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Tuesday, 20 December 2016

Let It Snow With Bostik

Amongst the hectic activity, the lights and the surfeit of sugar, it's good to take a few moments to chill with your kids.

Caitlin's snow scene for Bostik


Everyone benefits from a few moments of peace and there's something quite mindful about crafting isn't there?

Crafting materials from Bostik


It's always fascinating to see how your kids interpret the world and crafting is a great way to discover what is occupying them at the time.

Caitlin hard at work on her snow scene


This month's theme from the Bostik-meisters was snow.  We rarely see snow here in Dinas Powys and when it does come it usually appears at the oddest time of year - the end of March and even early April being a favourite.

But there will always be something magical about a white Christmas.

Caitlin decided to create her own snow scene which featured (obviously), glitter and stars.  I'm very tempted to declare 2017 the official year of glitter to see if it makes it a bit more, well, sparkly than 2016 which for many of us has been unremittingly grey.

Caitlin colouring in her snowman


This time we had a new weapon in our arsenal as well as Bostik's trusty White Glue - the Bostik Fine And Wide Glu Pen .

It's a clear gel adhesive that can be applied in a thick or thin line. The fine applicator is great for precise and intricate work whilst the wide applicator is perfect for covering large areas quickly and efficiently.

Bostik Fine And Wide Glu Pen

You can use it for arts and craft, school projects, scrapbooking, photos, paper, card and even as a temporary hold for fabric  It's also washable and safe for kids as it's non toxic and acid free.

Caitlin's final creation is a cute snow scene featuring a snowman and some rather sinister brown figures.  I'm proud to say the pond is all my own work.  (I'm a natural).

The final snow scene

Wouldn't it be magical if we actually had a white Christmas this year?

I suspect, as Bing would sing, we might have to settle for "merry and bright' instead.
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Wednesday, 7 December 2016

Review: Glow Crazy Neon Light Up Glow Board From Idealworld.tv

If you're still looking for stocking fillers for the over 3's, I have a couple of great ideas for you from Idealworld.tv.

The Glow Crazy Neon Light Up Glow Board From Idealworld.tv


Caitlin loved the RDM Glow Crazy Neon Light Up Glow Board (£24.99 + £4.99 P&P) which, although a little pricey, certainly kept her entertained.  Sometimes it's the simplest ideas which are the best.

The Glow Crazy Neon Light Up Glow Board From Idealworld.tv box contents


The product is a simple light up board which you decorate with the 2 neon pens supplied (1 colour at each end so 4 colours - purple, orange, pink and yellow).

Caitlin demonstrating the Glow Crazy Neon Light Up Glow Board From Idealworld.tv

It is lit by 3 AAA batteries (not supplied) and you will need a screwdriver to open the battery compartment at the back of the board.

The board can be attached to a window
The board can then be lit up by simply pressing a button at the bottom to give different frame colours or to flash like a neon sign.

There are suckers on the back to allow you to attach the board to, say, a window and it also has a little kickstand which allows it to stand up on a table.

And it's easily cleaned with just a little water on a damp cloth, although you do have to take care to clean the water marks off.  As you can see here the board still needs an extra clean!

Glow Crazy Neon Light Up Board Standing Up On A Table
Standing upright on a table
Still, I always think the acid test is whether the kids play with it again - and Caitlin certainly has.



We also tested some brilliant markers from Fibracolor which allow you to create a variety of different effects - these are not your usual colouring pens.  They're good value too at £14.99 for all of the 40 markers described below.

Here's what we tested.

Fibracolor Magic Markers

Fibracolor Magic Markers from Idealworld.tv
Fibracolor Magic Markers
Each set of Fibracolor Magic Markers contains 9 colours and 1 colour-changing white marker which changes the colour of any of the other 9 when drawn over it.

Caitlin demonstrating the Fibracolor Magic Markers from Idealworld.tv
The marker changes the brown to green in this example
I have no idea who this person is but they look like they will be appearing on Crimewatch shortly.

The Husband also contributed this beautifully drawn boat where you can see the magic marker has changed from orange to yellow.  (Yes, the whole Hobbis family is becoming slightly craft / art obsessed).

Demonstrating the Fibracolor Magic Markers from Idealworld.tv

Fibracolor Videoliner Markers


Fibracolor Videoliner Markers from Idealworld.tv


This set contains 10 pens, 5 with a base colour and 5 with a brilliant neon colour which allow you to add a neon 'pop' to your drawings. The nib is shaped so that you can write with a fine or a bold stroke.


Example of text drawn with Fibracolor Videoliner Pens from Idealworld.tv


Fibracolor Erasable Markers



Fibracolor Erasable Markers from Idealworld.tv


This set contains 9 coloured pens and 1 white pen which allows you to erase the colour by simply colouring over it.



Fibracolor Zig Zag Markers


Fibracolor Zig Zag Markers from Idealworld.tv

Lastly we tested the Fibracolor Zig Zag markers which have a nifty nib that allows you to draw
a double or even a triple line in one swipe.




Please note that these are not designed to be used with the Glow Board above.

You can find out more at www.idealworld.tv.  Happy colouring!
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