Having Fun with Nick Jr Ready Steady Dough

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Fiona Martin

My children have always liked playing with dough, they love the feel of it between their fingers and quite frankly just love the idea of cutting, moulding, rolling and basically being creative as they like with it. So they were excited when they found out that we would be trying out some of the new sets from Addo Play, which are available to purchase from The Entertainer toy shop.

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The children were delighted to spend an evening after school last week in Ready Steady Dough heaven with a multitude of colours and tools at their disposal which kept them occupied for several hours. They had plungers, shape cutters, a rolling pin, moulds and a rather cool squeezy machine.

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The Squeezy Shape Station was a big hit, having lots of different shapes through which you can squeeze your dough by pressing down the large easy to press lever. It had them in giggles at first seeing large spaghetti like shapes oozing out of the machine which gave them new textures to squidge and press together between their fingers rather than a large lump of dough.

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Also included in this set and the Lots of Pots set are a couple of plungers so we had four different ones in total which work on a similar basis for smaller amounts of dough at a time. They loved watching it come out the other side, such a simple thing but fascinating for them as they saw the dough transform which they could use to be creative with or squidge back together.

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5yr old Mister B soon got into the flow of things and was making himself special super power bracelets as well as other crazy things as his imagination flowed.

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Miss M squeezed out a big thick line of white dough which she turned into the number eight, to represent her age. Meanwhile Mister B had made his own dinner – a pot of purple pasta!

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Miss M then made some thinner strands with the Squeezy Shape Station which she used to practise her plaits. It wasn’t long before she came up with her own unique creation which she was really proud off.

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As you can see both children thoroughly enjoyed their evening of dough fun and will have much enjoyment with it again in the future. These sets are good fun, great value and have hours of entertainment in them as they can be used time and time again. Why not check out the Nick Jr Ready Steady Dough range available from The Entertainer right now? Some great Christmas and Birthday ideas!!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review. honest review.

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Cool Cardz Scratcheez – Review

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Fiona Martin

Cool Cardz Scratcheez is a great new craft set from Cool Create, where children can make, design and laminate fun cards to give their friends, family or keep for themselves. The set has an added feature with scratchable stickers that you can place on top of the laminate and friends can scratch it off to reveal a secret message.

CLA00000 Cool Cardz Scratcheez Pack

The set comes with the following:

Boho Chic handbag design studio
20 laminates
20 cards
2 sparkling ring stampers
2 Boho Chic themed sticker sheets
1 Colour Scratch Off Stickers sheet
1 Message Scratch Off Stickers sheet
48 gems
1 felt pen
1 scratching tool

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I thought there were quite a few accessories with this kit and my daughter immediately wanted to get stuck in creating some cards. What I really liked was that the set can all be packed away inside the handbag shaped case, which is also home to the laminator tool. This keeps everything tidy and also makes it portable to take to friends houses etc.

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The idea is you select a card, all of which have a muted background design and then you create a design, picture or message on the card. You can also add pretty stickers to add to the look.

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You then take a laminating pouch, open it up and put each half through the yellow laminator tool. Place your card inside and slide the yellow part over which basically peels a paper layer from the pouch to reveal a sticky side which sticks the pouch together containing the card inside.

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Then on top of the laminated card you can add gems and the special scratcheez stickers. This can cover a message that will only be revealed once the design is scratched off . There are also black stickers that you can scratch off to reveal a pretty design using the stick and they have a coloured rainbow effect behind.

cool cardz 5 My daughter has really enjoyed making the Cool Cardz and has started making some for her school friends. This is a fun, different kit that she’s really found enjoyable. Refill kits are available which is a great idea and ou can also get ones based on different themes.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write an honest review.

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Cra-Z-Sand Purple Playset – Review

Posted on April 28, 2015 by Fiona Martin

The new Cra-Z-Sand Deluxe Purple Playset from Character Options was bound to be a hit with my two children as they love sand, they love arts & crafts, they love being creative and they love making mess!!

My children’s eyes lit up when they saw the set and they couldn’t wait to play. Fortunately with the recent run of good weather, we took the opportunity to play outside. The set consisted of a pack of purple coloured sand, a sturdy plastic tray to play in (although my children preferred to play on the art mat), a roller and various scrapers to cut and sculpt the sand any way you wish.

The sand is a really pliable texture and can be moulded and shaped anyway you wish. Just as easily as it can be broken up and flows through your fingers, it can be compacted and moulded into a perfect shape.

I have to say my two didn’t need any encouragement with this, they just got on and happily played, loving pressing there fingers into the sand and rolling it into balls etc. The sand is a really satisfying texture that feels soft and is totally non-sticky!

We used some sand moulds we already had to make shapes and they really do turn out perfectly formed with a simple tap and wiggle of the mould. This makes it really satisfying for children to see and feel that they have achieved something quite amazing.

I really liked Cra-Z-Sand and can confirm that my children loved it!! They have already asked if I can get them some different colours to play with. I think this is a fun, enjoyable, tactile play substance that although really isn’t that messy. It’s dry, non sticky and can be brushed off or hoovered up quite easily. The tray and accessories are strong and sturdy making this a good quality set.

We give Cra-Z-Sand a big thumbs up as we all enjoyed it, had lots of fun and loved the texture of it!!

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and the Cra-Z-Sand was sent to us in order to write the review.

CRA-Z-ART Crystal Craze Gem Bracelets – Review

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Fiona Martin

CRA-Z-ART Crystal Craze Gem Bracelets is a jewellery making craft kit from Character toys. Aimed at ages 6+, it was perfect for 7yr old Miss M to have a go at.

The kit consists of materials to make 15 gem bracelets each using a strip of sticky gems, a piece of coloured cord, a button, some glue and metallic thread. Miss M was eager to open the box and get started and even asked to do the vlog for me – see at bottom of post.

Each CRA-Z-ART Crystal Craze Gem Bracelet is made by attaching a button to a piece of cord then taping the cord to the table you are working from to keep it flat. Then place a row of sticky gems along the cord before winding the metallic thread around the bracelet, placing the strand between each gem as you go. Finally to finish of tie a knot allowing enough room for a button hole to fasten.

Miss M did require some assistance in finishing off the bracelets in order to get get the correctly sized button hole at the end. We didn’t realise that you need to cut the gem strip a little shorter in order to do this otherwise you run out of cord. Once we worked out how to do the first one, the following ones were easy.

The finished bracelets are shiny and colourful and fit Miss M perfectly. She was able to put them on and off herself easily so she was very happy and enjoyed making them too.

Here is a video showing you a bit more about CRA-Z-ART Crystal Craze Gem Bracelets:

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write the review.

Beados Glitter Quick Dry Design Studio – Review

Posted on February 20, 2015 by Fiona Martin

Beados Glitter Quick Dry Design Studio from Character has been a huge hit with Miss M. With lots of coloured and glittery beads that magically join together when sprayed with water, the designs are simple to make and effective when finished.

Suitable for ages 4+, although they would probably require assistance at that age, Miss M who is just 7 sat and did this craft set unaided and independently, meaning she was thrilled at the results knowing it was all her own work.

The set consists of a fan which requires 2 AA batteries, 2 boards to make the designs on, some design templates, various packs of coloured beads, a divided dish to use to hold the beads, a tool to pick the beads up, a water spray bottle and some stands to help display your finished work.

You can either copy the designs from the template or for younger children you can put the template underneath the board so you can follow the design by putting the correct coloured beads on top. The tweezer like tool helps you to pick up a bead and place it in the correct place on the board. I really liked the glittery beads and think they really enhanced the finished designs.

Once you have completed the design, you use the spray bottle to gently spray a layer of water across the whole design and then place it under the fan to try. Miss M loved following through with this process as she could complete it herself from start to finish.

The beads adhered together well once they were wet. We did find that if too much water was used it was a good idea to turn the design over once partially dry to let the other side dry fully rather than sit in water on the tray.

With plenty of concentration, the Beados really kept Miss M occupied and is a fun craft that’s a little bit different from the things Miss M normally does which helped maintain her interest. It made her feel very grown up using the fan herself and showing me her finishing projects.

The designs looked really good once dry and can be used for many things. There are a few various stands included, one to stand a design upright, another with a sucker to put on a window and another one with a sucker that you could stick anywhere. There are also some little attachments that you can adhere to a design with little water and they have a hole in which you can thread some string or ribbon through and use as a keyring or attach to a bag.

Beados has been a big hit here for Miss M who loved working with the beads and was really pleased with the finished pieces. This would be great for any art and craft fan, and you can purchase additional bead sets to make further designs after and the fan can be used again and again. Why not take a look at Beados next time you are looking for a gift?

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the products in order to write the review.

Bloom Pops Flower Design Studio from Cool Create – Review

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Fiona Martin

Bloom Pops Flower Design Studio from Cool Create is a fun craft kit where you can design flower motifs. They can be made again and again in different designs or used to stick wherever you want, be it something you want to decorate, make a badge or whatever else you choose.

With over 2 sheets of fabric flower petals, 1 Bloom Pop Maker, 6 sticky pads, 6 flower bases, 6 silicon buttons, 18 flower spacers, 1 unpopper tool, 1 display tree, 45 sparkly gems and instructions you can create many unique designed fabric flowers, which any young girl who loves creating, designing and making will enjoy!

It comes with a doll figure which is used to pop the button centre of the flower on but pushing her arms down. Aimed at 5yrs + this was perfect for 6yr old Miss M to play with and create with independently and something she enjoyed doing.

I like the fact that it comes with a moulded tray on which to put all the pieces, there are several sections to put the smaller pieces in and a set place to stand the popper doll. It also comes with a display tree upon which you can display your flower creations and this also fits into the tray.

Miss M really enjoying making different flower combinations. You build a flower by starting with a base, adding layers of petals and spacers which add to the 3D effect, and then use the doll popper to pop a middle onto the flower which also holds it all together. You then have the option of putting a sticky pad on the back, depending on where or how you want to use the flower. They is also an unpicker tool which easily unpops the centre of the flower allowing you to take it apart and start again with a new design.

We’ve enjoyed Bloom Pops, it’s a fun way to be creative and a bit different to other craft sets. The flowers look lovely displayed on the tree in Miss M’s bedroom and she plans to use other flowers in pictures and artwork that she makes.

Why not give Bloom Pops a try today?

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received Bloom Pops in order to write the review.

Back to School with Sainsbury’s Arts and Crafts

Posted on August 10, 2014 by Fiona Martin

With the summer holidays underway and two children to keep entertained, I’m also on the look out for things to do, whether it be days out, trips to the local park, or activities to keep the children occupied at home. When Sainsbury’s offered to send us a selection of their Back to School stationary range including lots of art and craft goodies, I knew that would the perfect way to entertain my two when we are stuck at home or when it’s raining.

With a selection of coloured card, tissue paper, wiggly eyes, glitters, sequins, glue, stickers and pens, they couldn’t wait to get started.

Miss M decided to create a picture inspired by our holiday with a beach scene at night with a dark sky and stars. She also added a lighthouse and a little googly eyed person.

Mister B decided to recreate the huge blue and purple jellyfish that we saw lying on the beach. He drew a blue outline and stuck on some googly eyes. Then I helped him add some sparkly purple glitter to make it shine and then he drew some wiggly jellyfish legs!

Miss M then got really creative and wanted to draw one her favourite activities – rock climbing!! She’s only had a go on the man made indoor rock climbing places but would love to one day take part in some outdoor rock climbing. She cut out a purple tissue paper rock and stuck it to the paper. She then created a sparkly purple sun in the corner of the paper. She then drew three little rock climbers, one each side of the cliff and one on top with all bundles of ropes. She gave each person a shiny coloured star sticker for their hard work and to say well done for their excellent rock climbing!

A bundle of craft materials is a great way to get the children to be creative and also to get them sitting down concentrating just like they have to when they go back to school. They also really enjoy it and love showing everyone their finished pieces of art.

With the new school term starting in just a few weeks, there are lots of things to thing about from uniform, stationery to getting your child focussed and ready for the new academic year.

Being organised in the mornings is a great way to start the day and keep things calm and smooth running. Sainsbury’s have put together a Back to School list of 9 igenious ways to streamline the kids mornings routine – why not check it out?

We were sent some Sainsburys craft goodies and voucher in return for this post.

Galt Mini Masterpiece

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Fiona Martin

When Galt challenged us to create a mini masterpiece of a famous painting, I knew Miss M would be up for the challenge. She loves art, always digging around in her art box creating me decorative picture. The challenge was to decorate a picture of The Kiss, a famous painting by Gustav Klimt.

We were sent a box of Galt Mega Mosaics to inspire us and printed out some copies of The Kiss to colour in.

Miss M was eager to start and decided to colour some parts of the picture in, she also stuck tissue to other areas to fill them with colour .

Mister B was fascinated with the Galt Mosaics and keen to stick the coloured squares on the numbers. This was a new activity for him and something that he really enjoyed, he had to really concentrate but it really helped with his fine motor skills. It also inspired Miss M to use some of the sticky mosaic squares on her picture along with tissue paper squares that she cut out herself and glued on.

galt art And here is the finished result, a combination of colouring, sticky squares and tissue squares. She also did a second picture on the right using just coloured pens.

I think her artwork is great and she thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, hence creating two designs. Well done Miss M!!

We were sent the Galt Mosaics to inspire us in creating the Mini Masterpiece.

Suteki Stencil Station – Review

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Fiona Martin

Suteki! Mega Stencil Station by Cool Create is the new Japanese stenciling art craze using a golden ninja stamper aimed at children aged 5+. The set comes with 9 stencils, 3 picture frames, 4 coloured paints, a ninja stamper and a workstation.

Suteki! has everything you need to produce three finished framed pictures although the paints, stamper, stencils can be used again and again.

The stencils are layered using different coloured paints on each stencil to create a picture. You receive enough stencils to create three different pictures, three stencils being used for each. Also included are three picture frames consisting of a front frame, backplate and sticky pad on the back to adhere to a place of your choosing.

As soon as 6 year old Miss M caught sight of this, her eyes lit up. She loves her arts and crafts and the Suteki box really appealed to her. It was the golden ninja stamper that really caught her eye and she was eager to try it out.

The first design she tried was of a girl. You start by placing a blank cardboard square into the workstation, then put the first stencil in place. The stencils are cleverly coloured the same as the paints so you know which colour paint to use with each one. Although this is only a guide and you are free to colour them as you wish. The workstation has four areas to squirt each coloured paint into – a job Miss M thought was great fun!

It’s then time to start by dipping the golden ninja stamper into a coloured paint. The stamper is a great size to hold and comes with 2 screw on sponge applicators at the bottom. This allows you to swap to use a different colour without having to wash the sponge every time.

Once you have paint on the applicator then dab it on top of the stencil ensuring all the cut out bits are covered in paint. It is then best to allow the paint to dry for about 5 minutes before continuing. During this time we carefully lifted off the stencil and washed it along with the sponge applicator.

When the paint is dry, you cover the picture in the next stencil and use a different colour repeating the dabbing process as before. Finally repeat with a third stencil to get the finished picture.

As you can see above, the finished result of the Suteki is very effective. Miss M absolutely loved doing this and it was easy for her to produce a great piece of art without it being too involved. I like the idea that frames are included as this really brings the picture to life and it’s ready to hang on the wall. This is perfect for her age of 6 years and requires minimum effort for a fabulous return. Anyone can do this, I think the age of 5+ is correct though in terms of keeping the template steady and not over dipping the stamper in the paint.

Miss M was keen to create another picture straightaway, so she got to work creating the monkey picture. By now she was well away on her own, happily following the process I’d guided her through on the first picture.

And look how proud she is of the finished result!

I have to say Miss M had a huge grin on her face the whole time while doing this Suteki activity apart from a few moments of concentration here and there. She throughly enjoyed it and was eager and keen throughout. I like it because it something a bit different, it has an element of fun with the golden ninja stamper and has been designed well with a plastic workstation tray that keeps any mess contained.

Here is Miss M proudly showing her finished pictures!

Suteki has been a hit in this house, a fun activity that I think is great for children to enjoy. It is a lovely to have a finished piece at the end that can be admired and enjoyed long after it was created.

What not give Suteki a go or check out the Cool Create website where there are prizes to be won!

And if you are looking for other Cool Create art and craft sets, why not check out our Cool Create Daisy Chains review.

All reviews are my own and my family’s opinions and we received the product in order to write the review.

Arts and Crafts Gift Ideas for Children

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Fiona Martin

My two children are so excited about Christmas, the joy of Santa coming down the chimney and leaving them a pile of presents to open. But with so much choice out there where do I start. There are a wide variety of Children’s Toys at Littlewoods available but I want to get my children something that’s not too gimmicky, that they will use again and again and has some sort of learning value from it. So I’ve decided to concentrate this years presents on creative toys this year.

As well as physical toys, you can also get them to have fun online with digital scrapbooking where they can help you create great gifts using photos adding backgrounds and stickers to add their own touch. This is a great introduction for young creative kids to gain some computer skills as they can play around changing their designs as they wish.

For physical toys there are some great ideas shown below:

Both my children love colouring, painting, sticking, you name it, they are always entertaining me by making something so this Jake and the Neverland Pirates Colour Your Pirate Ship would be right up their street. They’d have hours of fun decorating this before acting out their pirate adventures!

They both love getting their fingers stuck in dough, so I’d love to get them each a fun set, to get creative with. For 5yr old Miss M, she’d just love this Play-Doh Disney Princess design-A-Dress Boutique where she could create lots of pretty dresses for the princesses. For Mister B who’s 3, the Fireman Sam Dough Toolbox would be perfect for him to mould bits of dough in whatever shape he likes. With lots of tools, cutters and stencils this would keep him occupied for hours and he’d love the toolbox to keep it all in like one of his idols – Fireman Sam.

Miss M loves to draw her own pictures and although they are cute and creative, I think she’d really enjoy the Hello Kitty Drawing Projector to aid her drawing skills and allow her to draw fun pictures with the help of the projector light but as if they are her own. It would boost her drawing confidence and hopefully give her ideas on further ideas for her own pictures.

One thing we often find ourselves doing as a family is travelling long journeys in the car, either to visit family or to go on days out. I’m alway on the lookout for things to keep the children occupied in the back of the car and these Travel Art Easels look just the thing my two would enjoy and entertain them along the way. The Disney Princess for Miss M and Monsters University for Mister B.

So many exciting present ideas for art and craft loving children, I know my two would be pleased to see all of these on Christmas morning. They’ll have to write their wish lists for now and wait and see what Santa brings!

In collaboration with Littlewoods