You can also use a photograph and decorate it. When your artwork is completed, send it to the manufacturer in the provided postpaid envelope. Your project will be returned to you in five to seven weeks as a decorated plate, bowl, or mug (you get to choose). Extra matching items (all durable and dishwasher safe) are available from the manufacturer in any combination. Shipping and handling costs are not included. -S. J. Kurtz.

caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } ul. indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } table. callout { font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1. 3em; } td. think { height: 125px; background: #9DC4D8 url(http://images. amazon. com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/callout-bg. png) repeat-x; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; border-bottom: 1px dotted #000000; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } td. glance { height: 100%; background: #9DC4D8; border-left: 1px solid #999999; border-right: 1px solid #999999; padding-top: 10px; padding-left: 20px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 10px; width: 250px; } Children can create cute, colorful figures such as a cat. View larger. The fan helps designs dry and set more quickly. View larger. What We Think Fun Factor: Durability: (what this means) The Good: Fun studio unit stimulates creativity and lets children create art. The Bad: Takes awhile to dry; small balls can be swallowed and lost; fan not very strong. In a Nutshell: Kids can create and display fun, easy-to-make art with the PixOs Super Studio, but watch out for the small pieces. At a Glance Ages: 4 and up Requires: Two AAA Batteries to operate fan (not included) Easy, Clean Art The Super Studio requires some assembly, which a parent will most likely have to do. Don't worry: set-up is simple. The PixOs Super Studio works by allowing kids to create art by using small balls called PixOs that will stick to each other if lightly sprayed with water and allowed to dry. There are different colored PixOs, and children create designs (using templates or with their own imagination) by using the "pen" to place the PixOs on a grid-like tray. An included "eraser" makes it easy to remove a misplaced PixO. After the child is done with a design, he or she lightly sprays it with water using the included spray bottle, and puts it underneath the fan to dry. When dry, the finished piece can be removed from the tray and placed it wherever you'd like. We made a cute, colorful cat, then gave her a dog for a playmate soon after. Once we understood how it worked, we were able to whip up new designs and art quickly. Just be certain that the designs are fully dry. It took a bit longer than we expected, and we accidentally ruined a cherry because we picked it up off the plate before the PixOs were sufficiently dry and stuck together. Please note that the PixOs are tiny. Although the recommended age on the box says four and up, we believe that children on the younger end of the scale might require supervision, especially if they are inclined to swallow things. Additionally, the fan requires two AA batteries to operate, but we found that the fan was too weak to really speed up the drying process; instead we placed our finished PixOs designs by an open window to save on batteries. Different Templates Make Learning Fun Included are six template designs of varying degrees of difficulty that will help you get accustomed to using the studio. With the templates, kids can make strawberries, cherries, cats, dogs, and more! Some of the designs are three-dimensional, so they can stand on their own. Once these templates have been mastered, kids can create whatever they want and will only be limited by their imaginations. What's in the Box 500 PixOs, PixOs Sorter and Dispenser, six template designs, two trays, water sprayer, standard instructions, 3-d instructions.

All of the included pieces stow neatly in the sturdy wooden storage bin with transparent lid, so artists always know what's available, and can tidy up after themselves when they're done. -Heather Lyndon.

Families can have fun too as they create their own story together. Extra books with alternate dedication pages can be ordered to make the child's story a gift or keepsake for family, friends, or teachers. Once your child is finished with the writing, sending the manuscript to publishing is easy, with the included paid postage envelope. Production time is about three to four weeks, plus delivery time. The finished hardcover book measures 7 by 9 inches with 12 pages, and features a permanent hardback binding, a laminated cover drawing, and book title. For techno-savy young authors, the book can be created entirely online by using the Creations By You bookmaking Web site. The entire Illustory kit includes 18 special book pages, 2 cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions, order form, and a prepaid envelope. The correct spelling option allows a choice between leaving spelling errors in or having the words printed correctly. Award-Winning Features This kit was a winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, as well as multiple awards from other organizations. It helps builds self-esteem and sparks an interest in reading and writing. Youngsters learn to see a project through to completion, and their final printed story rewards their effort. There are many optional upgrades available (for a charge) to enhance the book. Extra books can be printed and separately dedicated as gifts for family and friends. In addition, the author's photo can appear on the bio page, and rush delivery is also available. The Make Your Own Book kit beautifully captures a child's creativity and turns it into a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come. What's in the Box 18 book pages, 2 cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions, order form, and prepaid envelope. Publish your very own book with the Illustory Make Your Own Book Kit. The Illustory Kit comes complete with markers, special book pages, story planners, and more.