Boys Can be Crafty, Too

Kids can transform slime into bugs by pouring the special Plasti-Goop compound in the molds and turning up the heat. Then they let the creatures cool and out pops something scary. The set includes a baking oven, four Plasti-Goop bottles, a detailing pen with four tips, two molds, a goop FX pick, two storage trays and a spatula and cooling tray. The product requires one 60-watt, small-base light bulb (not included). “There is a very strong nostalgia factor with Creepy Crawlers that has kept the toy relevant to young parents today. They recognize the smell of the baking-bug goop and are instantly brought back to days when they were making and baking bugs and Creepy Crawlers critters themselves. Today’s Creepy Crawlers' Bug-Maker Ovens are safer than ever before,” said Genna Rosenberg, senior vice president of corporate communications and investor relations for JAKKS Pacific Inc..

Carefully gliding among the coral, playful dolphins enjoy a swim in their favorite cove. This delightful kit includes 12 colored pencils, a sharpener, printed board and kid-friendly instructions to create this underwater masterpiece. Size: 9" x 12"

Frolicking dolphins are sure to put a smile on your face as you paint this ocean scene. Everything you need is in the kit, including printed canvas board, eight acrylic paints, paint brush and instructions.

Ready and waiting for another adventure is this adorable pair of pups. Designed for all skill levels, this paint-by-number kit includes a printed canvas board, eight acrylic paints and a paint brush.

Become a pottery pro with a real pottery wheel and a variety of included tools to position and sculpt your clay. The pottery wheel includes six distinctive carving attachments with an adjustable tool arm, carving blades, outline shaping tools, shaping tube and excavator, 2 lbs. grey and terra cotta clay, six colors of paint, sponge, paint palette, two brushes, clay cutting cord, 80 mosaic tiles, eight glass jewels, glue, AC -adapter, and instructions.

With this set, kids can mix their own colors and paint on a real artist’s canvas. They can begin with the printed outlines, then go wild with personal touches. Each set comes with a 10” x12” canvas, three brushes, six tubes of acrylic paint (12ml. each), a mixing palette and a color wheel. “Children will enjoy working on a real stretched canvas with high-quality paints and brushes. The provided line-art makes it easy for children to create an impressive canvas painting. They will feel an enormous sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem,” said Elin Kabo, director of communications for Alex-Panline. Launch date: February 2007.

Create a self-portrait, a picture of your pet, or a caricature of your favorite friend or family member. Includes 8 Faber-Castell Gel Sticks, 6" x 8" artist canvas, practice paper, blending stick, paint brush, outline marker and hang tabs. Add a little water and a few brush strokes and turn your portrait into a painting.

This Woodman kit includes durable beech wood components and the tools a child needs to build the toy. The pre-cut wood is slightly unfinished, allowing kids to sandpaper it for the finishing touches. The set includes a hammer, dowels and glue for old-fashioned assembly. It also features paints and paintbrushes for detail and personalization. Launch date: August 2007; stickers added to the kit in 2009.

Scaled down for little hands, this briefcase-style carpenter’s carry case for kids includes 16 woodworking tools: model maker’s hammer, carpenter’s hammer, carpenter’s pencil, mallet, saw, set of pliers, screw cutting tool, carpenter’s square, ruler, spirit level, wood chisel, screwdriver, Philips screwdriver, clamp, plane, and sanding block. Launch date: October 28, 2008.

These rubberwood kits allow children and adults to create “mechanical marvels in natural wood.” Each set includes two layers of components packed in covered plastic trays, a parts list, sand paper, glue and visual instructions. Paint and a battery kit may be added to customize a model. The company requires a minimum wholesale order of 12 pieces. Launch date: August 2006.