buddies Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes Sculpey clay, tool, wiggle eyes, pipe cleaner, springs and directions - in English and French
  • enough materials so children can make three bobble buddies
  • easy to follow directions
  • encourages creativity, imagination, learning a new skill and a sense of accomplishment

Bake & Bend Bendy Bracelets Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes Sculpey clay, ring, roller, tool, rhinestones, glue, glitter glue and directions - in English and French
  • enough materials so children can make ten fun bracelets
  • easy to follow directions
  • encourages creativity, imagination, learning a new skill, generosity and a sense of accomplishment and style

Puffy Custom Racers Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes Sculpey clay, stickers, wheels, axels, roller and directions - in English and French
  • enough materials so children can make two cars
  • easy to follow directions
  • encourages creativity, imagination, learning a new skill and a sense of accomplishment

Eraser Maker Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes Sculpey clay, tool, detail tool, pencil, keychain, wire paperclips and directions - in English and French
  • enough materials so children can make 16 erasers
  • easy to follow directions
  • encourages creativity, imagination, learning a new skill, generosity and a sense of accomplishment

Keepsake Clay Family Tree Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes clay, wire tree, shape cutter, texture mat, roller tool, ribbon, blue and photo template
  • easy to follow directions
  • encourages creativity, researching family history, generosity, working together and fun
  I love all these Sculpey kits and believe they make great gifts . . . both as a kit you give someone on your list so they are able to enjoy making things with Sculpey or for you/your child to make the items and then give the completed project to others as a gift! Affordable, fun and a great way to express your creativity - you can't go wrong with Sculpey! Tremendously well done!

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Sculpey Clay Conditioning Machine Ages 8+

• Favorite Features -
  • includes machine, handle cover, C clamp, instructions
  • machine has nine thickness settings
  • removable comfort grip handle
  • non-skid feet
  This machine allows you to condition and work with your clay so much more easily! Easy to use and sure to give you consistent and excellent results with your clay this is absolutely the gift for anyone on your list who enjoys creating with Sculpey! Tremendously well done!

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Creativity For Kids/Faber Castell

www.creativityforkids.com

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Coloring & Artivity Books Ages 3+

• Favorite Features -
  • we reviewed Got Wheels, Fun on the Farm and Let's Pretend
  • art quality paper and stickers
  • encourages matching, color number and letter recognition, same/different, creativity and imagination
  • includes art tips and techniques
  • perforated pages allow you to remove a completed page to hang on your refrigerator!
  Great items for add-on gifts or gift exchanges these little coloring and artivitiy books are sure to be enjoyed and provide a fun way for children to learn and express their creativity! Combine with crayons for a great gift! Extremely well done!

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Short Jumbo Crayons

• Favorite Features -
  • 15 fun colors
  • easy to hold
  • less wax and more pigment give better color
  • encourages motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, creativity and imagination

Triangular Grip Wax Crayons Ages 3+

• Favorite Features -
  • 24 crayons
  • easy to hold triangular shape
  • encourages motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, creativity and imagination
  • each crayon labeled with color name
  Excellent crayons make a great stocking stuffer! Combine with a Coloring & Artivity Book for a fun gift exchange item. Children love to color and these crayons give a deep, beautiful color! Tremendously well done!

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The Pop-Up Book of Me Ages 3+

• Favorite Features -
  • set includes pop-up book, markers, stickers, cut-outs and instructions
  • each page covers a specific topic - favorite foods, my house, things I can do and more - to encourage and help a child "write" their own story
  • encourages creativity, imagination, thinking, reading and learning about themselves
  I love this book! Combine it with the crayons and you have a great gift for grandparents to give a grandchild . . . then they can work together to complete the book about their grandchild! Pop-up books are fun, but giving a child a pop-up book about themselves is even better! Tremendously well done!

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Make Your Own Animal Puppets Ages 3+

• Favorite Features -
  • no glue needed - not a messy craft
  • includes three fuzzy socks, stickers, felt, fur, pompoms, yarn, wiggle eyes, needle and instructions
  • encourages creativity, imagination, generosity and fun
  Great to give as a gift to a young child so they can make their own puppets, or use with a young child to make gifts they can give to siblings, cousins and friends! Creative and fun - great gift! Extremely well done!

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Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook Ages 5-95

• Favorite Features -
  • includes a fun, pink, castle book, markers, stickers, rhinestones and instructions
  • book includes space for a photo
  • encourages creativity, imagination, writing skills and confidence
  Fun way to help a new reader develop an interest in reading and writing as they create a book with a story all their own! Extremely well done!

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Crafty Critters Ages 7-97

• Favorite Features -
  • includes three fuzzy gloves, scissors, buttons, felt, pom poms, ribbon, bows, yarn, thread, fabric, stuffing, needle, thimble, glue, instructions and more
  • encourages creativity, imagination, fun, learning a new skill, generosity and confidence
  Another great item to give as a gift to an older child so they can make their own "critters", or use to make gifts they can give to siblings, cousins and friends! You can't go wrong with a gift that encourages creativity, imagination and fun - great gift! Extremely well done!

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Sweet Shop Lip Balm Ages 7-97

• Favorite Features -
  • includes five containers, lip balm, purse, base, three flavor colors, wrappers, ribbon, spatula, melting container, measuring cup and illustrated directions
  • encourages creativity, imagination, learning a new skill, fun and generosity
  Another fun kit/gift a child could receive and make for themselves or make and give as gifts to some of the people on their gift list! Particularly fun and has that "cool" factor for elementary age girls - tremendously well done!

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Shrinky Dinks Deluxe Ages 7-97

• Favorite Features -
  • includes supplies to make 60 pieces - 10 sheets of film, beads, shells, keychain clip, gift tags, colored pencils, sharpener, hole punch, jump rings, elastic cord, bracelets, floss, ribbon, hair clips, instructions and more
  • encourages creativity, imagination, learning a new skill, fun and generosity
  Shrinky Dinks have been fun for a number of generations - glad to see them in another fun kit/gift a child could receive and make for themselves or make and give as gifts to some of the people on their gift list! This kit is particularly generous in the amount of supplies and possibilities for showing a girl's creative side - makes a great family gift for a family with several girls. Extremely well done!

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Christmas 2010

Main Table of Contents

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the Review Source

Copyright © Lynda Freeman

Last Updated Oct. 31, 2010

Web Page by Lynda Freeman

Send an e-mail to Lynda at LyndaFreeman@thereviewsource.net

 

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