I always loved finding bit of ‘junk’ around the house and turning it into a piece pf art, and now I’m delighted in the fact that my children love to do the same. However, when they return home form school with their ‘art work’ and it’s so big that it hardly fits in the car, it can pose at sort of a problem! why not turn their junk into all sorts of fun toys that can be played with again and again! Let me introduce you to Makedo.
New to the UK, makedo is an eco friendly derived from Australia. It simply turns trash into treasure as children of all ages transform packaging into creative play objects - the best junk art project ever! These can come in the shape of cars, creatures, play spaces, robots – whatever their imagination desires – the end results are amazing and the kiddies will go mad for it!
What Makedo does is to use a reusable connector system making it easy to craft creations using recyclable materials such as boxes, plastic containers, foam and fabric scraps. The system is made up of re-clips to connect with; lock-hinges to hinge with; and a handy safe-saw tool to enable kids to safely punch holes and saw through all kinds of materials. It’s such an engaging crafts project and one that the whole family can enjoy. With ranges geared at both beginner and the enthusiast makers, there really is something for everyone in the Makedo collection. Also, when you have completed your craft project and played with it, just simply pull it apart and reuse the connectors to make something else!
So, if you love to make play objects, kid’s costumes, furniture, decorations for the home and well, just about anything you can think of from the materials around you the Makedo is the thing for you! Makedo is available at Selfridges, the Tate Modern and other quality toy and gift retailers across the UK as well as online at http://www.makedo.com.au priced from £3.99 to £20.99
For those ‘hard to buy for’ individuals, and yes we all have them, Paperblanks may just have the products that could save you from excruciating Christmas shopping! Paperblanks have been producing superb writing journals for nearly twenty years. With a belief that the written word matters, they have produced a wonderful array of journals, address books, guest books and day planners (all also fully recyclable) that would make a great gift for anyone!
Paperblanks’ products are available in many sizes, including Mini, Midi, Slim, Maxi, Grande, and Ultra. Personally, I think all their products are absolutely stunning! With many different and unique journals, matching one up to the recipient’s individuality is easy – they are sure to adore it. The styles of Paperblanks products are influenced by great artists, writers and textiles from the past and present – here are some of my favourites.
Leonardo’s sketches – Sun and Moonlight collection is extremely pleasing to the eye, looks luxurious and would make a terrific gift. Leonardo was a skilful draftsman and sketch artist, and carefully recorded his world and the travels of his mind in mirror-image cursive. His work is showcased wonderfully in this spectacular journal. Prices of these journals start at £11.99 for the mini, and increase in price as it increases in size.
I absolutely adore the range of address books. They look very sleek and would be an impressive addition next to your telephone, work desk or wherever you keep your address book! Paperblank’s address books have been created in a variety of formats – Micro, Mini, Midi Slim, and Ultra. They combine convenience and good looks and feature popular cover designs. These books are a joy to carry with you and will make even the messiest desk look good. With uniquely shaped “thumb cut” pages angled to make turning the page part of the fun, they also feature a memento pouch that completes the package. Address book prices start from £6.99, also increasing with the size of book.
I could mention every style of book that I love from Paperblanks, but honestly, that could take a long time! They are all stunning in there own unique way. Many will adore these, and they truly will make the perfect gift for any occasion, giving the recipient the opportunity to record thoughts, ideas, stories, poems or any other craft.
To view the full collection please visit http://www.paperblanks.com/uk - Your Christmas shopping could be completed in just a few clicks!
Nails are something that we ladies like to keep looking their best! The appearance of them can matter a lot, and keeping them beautiful and manicured should be second nature to us all! So why not treat yourself or a special lady in your life to a gift which will give nail designs which are unique and stunning?
Rio offers amazing products which give you the opportunity to design your nails as you wish. If you like to be creative then the Rio Professional Nail Art offers unlimited scope for stunning, inventive and customized nail designs. You could spend hours designing the perfect nails for you, or why not have a girly night in, and let the designs flow (along with a bottle or two of wine!).
The Rio Professional Nail Art specifications are as follows:-
• Unique dual applicator bottles that have a detailing pen and fine line brush
• A step-by-step DVD and user guide showing nail art tips and techniques
• Can be used on natural or false nails
• Complete with rhinestone gems and glitter to enhance any style
• Available in metallic or pastels.
This really is a simple and effective way of possessing the perfect nails. You can be as outrageous as you want and be happy in the fact that your nails truly are uniquely yours!
This Rio Nail Art set costs a very well worth £30.64, and is available from http://www.houseofbath.co.uk.
I have reviewed Revell many times before and have never been disappointed with their products. With Father’s Day just around the corner, I think that the F1 McLaren Gift Set would make a great gift. This gift set includes both Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton model kits which is more than ideal for Father and Son to build together!
This perfect collector’s model gift set contains two unassembled plastic model kits of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-25, as driven by the 2008 and 2009 World Champions, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. For Father’s who love their racing and also a challenging building session, the McLaren gift set couldn’t be more appropriate.
This really is a fantastic product from Revell featuring both McLaren F1 cars with loads of decal options for various races, plus paint and glue - what more could Daddy want!
Box Contains:-
• 1x Jenson Button MP4-25 1:24 plastic model kit
• 1x Lewis Hamilton MP4-25 1:24 plastic model kit
• 1x Glue
• 1x Brush
• 1x Assorted paints
• 1x Instruction leaflet
The F1 McLaren Gift Set costs £36.99, and is available from Argos and all good model shops. Check out http://www.revell.com for further products.
Spell it out to Dad this Father’s Day by giving him a fine art gift that says it all with a hand-built Scrabble tile commission from Copperdot – it’s truly fantastic. I love this Wall Art, it’s such a simple and clever idea; Dad is sure to love it too!
Copperdot Designs’ stylish, minimalist artwork makes a long-lasting and contemporary keepsake that looks as good on a desk in the workplace as on the wall in the family home. The quality of the Scrabble Tile Picture Frame speaks for itself. I am sure Dad will be proud to hang it in his Office at home or work, and it is guaranteed to get many admirers.
Whether your dad is a man of few or many words, there’s no mistaking your meaning when you present him with this framed Scrabble-tile montage to let him know he’s a “VERY SPECIAL DADDY”.
Copperdot state:-
“For Fathers’ Day, a simple VERY SPECIAL DADDY design has a very personal feel. But if you’ve more to say, ask Copperdot to come up with a bespoke piece featuring the words or phrases of your choice. The company will style them in a unique design that’s finished and framed to the highest standard. You can spell out a truly personal message that your own or your child’s father will treasure for decades to come.”
How wonderful. A heartfelt personal touch on Father’s Day will make his day!
The Scrabble Art design is presented in a handmade, plain white frame measuring 35x30cm and taped and sealed on the rear. A combination of meticulous attention to detail and minimalism make it the perfect gift for the most discerning of Dads.
Every piece is made to order so Copperdot advises commissioning early to receive your gift in good time for Father’s Day on Sunday 19 June 2011. VERY SPECIAL DADDY is available to order online now for £69. Bespoke artworks are priced individually, from £69.
Browse the full range of Copperdot Scrabble-tile designs and examples of bespoke artwork at http://www.copperdot.co.uk or call 01933 426 261 for more information.
