Feb 23
We test out all of our new kits before we sell them on the fun2make website. The other day I tested the dynamo torch kit. First, let’s get one thing clear - I am useless at DIY, and anything remotely linked to engineering. I am one of the sad people who can’t even wire a plug unless it’s a new one with a cardboard picture on it explaining what to do.
So, it was with a little trepidation that I approached this boxed science kit. OK, so it says 9+, but there are some 9 year olds who are a lot better at this stuff than me (my step-son was, for one). I laid all the pieces out, checked I had everything (I did), and away I went. I think I got one step wrong and had to redo it, but apart from that, the instructions were pretty clear, and I was surprised at how well everything fitted together.
20 minutes after starting, I was cranking the handle, and my LED bulb was emitting a slightly flickering green colour. My daughter (who is nearly eight) thinks it is great and has promptly taken possession of it. I think it’s great too….I might even do some DIY on the weekend!
NB: My suggestion is that children of 9 or 10 should probably be supervised on this activity by an adult. The screws are quite small, and attaching the wires to the motor is a little fiddly, but small fingers will be able to do it if directed properly. It is a great activity for parents to do with their child (or for parents to do alone if no children are available!!)
Mar 07
We have often been asked for crafts that can be used at parties and have a huge selection. Unfortunately, most of these are really aimed at girls - like the charm bracelet kits. Boys seem to be happy to just run around and generally burn off energy, but for those that do want to be involved in the craft activities, there haven’t been that many options for them to choose from.
Well, we have started to stock more products to keep your little monkeys occupied, not least of which is a great selection of items featuring monkeys on doorhangers and in suncatchers .
We also have suncatchers in the shape of racing cars that will be fun for boys of all ages to colour in and hang on their windows, ready for the light to catch them and bring those colours to life. This product is so new, we haven’t even put it on the site yet, but it will be there in the next day or so. It perfectly complements the racing car photo frame, which has been a top seller for many months now.
There are three different designs that can be coloured in (and we advise using the Berol colour fine pens), and when they are finished, can then hold a photo which is about 3cm high.
It’s a really unusual craft and one we think will take off in a big way (pun definitely intended!)
The frames can also stand up on their own so make a really useful photoframe that will look good whatever space you put them into.
Talking of space and the ‘final frontier’ (chldren under about 30 may want to look at this link), we have some fantastic new foam space scenes for you to design yourselves.
The fabulous Foam 3D Space Sticker Scene is packed in an A4 re-sealable bag. The set includes a blue foam 10″ x 8″ background sheet and approximately 25 foam space stickers. No need for glue, all the shapes are self adhesive, just peel and stick. This brightly coloured tactile craft project may also be suitable for children who are visually impaired.
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