Make way for the fashionistas

For hopeful young fashion designers out there--and we know there are quite a few of the--Creativity for Kids from Faber-Castell, Cleveland, Ohio, has the perfect kit, Designed by You Fashion Studio ($29.99). The set comes with a 12" dress mannequin and enough fabric and notions to create a unique look.

Implementing the motto, "Dream it, Draw it, Design it," youngsters can use the spiral bound book--with the aid of swatches--to sketch their creation. They really take on the role of designer by using the wrist pin cushion, tape measure, and dress makers pencil to pin up the fabric sample (black satin, pink lace, animal print, and blue sparkle) and begin to alter it to the dress form. The kit includes straight pins, needles, thimble, scissors, and five spools of thread. Assorted trims such as pearls and sequins will finish the look. It also comes with a plain white satin dress that fashionistas can embellish to dream up their own creative couture. Besides helping to develop an eye for design, users also hone their sewing skills.

Once they've got the clothing design down pat, the Gel Jewelry kit ($15.99) can be used to make a colorful array of soft and flexible necklaces, headbands, bracelets, and more. The set comes with two yards of gel cord and three yards of elastic cord for use with the various shapes and beads, including a heart pendant, so jewelers can enjoy easy-to-make, fabulous-to-wear accessories. Instructions and ideas are enclosed, but it's hard to go wrong with this product.

The In Style Sequins Set ($19.99) uses peel and stick trim and appliques to decorate rings, bracelets, headbands, and hair clips. Girls can add a little bling to their pony tail holders and other accoutrements by wrapping adhesive-backed felt pads around elastic hair bands, rings, etc., and then sticking on sequined flowers or other decorations. The kit includes four metal hair clips, three elastic hair bands, two plastic headbands, four rings, two bracelets, assorted sequins and trim, and adhesive-backed felt circles and double-sided stickers. This set is particularly easy to use, and even younger girls should have no trouble making a fashion statement.

For more information on their extensive fine of activities and products, visit www.creativityforkids.com.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning