The Orb Factory Blog

Toy Fair 2012

2012-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

Toy Fair in New York City is an amazing time of year! We rush to complete samples, come up with amazing booth themes and pack our most comfortable shoes.

Over 1100 exhibitors exhibit at Toy Fair. It's always fun to catch a sneak peak at what will be featured on Holiday Lists next December.

For The Orb Factory, it's an opportunity for us to meet reps, distributors and store owners. They provide feedback on our new lines and products and let us know how much fun they’re having selling our products.

We know you couldn’t all be there, so we snapped some photos of our booth! Can you spot some new products?

Cardboard Adventure Knights

2012-01-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

We recently rewarded some of our Facebook fans by sending out some Cardboard Adventure Knight kits!

"Our little ones have great imaginations and put this costume to good use!"

"The pieces for the sword are reinforced with additional cardboard. Thank goodness too! Little One jabbed the sword into the couch. She didn't render it useless since it was reinforced.
The costume provides hours of fun, imaginative play. We were pretty curious as to how the cardboard would stand up with a bunch of 2, 3, and 4 year olds. It was fine!"

-lifeonmanitoulinreviews.blogspot.com

"My son LOVES this!! We had so much fun putting it together and putting the stickers on. He's not too into the coloring and decorating with markers....but I bet he'll want to decorate it more in the future and that is fabulous that he is encouraged to draw on his toy and create something that is personalized to him! I love this product!!" -www.captainfussybuckets.com

Cardboard Adventure kits are from our Curiosity Kits line. This kit comes with pieces of pre-cut cardboard that fold and snap together to create armor, a helmet, shield and a sword. Use the stickers and markers included to decorate the armor. Once the craft is created, it's time to use your imagination and create your own heroes story.

Click here to see other Cardboard Adventures kits

.

Trimming the Tree

2011-12-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Kids love to help decorate the tree. They especially love finding ornaments that they made themselves. From clothespins decorated to look like reindeer to bulbs dipped in glitter, each handmade ornament is a memory of celebrations past.

Did you know The Orb Factory has a Sticky Mosaics Christmas kit? Make four different tree ornaments, a standing tree and hanging wreath. Peel and stick your way to Holiday fun with this festive kit that is sure to keep them busy while waiting for Santa!

Get Sticky Mosaics Christmas and other educational kits here!

.

Holiday Memories

2011-12-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

Winter holidays are a gleeful break from the norm.

There are wet mittens on the heater and mini marshmallows in the hot chocolate. There are hugs from Grandma and yummy smells wafting from the kitchen.

When there is no school, you can stay snuggled in your warm bed or get up extra early to watch holiday cartoons on tv. You can sneak short bread cookies and everyone everywhere is giving away mini candy canes.

Everyone’s house it lit up with lights and cheer and the question, how many more sleeps, is asked a hundred million times.

The whole family gathers around the table for board games and huge meals. There are sleds slinging down the hill and gingerbread houses tilting slightly to the left.

There are special memories being made and remembered.

Leave a blog comment sharing one of your favorite family holiday traditions or memory to win a special Orb Factory prize pack!

Don’t forget to leave an email where we can get in touch with you in case you win!

Don't forget to visit our website for tons of holiday gift ideas!

www.orbfactory.com

Charming Chandelier

2011-12-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

We love The New Toy. They do great videos highlighting great toys from tons of different companies. They recently featured Sticky Mosaics® Charming Chandelier. This is a huge craft and they do a great job of showing how fun and easy the kit is to create.

Check out their videos here!

Have you started your Holiday Shopping?

2011-11-16T09:16:00.000-08:00

Choosing the perfect present for children is a fun, exciting and sometimes challenging task. Parents want to buy gifts that will last, that provide excellent play value, are educational and, most importantly, that their kids will love!

At The Orb Factory, we have been creating toys that follow this formula for over 20 years.

Here are some great suggestions for gifts:

For Boys: Cardboard Adventures™ Knight

Ages 4-8

This easy and fun craft doesn’t use tape, glue or scissors; just fold and snap! Boys will create a historical Knight costume and then decorate it with stickers and markers. This is a craft that becomes a fun costume for exciting imaginative play.

For Girls: Stick’n Click®

Ages 5-12

This open ended creative kit lets lgirls create their own necklaces, rings, bracelets and even shoe clips. This colorful chunky jewelry, with it’s shining holographic stickers, is perfect for younger girls who want to show off their unique fashion flair.

For Storytellers: StoryCraft® Cinderella

Ages 4+

This is a craft that will take them hours and will last for years of special story time. Match colors and shapes to this 10-page picture book and bring the classic tale of Cinderella to life.

For Tweens: SparkleUps® Mermaids

Ages 4+

Follow a simple legend and add sparkling jewels to these glittering repositionable stickers and stick them on laptops, cell phone cases and in lockers! Their little sisters will love sticking them on mirrors and windows.

For Groups: Sticky Mosaics® Crowns of Queens

Ages 4+

Looking for a gift for sisters or a group of girls? This kit includes 6 historical Royal crowns! They’ll love doing the craft and then spend hours playing make believe with their new costume pieces.

For Everyone: Sticky Mosaics® Dolphins

Ages 5+

Boys and girls of any age will love this colorful new kit featuring four frolicking dolphin designs. This kit comes with wall hangers and stands for each project, making display a breeze!

Ballerina Beauty Box

2011-11-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

I was never very good at sports. I literally spent my one year of little league making daisychains and doing cartwheels in the outfield. After years of unsuccessfully trying to teach me basketball,hockey, soccer and even karate, my parents finally put me in dance class. I was pretty uncoordinated andcertainly not graceful, but I loved it! I loved twirling across the room in my light pink tights. I spent hours tap dancing around thebasement and honestly thought I was the coolest thing ever doing hip-hoproutines on the playground.

I loved the little costumes we got to wear for our recitalsand was always so proud of myself when I got to step onstage and show everyone what I had learned.

Dance class develops many of the same skills as organizedsports, like discipline, focus, cooperation and communication. Dance develops a sense of rhythm andbuilds self-esteem. It is a greatsource of exercise that is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Do you have a prima ballerina at home? Encourage her love of dancing andself-expression when she decorates and displays this sweet Ballerina Beauty Box.

Sticky Mosaics® Charming Chandelier

2011-10-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

Transform her room into a perfect Princess Play Land!

Follow a numbered legend and add sparkling tiles and jewels to this charming chandelier. Attach butterflies and flowers with pink ribbon and hang it from the ceiling.

This is a simple, fun and inexpensive way to add a little elegance and whimsy to any little girl’s bedroom.

The New Toy just did an amazing review and some great videos of this product - be sure to check it out!

Sticky Mosaics® Charming Chandelier is available on our website!

Pumpkin Carving with Kids

2011-10-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

Children love seeing pumpkins grinning crookedly out of windows; it means it’s finally time for costumes, candy, tricks, and treats!

As much as children love spooky pumpkins, the actual carving is really best left up to adults. Luckily, there are still lots of ways for children to get involved.

1. Picking out the Pumpkin

Whether it’s a visit to the pumpkin patch or just the grocery store, kids love picking out the biggest pumpkin they can carry! Teach them how to choose one with a good stem and no flat sides.

2. Cleaning the Pumpkin

This is every child’s favorite part – and probably why the love lack-o-lanterns so much. Prepare the pumpkin by cutting open the top, getting out some newspaper and a bucket. Roll up their sleeves and let them get their hands dirty pulling out all the pumpkin’s guts.

3. Choosing a Design

Even if they’re too young to do the heavy-duty cutting, they can use a magic marker and draw any sort of funny face they can think of. Use a washable marker so they can wipe away mistakes and keep going until they are happy with it. Get them to draw their own instead of copying something off the internet to make sure it’s not too complicated!

4. Making Pumpkin Seeds

Making pumpkin seeds is both a healthy snack and excuse to get into those pumpkin guts again! Let them dig through the guts and separate all the seeds, leave them to dry and then sprinkle them with garlic, cinnamon or sea salt to bake a tasty Halloween snack.

5. Forget the Carving

Let your children pick out some mini pumpkins or gourds. Instead of carving them, give them markers, glitter and stickers and let them get creative in their decorating.

Try decorating your pumpkins using left over tiles and jewel pieces from your Sticky Mosaics kits!

Check out one that I started. This simple craft is great for any age.
Get extra sparkle tiles here

.

Thanksgiving Traditions for Kids

2011-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here in Canada, Thanksgiving falls on Monday, October the 10^th. For anyone not in Canada, keep reading and get some ideas for you own celebration next month.

Aside from getting a day off school and making some paper turkeys, kids don’t tend to get all that excited about the Holiday. Who knew kids wouldn’t be thrilled for green bean casserole!

This Thanksgiving, why not start new traditions that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

1. Create a Centerpiece

While the turkey is cooking, send them outside to collect colorful nature objects like leaves and acorns to make their very own centerpiece. It can be as simple as filling a pretty basket or a decorating a large candle.

2. Make a Collage

Give them a couple pieces large colored paper and some markers and have them draw or color things they are thankful for. Hang it up on the wall while you eat.

3. Get Competitive

Thanksgiving is a time when family comes together. Why not commemorate it with a yearly game of football, board game or even charades? Pick up a prize at the local dollar store and give it to the winner to hold until next year.

4. A Thankful Time Capsule

Have everyone write down what they’ve been most thankful for this year. Without showing anyone, put them all into a box to be opened the following year.

5. Kitchen Helpers

Let children help you out in the kitchen! Depending on their age, they can help make the potatoes, stir the gravy or even just baste the turkey.

Costume Contest!

2011-09-26T10:41:00.000-07:00

From carving pumpkins to bobbing for apples, we love Halloween at The Orb Factory!

Most of all, we LOVE dressing up!

As a kid, I was sometimes envious of my peers in their shiny plastic Princess costumes and scary monster masks. And while my Mom sometimes shelled out for a pair of wings or spooky makeup, it was all about homemade costumes at my house.

One year we cut a huge packing box into a circle, painted it green, added a white M and I wore it sandwich board style to be an M&M. I loved rummaging through my mothers costume jewelry and old clothes the year I was 80’s pop star. There was also the unfortunate year it rained when I went as a mummy wrapped in toilet paper.

Homemade costumes let kids and their parents to get creative, reuse and recycle household items and work together. It saves money and creates quality bonding time!

Are you a Spooktacular Costume Creator?

Send us a picture of your kid’s homemade Halloween costume and we’ll post our winners the week of Halloween.

Email entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com by Oct. 31st

We’ll send the winner their choice of Crowns of Kings or Crowns of Queens. Each kit includes 6 historical crowns that kids decorate and design themselves!

Love Your Locker

2011-09-20T06:31:00.000-07:00

From old class photos and magazine ads to burnt out glow bracelets and secretly passed notes; lockers aren’t just a place for stinky gym shoes and week-old sandwiches. Your locker is a totally customizable spot to express your inner you!

We put together some cool creative ways to decorate your locker - just please throw out that sandwich already!

Personalize It

It’s your locker, so load it up with pictures old and new! Choose goofy pictures with family and friends that make you smile. Include special memory makers like handmade birthday cards and concert ticket stubs.

Collections

Everyone collects something! If you love traveling, line your locker with postcards from places you’ve been and locations you dream of visiting. Love candy? Make a candy wrapper collage! Anything from movie tickets to bookmarks, whatever you collect will look great in your locker.

Be Functional

Hang up a mirror for quick lip gloss retouches or a hook for wet mittens in the winter. Lots of companies even make locker shelves for extra storage. Think about picking up a battery powered light or even an air freshener!

Looking to add a little sparkly bling to your locker? Check out our SparkleUps! These jeweled stickers come in cute themes like Cupcakes and Butterflies. They're perfect for lockers because they peel off at the end of the school year with no sticky residue. They can even be reused next year!

Comment on our post letting us know the weirdest thing you kept in your locker for a chance to win your very own set of SparkleUps! Don't forget to leave an email address so we can reach you if you win!

Back to School Tips for Busy Moms

2011-08-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

You’ve spent the summer cleaning cuts and tending to bug bites. You’ve watched them cannonball off the deck and drip purple Popsicle down their shirts. But now it’s time to pack the backpack and start making lunches.

Going back to school is a transition for everyone; here are some helpful tips to make this transition easier on everyone!

Visit Beforehand

If it’s a new school for your child, make sure to plan a visit before the first day. Let them see where their classroom is and, if possible, meet their new teacher. Knowing what to expect, like where to line up when the bell rings, cuts down on first day anxiety.

Grab Extra Zzz’s

Start adjusting their sleep schedule a week or so before the first day of school. Have them go to bed and get up a bit earlier each day so they slowly get used to school bedtime!

Make Appointments

Schedule appointments with the doctor and dentist before school starts. This means not having to pull them out of class. It also allows you to address any issues your child may be having before school starts.

Meet the Teacher

Back to School time is hectic for teachers as well, but be sure to send a quick email or note to your child’s teacher to introduce yourself and to let them know how you can be reached.

Be Available

Clear your own schedule the first week of school in order to be available to your child. Avoid business trips or extra evening meetings to stay home and help your child form a new routine.

Schedule

Keep a calendar in a common area listing extra curricular activities, tests and other events. This is a visual reminder for children and helps them learn organizational skills.

The Learning Express

2011-08-29T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Orb Factory is proud to announce it recently received three prestigious awards from Learning Express, the largest educational toy retailer in North America. The 2011 awards are for: The Industry Leader Award, Best Toy for Girls Ages 5+, and Best Toy Award in Arts & Crafts.

The awards were recently presented at the annual Learning Express Awards Banquet in Jacksonville, Florida. The awards, which are voted on by the storeowners, recognize The Orb Factory’s strong partnership and commitment to Learning Express.

Sharon DiMinico, Learning Express Founder & CEO, announced that Learning Express has created The Industry Leader Award to recognize and thank companies for demonstrating considerable insight into today’s marketing, understanding the impact their decisions have on local store owners, and leading by example. And The Orb Factory is an industry leader in all these areas.”

Steven Kay, President of The Orb Factory, said, “Winning this new award created by Learning Express in response to the challenges specialty retailers are currently facing is truly an honor, and recognition by Learning Express that we are listening.”

Additionally, Learning Express presented The Orb

Factory with two outstanding product awards. The 2011 Best Toy Award for Girls Ages 5+ for Sticky Mosaics® Funky Notebook & Pen Kit. And the 2011 Best Toy Award for Arts & Crafts for Stick ‘n Style® Blinglets Kit.

Bill Bordegon, North American Sales & Marketing Manager for The Orb Factory, stated, “We are honored to have won three awards from the largest educational toy retailer in the U.S. We have developed an excellent partnership with the Learning Express home office team and their knowledgeable storeowners which has resulted in significant increases in their sales of our specialty branded arts & crafts.”

The Orb Factory Limited, currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a leading specialty toy company known for its popular brands, including: Curiosity Kits®, Sticky Mosaics®, My First Sticky Mosaics®, StoryCraft®, Stick’n Style®, SparkleUps®, Magnetic Mosaics® and Magnetic Color Cubes®. Visit The Orb Factory website for more details.

About Learning Express

The Learning Express Annual Convention hosts the Learning Express corporate staff, the owners of more than 150 Learning Express toy stores, and more than 120 of the world’s top toy vendors. Learning Express is the leading franchisor of specialty toy stores, each one locally owned and operated. Learning Express provides an extraordinary shopping experience with knowledgeable sales staff to offer expert advice on choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for any occasion. The product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world and all have exceptional play value. A birthday gift registry, free gift-wrapping, free personalization, civic fundraising, and consumer VIP programs make each Learning Express store an integral part of the community. To discover more about Learning Express, to find a store near you, or to learn about franchise opportunities, please visit www.learningexpress.com or call (800) 436-8697.

Check out Stick'n Style® Blinglets, Sticky Mosaics® Funky Notes

and more on our website!!

www.orbfactory.com

Sneak Peak at Curiosity Kits®

2011-07-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

The Orb Factory Limited has acquired the assets of Curiosity Kits®, the popular and award-winning specialty brand.

What does this mean for you? Well, new cool toys of course!

Our Curiosity Kits® line consists of truly original products that aren't like anything we've ever done before!

Since 1983, Curiosity Kits® has been fulfilling a child’s natural need for discovery, self-expression and curiosity. During its long history, Curiosity Kits® has been recognized in the specialty toy industry as one of the leading developers of activity-based kits for children. Its widely respected products have won numerous awards for their ability to offer fun and creative ways for children and their families to discover, share and express their creative interests.

The Orb Factory has assumed the rights to all of the Curiosity Kits brand trademarks and copyrights. The Curiosity Kits® products fall into one of the strongest segments in the specialty toy industry - - arts & crafts.

“The Orb Factory is excited and committed to build upon Curiosity Kits’ legacy as one of the leading brands in the specialty industry. Our Company has a proven record of developing high-quality innovative products and we are extremely proud to now have Curiosity Kits be part of our growing family of brands,” said Steven Kay, President & Founder, The Orb Factory Limited.

Stick'n Click Jewelry: Make rings, headbands, even necklace clips! Includes holographic stickers! Ages 5-12.

Fairy Flower Box: Peek inside this pretty flower and find a surprise fairy world! Ages 5-16.

Cardboard Adventure™ Knight: Defend your kingdom with this special armour you design yourself! Ages 4-8.

Knight Light: Know your kingdom is secure even while you snooze with this medieval Knight Light. Ages 6-12.

.

Let's Go Camping!

2011-07-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

Make Banana Boats

If you’re having a campfire (you can do them on a coal BBQ too) be sure to help your kids make banana boats.

1. First, peel back one side of the banana (about ½ inch) without removing it completely. It should look kind of like a canoe!

2. Scoop our out about half the banana

3. Fill the space in the banana with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips

4. Put the flap back and wrap it in tinfoil

5. Set it on the coals for about 10 minutes

6. Unwrap carefully and enjoy!

Have a Scavenger Hunt

Make up a list of things for kids to go out and try to identify. Be sure to tell them not to actually collect these things, since we know not to disturb nature, but to simply check them off or even take pictures of them! Find different types of bugs or animals, a smooth rock, a marshmallow roasting stick, etc. Be creative and even silly!

Get Messy

Camp is a great time to try a messy craft or activity. Before you leave, pick up a tie dying kit or some finger paints. Let them put on their bathing suits and then just jump in the lake for cleanup!

Learn New Songs

No one has a bad voice when they’re around a campfire! Print off some fun camp songs, or teach them some you remember from your childhood. Be sure to make a mix of slow quiet songs and big action songs!

Sleep in a Tent

Even if you’re staying in a cabin or RV, spending a night in a tent is something your kids will certainly look forward to. Teach them how to set it up and on a particularly nice night let them sleep outside. It will give you a little peace and quiet and give them a chance to experience a little freedom and adventure.

It's a Zoo in Here

2011-06-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

We work in a small two level office about a ten-minute drive from the downtown. We have plants in the windows, a vibrant dance studio next door and crafts everywhere! We also have a whole lot of animals!

The Fish

I love my office. I sit in front of a huge window where I can enjoy the sun all day. Behind me are two giant fish tanks – one is over 200 gallons! We have a pretty little pink school, big blue and yellow ones and even an eel. Kids who visit our office rush to the tanks to choose and name their favorites.

The Cats

We also have two curious kitties in the office! Cato and Jade are sneaky cats that show up in unlikely places, from the bottom of the recycling bin to the top of the toy shelf. They love climbing the trees around the office and eating the herb garden we’re trying to grow. I know they’ve been in the basil when I find little dirty paw prints on my desk in the morning!

The Dog

Ani is a 14-month-old flashy brindle boxer. She spends her days sleeping in her dog bed and nudging my legs, slobbery dog toy in tow. Sharing an office with Ani means coworkers are always stopping in just to pet her or play a little tug of war. She sometimes talks in her sleep and loves when kids stop by for visits.

We are lucky to have a small office full of people who love animals. It’s proven that animals reduce stress and lower blood pressure! Everyone needs to take little breaks during the day, whether it’s a quick look at a calming fish tank or a lunchtime dog walk.

Do you guys have animals in your office?

Summer Safety

2011-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

We all know not to let kids swim unsupervised or ride their bikes without a helmet, but here are some summer safety tips you may not have thought of!

Sunscreen

Sunscreen takes time to sink in! Make sure to apply it 30 minutes before heading outside, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours – or more if the kids are sweating or getting wet. Always use a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection with an SPF of at least 25.

Heatstroke

Kids are focused on who can ride their bikes the fastest down the street or who can go higher on the swings, not how hydrated they are. Heatstroke can be very serious and happen quickly. Give your child is getting lots of water throughout the day instead of pop and sugary juices that dehydrate them more. If they’re going out to play, send them with a full water bottle and make sure you fill it up regularly.

Lawnmowers

Whether they’re looking to make a little extra cash or just playing outside while the lawn is being mowed, the American Academy of Pediatrics states that children under 12 should not use walk-behind mowers and children under 16 should not use ride on mowers.

Check Summer Camps

Summer camps are a great way for children to make friends and learn new skills. Research all camps before signing up your children and find out what screening the camp leaders must go through. Be sure to ask what high risk activities (like swimming) the children will be doing and what safety precautions will be taken.

Car Safety

Cars can get extremely hot and dangerous during the summer months. Children sometimes play in cars and can get accidentally locked by an unknowing parent. Be sure to double-check your car and keep it locked at all times.

Trampolines

Trampolines can be extremely dangerous. Statistically, injuries rise when there are more people using it. If you do have a trampoline, be sure to limit the amount of kids on it and supervise at all times.

Playground Injuries

Talk with your children about using the playground properly. The most common injuries are strangulation, primarily from sweater strings getting caught in chains, and falls. Metal slides also get hot enough to cause burns in the summertime.

Keep summer fun by talking about safety with your children before accidents happen!

Add your own safety tip in the comments and win a fantastic summer craft project, perfect for rainy days or long car trips! (Be sure to leave your email address along with your tip)

The Kids Wish Network On Tour

2011-06-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

One of the best parts of my job is receiving photos of children with their Sticky Mosaic creations. They're all adorable and smiling and look so happy holding up their finished masterpiece. The fact that you, the parents, were proud enough to send me a photo reflects the pride in their little eyes at a job well done.

It makes me think that this is what childhood is about: creating and learning, exploring and discovering. Unfortunately, not all children have this freedom.
This summer The Kids Wish Network is touring around the country to reach children in remote areas. According to their website, they are reaching out to "at-risk children who are living in remote areas and experiencing difficult situations relating to abuse, homelessness, abandonment, and neglect."

At The Orb Factory, we believe in the power of play. We believe that no matter what the situation, a child should be free to use their imagination, stretch their creativity and be proud of their creations. So for the month of June, we will be sending one toy for each Facebook like or twitter follower we get! We want to make this a gift not just from us, but from all of you as well.

We will be sending off all the toys at the end of June, with many going specifically to help children affected by the recent tornado.

In July, Kids Wish Network On Tour is heading to Yazoo City, Mississippi to help bring joy back into the lives of children who have faced overwhelming circumstances and whose families are suffering from the aftereffects of the recent tornadoes and floods that have devastated the area.

Like us on Facebook

Pass on this message and make a child smile!

Check out the
Kids Wish Network On Tour

The Playroom: StoryCraft The Frog Prince

2011-05-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Reading aloud to children not only creates a special time for just you and them, it promotes early literacy skills and gives them a leg-up when it comes time to learn their ABCs.

Here are some tips to get the most out of your story time:

• Start them Young!

Reading with children should be started as early as possible. I’m not suggesting you start reciting War and Peace to your baby, but infants do love the rhythmic sounds that come from reading. Nursery Rhymes can be funny, with actions and voices, while simple songs are soothing and promote calmness and bonding. Pick up a children’s book that rhymes for an instant favorite.

• Choose a Special Spot

A big comfy chair or quiet reading nook is the key to focusing a child. Choose a place free from noise and distractions and make it your special story time spot.

• Set the Time

Try to have reading time not only in the same spot, but also at the same time each day. Bedtime is a perfect time to wind down and share a story. Be consistent with both these things; story time should happen daily.

• Repetition

As any parent who has been forced to watch Finding Nemo a million times knows children love repetition. Chances are they will find a favorite book that they want read to them over and over again. Keep reading the book, use funny voices, and ask your child what happens next. Children learn best through repetition and their favorite books will eventually become invaluable learning-to-read tools.

• Touch is Ok

Especially with smaller children, touch is a very important aspect of reading. Many children’s books are hard cardboard or have shiny, bumpy or fuzzy things to touch. Allowing a child to touch a book will help engage them. Ask them to point to things in the pictures and, eventually, to specific words they have learned.

• Visit the Library

A visit to the library should be a fun time. Although they do treasure the books they own, it is a great way to find new characters and adventures. Let children pick out a few books all by themselves. Create excitement around the event.

Check out My First Sticky Mosaics The Frog Prince, our completely interactive storybook kit, that's both a book and a craft!

Reading aloud with children not only prepares them for a future of literary love, it creates an intrinsic bond and magical moment between child and reader. My First Sticky Mosaics Frog Prince Book, from our new Story Craft line lets children decorate their own book of illustrations to this classic tale. This kit comes with a text-only book for Mom or Dad to read while children follow along with their own personally decorated picture book, making magical memories as only a fairytale can.

Meet Deborah: Sticky Mosaics Contest Winner!

2011-05-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

Meet 8-year-old Deborah, our April contest winner! This second grader has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and passed her time in the hospital by doing Sticky Mosaic craft kits.

Deborah liked crafting during her hospital stay. She says, “It’s fun, exciting and beautiful. It took my mind away from all the poking and needles.” Deborah created a fantastic 3D Sticky Mosaic during her last hospital stay. “Making the 3D was exciting; we wanted to see the picture with the 3D glasses. It was also lots of fun to have everyone at the hospital try them out too.”

Deborah likes to play soccer and takes piano lessons. She also loves crafts, puzzles, painting and reading. Her favorite food is chocolate and bananaballs. “My mommy makes them,” she says, “I can’t eat them as much as I used to anymore because I have diabetes.”

Deborah is going to share her winnings with her sister. “I share everything with my sister, at least most of the time. She is my best friend. We do the mosaic together too sometimes.”

Deborah’s favorite kit is Sticky Mosaics Dear Diary. She’s most excited to try the new Crystal Clutch and Stick ‘n Style Jewelry.

Donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada

Would you like to win $200 worth of Orb Factory products? Send us a picture of your original creation or Sticky Mosaics story!

Email entries to stephanie @ orbfactory.com

The Playroom: Let's Play Dress-Up!

2011-05-04T06:25:00.000-07:00

As a little girl, my mother's closet was a magical place full of dress up clothes and imaginative stories. I spent hours in a long red and black flowered skirt from Spain; I twirled, stomped and clapped my very own Flamenco show. I strutted down a make believe runway in much-too-big shoes and admired myself in vintage hats that I still covet to this day. Clothes became characters, jewelry were props and a simple 4x6 space transformed into a creative world of mystery, adventure and discovery.

When children try on costumes they are actually trying on personalities. Creating worlds and stories is how children learn. When children role play, they are making sense of what they see in the world around them. They are using new words and practicing new actions. This imaginative play enhances abstract thinking and develops skills children will need later in life.

Our Stick 'n Style line features jewelry and accessories that little girls can create, design and decorate themselves. With it's bright colors and sparkly design, the Stick 'n Style Crystal Clutch is the perfect dress-up accessory for any imaginative child.

How Does Your Garden Grow? 5 Tips for Gardening with Children

2011-04-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

Gardening is the perfect outdoor activity for children. There is nothing more exciting than digging in the dirt, burying some seeds and anxiously awaiting the first sprouts of spring.

Whether you choose to bring children to a local greenhouse to pick out their own flowers or watch them happily munch homegrown tomatoes and cucumber, gardening is a bonding and educational adventure that can foster an early love of nature and science.

1. Be Age Appropriate

It’s never too early to have children help in the garden. Young children from 2 to 4 can dig holes and drop in seeds. They also love watering plants with a pint-sized watering can. As they get a little older, allow them to pick out their own plants. Once a child reaches 8, feel free to give them their own section of garden. Allow them to mix veggies and flowers and encourage them to keep a log of how quickly things grow and what animals and bugs they see.

2. Grow Your Own Salad

Even children who normally wouldn’t touch a green pepper are much more likely to eat and enjoy veggies they grow themselves. Try an easy tomato plant on the porch.

3. Get Carnivorous

Did you know you can buy carnivorous plants? Little boys who don’t want to spend time picking out tulips will go wild for a Venus Flytrap. They are native to bogs and swamplands, so won’t thrive in an outdoor garden, but they grow very well indoors.

4. Garden Year Round

Grow an herb garden indoors during the winter. This not only gives you fresh delicious ingredients, it’s sure to pique a child’s interest in cooking.

5. Keep it Kid Sized

Pick up a little kid appropriate gardening set. Having their own fitted gloves, watering can, spade and trowel will make them feel special and make the job a lot easier.

What's growing in your garden?

Tell us and you could win Sticky Mosaics Ladybugs and Friends

Contest open to all Canadian and American residents. Be sure to leave an email address where we can contact you! Contest closes May 6th, 2011

Mosaic It

2011-04-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaic-ing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

.

Perfect Day Planner: Springtime

2011-04-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

There's no more time for winter gloom

Buds are opening and flowers bloom

Cherry popcycles on your tongue

Means that spring has finally sprung

Snacks:

Ants on a Log & Popsicles

Ants on a Log is a classic camping treat than can be enjoyed at anytime! Simply cut a stick of celery in half, spread on some peanut butter and sprinkle on a few raisins. This is a great way to get children to eat a nutritious and energy-filled treat.

Little kids love making popsicles. Let them choose which juice they'd like to use and then simply fill some popsicle molds and pop them in the freezer. This is a great treat that even really young children can help with!

Activities:

Bubble Fun
Children love running around in the spring sunshine blowing and popping bubbles. Kids will spend hours chasing after them and trying to catch them on their hands. Try making them yourself to save money and add to the fun!

How to make bubbles:

1 cup water
2 tablespoons glycerin (you can buy a small bottle of this at any local box store)
4 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid

Mix these together for an eye-popping bubble mix.

If you have small children around, substitute dishwashing liquid for baby shampoo for a gentle mixture that won't irritate their eyes.

Wire hangers and pipe cleaners make great bubble wands.

Craft Idea:

Celebrate Spring when you stick sparkling jewels on these colourful butterfly decals. SparkleUps Butterflies can be stuck anywhere and peeled off with no residue.

Mosaic It

2011-04-08T06:07:00.000-07:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaic-ing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

The Playroom: A Crafty Boy

2011-04-05T06:26:00.000-07:00

Boys don't like crafts. Boys like to roll in dirt, make dinosaur sounds and eat candy. Boys do like building forts, learning how electronics work and organizing neighbourhood ball games. So, clearly, boys don't like crafts. The funny thing is, all these things require hand-eye coordination, pattern recognition and problem solving skills; which just happen to be skills fostered by crafting.

Thinking boys aren't artistic is a common misconception. Boys probably won't sit around making friendship bracelets or decorate cookies with Grandma (although, if he does he's already got a leg up when it's time to learn math and science).

There are three important things to look at when choosing a craft for a boy.

1. Pick something that is gender neutral or actually geared towards boys. This may sound obvious, but even a bit of pink or purple can put up a red flag for some young boys who will see the product as 'too girly.'

2. Make sure the product is not too detail oriented. Boys tend to have shorter attention spans than little girls and don't want a project that is going to take them several hours to complete.

3. Choose something that has a secondary purpose. Boys enjoy building things like birdhouses, engines or forts because the finished product is something they see as useful.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking all boys don't like crafts. Crafting develops not only skills that will help them academically; they create a sense of pride and accomplishment in a job well done. A lot of boys don't like arts and crafts because they're not exposed to it after a certain age. Be sure to keep providing creative outlets and watch their imaginations blossom!

We've got two new kits that are designed especially for boys (although, we know some little girls who are going to love these too).

Sticky Mosaics Crown of Kings is perfect for a group of kids. Boys design their own crowns and then wear them for imaginative dress up play after.

Sticky Mosaics Curse of the Treasure Chest will appeal to boys with a sense of adventure. Sail the high seas and collect pirate coin to stash in the secret compartment.

Mosaic It

2011-03-11T05:46:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaic-ing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

Worldess Wednesday

2011-03-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

Apps with Appeal

2011-03-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you just need five minutes. Five minutes to take a warm shower. Five minutes to reheat leftover Chinese food. Five minutes to paint you nails, make a phone call, or send an email.

Every parent needs some time away from soggy cheerios, fighting siblings and couch cushion forts. For years, a reliable ‘babysitter’ has been the television. Mom’s got to wash her hair? An episode of Dora leaves time for conditioner. Stuck on hold with your credit card company? Good thing Sesame Street is a whole hour.

While there is nothing wrong with using TV for a babysitter for half an hour to get housework done, it can fast become something we rely. When the average kid spends four hours a day in front of the tube (Parents Television Council), they aren’t exercising their creativity, cognitive skills or learning much of anything.

Parents are flocking to buy iPhones, iPads and other app-filled gadgets, meaning that kids are becoming tech savvy and an even younger age. Unlike a tv, a child can be distracted by this portable device in the grocery store, on car rides or in the doctors office.

There are tons of educational and creative apps for kids, with more popping up each day. Instead of simply staring at a screen and ‘turning off’, kids use these interactive apps to learn spelling, math or even keep a chore schedule.

As long as one follows the old adage of all things in moderation, children’s apps can be an educational and fun short-term distraction for children. Look up reviews from other parents and search out apps that will best suit your child’s age and interest. Look for engaging apps that are fun, well made and easy to use.

Go take your shower in peace, order your coffee in silence and focus on the road instead of searching for a juice box. Although it can’t replace good parenting, apps can be a great little help once in a while!

Have your tried the Sticky Mosaics Butterfly app? Children follow a numbered legend to create a brightly colored butterfly mosaic. Stimulate their minds and creativity with this educational app from The Orb Factory.

Visit the iTunes store for details

Mosaic It

2011-03-04T05:53:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaic-ing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

.

Mosaic It

2011-02-25T06:13:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaic-ing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

.

New York Toy Fair 2011

2011-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well, we are finally back from the New York Toy Fair, and let me tell you, it was a doozy! Personally, this was my first fair, although The Orb Factory has been attending for many years. It was completely overwhelming and thoroughly exciting, all at the same time. It felt like all the rush, noise and movement of New York City was magically transported inside this one huge convention centre.

Essentially, for those who don't know, at Toy Fair, we set up a huge booth with all the new products that our team has been tirelessly working on. Buyers from different stores come around to browse all our new lines and pick out what they want to carry in their stores. We also have lots of media, bloggers and industry big wigs come by too.

This thing filled the entire Jacob Javits Convention Centre - I've never seen a convention of that size! I got to walk around a little bit, but it was so huge it would have been impossible for me to see everything. I did get some sneak peaks of all sorts of new toys ready to fill shelves this year (I can say no more, but am certain you guys have a lot to look forward to). The fair isn't open to the public and no one under the age of 18 is allowed in; it's strictly industry.

The best part about being at the Toy Fair was talking to toy store owners about all our new products. I got to, finally, take our new kits out of their boxes and show our buyers how they all worked. It was great to see that they were as excited as I was about all our new lines set to hit shelves very soon!

Check out some photos of our team working away at the fair!

Did I mention we had an 8 foot Statue of Liberty?
It turned out to be a great photo op!

Check out even more pictures on our Facebook site!

Mosaic It

2011-02-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaic-ing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

Worldess Wednesday

2011-02-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

Mosaic It

2011-02-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaic-ing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

The Playroom: Time Capsules

2011-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

The term time capsule was first coined in 1939, although archaeologists, anthropologists and historians have been using these similar techniques for much longer.

Kids have a great fascination with time capsules because they love thinking about the past and the future. As a child, my family rented a cottage at the same lake every year. I would put together a time capsule with my little brother, hide it in the woods and then rush back to open it the following summer. We ended up burying our marshmallow roasting sticks, photos, crafts and little letters to ourselves. I loved trying to forget everything I put in it and loved the surprise each summer. My parents probably loved that it kept us occupied on rainy days in a cottage with no electricity!

Next rainy day, encourage your child to make a time capsule. Leave it at Grandma's or hide it in the attic. Let them choose how long they want to leave it for and what they want to put in it. Try to encourage them to put in different items, like letters, movie tickets, photos and few small toys or everyday objects.

Time capsules are a great way to have kids think about the past, present and future. Ask what they think the future will be like. Talk about what people may have put in time capsules 10, 50 or 100 years ago.

Did you know, that there are four time capsules in outer space right now? The KEO satellite, is set to launch into outer space in 2012 carrying everything from the DNA of the human genome to letters from school children. This capsule will return to earth in the year 52,000. Visit their website to have your letter included in the capsule.

Give your child a special box to put their special treasures in! Check out our jewellery boxes and let them decorate their time capsule themselves!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

Choosing a Sport for your Child

2011-02-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Sports are important for children; they encourage physical fitness, build self esteem and develop problem solving and team-building skills. However, every year children drop out of these activities, are injured or simply develop a dislike for sports. Follow these simple tips and insure that your child truly enjoys their sporting experience!

Competition Level

How competitive is the sport? How competitive is your child? Watch your child while they interact with friends, play family board games or video games. Competitive children thrive in sports like hockey, gymnastics and football. If your child is passive, consider swimming, martial arts or bowling. Take a look at the league in general, especially the other parents and coach. Some team sports, like softball, can be very non competitive, allowing a child to enjoy the team experience without the pressure of winning.

Price

Some sports, like hockey can get extremely expensive. Make sure you consider not just the actual enrolment fee, but the price of gear as well. The last thing you want to do is have to pull your child out because you underestimated the price.

Time

The same goes with the time commitment. Don't choose something that's a hassle to get to, has a lot of practice or meets frequently unless your sure you can commit. If you're just starting your child in organized sports, choose something that is once a week, for a limited amount of time instead of a sport that meets multiple times a week and requires tons of extra practise.

Team or individual

Ideally, your child would participate in both team and individual sports. Of course, time, money and your child's personality can stand in the way. Team sports a great for children who enjoy working with other kids and being part of a team. It builds confidence and instills the feeling of being part of a group. Team sports can get more competitive as children get older, so it's often best to start passive children in team sports and move them to individual sports. Individual sports are a great way to develop new skills without feeling pressure or embarrassment. Individual sports can result in great personal growth and teach goal setting skills.

Practise skills at home

Practice with with your children. Get involved in your kids sports and lead by example. Playing catch with your child lets them practise the skills they'll need during game time. There are lots of fun sports and activities that you can do with your child to let them explore new sports; try snowshoeing, cross country skiing, swimming or hiking.

Sports by age:

Ages 6 to 8:

Tennis

Soccer

Softball

Gymnastics

Swimming

Simple cycling

Martial arts

Dance

Ages 8 or 9:

Football

Skiing

Basketball

Hockey

Bowling

Golf

Ages 10 and up:

Mountain biking

Rock climbing

Surfing

Horseback riding

Fencing

It's just as important to work out your mind as your body! We have lots of sports inspired Sticky Mosaics, which are fun, educational craft kits, perfect for all your mind workouts. Catch a wave with our Sparkle Surfer kit!

Mosaic It

2011-01-28T05:28:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaic-ing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

I Want a Puppy!

2011-01-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

Before you start picking our collars, paws and ask yourself these 5 questions to make sure you and your family are really ready and don't simply have a case of puppy love!

1. Do they really want a puppy?

Almost every child really wants a puppy, in theory. Remember all those expensive clothes, after school classes and hot must-have toys that they also really wanted? Now the clothes are so last year, the classes were boring and the toys are somewhere under the bed. Make sure a puppy is something your children really truly want, and not just because Timmy down the street has one. Give it time and see if it's something they keep bringing up.

2. Do you really want a puppy?

No matter how much they want a puppy and swear they will walk him everyday, remember that most of the chores will inevitably fall to you. Also, the children sure won't be pitching in any money for vet bills, food or obedience classes. A dog is a new member of the family, and everyone in the family needs to be on board.

3. Do you know how to raise a puppy?

If you've had a dog before, you're well aware of the work involved. If you're a first time dog owner, be sure to pick up some books, do online research and speak to dog owners. If you think you are prepared for the work, time and money involved in owning a dog, it's time to make sure your kids know what's really involved. Have them get up early every day for a week and walk a neighbours dog, let them talk to a vet and read books with them on puppy care.

4. What breed should you get?

Make sure to look at different breeds. Do you have a large yard or live in the middle of the city? Make sure the breed fits your lifestyle. Certain breeds get along much better with children, mainly larger ones. Small dogs can be intimated by clumsy toddlers and become aggressive. Search online to see how active different breeds are and how large they'll grow. Make sure you know how affectionate they are and how much exercise they need. Every breed, just like every family, has different needs.

5. Where should you get your dog?

Once you've decided on breed, decide where you want to get your dog. Do you want to go to a breeder? Pet shop? A shelter? Adoption?

Shelters are great places since you'll be able to speak with the workers and find a dog that works well with your family. Be sure to let them know how many children you have and their ages. Oftentimes, you can skip the whole 'puppy' phase and find a dog that's already housetrained and has their shots. Shelters are also much less expensive and they oftentimes offer classes or counselling for new pet owners. Shelters want to make sure their animals end up in the perfect home, unlike pet stores who just want to sell animals before they get too old.

Having a dog teaches a child responsibility, empathy, respect and love. It provides a child with a best friend, unconditional love and a listening ear. If your family is aware of the responsibilities and has done their research, you may be ready for a brand new family member!

Every year dogs are left at shelters because families thought they were ready for a new pet without doing their research. Please be a responsible pet owner!

Not quite ready for a new puppy? Check out Posh Puppies, our adorable puppy inspired art project instead.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T05:51:00.000-08:00

Mosaic It

2011-01-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

We have got some crafty and creative people working here at The Orb Factory.
I am not one of them.
But that didn't stop me from trying my hand at a creative mosaic project! I turned my dull window planter into a colorful masterpiece (because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?)!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaicing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

Perfect Day Planner: All About Me

2011-01-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

Some days are really really quiet

and others are a whirling riot

I can be what I want to be

As long as I'm always me!

Snacks:

Their Favorite!

You don’t have to wait for their Birthday to let them choose the supper menu. Let them choose what’s on the table tonight, whether it’s pizza, pasta or sloppy joes! For even more fun, encourage them to help with the preparation. Having a special supper of their choosing makes an ordinary dinner extraordinary.

Activities:

My Poster

Have kids make a poster all about themselves. Let them cut pictures out of magazines, use markers to draw pictures and choose special photos of family and friends. Place all these things on a big piece of Bristol board, hang up the poster and celebrate your child’s individuality!

Silhouette

Silhouette portraits are a classic art piece that is quickly coming back in vogue. Sure you can get one made professionally, but kids will love making their own. Working with a parent or friend, have the child sit on a chair, profile to the wall. Tape a piece of white paper onto the wall and shine a table lamp onto the paper (so the child is sitting between the lamp and wall, creating a shadow onto the paper). Have the friend or adult trace the shadow of the child’s head onto the paper.

Kids will have a blast coloring their silhouette and using their imaginations to trace their hands, whole bodies and anything else they can think of!

Show and Tell

Kid’s love to show and tell! Next time you’re having a birthday party or just a few of the neighborhood kids over, suggest they bring something for show and tell. This is a way to practice public speaking and to share something that means a lot to them!

Craft Idea:

Follow the simple numbered legend to create a masterpiece that celebrates all your favorite things! With four fun projects, Sticky Mosaics My Favorite Things is a fantastic way to express your inner artist.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T06:05:00.000-08:00

The Playroom: Journaling for Kids

2011-01-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

Journaling, keeping a diary or starting a scrap book; no matter what you call it or how you approach it, writing and recording thoughts and observations is beneficial for kids. Keeping a journal allows children to keep a record of what they observe and, more importantly, how they feel about it. Aside from having a special place to keep their thoughts, journaling improves literacy skills and teaches children how to properly express their thoughts.

Here are 7 ways to encourage your kids to keep a journal!

1. No Rules

Make sure they know there are no rules in journaling. They can write, draw, paste in photos or movie tickets.

2. Take It With You

Although you may not want to encourage them to take it to school, do urge them to bring it along on family vacations or long drives.

3. Share

Encourage your child to write and present a poem, short story or just interesting entry. Sharing positive feedback instills pride in their writing abilities.

4. Set Aside The Time

Set aside a certain time for them to journal. As a child, my bedtime was always half an hour earlier than lights out, which meant that I had to be in bed, but could read or write before I had to go to sleep.

5. Give Ideas

Kids aren't always the greatest when it comes to thinking up their own ideas. Help them out with little writing prompts; teach them how to write a haiku or acrostic poem, tell them to write about a dream they've had, describe their perfect vacation or write about their hero.

6. Have a Word of the Day/Week

This encourages a love of new words! Get them to use their new word in a sentence in one of their entries.

7. Show Don't Tell

Show them how to journal by keeping one yourself. Share some of your entries.

Sticky Mosaics Dear Diary is a special lined notebook. Kids really make this journal their own as they decorate it with over 150 shimmering jewel pieces. Perfect for ages 5+, with diary comes with an adorable sparkly pen and it's own lock and key!

Clean Up - The Natural Way

2011-01-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

No one likes using bleach and other harsh chemicals when kids are around! Unfortunately, since kids kids tend to be mess magnets, there really is no getting around it. But, if you act quickly enough, you can often get rid of some of the worst culprits with every day items!

How to Clean Crayon off a Wall

Use a spatula or plastic spoon to gently scrape away the wax. Sprinkle baking soda on a damp white cloth and rub the marks off.
A damp sponge might be needed at the end to get the last bits off.

How to Clean Crayon off Carpet

Try to scrape off the biggest with a butter knife. Once you get the biggest removed, place a paper bag over the stain and run an iron back and forth over the bag. Make sure it's on the highest setting and move it back and forth quickly. Remove the bag and you should see the crayon now on the paper instead of your carpet! You may need to repeat this a couple times with more than one bag if you've got a big crayon disaster.

How to Get Grape Juice out of Clothing

When it comes to grape juice; move quickly and try whitening toothpaste! Put water on the stain rub in about half an inch of toothpaste. Scrub it a bit with your fingers, and let it sit for at least half an hour, then throw it in the laundry. Don't use a bar of soap - this only 'sets' the stain. This works on wine stains too!

Get Gum out of Clothing

We all know that if someone gets gum in their hair the best thing to use are ice cubes. Did you know that the same thing goes gum in clothing? Throw the garment into the freezer and, once it harden's, just scrape off the gum. This won't leave any residue or stains!

Get Blood out of Clothing

Act quickly and wash it off with warm soapy water. Adding salt often helps remove the stain. If it sets too long, you may be stuck having to use hydrogen peroxide.

These work on reasonable messes and have the best results if done as quickly as possible. For bigger disasters, harsher chemicals may be needed.

Looking for a craft with no messy paints or glues? All our craft kits are easy-to-use with no clean up needed! Take a look at our full list of products at www.orbfactory.com

Mosaic it!

2011-01-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

Because sometimes we like to think outside the box!

Did you know you can win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaics kits by using your imagination and Sticky Mosaicing something?

Check back here on Fridays for ideas, examples and pictures of your creations!

Get extra craft supplies for your Mosaic masterpiece here!

Email your entries to stephanie@orbfactory.com

15 Way to Make a Snow Day Spectacular!

2011-01-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

Stuck indoors? There's no need to bored!

You know what it sounds like. It's the excited pitter patter of little feet creeping to the window. Yells of, 'Hurry up Mom, turn on the radio. Do we have school? Do we have school?" It's their anxious faces and pleading looks as you switch on the morning radio show. And, finally, it's the unbelievably noisy cheers, hoots and hollers as the school closures are finally announced. As a child, nothing, and I mean nothing, is more exciting than a snow day! For a parent, it means your schedule has flown out the window into the blizzard.

We've decided to provide you with a few ideas to make snow days a little easier and a lot more fun!

Board Game Adventure: Kids can spend hours playing Chutes and Ladders, Crazy 8's and Twister. Get all the board games set up and let them play amongst themselves.

Bake Cookies: Nothing is cozier than the smell of baking cookies in a warm house while a storm blusters outdoors. Practice math and language skills with your kids by letting them help measure and read out the recipe. If you're feeling adventurous, get out some icing and sprinkles and let the kids help decorate the finished product.

Scrap Book: Start a scrap book with your child. Or, pull out their old baby books and look through it with them. I still remember looking in awe at my little footprints and being amazed that I was once that small. Kids loving hearing stories about themselves and this activity is sure to make lasting memories.

Help with Chores: As odd as it sounds to us, helping Mom out around the house can actually be a treat for kids. A fun one if laundry; teach kids how to sort clothes and let them pour in the detergent.

Scavenger Hunt: Make up a scavenger hunt for kids. Give them a list of things to find; something pink, something soft, something edible, etc. To keep things slightly sane, say everything has to be the smaller than a baseball!

Make Ice Cream Sundaes: Maybe not a great idea if you're going to make the cookies as well! Dish out some ice cream and decorate with syrup, gummy bears, sprinkles or chocolate chips! Get fancy and make a banana split. This is especially nice if they've just helped fold all that laundry.

Make a Fort: It's a snow day, which means it's time to break the rules. Let them make a fort out of pillows, cushions and blankets. Send them in a flashlight and some story books and you may not see them until Spring!

Have a Dance Party: This is a great way to expel some of that extra energy that can oftentimes lead to irritability and tantrums. Throw on some music and start dancing around the living room. Make it a mix of kid and (appropriate) adult tunes.

Movie Time: When it's all dark and dreary, cuddling up in a blanket is one of the nicest things to do. Grab some popcorn and jump under the blanket for a mid-afternoon movie.

Write a Story or Play: For older kids, encourage them to stretch those creative muscles. Have them write a story or play and then present it.

Have a Tea Party: Make invitations, get out the 'good' silverware (or tupperware) and have a Tea Party, Teddy Bears Picnic or Brunch date on the living room floor.

Write a Letter: This is an old habit that is quickly dying out. Skip the email, and even the phone call and have your child sit down to pen a letter. It can be to Grandma, a far away friend or distant relative.

Make an Obstacle Course: Another way to burn off all that pent up energy; let them make their own obstacle course (or, if they're little, make one for them). Have them jump over cushions, run around chairs, crawl under a table and do four jumping jacks in a row. Kids get a kick out of this and it's really simple to do.

Play Hide and Seek: This is a classic game that is always loads of fun! Here's a hint; follow the giggles!

Yoga: Get out an extra mat and do some basic kids yoga (or just simple stretches) with kids. Not only will they feel grown up and love the quality time, stretching is important at any age and is a great way to calm them down before a nap.

A snow day is the perfect time to do be creative. Check out all our crafts at www.orbfactory.com.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T05:32:00.000-08:00

Up...Up and Away

2011-01-11T11:41:00.000-08:00

Flying can be both exhilarating and a little scary for kids. The idea of zooming up above the birds it thrilling, although fear of the unknown can be scary. Flying with kids is always unpredictable. Will they cry? Will they just sleep? Will they get bored and start hopping around in their seats?

Here are a few tips and tricks to make flying with children just a little easier:

1. The Red Eye

If you're taking a long flight, consider booking the red eye. Put your child in their PJs, give them their favourite stuffed animal and chances are they'll sleep through the whole thing.

2. Talk It Out

You plan and research what to do at the airport before you fly, so it only makes sense to talk to your child about what to expect. Explain to security procedures and how long you'll be waiting. Make sure to go over special airport rules like no running, no talking to strangers and no wandering off. Sometimes it helps to act out certain things to help them better understand.

3. Restrain Yourself...and them!

Always keep your child buckled in. Turbulence can be scary for a child and can happen at anytime. If your child is travelling on a 'lap child' fare, be sure to ask for a lap restraint.

4. Crossing Borders

If only one parent is taking a child across a border, make sure to have a notarized letter of permission or power of attorney from the other parent. You don't want to be accused of kidnapping your own child!

5. Lost and Found

Write down all your contact information, including your flight number and emergency information, slip it in a ziplock bag, and pin it to your child. You can take it off once you're on the flight (so they don't prick themselves while wriggling around). Airports are big and overwhelming and it can be quite easy for a child to take a wrong turn and get separated from you. Remember to go over a 'lost' plan before you leave.

6. Up Up and Away

Ask for a window seat. Watching the world slip away and the clouds float next to the plane is magical for any child! It also means that they will be next to you and not a stranger. Never seat a child on the aisle. If you fall asleep, it's easier for them to get out of their seat. There is also a lot of hot tea and coffee on those trolleys that can be a temptation for little hands on the aisle.

7. Think Ahead

Make sure to let the airline know you're travelling with children. Aside from the special meal, flight attendants are generally great with kids and most airlines usually have a little something for them. They will also make sure not to put you in the emergency aisle. Ask about a Kids Club, as sometimes you can get great discounts. Although most airlines have special meals for kids, make sure to bring a little snack with you, be it some dry cereal or fruit as meal times are unpredictable.

8. Things that go Pop

Bring gum! Little ears can hurt when the altitude changes and gum seriously reduces the pain. Try not to dwell to long on this though, the foreign concept of you ears 'popping' can be quite scary for a child.

9. Smile

Stay relaxed and smile. You kids will feed off your energy, especially if you're frantic or rushing. Having a calm attitude will help others too. Introduce your child to anyone sitting next to them, it will make that person much more sympathetic if your child starts to get testy.

10. A Special Treat

This may be a time to throw a few tv shows or a favourite movie onto your iphone or portable dvd player. Flights can be dull for adults, which means they can get excruciating for children. An hour of Dora can be the perfect distraction.

Our Product Ideas:

Did you know we have great travel products? For a quick flight or long car ride, check out our Sticky Mosaics Singles! These little packs come with a simple and portable art project that will keep your little ones occupied while you consult a map or organize all that carry-on luggage. Choose from a T-Rex, astronauts, unicorns, bunnies and more!

Check out our Magnetic Mosaics and create beautiful design over and over again. Kids can follow templates for perfect results or create their own masterpiece.

These kits require no set up, are small enough to fit in a purse and make no mess!

Perfect Day Planner: Party Planner

2011-01-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

A sleepover, movie day or costume party
Pool party, Birthday or Under the sea
Come over to my house for afternoon tea
Just please don’t forget to rsvp

Kids love parties! They love planning their own party almost as much as the event itself. Planning their own parties will only make it a more memorable and personalized experience. Here are some helpful hints and ideas to encourage children to plan an event they can take ownership and pride in.

Snacks:

The best part of any party is the snacks! Pick up a box of cupcakes at the local bakery, or grab a boxed mix and let them help you bake them. Even if it comes from a box, the smell of fresh baked cupcakes is amazing! It's time to let your little party planner decorate cupcakes for each of their guests. Once the cupcakes are ready, set out icing, gummi bears, sprinkles, chocolate chips or whatever else you can think of, and watch the creativity begin. Try to personalize them, maybe using icing to write the first letter of their name, or use sprinkles in their favourite colours.

Looking for a healthier option? Pictured above are muffins that have been lovingly decorated.

Activities:

Choose Your Games

Since this is all about planning a party, have your child practice classic party games to choose the ones they’d like to have at their party. Whether it’s pin the tail on the donkey, an egg race, sack race or a dance contest, let your child try a few and pick one or two they’d like to play. Allowing a child to pick the games they like will give him or her a sense of ownership and creative control over their own party.

Decorate!

It's time to pick a theme. Perhaps they would like to choose their favorite movie, a pool party, a princess party, a costume or sleepover party; the possibilities really are endless. Once they have chosen their theme, have them sit down and decide what decorations they would like. Take them to the dollar store and let them pick out whatever streamer colors they would like.

Make Invites

Let you child know how many children they are allowed to invite, then have them come up with a list. Once the list is complete, have them colour and design creative invitations.

Need some help thinking of themes? Here are a few we loved!

Fancy Tea Party, Safari, Space, Barnyard Bonanza, Circus, Dress-Up, Sports or Olympics, Beach, Gardening, Halloween, Pizza Party, Pajama, Spy or Secret Agent, Tye Dye Party.

Do you have more ideas to add to the list? Share your favourite party idea in the comments below!

Craft Idea:

Send out your invitations using these precious Tiara Cards and you're sure to get flooded with rsvp's! Girls not only fill out these sparkling cards, but decorate them with jewels and foam tiles.

The Playroom: Pretty Ponies

2011-01-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

While growing up I asked, no begged, repeatedly for a pony. I would cut out photos of horses and leave them all over the house. When I was 6, I spent a week galloping around the house neighing at everyone I saw – even that didn’t break my parents down! One year I received a plastic pony for Christmas and cried.

The funny thing is, I have no idea why I wanted a pony. We moved all the time and tended to live in huge cities. I’m pretty sure I was 12 or 13 before I even saw one in real life.

No matter what their background, girls seem to have an innate obsession with ponies! Girls who need to be told repeatedly to clean their rooms will happily spend hours cleaning up a dirty barn and stomping through the muck.

It’s not just silly spoiled girls who share this infatuation; even smart girl Lisa Simpson repeatedly expresses her undying love of all things equine.

Perhaps it’s movies like Black Beauty and The Last Unicorn or the associated Princess imagery that binds ponies with such magical properties. Maybe it’s the sense freedom they imagine while sprinting through open fields or the unconditional friendship their pony will provide.

I like to think that little girls love ponies because, just like them, these animals are free spirited and innocent. They love to explore and run as fast as they can. They are have spirited personalities and demand respect, love and, at the end of a long day, someone to braid their hair for them.

Our Product Idea:

We know girls love ponies, horses and unicorns! At The Orb Factory, we have tons of fun horse craft kits that any little girl is bound to love. With products for our youngest right up to our older fans, we have notebooks, jewelry boxes and magical sticky mosaics art work!

Sticky Mosaics Riding School

Sticky Mosaics Sparkling Unicorns

Sticky Mosaics Singles Unicorn
Sticky Mosaics Unicorns and Ponies

The Playroom: The Under 5 Craft Dilemma

2011-01-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

I’m a Brownie leader, which means I’m constantly searching for crafts for 8 year olds. I always find tons of fun kits or ideas and they love coloring, painting, gluing and, of course, mosaic’s!

Who's Going to Clean This Up?

Last week, however, I was asked to help out with a Sparks group. It was a family night, which means that some of these itty bitty 5 and 6-year-olds had their even tinier 3 and 4-year-old sisters with them. This brought me to the question; what on earth is an appropriate craft for 3-6 year olds?

I didn’t want to give them paint (the community centre wouldn't appreciate hot pink walls). I also didn’t want to give them anything that they could choke on or that would be too hard to figure out. I didn’t have time to go around and explain directions to each girl individually – I only have two hands – so it had to be fairly straightforward. I also didn’t want to just give them crayons and a picture, since that’s something they do all the time.

So, I needed something with no mess, easy-to-do with an original concept!

I did end up finding a few little crafts (they really liked gluing cotton balls and googly eyes together to make snowman), but I never did find any really exciting cool little kid crafts.

I’d love to hear your favourite crafts for all those tiny little fingers out there!

Our Product Idea:

Did you know that we have a while Pre-School line of cool craft kits? They’re all recommended for ages 3+. Check out My First Sticky Mosaics Pretty Things. This kit comes with 5 different art projects and over 1000 colorful sticky foam pieces. Unlike our other Sticky Mosaics, they use a simpler legend of shapes and colors and have bigger, easy-to-handle tiles. They're bright and colourful and will look adorable in any kid's room.

Perfect Day Planner: Under the Sea

2011-01-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

There's a whole other world deep under the ocean

Where fish and octopi cause quite a commotion
There are mermaids and a pirates treasure chest

And sea creatures who want you as their special guest

Snacks:

Fish sticks or Petridge Farm’s Goldfish Crackers are always a quick and simple idea. But I’m sure you can be a little more creative than that!

A sure hit is ocean in a cup. Simply make a few packages of blue Jello. When Jello is starting to firm up, stick in some dolphin or fish gummis. Children will get a kick out of seeing suspended sea creatures in a dark blue wiggly ocean.

Activities:

Beanbag Attack

Make your very own Shark beanbag throw. This requires a little bit of prep work, but can be kept for lots of future fun. Find a cardboard box and cut out a huge shark mouth, leaving big sharp teeth. Beanbags can be picked up at any dollar store or easily made with scraps of fabric and dried bulk beans. Have children toss the beanbags into the mouth of the shark, taking a step back each time they get one in. Whichever child ends up getting the most in wins!

Mermaid Race

In this mermaid-themed party game, each child gets a mermaid tail before participating in the race. A large garbage bag that is taped around the waist or party streamers wrapped around the legs creates the tail effect. The children lie on their stomachs to wiggle down the race course. You can also have them hop if you prefer. The first mermaid to cross the finish line is the winner.

Sea Shell Hunt

This is a simple but fun game for kids. Children love searching for and collecting things. Hide a bunch of seashells around the house or outside in the yard. Children of all ages will love this treasure hunt.

Any dollar store or pet store sells bags of seashells. Even better, next time you’re at the beach, bring a bag and have the kids collect some and then clean them with an old toothbrush.

Craft Idea:

Follow the simple numbered legend to create a masterpiece that gives a whole new meaning to Pop Art! Make your own underwater scene with Sticky Mosaics 3D Ocean Magic, then slip on a pair of 3D glasses (included in kit) and watch those fish come to life!

Our Top Ten Toys of 2010

2011-01-03T11:01:00.001-08:00

With the start of a new year, we're taking a moment to look back at our top picks of 2010.
Do you see your favourites?

1. Sticky Mosaics® Heart Box

2. Sticky Mosaics® Dear Diary

3. Sticky Mosaics® 3D Ocean Magic

Take the magic of the movies home with you! Our 3D kits have been popping up everywhere. Follow the legend to make a magical underwater scene then slip on the glasses and watch your creation come to life!

4. Sticky Mosaics® Jewelry Box

Our Jewelry box has been winning awards and turning heads all year! Girls love decorating this box with over a thousand foam tiles and jewel pieces and then using the finished product as a place to store all their precious items.

5. Sticky Mosaics® Fairy Cards

6. My Fir s t Sticky Mosaics® Princess

Perfect for tiny fingers and huge imaginations, our youngest fans love our My First line. Perfect for ages 3+, My First Sticky Mosaics develop hand eye coordination and pattern recognition during critical learning years.

7. Sticky Mosaics® Ladybugs and Friends

8. Sticky Mosaics® Sparkle Unicorns

9. StickN'Style® Blinglets

Our fashionable Stick N' Style line is for girls who love creating their very own accessories. Express your individuality and creative flair all at once!

10. Sticky Mosaics® Kingly Crown

Which Sticky Mosaics Kit was your favourite in 2010? Tell us in the comments below!

Meet Gabrielle: Sticky Mosaics Contest Winner!

2011-01-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

Gabrielle, aged 10, is the newest Sticky Mosaics contest winner.

This fun-loving 5th grader loves social studies and history. She has two little sisters and one kid brother. She says that they all really like Sticky Mosaics kits. “There aren’t many toys that we can all play with at the same time,” she says.

Gabrielle loves decorating things with sticky mosaics tiles. She has already jeweled a mirror and wants to do her water bottle next.

Gabrielle’s Winning Entry:

“I decorated my guitar” says Gabrielle, “because it was Hannah Montana and I wanted to change it.”

Gabrielle has been playing guitar for a year and really likes playing Our Song by Taylor Swift.

Gabrielle’s Favorite Kit:

Sticky Mosaics Singles Mermaid

Do you know a budding artist who would like to win $200 worth of Sticky Mosaic Kits? Check out our contest video at www.orbfactory.com

Perfect Day Planner: On The Catwalk

2010-12-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Coats, dresses, belts and shoes

So many outfits, which one to choose?

When it comes to clothes, you’re in the know

Because you’re the star of the fashion show

Snacks:

Fizzy Pink Leomnade: Mix in a little sprite or ginger ale for a bubbly pop. Garnish with a strawberry or raspberry for a little extra pizzazz.

Activities:

Have children dress up in some of mom’s old clothes. Let them try on a pair of low heels or, if the child is too small, just give them lots of play jewelry (this can be purchased at the dollar store or second hand shop). Turn on some music and let them stomp down the hallway, striking funny poses at the end. This homemade fashion show can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. Remember to make it fun and funny – encourage silly walks and outrageous poses.

Give child a disposable or kid friendly digital camera and let them play photographer for the day. Have them fun around the house, yard or, with supervision, the neighborhood. Watch as they take pictures of animals, signs or flowers. Or let them invite a friend over to play dress up and then let them make their own fashion shoot in the backyard. Have the children come up with a ‘set’ for their shoot using toys or furniture.

Design your own fashion line. Give kids old magazines and catalogs. Let them cut out their favorite pieces and glue them, collage style, onto a piece of Bristol board or construction paper. Encourage your child to pick a theme – keep it simple by choosing a certain colour or season as a guide. Have them name their line and then present them in their best fashion tv host voice.

Craft Idea:

Stickn’Style Binglets
Girls create their very own fashion accessories with our Stickn'Style Blinglets; a must have for any budding fashionista.

The Playroom: Pretty Cards

2010-12-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

The holiday's are over once again and empty boxes are laying haphazardly around the living room. The christmas cookies are almost all gone and brittle pine needles seem to be covering the floor. Children have thrown some presents into the bottom of the toy box - those socks from Grandma are around here somewhere - and have already lost the remote control for that new race car.

Before they forget the holidays, and all the presents that came along with it, gather the kids together and allow them to say Thank You.

Having your child send thank you cards for their gifts is a way to help your child remember who gave them what and how lucky they were this year. Aside from teaching good manners and gratitude, filling out thank you notes is an opportunity to sit with your child while they practise spelling and organizational tasks.

Because they are most likely going to grandparents, aunts and uncles and family friends, there is no need for these notes to be formal. Have them use stickers or glue and make it more of a craft. Let them attach a leftover candy cane to the outside or draw a little picture in the card.

Our Product Idea:

Check out our Pretty Cards; a pack of 8 cards featuring rainbows, hearts and flowers. Children get to decorate the cards themselves, showing an added effort and thoughtfulness.