Arts and Crafts Reviews

Tractors and dozers and backhoes, oh, my! Nothing beats a big dirt quarry with a whole slough of dirt-pushing, gravel-hauling trucks. This magnetic play set provides a 13-3/4-by-18-inch folding construction site backdrop, against which 14 magnetic pieces can be arranged. Create endless combinations of scenes with a wide variety of vehicles and construction materials. Piles of dirt and rocks can be strategically placed, allowing the dump truck to come cart them away, or the bulldozer to push them to a more useful area. Perfect for taking everywhere. Kids will have hours of constructive, imaginative fun with these permanently magnetic pieces. --Emilie Coulter

Create-A-Scene's Magnetic Dinosaurs features all your Jurassic favorites in 13 punch-out pieces. Brontosaur and Tyrannosaurus rex can battle for control of the colorful magnetic board with its volcanoes and cliffs. The built-in handle and plastic slipcase make this toy perfect for the junior paleontologist on the go. Other sets in the Create-A-Scene series include Magnetic Ocean Adventure, Magnetic Railroad, and Magnetic Knights and Dragons. The magnetic board itself is approximately 12 inches by 6 inches. --Marc Calhoun

Why do paleontologists and archaeologists make molds of fossils and artifacts? You'll find out with this unusual Eyewitness Kit that explains the basics of molding and casting. The instruction and information booklet describes different kinds of molds, processes, and materials scientists use to create casts. The kit includes molding material to make a reusable seamless mold of a favorite item and enough casting medium for several creations. Adult supervision is recommended, as this is a somewhat complex and messy operation. Your child could create some unique gifts using this kit--what grandparent wouldn't love a cast of a grandchild's hand? --Marcie Bovetz

Here's a fun lacing project with a great payoff--brightly colored felt hand puppets. Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio's Gold Seal Award, this kit helps children develop better hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. It also provides nice opportunities for artistic expression and creative play. The kit comes with six 9-inch precut felt shapes, lacing yarn, and six large plastic needles, each ball-tipped for safety. Once children finish lacing, they can use felt remnants (also included) to add faces, clothes, and other decorations to their puppets. They can also use whatever decorating supplies you might have on hand, such as glitter, sequins, pasta pieces, beads, or extra yarn. This is a great project for individuals or groups. You'll need your own white craft glue. And if you're planning a puppet show with the finished products, be sure to allow several hours for the glue to dry. --Joan DeClaire

Too many craft projects end up in the drawer; this paint-it-yourself electric bedside lamp kit can light up a room. Included are a small ceramic lamp, a plain white shade, and the basics for decorating them. There's a six-pot set of mixable paints, and also a 20-inch strip of pink pompoms for the shade's fringe, complete with glue. Obviously, these can be supplemented with other craft materials of your choosing. The lamp and shade together are 10 inches high and a 15-watt candle-style bulb is already included. --Richard Farr