NERF N-STRIKE MEGA SERIES ROTOFURY BLASTER

NERF N-STRIKE MEGA SERIES ROTOFURY BLASTER
From Hasbro Canada

About the product

Unleash the rapid-fire fury of the Mega RotoFury blaster! This long-range blaster launches darts up to 90 feet from its. Who will withstand your attack when you can fire up to 10 Mega Whistler Darts at your target without reloading? The Whistler Darts will scream through the air as you dominate the battlefield with the rapid-firing Mega RotoFury blaster!
Includes blaster, 10 Mega Whistler Darts and instructions.
• Mega RotoFury blaster fires Mega Whistler Darts up to 90 feet
• Includes 10 Mega Whistler Darts
• Rotating drum fires 10 darts at a time without reloading
• Slam-fire action
• Mega Whistler Darts scream through the air

My Thoughts

Geared for people ages 8 and up, this mega blaster will bring some joy for any child who is into Nerf blasters.   My junior high has Nerf nights throughout the year at the church (yes you have read correctly – at church!) we attend where the kids can be strategic and have a blast at the same time.  My son missed the first Nerf night a couple of months ago because he had a fresh stitch from a recent accident he had after the swimming lesson.  He was so disappointed that he couldn’t attend it.  Consequently, he is so looking forward to the Nerf Night on December 18th.  So I know without a doubt that he will enjoy having this jewel of a blaster in his hands.  

The blaster comes with 10 darts that are bigger than the regular darts from other Nerf blasters.   That is why it is part of the MEGA series.   The dart are huge in comparison of the ones we usually have.    The Rotofury has a rotating drum which will shoot the 10 darts rapidly directly in a slam-fire action to an unsuspecting target.   To make it more fun for the person controlling the blaster, the whistler darts will scream through the air as it try to reach the target.  The dart themselves could go as far as 24 to 28 meters .  A Mega dart performance chart can be found in the back of the box.

The Nerf N-Strike Mega Series Rotofury blaster is great for indoor and outdoor play.   Make sure you keep track of the darts so that you don’t loose them.   The Rotofury blaster apparently works better with Mega Darts only.  It is strongly recommended not to modify the darts or the blaster itself and to use only darts designed for this product. 

The NERF N-Strike Mega Series Rotofury Blaster is available for purchase at your favorite toy store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

    

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Star Wars The Force Awakens RC BB-8

Star Wars The Force Awakens RC BB-8
From Hasbro

About the toy

Launch into action and adventure in the world of Star Wars! Discover the exciting stories of good versus evil in a galaxy of starships and vehicles. BB-8 is the spherical, loyal Astromech Droid of the Resistance pilot Poe Dameron. Picture new moments of adventure! This RC BB-8 figure rolls in any direction and makes expressive droid sounds as you lead him into adventure. Collect and battle with this and other figures and vehicles from Star Wars. (Each sold separately. Subject to availability.)
Star Wars products are produced by Hasbro under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. Hasbro and all related terms are trademarks of Hasbro.
• Includes BB-8 body, BB-8 head, remote control, and instructions.
• Movie-accurate appearance
• Create adventures and scenes from the Star Wars Universe
• Makes expressive droid sounds
• Rolls in any direction

My Thoughts

I am so looking forward to the new Star Wars movie to come out in theaters on December 18th.   We are planning to bring all the kids to see it and let me tell you that they are looking forward to it as much as us the parents are.    As soon as the trailer was released, I immediately fell in love with the new Astromech droid BB-8.    And to be honest, I fear that R2-D2 has been replaced as the cutest droid of all time…  BB-8 is the spherical, loyal Astromech Droid of the Resistance pilot Poe Dameron.

Before receiving the Hasbro version of the BB-8, I had seen some reviews about it saying that the head would pop out and so forth.   I usually don’t care much about these kind of reviews and wanted to test it myself.   Apparently, the head stays on top while rolling, can roll in any direction, makes expressive droid sounds.   To allow this functionality, the body and the head contain magnets in order to hold them together.  

So this morning, I proceeded to product test the BB-8 I had received.   After inserting the batteries in the body part, the droid was making sounds already without having the body fully assembled.   Once I put all the parts of the BB-8 together, I followed the steps to make is roll.   At first, I didn’t wait enough to make sure that the head was aligned properly on it.  The consequences were disappointing because as soon as you make the robot move, the head would fall.   But I decided to wait a little bit more before repositioning the head on it and I was rewarded.   As soon as I made the droid more, the head would reposition itself immediately.  Gently droid noises were heard too.  Even my husband thought it was cool.   The control is limited on the directions you can do with it – one side will go forward and backward and the other side allows the head to change direction which in turn will move the droid in that direction next time you move it.   Bottom line, it was fun to control the BB-8 and I can see that this less expensive version of the BB-8 would make a great gift this Christmas for children.

The installation is quite easy.  All you have to do is open the body sphere in order to insert the section that will contain the batteries.   Insert the batteries and close the sphere.   Once this is done you can position the head over the sphere in order to complete BB-8.   Insert batteries as well in the remote control and voilà BB-8 is fully operational.   Note that you will need 6 batteries to operate this RC – 4  AA for the BB-8 and 2 AAA for the remote.  To turn BB-8 on, you have to gently shake the main sphere, set the body down and position the head on top of it.  The head should align automatically.    With the help of the remote control, you will be able to roll forward and backward, rotate the head left or right, as well as roll left or right.  To stop BB-8, all you have to do is hold it upside-down for 2 seconds.   Note that BB-8 will go to sleep mode when it is inactive for 5 minutes. Sometimes while you play with it, the head might fall do to impact.  To re-attach the BB-8 head, set the body down and allow it to settle.  Then you can place the head back on place and it will align automatically.  For best performance, the remote needs to be aim directly to BB-8.  Be aware that the remote control operates on infrared frequencies and that sunlight and or some indoor lighting may interfere with communication between the controller and BB-8.  This RC is recommended for indoor use only.  It is strongly recommended to keep it away from dirt and water.

The Star Wars The Force Awakens RC BB-8 from Hasbro is a fun gift for the young Star Wars fan in your life.  It will definitively provide hours of fun in the months to come.

The Star Wars The Force Awakens RC BB-8 from Hasbro is available for purchase at your favorite store, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Star Wars Board Games

With the new Star Wars movie – Episode VII The Force Awakens – coming out on December 18th, you must have expected a panoply of numerous toys and games coming out with the Star Wars theme.  Well, already on the shelves of stores around you, you will see such items.   Imagine how delighted I was when I saw a new Monopoly Star Wars, a Star Wars Battleship and a Star Wars Risk at my local Wal-Mart recently.   It was just in time for the Christmas holidays and I wouldn’t be surprised whatsoever if these would sell like cupcakes this year. 

Monopoly Star Wars

In the new Monopoly Star Wars you must be prepare to conquer worlds like Coruscant, Kashyyyk, Hoth, Genosis, Dagoban, Tatooine, Kamino, and Endor.    Inside the box you will find four characters available in this version; Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Finn, and Kylo Ren. Personally, I am a bit disappointed that there isn’t more characters to play with.  With our family of six, it isn’t even possible to have a game where everyone can play.   I understand that nowadays families are generally smaller but not everyone stops at 2 kids… 

The board itself has a circle shape compare to previous editions and you will find that even the money is different than previous editions as well.   This Star Wars version of a classic game will challenge you and your friends to dominate the universe.  The game is somewhat similar but the twist is that you will end up trading planets and bases instead of properties.   You will find Force cards to change your destiny as you play whether Empire or Rebel ones.   Also included in the package of this game, you will have 44 bases (22 Rebel and 22 Empire which are double-sided).

Prepare yourself to conquer the galaxy with your token with this out-of-this-world Monopoly version.

Star Wars Battleship

This new Star Wars Battleship game has everything you will need to play the classic game with the twist of being in the Star Wars Universe.  The game is composed of ships from the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  All you have to do is hunt, strike and win in order to conquer your opponent.

The game includes a space grid base, a vertical target grid, 8 plastic starships, 8 clear risers, 8 clear starship bases, 60 red hit pegs, 140 white miss pegs, an easy to store case.   You can chose to play as the light side or the dark side and battle head-to-head with a friend. 

 

Star Wars Risk

Finally, your game night wouldn’t be complete if you don’t take out your Star Wars Risk Edition.    Do you wish to control the fate of the Empire?  Well this fun game will allow you to recreate the dramatic final moments from Return of the Jedi.  The gameboard has a  special shape of a Tie Fighter and features 3 scenes for combat.   The ships include an assortment of Star Wars starships. – 20 X-wings, 16 y-wings, 15 B-wings, 56 tie fighters, 6 rebel fleet markets, Millennium Falcon token, as well as the Executor token.    

• The best part of this edition of the Risk game is that you now have two ways to play – 2 players or 2 teams.   Players (or the teams) will choose to play as the light or dark side of the force.   Special Empire or Rebel order cards are also included in the box as well as five dice.  I personally find that the shape of the board as well as the colorful pieces included in this edition of Risk will make it a hot item for the Christmas season.

 

In conclusion, I know that many families probably have older edition of these classic games but having it under a well beloved theme as Star Wars can incorporate some excitement and fun in your game nights with family and/or friends.

The new Star Wars games based on classic editions of Monopoly, Battleship and Risk are available for purchase at your favorite store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

 

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to Hasbro Canada for sending me the above mentioned products for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Build Your Own Adventure with LEGO

I stumbled of two fun products while looking at the book table at my local Wal-Mart.   When I saw them I quickly snapped a picture with my iPhone to remember the titles.   Today I am delighted to review these two amazing Build Your Own Adventure with LEGO that is published at DK Canada.

Build Your Own Adventure LEGO Friends

Build Your Own Adventure LEGO Friends is a book with bricks that will inspire kids to build, play, and learn all about the fascinating world of LEGO® Friends. It combines fan built inspirational ideas for building story starters. Your child will get inspired to build with creative ideas, then play out her own adventures using her own LEGO collection. The book comes with 77 bricks to build one exclusive model that appears throughout the book.

The book will begin by presenting Liza and her touring car.  The child will have the possibility to build the car using the bricks included in this set and following the instructions found in the book.  Once this is done, the child can now begin the adventures in the book.   Five adventures can be taken with this book: Picnic at the park, the horse show, Heartlake City carnival, adventure weekend, and surprise party.  Obviously each adventure will require the child to use her stack of Lego bricks in order to be able to build what is require for the adventure.  

I find the instructions clear to follow and easy to do.   I am impressed on how easy it is to replicate common day things like sandwiches as well as more complicated things like the swan boat. I can’t believe how detailed the campsite facilities are – even a toilet is included.  To think that all these things can be build using regular bricks that you might have already!It is incredible what can be done with bricks and a bit of imagination…

Build Your Own Adventure LEGO Ninjago

Get ready for your own Ninja adventure with this inspirational book. This fun book will allow your child to play and learn all about the thrilling world of LEGO® NINJAGO™.  LEGO NINJAGO: Build Your Own Adventure combines fan built inspiring ideas with exciting stories. The child will get inspired to build with creative NINJAGO themed story starters, then play out his own Ninja adventures using his own LEGO bricks. The book comes with 74 bricks that can be used to build one exclusive model that appears throughout the book.

The book immediately start with instructions on how to build Lloyd’s Mech.  Once the child has completed this building project, the adventures can start.   There are five adventures included in this book:  trouble at home, jungle battle, going underground, volcano quest, and icy lands.   Please keep in mind that the pieces included in this set only allow you to build Lloyd’s Mech.  To build anything included in the adventures in the book, the child will have to use his own Lego bricks he has at home.

The instructions are easy to follow and the images are very precise in demonstrating what the scene of the adventure should look like.  I am impressed with the creativity included in the scenes to make them realistic as much as possible.   The interior of the cave is interesting and even includes a crack in the wall.  Note that the scenes do not necessarily include step-by-step instructions.  The book could be a bit advanced for a younger child.  However, an older child would take the time to figure out how to build the house or the vehicles.

These two kits could made a great Christmas gift under the tree for a child in your life.   Both Build Your Own Adventure LEGO kits are available at your favorite store, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

DK Gift Boutique for this Christmas season

DK Canada has once again put a wonderful Gift Boutique in order to offer fabulous titles for adults or children for this upcoming Christmas season.  I had the privilege to review one of the titles offered in the DK Gift Boutique and can tell you right away that this is a book that all LEGO fans would want to have.  

The LEGO Awesome Ideas book contain new ideas that will unlock the secrets of LEGO building and show your child how to create a world with their imagination.   When I was younger and received my first LEGO box, I had no idea that once day my own kids would play with these as well as their own.   I remember using a book with ideas on building things quite often.  That book I still have but it is nothing compared to the books that DK Canada has published in the past and definitively nothing compared to the new LEGO Awesome Ideas book.   First let me tell you about the cover.  This hardcover book has a 3D section which allow you to see the dimension of an item built with LEGO.  The bird in the left side corner can just start flying away almost!

The book is packed with stunning photography and informative text as it demonstrates how entire models are built up.  Also, the reader will obtain step-by-step visual breakdowns and offering alternative ways to build models.   Each chapter can be easily explored as it steadily creates a themed world and ultimately showcases a dynamic diorama of the complete build, showing readers that they too can build up an entire LEGO world from scratch — model by model, brick by brick.

 

 

The book covers five worlds:

Outer Space: mech walker, all-purpose robots, forklift robot, space rover, space equipment, planetary pod, space door, sci-fi doors and walls, gear doorway, research lab, hydroponics bay, lab tools, aliens and alien life, space-plants and scenery, micro-scale spaceship, micro-space fleet, micro-scale space buildings, Zycon shuttle, and outer space diorama.

Modern Metropolis: basic building, modular buildings, city buildings, city museum, building roofs, tables and chairs, furniture, around the city, making a car, city vehicles, auto bumpers, lights, signs, signals, farmer’s field, crops and vegetables, plants, on the farm, leisure activities, farmhouse, and modern metropolis diorame.

The Wild West: wagon, wagons roll, western scenery, cavalry fort, jailhouse, around town, Wild West saloon, building signs, tow items, steam train, train carriages, old mine, rolling riverboat, outlaw hideout, and Wild West diorama.

Fantasy Land: fantasy house, cube village, fantasy roofs, fences and pathways, waterfall, fantasy river, flowers, fantasy creatures, tree slide, tree-house, castle walls, castle tower, fancy towers, castle features, cream-pie catapult, and fantasy land diorama.

The Real World: cell phone, technology, stationary, kitchen scale, bathroom, science kit, banana, fruit and veg,  gingerbread man, cakes and pastries, popsicle, frozen treats, candies, box of chocolate, and real world diorama.

The book will show how to build the most imaginative world using techniques that will be easy to follow and do for anyone – kids or adults alike.   The images included in the book are bright and will demonstrate what the instructions are explaining.  I really enjoyed looking at all the examples included in this book.   I am speechless to see how the Fantasy river is made – so easy to do…. if only we had all the pieces required.  Another favorite of mine is definitively the butterfly and the flower gallery.  Oh and the adorable crayon box is just the perfect one to build for playing with dolls for my daughter. And to surprise someone this Christmas you could trick them with a false box of chocolate before giving a real one!

With creative model ideas and visual tips and techniques, LEGO Awesome Ideas will inspire anyone, from beginners to accomplished builders. It is definitively a perfect gift for the LEGO fan in your life this Christmas!  Don’t forget the LEGO Ideas Book and the LEGO Play which also contains a ton of ideas to build.

The Gift Boutique of DK Canada offers ideas for adults and children.   In the adults section you will see titles like Smithsonian Design, Musicals, Smithsonian Wildlife of the World, LEGO Star Wars Small Scenes from a Big Galaxy, The Sherlock Holmes Book, Marvel Avengers Encyclopedia, Desserts, Disney Book, Art a Visual History, Alpine Cookbook, UFC Visual History, Bon by Design The Art of the James Bond Films, Smithsonian History, Quen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family, Smithsonian Music, Paper Craft, The Tea Book, Smithsonian Great Maps, James Bond 50 Year of Movie Posters, Modern German Cookbook, Ultimate Star Wars, Smithsonian History of the World in 1000 Objects, Marvel Comics 75 Years of Cover Art, and Photography.

In the children section, DK Canada suggests titles like Smithsonian Picturepedia, Let’s Knit, LEGO I Love That Minifigure, Star Wars – Absolutely Everything You Need to Know, Utterly Amazing Human Body, Great LEGO Sets Visual History, Smithsonian Cars, Trains, Ships & Planes, Star Wars Rebels Epic Battles Visual Guide, Senseational Illusions, Super Shark Encyclopedia, Strange but True!, LEGO Awesome Ideas, Sophie’s Little Library, Frozen The Enchanted Guide, Smithsonian Space! and The Big Book of Dinosaurs.

The LEGO Awesome Ideas is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

  

 

 

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned book for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Craft Boutique

Every once in a while I want to learn a new craft.   At times it could be difficult to find time to learn something new but the fulfillment of being able to do something new with your hands is something that will make you feel good.   That is why I think the Craft Boutique of DK Canada will allow you to expand your skills and discover something new.  From the books offered in the Craft Boutique, I have selected two which I hope will be interesting for everyone reading this blog post.  

The first one is a craft that I hope to develop hopefully this year – crochet.   The second book is one that I plan to use on a regular basis because I already do some interesting things involving paper.  Without any more ramblings of my part, let me present you the two books I have received from DK Canada.

Crochet -The Complete Step-by-step guide

Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide features a mix of classic and modern crochet projects, including things to wear, items for the home, decorative pieces, and cute gifts. Packed with 101 inspirational projects for crocheters of all levels of skill, Crochet: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide walks readers through the basic techniques — with useful practice projects — before embarking on more adventurous crochet patterns.  As a truly new beginner, I am looking forward to see if I can have the patience to embark on the adventure of crocheting.  Okay, I will be 100% honest.   My own maternal grand-mother was an amazing crocheter – she made numerous little things to put on desk, drapes, tablecloths and so much more.   The biggest project I think she ever did was to make a white bedspread for me when I was younger (see image below).  I still have the bedspread and other things she had crocheted in her life.  Another treasure I have from her that she crocheted is the red dress that I have worn at 18-24 months.

Needless to say, part of me wish that I could learn directly from her but she died tragically when I was a teenager.   So now as I grow older and my kids are slowly entering the teenager years, I think of how fun it would be if I can do something special when they have kids on their own…   And I remember how my grand-mother tenderly did things with her hands to pass down to me.   

The book is packed with easy to follow instructions and images to help the reader to slowly learn and make a variety of things.

The book contains two main sections: Tools and techniques as well as Project patterns,

Tools and techniques: Yarns, hooks and other equipment, basic stitches, beaded necklace, chunky bracelet, striped washcloths, cell phone covers, self-fringing scarf, textured pillow, pretty headbands, party bunting, coaster set, pot holders, circular pillow, following a crochet pattern, care of crochet, working crocheted edges, crochet-edged pillows, circular crochet, openwork, shell mesh scarf, colorwork, intarsia pillow, unusual stitches, unusual yarns, crocheted toys, teddy bear, and felted crochet.

Project patters: flower blanket, lap blanket, colorful granny blanket, baby blanket, chevron pillow, granny pillow, owl pillow, desktop storage pots, structured baskets, hanging toy basket, round stool cover, rustic ottomans, cat basket, fruit bowl, filigree bookmarks, fish and starfish garland, flower pin cushion, chunky rug, baby bonnet, child’s hat with ears, men’s beanie hat, child’s hat with earflaps, women’s beret, lacy scarf, broomstick lace shawl, tweed stitch cowl, men’s chunky scarf, child’s wrist warmers, child’s mittens with string, ladies’ wrist warmers, baby girld’s booties, baby boy’s booties, child’s edged slippers, ladies’ soft slippers, ladies’ ankle socks, men’s chunky socks, baby’s crossover cardigan, child’s poncho, summer tunic dress, cropped sweater, ladies’ textured cardigan, animal rattles, giant play ball, mother elephant and baby, rag doll, polar bear with scarf, floppy-eared bunny, jungle finger puppets, granny square bag, straw beach bag, super-stretchy shopper, everyday bag, diamond granny bag, clutch bag, child’s turtle backpack, change purses, and tablet sleeve.

Going through the pages of this book and seeing how the instructions are presented as well as the fabulous projects included in it encourage me to take the plunge and learn crochet.   All I have to do now is to find some precious time (not an easy task for an homeschool mom) so I can learn and practice this new skill.    Maybe the Christmas season would be a good time for me as we usually slow down in December until the new year.

Paper Craft

Paper Craft makes it easy — and affordable — to design handmade crafts that are guaranteed to impress. Transform your favorite paper into beautiful decorations and home decor, greeting cards, scrapbooks, and beyond, no matter what your skill level.  This visual, step-by-step guide outlines all the necessary equipment and materials and contains nifty techniques like scaling, embossing, and crumpling, as well as quilling, decoupage, and paper-mâché. Inside Paper Craft you'll find seasonal and special occasion paper craft ideas to suit a variety of tastes. And, templates and variation suggestions allow you to choose exactly the right look for your projects.  Cut, fold, roll, glue, and print your way to crafting heaven with Paper Craft.

I love the cover of this book and it did caught my eye when I first saw it.  But the project I have seen in it made me want to review it.   

The book is packed with fun projects to do with paper.  

• Cards and gift wrap: pop-up bouquet, feather gift tag, DIY envelopes, mini gift box, quilling, gift box, pyramid gift box, customized paper, and 3D star tag.
• Gifts to give: layered papercut, quilled earrings, bursery papercut, papercut locket, papercut lantern, and silhouette frame.
• Decorations: honeycomb pom-pom, origami fairy lights, hanging fan, hanging garlands, and snowflake ornament.
• Kids’ crafts: origami bird, animal mask, owl mobile, and party crown.
• Flowers: cherry blossoms, peony, ranunculus, daisy, anemone, daffodil, large rose, kusudama, wreath, boutonniere, large poppy, and festival headband.
• Scrapbooking: making a scrapbook, photo corners and frames, bunting and bows, storage pockets, rosettes, gilding and embossing, travel, wedding, baby’s first year and scrapbooking templates.
• Templates: this is were you will find all the templates used for projects in the book

I do have a few projects that I really enjoy in this book but I think my favorite one is definitively the feather gift tag.  However, I decided to use this specific project using my bible art journaling passion.   Two of my kids recently memorize Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” as part of their Sunday School curriculum.   I really liked the Scripture as it reminds me that God has everything in control.   So I decided to do some bible art journaling with it.  First you might wonder what bible art journaling is.  Well essentially you take a scripture that speak to you, write it in fancy lettering in your journaling bible which has specific space for taking notes and/or be creative.   Then I decided to paint the page a bit and decorate with it washi tape and stickers.   I used the feather project from the book to add some decoration in the page.   I used a yellow cardboard to make the feather but decided to use the burgundy and dark green pencils from my Prismacolor Scholar set to incorporate a bit of color.   Then I glued the feather in the bible.  

Paper Craft is a great book for the paper crafter in your life.  This book would make a wonderful Christmas gift under the tree if you have someone passionate with scrapbooking.   I am delighted to have it myself and plan to use it quite a bit in the future.

Both books are available at your favorite bookstore, even at amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for sending me the above mentioned books for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Washi Tape Crafts

A year ago I knew nothing of washi tape.  What is washi tape you may ask?  Well essentially washi tape is a low-tack tape, traditionally made of paper, that is mostly used in craft projects.   I was introduced to washi tape when I stumbled on Bible Art Journaling and Illustrated Faith.   I usually purchase mine on sale or at Dollar Stores because they can be quite expensive.    As much as I would like to have a variety of colors, there is quite a bit of tape in a roll of washi tape and sometimes you have to be reasonable not to have too many. As I mentioned I usually use my washi tape in my bible journal when I create a drawing to remember a specific scripture. And though the first things I think of when it comes to washi tape would be scripture journaling, scrapbooking and homemade cards, I suspected that this media could be used for many other things.

So imagine my delight when I discovered a fun little book titled Washi Tape Crafts from Workman.   This fun little book also comes with ten rolls of washi tape of about 18’ of tape in each roll.   This makes the book a complete kit and an amazing value for the crafter you know. 

This book is packed full of amazing projects and ideas.   The book and tape kit  will show you all the ways to be creative with washi tape. The book includes techniques: precision tearing, wrapping, and weaving, how to make bows, rosettes, and other shapes, how to seal and weatherproof designs to make them permanent and much more. With over 110 projects, with color photographs and step-by-step instructions, from custom photo frames to one-of-a-kind gifts, the possibilities are endless for the craft person in you.

You will find projects for:

• Goods and Gifts: Dressed-Up Notebooks, Friendly Photo Coasters, Personalized Coffee Tumbler, Custom Clipboard, Pet Silhouette Art, 5-Minute Garden Markers, Dress ‘em Up Clothing Hangers, Wrapped Papier-Mâché Letters, Aboslutely Magnetic, Simple Striped Frame, Quick-and-Easy Gift Tags, Out-of-the-Box Gift Wrap, Easy-to-Embellish Envelopes, Cord Organization Systems, and Priceless Photo Mat.
• Home Décor: Statement Ceiling Fan, Gnomenclature Bookends, Shipshape Wall Art, Paper Planes Wall Mural, Cross-Stitch Canvas, Switch Plate Update, Wooden Washi Tray, Tumbling Gems Table Runner, Clothespin Wreath, Dreamy Headboard, Sofa Stem Refresh, Dry-Erase Labels, Faux Floor Rug, Insta-Wall Art, Upcyled Desk Organizer, Sweet Spice Jars, Photo-Transfer Pillow, Cheery Chair Upgrade, Woven-Top End Table, Washi Wall Frames, Scrappy Jar Storage, Colorblock Wall Clock, Charming Chore Charts, Winning Window Decals, Dollar Store Home Décor Vases, Doodle Dry-Erase Board, and Decorated Door.
• Jewelry and Fashion: Bold Bangle Bracelets, Bohemian Belt Buckle, Designer Shades, DIY Envelope Clutch, Handsome Hair Clips, Playful Pinwheel Earrings, Charmed Bracelet, Make It Modern Pendant, Tromp l’Oeil Faux-Pocket Tee, Glamour Rings, Jewelry Hanger, Headband du Jour, Wooden Wonder Bead Necklace, Popsicle Stick Bracelets, Custom Nail Art, and Washi Brooch Bouquet.
• Holidays and Celebrations: Pretty party Cups and Spoons, No-Sew No- Glue Party Bunting, Punched-Up Party Hats, Perfect Package Gift Bow, Faux Floral Bouquet, Easter Egg Wreath, Paper Party Lanterns, Award-Winning Ribbon, Favor Take-Out Boxes, Festive Votive Holders, Party Mask, Moonlit Mummy Lanterns, Spooky Treat Bags, Jack-O’-Lamp, Costumed Pumpkins, Fluttery Feather Napkin Rings, Fringed Party Banner, Sensational Swizzle Sticks, Classic Photo Booth Props, Pretty Place Cards, Super Straw Flags, Marvelous Matchbox Favors, Modern Menorah, 2-D Christmas Tree, Advent Calendar Mobile, Holiday Gift Stationery Set, Jolly Holiday Ornaments, Yuketide Candles, and Mini Pallet Coasters.
• Just for Fun: Wooden Matching Game, Washi Tape ID System, Washi Tape Dowel Display, Decorated Keyboard, Color-Coded Day Planner, Washi Tape Dispenser, Bonny Business Cards, Fancy Bandages for Boo-Boos, Fold-Up Play Mat, Snappy Cell Phone Cover, Spiffy Reusable Strips, Key Identification, Tiny Tin Storage, Sewing Tape Measure, Number Flash Cards, Whimsical Ribbon Wand, Crafty Stick Frame, Patchwork Puzzle and City Skyline Tablet Case Makeover.

I was immediately drawn to some of these projects.  Looking at the Washi Brooch Bouquet, it reminded me of the flowers my mom was doing when I was growing up.   She made them of cotton and they were marvelous.   The party mask idea will come in handy if my oldest goes back to the mystery dinner next year.   There are definitively a ton of ideas within this little book that could make your life a bit more brighter.  As for me, I plan to use the roll of washi included with this book in my scripture art journaling.   in 2016, I would like to start one special journal for each of my kids to give to them when they graduate from high school. 

Washi Tape Crafts is available for purchase at amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Allen for sending me the above mentioned product for review purposes. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Build and Imagine Playsets

It is Thanksgiving week-end in Canada and you can’t help but think that Christmas is just around the corner.  With Christmas coming, it is the perfect time of the year to seriously think about the gifts you might want to give to your kids, nieces and nephews.   I was recently approached to review a new prodcut by a company called Build & Imagine.   Laurie Peterson, an award-winning toy designer and mother, founded Build & Imagine after noticing that the kinds of play experiences she enjoyed as a child (involving building, creativity, and experimentation) were poorly represented in the girls’ section of most toy stores. She now develops magnetic building toys with leading female characters and rich narrative details to engage both girls and boys. The company got its jumpstart with a successful Kickstarter project, and will have five themed building sets available this fall.

About the product

If she builds it, she will play … and add an important “A” for art to the vital fields of a STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math). That’s the mission behind Build & Imagine, an empowering toy line for youngsters ages 4 and up that starts them on a road to innovation. These magnetic construction sets are packed with foundational STEAM learning yet are enchanting for endless hours of imaginative play.

Each Build & Imagine StoryWalls play-set is made of colorfully illustrated magnetic panels that a child joins together any way she likes. The result is a scene that she brings to life with the enclosed dress-up dolls and more than 40 magnetic costumes and props. The illustrated details act as story starters, sparking imaginative play. The sets have received numerous awards from the Toy industry experts including Dr. Toy, Parents’ Choice, The National Parenting Center, Mr. Dad and many others.

Essentially, Build & Imagine sets put the child in the role of architect and storyteller, and offers adventurous leading female characters. The company makes three sets: Malia’s Beach House, Marine Rescue Center, and Day At The Beach.  You can also purchase the whole Coastal Community Collection in one shot if you prefer.

My Thoughts

I have received the Malia’s Beach House to review. I wasn’t sure how the product would be looking and wondered of the quality of it while I waited for the delivery.

The first thing I did when I received the box was to discover the packaging.  I was immediately impressed with the attention done in putting the pieces together inside the box.   First of all the box was sturdy and easy to open.  Then all the pieces were neatly stacked in a special tray which can also be used to store the pieces.  You will find all the pieces necessary to play with Malia and her friend Tyler and build the amazing beach house.

 

The pieces will allow your child to build a fun beach house using the magnetic pieces.  Each wall and floor will connect to each other because of the magnetic part included on the site of each of them.  Malia and her friend as well as the walls and floors are made of wood pieces that are covered with bright images.   Now the girls of the story wears underwear but that is because sticks accessories are included in the packaging for your child to change the way the dress.   The only part that I find a bit more fragile would be the magnetic pieces.   Part of me would prefer them to be a bit more ticker.   Because of this, I would suggest that a child ages 6-8 would be more careful to use it.

I find that the Malia’s Beach House (and the other sets available at Build & Imagine) are perfect to enhance the storytelling skills in your daughter.   Pretend play is important to develop skills of interaction and cooperation.  Having two characters in Malia’s Beach House makes it possible for your girl to have a friend to play with her while inventing adventure stories for Malia and her friend Tyler.  Mind you, your child can even decide to rename the dolls…  The bright colors and the playful setting will provide perfect creativity during quiet time or anywhere you travel because this can easily be all stored in a small plastic container to bring on vacation, the cottage, the RV, the grand-parents, or the beach for fun playing time.

If you are looking for quality in a toy, I think you won’t be disappointed with Malia’s Beach House.  The sturdy pieces will make playing last longer.   And it is a different kind of building system especially designed for girls which makes things even more interested.  It is a well-known fact that girls are more creative when it comes to storytelling and this set will allow a girl to develop even more skills and creativity in her stories.    I sure hope that Build & Imagine will also develop a line for boys so that they can also go on adventures like camping in the woods and hiking in a mountain, a fire station or police station, a farm and so on.   Mind you these ideas could also be done for girls sets as well…

And to complete the experience of playing with Malia’s Beach House, you can go to the website of Build & Imagine to download a digital story book when you sign up for their email list.  Note that these sets are not recommended for children under the age of 3.  Also two new building activity sets are scheduled to be available in October – the Fairytale Theatre and the Pet Portrait Studio.

Malia’s Beach House and the other sets available at Build & Imagine are perfect for this coming Christmas season as well as for birthday ideas.

Malia’s Beach House  is available for purchase at amazon.ca.

  

The two other sets are also available for purchase on amazon.ca.

 

The three sets are available for purchase on amazon.com as well.

   

Disclaimer: I received the product for review purposes from KidStuff PR and Build & Imagine. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.