Reviews (12)

Great toy
I love this easel! I posted a previous review complaining that the trays constantly crashed to the floor. However, today I realized that the trays snap on if you press them down the correct way. We have had this toy for almost 3 months and I just figured this out. Someone else was complaining of the same problem, but I hope that does not stop anyone from buying this easel. I love everything about it now. Sorry about the previously bad review.

They Need to Fix This!
My kids love playing with this easel but are very disappointed that they can't paint with it. Why? Because of the holder trays that come crashing down every few minutes. (I'd leave them off, the kids put them back) Imagine the fun of having them full of open paint jars. The stupid things just don't stay in for anything! I'm hoping we can put in some screws or something. Superglue, ANYTHING. It's just such an obvious flaw that I can't believe they haven't fixed it. I wish someone else would have said something about it when I was reading the reviews. I wouldn't have bought it.

Good toy but trays fall off constantly
We bought this easel for our daughter for her third birthday. It is very cute and it has clips on both sides for more than one child or project. However the trays for chalk or markers fall off every time you move the easel. I researched this product before we purchased it and it had great reviews. I am frustrated with this toy because every time I move it or even vacuum near it the trays fall off and the contents spill all over the floor.

Chalkboard is CHEAP!!!!
We just bought this for our daughter's 4th birthday and she seems to like it. However, her parents are not at all pleased with the chalkboard side. I bought Crayola chalk (separately) to go with it. The chalkboard is waxy and flimsy. Even after "seasoning" it like the box says, it looks and functions even worse! I think for the money we spent on the product and on shipping, it should be a MUCH better quality!! How hard is it to make chalkboards, anyhow? Anyways, I guess we'll cover it up with drawing paper.

Super purchase
I bought this for my 19 month old daughter and have been extrememly pleased. It seemed much sturdier than the others I tested in the store and was less expensive. I thought the dry erase board would be a waste for a while because there is absolutely NO WAY my little artist would be given markers on a regular basis. I discovered, however, that washable crayons work great on the dry erase side. She can wipe it clean easily by herself with a baby wipe. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Combination of Supplies for Creating Art for Kids
This is an excellent collection of easy-to-use art supplies for children. It includes the drawing "tools" my daughters like to use most. This collection empowers children to be creative.

I suggest you buy this Crayola set, a case of cheap paper, a couple rolls of invisible tape, a pencil sharpener, a bottle of Elmer's school glue, and a stapler (for sure). Then give your child frequent access to the supplies to draw pictures and design things. Your child's creativity will emerge on its own.

Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Cute
This can holds alot of crayons when the paint is gone. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Lots of fun....
I bought this for my 2-year-old and he likes it a lot (I keep the markers in a safe place, though....markers and 2-year-olds are a dangerous combination). I especially like the reverse side of the workspace; you can put paper over it and lightly rub the crayon to see images come through. I like it as much as he does. I think it will be used for a long time.

The only thing I don't like is the price....I got it on clearance. I don't think it's worth the full price. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Super Art Chest is a dream come true for most kids, not to mention parents and teachers. A sturdy plastic reusable tub houses everyone's favorite art supplies: Crayons (48), character-topped sidewalk chalk (6), Super Tip markers (20), Ministamper markers (10), Classic Colors markers (8), assorted Model Magic modeling clay packets and project idea booklet, washable watercolors (8), paint brush, activity and coloring book, and desktop caddy. Bring out the art chest for vacations, waiting rooms, slumber parties, rainy days, and sure, even sunny days. Who can say "I'm booored!" with this tub o' fun around? It's all about good old-fashioned imagination now. --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent gift/purchase for kids who love coloring!
Two of my daughters (ages 4 & 5) got this for Christmas! I think they've played with it every day since then. They both love coloring and anything that has to do with artwork. I would definitely recommend this to the parent with an "artistic" child! ... Read more

Editorial Review

This featherweight, pliable modeling material can be used to make almost anything--doll furniture, Christmas ornaments, jewelry. You can roll it, squeeze it, or mold it. Each of the four sealed pouches contains 8 ounces of nontoxic modeling material, each in a different color--red, yellow, blue, and white (colors may stain). Braid colors together, or combine them to form new colors. Try a marbled look. A chart on the back of the lidded plastic container shows how to mix colors. You can press objects into the soft material, either to leave decorative or textural imprints or to become a part of your creation. Objects usually air dry within 24 hours--and so does the leftover material, so be sure to put it in an airtight container for safekeeping. Once you've opened a package it's best to use it all on the same day. When your creations have "set," they can be painted and decorated. --Louise Carter ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Gets creativity flowing!
I bought this last year to make easy handprints of the children I cared for as a keepsake for the parents. I found I had two bags left over and gave it to my girls to play with. I have an 8 yr old and a 6 yr old. THEY LOVE IT! They've made *cookies* with it and animal sculptures in full detail. It get their creativity going, it's easy to use and doesn't crumble when it dries. I'm going to order another bucket at their request.

Better than Play Dough
My kids love this stuff. Its squishy like soft foam, molds easily, actually sticks to itself (unlike the new version of playdough), and best yet...it dries to become harder and more resiliant...great for making dollie cups, bowls, furniture, googly monsters, and much more. It works great with cookie cutters because the stuff doesn't stick to anything but itself. It is water soluble and washes out easily if it gets caught in a bunch of spilled water. Actually water is its big downfall...it will turn to mush if it contacts water...however you can use this to your advantage when it becomes somewhat dried out. Just wet it slightly under a faucet for a microsecond and then kneed it back and forth to regain its original fun consistency. Once its air dried, water doesn't affect it much. If you want to return something that has dried back to the original squishy state, simply leave out on a plate on the porch when it is raining or on an extra humid day for several hours. Cleanup is the best part of this stuff. It doesn't crumble like play dough and the kids seem to make a fraction of the overall mess.

The only downside is that it dries out after a couple hours of play and you either have to renew it with the water trick or trash it. If you mix all the colors together, you end up with a red/brown color.

Its been a great addition to the "art" supply stuff at home.

So Awesome!
I love this..It is so soft and easy to shape and it doesnt stick. My mom used to always buy it for us but she stopped because it was always rock hard when bought. I wish that she still bought it but i dont care because whenever i see it i dont want it anymore becase i know its for little kids..lol..anyways its great!

Better than playdough
This stuff feels light as air, and is easy to model and mold into just about anything. With the first package we bought, the Model Magic was hard as a rock (so it was obviously ancient). I emailed Crayola, who apologized profusely and offered me a coupon for a new package (their customer support system is prompt and professional- 5 stars for that!). It should be noted, then, that if you want your creation to be permanent, leave it out to air dry (about 24 hours). If you want to be able to keep playing with it, put it in an airtight container. I tried putting water on the rock hard stuff (as the website suggested trying), but it didn't do anything. More fun than playdough (and doesn't smell funny, either).

best present my child received
My child received this for christmas last year and loves it. I have had to buy more. We create animals, make letters, we made a volcano. She will sit and create on her own. My child likes doing crafts and creating things, so this may not be for every child. It feels different from play-doh and does not have a smell like play-doh. Other reviewers said they had to use the package up in one day. I rolled the package up to close it, clipped it with a clothes pin, put it back in the container and ours stayed fresh. We keep ours in the house. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

GREAT FOR GIRLS WHO LOVE TO DRAW
My daughter is 6 & she loves this toy. It's not one that gets old after 2 days. There are so many variations to draw from, endless combinations. The older she gets, the more she loves it. Her older friends especially like it. It's good for motor development in trying to do the tracing.

great toy
Our daycare has a toy similar to this one,however it is much more expensive. My daughter absolutely loves her tracing desk, she has already gone thru one set of batteries and a light bulb. She is six years old and the intricate designs really challenge her. I was very pleased with this toy and would not hesitate to buy it again.

My son loves the vehicle version !!!
Yes, they make a version of this with vehicles to trace and my 6 yr old son loves it! For some reason the vehicle version is harder to find than the girls' fashion version. For any boy that loves to draw cars and trucks, this is great. Also, good for their fine motor skills.

4girlsmom
My daughters, ages 9, 7 year old twins and 3 1/2 love this toy. They have played with it for hours. The pictures are easy for them to trace and there are several stencils for them to choose from so they didn't get bored. Once they traced the pictures, they colored them and cut them out. Then they played with the cutout dolls. I highly recommend this toy.

great tool for a little girl's imagination
My 9 year old niece recieved this for Christmas from my mother. She could only find one and was not able get one for my 8 year old dauther. My daughter saw it, played with it for hours and loved it. It is a great tool to stimulate their imagination. We looked all over to try and find my daughter one and she was heart broken when we could not. I was lucky enough to find one at Amazon and quickly ordered it. Little girls love to play dress up and this is an awesome way for them to design their own line of clothing, so to speak. I cannot wait to see her face when it comes. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Sometimes the creative impulse can't be restrained, as evidencedby the countless juvenile masterpieces created on living room walls. TheCrayola Color Wonder Marker and Activity Tote will let the parents oflittle Picassos and O'Keefes breathe a little easier, knowing that theeight markers will only color on the special paper provided by Crayola.The 36-page activity book that comes inside the tough green 11-by-14-inchmesh carrying case has plenty of undersea coloring pictures andpuzzles to keep kids happy, and plenty more is available. The markersreally are amazing--they don't leave marks anywhere but on the uniquepaper, and they don't smell as toxic as other markers. --RobLightner ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Great concept, but we'll probably stick with crayons!
We bought this for my 2 year old daughter because she had a real interest in coloring. We have lots of coloring books and WASHABLE crayons, and we tried washable markers--they do clean up pretty well. I was attracted to the concept of color only where you want it, but really, anything my 2 year old creates, whether inside the lines or not, is art! I can see how this could be a confidence booster as she gets a little older, though. I also liked the portability and organizational side of the tote--I'm a tote bag and organization fiend! The book inside can be replaced with a new one, and there are "blank" notepads available, too which would be a bit more creative.

Despite all its attributes, we'll probably stick with washable crayons for awhile for the following reasons--
easier to get off of wood, or anything!
lots more coloring books and paper available--and a LOT CHEAPER!
while not as potent as permanent markers, these DO have a strong chemical smell--at least to us--and shouldn't be used in a small, confined space (judge for yourself)

I'm sure we'll use this item enough to justify buying it--trips to Grandma's or whatever. We just probably won't run out and buy a refill right away when the enclosed book is used up.

Carry Crayola with ervywhere you go.
In the Mess Free Color Wonder Activity and Tote package you have a great product for allowing children to blend imagination with mystery. Since the coloring book is blank until the child runs the color marker over the picture.

Everything comes in a sturdy mesh bag, which can be used as a lap desk if you are traveling. Although the lap desk is nice it is tailored more for the advanced children. Also the mesh bag has no enclosed sides so make sure the books fit into the pouch before putting the items away.

The variety of pictures include in the book is great, but the ink markers only show color when they move within the lines. This is great but for those learning to color for the first time this may not be the best way to learn.

One of the best things about this package is the fact that it is small and easy to put away which should make parent very happy. Also unlike other color markers there is virtually no odor from the makers, a very nice plus. Overall with minor improvements this product becomes a 4 star winner.

Country Rose Table and Chair Ruined
I purchased this product in the local Toys R Us for my 2 year old to use, because I was becoming tired of cleaning up crayon messes. My mistake. The Color Wonder markers colored all over my daughter's table and chair set that Grandma got for her first birthday. These markers can't be removed with conventional methods that I use to clean up crayon! Crayola's customer service was very nice and sent a package with a cleaner to remove the stains. Unfortunately, the cleaner (an orangey citrus type cleaner) left a worse stain than the Color Wonder markers. So now the chairs have orange cleaner stains on them, and the table has Color Wonder marker stains on it. I haven't yet had a problem dealing with (...) customer service, but have made it clear to them that the product and its cleaning solution need to be further researched. (...) Until this product has been further researched and reintroduced, I have advised friends and family to shy away from it.

Great for a restaurant
We have a very active 2 yr old girl. We bought this for a vacation. We brought it to dinner every night. She sat for at least an hour each time and colored on the special paper. There was absolutely no mess and it was great for those nights where we were all very dressed up.

I highly recommend this product for its travel capability and its "no mess"! Thank you Crayola!

Crayola Wonder Desk
I actually have the Crayola Wonder Desk but it is basically the same product. It is very neat. The coloring book will not allow you to color outside the lines (not good for learning purposes but makes a real pretty picture and a proud child). The markers really will not color on anything but the special paper and coloring books which is always a plus for a mother of an artist! The markers have held up well too. ... Read more

Product Description

Melt crayons into one of a kind crayons with the Crayola Crayon Maker. Crayola is known for their crayons and kids and adults alike are fascinated with how crayons are made. Now you can enjoy that process in your own home with the Crayola Crayon Maker. Kit comes with the Crayon Maker Machine, and decals to decorate machine. Light Bulb sold separately (requires 60 watt small base candelabra bulb). Ages 8 and up. Awarded the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award! Named a Child Best Toy of the Year from Child Magazine! ... Read more

Reviews (72)

This is such a waste
Bought it for 10 year old who loves art supplies. Tried it one night and hasn't touched it sense. The new crayons that it makes break as soon as you try to use them. Then it takes forever to get the new crayons. The equipment gets hots so parental supervision is required. Not to mention the mess you have afterwards. I would not recommend this toy to any parent.

lots of fun... and useful too!
I bought the Crayola Crayon Maker as a birthday gift for my 4 year old daughter who loves to break crayons. My hope was that if she put effort into actually making her crayons, she wouldn't be so apt to break them into pieces. It worked! When we received the Crayon Maker, we had no problem finding the small based candelabra bulb at the local grocery store. I am glad they don't include it as shipping a lightbulb would probably be hazardous. The machine was packed VERY well and had many safety features. I'm definitely convinced that Crayola had safety in mind while they designed this product. I was especially thrilled to receive not only "starter crayons" (which we didn't need since we've got plenty of crayon bits of our own) but make-your-own crayon labels! Now the crayons my daughter and I make look professionally done and extra-special. I'd like to note that the FIRST batch of crayons we made came out as only half-size. I'm not sure why, but we followed the directions and every batch after that has turned out full-sized perfect crayons. This is a really fun toy that teaches science (lightbulb generated heat, melted wax, how crayons are made), art (create your own specially swirled crayons and name the new colors) and patience (wait for the crayons to melt, pour the wax, then wait for them to cool). In all it's one of the best toys I've bought that I can really take an active role in sharing with my little girl.

Worked Well
I had no problems with this toy. The lightbulb is a standard candelabra lightbulb [...]. The crayons melted fine (including the yellow). Make sure you use a 60 watt lightbulb. My daughter and her friends love it.

A teachers friend.
I teach kindergarten so I always have bits of crayons. I used the crayon maker to make solid color crayons and I thought it was wonderful. Getting a light bulb was no big deal. I purchased additional molds (animal shapes etc) so I could make more crayons while others set up. It's true not all the crayons turned out full length, but they were a heck of a lot better than what I started with. The children love the different shapes.

Awesome item
My 2 year old daughter and neice received this item as a christmas gift. For 3 months my daughter used the box with the item still in it as a stool. So the durablity is great in my opinion. Granted it didn't come with the needed light bulb (which i found at the local grocery store with no problem) i pluged it in, using the broken crayons the girls have kept for numerous months, we've made new crayons from the old, and my daughter was very excited to play with her new "colors" I have had no issue with this item. Granted a little wax is left on the melting tray, and it can be a little messy if you don't have the mold snapped completely together. But if you're looking for a way to revive those broken crayons, or just that one color your child insists on using and breaking over and over this is worth the price. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The Crayola line of products is normally associated with the decidedly low-tech box of crayons. Sure the box of 64 comes with a little sharpener but that’s about as fancy as one ever imagines Crayola getting. This fun and imaginative drawing toy, however, might change that unplugged image. The overhead projector casts images on to the dry-erase drawing surface, giving budding artists a chance to trace, color, enhance, and otherwise illustrate artwork. 15 image discs are included, sporting 105 separate images, and there’s also a convenient storage tray to make sure the discs don’t get lost. Although the toy is based on copying already existing images, we still found plenty of room for creative expression in this set. Four C batteries are required but not included. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Keeps kids busy!
This is a great toy. My 4-year-old loves it. The first day he had it, he played with it for over 2 hours straight! There are watercolors, markers, colored pencils - enough to keep their imagination going. This was a great buy.

Barely made it out of the box
I had high hopes for this toy. My daughter fancies herself as an artist, so I thought this would be great. I WAS WRONG! This toy is very flimsy. The pieces fell apart almost immediately. It is definitely not worth the money. It never stood upright as an easel. I was very disappointed.

not worth your time
not loaded with supplies, broke after the first day, plastic very flimsy

Crayola makes me wish I was a kid again.
One thing about reviewing products is the great time I have trying them out. Crayola is the first name in fun for kids and the tabletop art easel is a perfect item for kids to use anytime. Crayola Art Easel is one product that has both my kids sitting and creating for hours.

The easel fits on any tabletop and can travel is you have a big enough car or mini-van. It comes with a handy carry handle that allows the kids to feel more grown up. The assembly was very easy and all directions are right on the box.

The kit includes markers, colored pencils, crayons, watercolors and paper. Also there are slide out trays to hold each items and storage is very easy, as is the cleanup. One thing I was impressed with was the inclusion of non-slip feet make the easel stay in place.

While your child is creating and becoming the next Picasso there is a tray in the front of the easel to hold the items as they work. The snap on clip that comes with the easel makes a great addition to kit, as paper will not slide around while they draw or paint.

This is by far and away one of the best activity kits my kids have used. Check out Crayola's website for hundreds of other items. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

The box is not a clue to the actual size
We opened the box and were shocked to find a tiny toy inside.
This was very dissapointing considering the size we were expecting. It is a 1/4 the size of the box. Four for these could have fit into the same box. Shame on crayola for tricking us. The concept is a great idea. There are 3 disks. Could have given you more disks, or sold them sepreratly like the viewmaster company does. Kids will get sick of the same picture, the pictures included are not very interesting. Mostly bugs and space theme, leans toward boys. Includes no paper and the paper size needed is not a standard one you could just buy. So the paper slips around and the final drawing we made was distorted. I have heard the full size trace and draw comes with 10 disks and is better.
I am packaging this one up this morning and bringing it back for a refund!!!!

Cheap Projector
My son received this toy six months ago and has used it about 5 times. The pictures are blurry and the paper is not held in place well. I have had to take it apart thinking that it needed new batteries or a lightbulb because of it not working. But, after putting the items back in, it would work again. The toy seems to be a bit sensitive and probably should be improved before selling to children.

Kids enjoyed - but wasn't all I thought it would be
I recently purchased this toy and it kept my 4 & 5 year olds busy for hours on a long car trip. There were 2 things that disappointed me - On the package, it looks like the picture fills the screen, and it really only fills a fraction of the screen - the picture is tiny which makes it harder for the kids to produce nice results. Also, the picture can't be seen if there's light. My kids were using with blankets over their heads, otherwise the couldn't see anything

A Good Purchase
I just got this for my four year old. She enjoys tracing letters so I thought this would be fun for her also. I read the other reviews and was skeptical, but it works well, has a focus lens that even my daughter can work, and she likes it a lot. When she finished a picture, she was very proud of her work. I'd recommend it.

Do NOT waste your money
I bought one of these for my 8-year-old as well as myself (I'm a teacher who can't draw, I thought I could make pictures to hang up in the classroom.) We both had fun with it, however, it broke after the first time we used it. We got another one, which broke after the first time we used it. Both turned on the first time, then when we turned them off, would not turn back on again. This toy is the biggest piece of junk I ever bought; please do NOT waste your money! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Painting with water colors is usually a messy activity but this compact kit keeps all components contained for a more spill-free painting method that is even easy to bring on the road. The right side of the plastic tray houses a row of nicely balanced crescent-shaped watercolors and a well that, instead of holding sloshing water, contains a neat damp sponge. A tightly closing hard plastic case stores paint, sponges, and brushes during travel. Shaped like crayons, the three brushes in this kit feature innovative and interchangeable sponge tips that, when used with the crescent-shaped paints, can make unique multi-colored rainbow paintings. Brushes stand straight up in the tray to avoid marking tabletops or works in progress. The tray's clipboard holds a sheet of 8-1/2-by-5-1/2-inch paper, which serves as a palette for designs. The kit includes a plastic tray, six paints, three brush holders, six foam brushes in varying sizes, a sponge, and five sheets of paper. These watercolors are not the washable kind so it is advisable that kids wear a smock. --Cristina Vaamonde ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Missing pieces
I am very disappointed with this product. The amazing art duffle bag came in almost empty. Promised bags of modeling clay, stamping markers, stickers and the activity booklet was nowhere to be found. Then I started reading the other reviews about this product and sadly realized that I was not the only one... I can't believe Crayola continues to ship the product half empty. It is about time that someone takes an action...

Do Not Buy
This seems like a "Bait & Switch" ... The picture shown, as well as the written decription, portrays a fun filled (and I do mean FILLED) bag of art supplies, when it is actually filled with mostly air. The missing supplies included three packages of modeling clay, 10 washable mini stamp markers, the activity booklet, of the 15 sticks of sidewalk chalk promised - it came with only 6. There were no washable markers - there are 10 non-washable markers.
This is an extremely disappointing purchase.

Not so amazing art duffle bag
It would appear from the picture of the "amazing art duffle bag" that it is chock full of fun art supplies. This is not the case. The bag consist of a pack of 8 fat markers, a pack of 8 skinny markers, a box of 16 crayons, a 6 pack of fat chalk, and a thin writing pad. You could easily buy the items strategically placed on the outside of this bag for about $9.00- The entire middle portion of the bag is empty! There is nothing amazing about the art duffle bag except the nerve of Crayola to mislead people. Save your money!

Disapointed Customer
I was very disappointed when I opened up this package. I had bought it for a Christmas present for a close relative. The duffle was missing the stampers, model magic pouches and activity book. Instead of those items being there, a large piece of cardboard filled up the space. I don't know if it was a mistake or not, but I must say that I am very disapointed. The picture and description of the duffle are very decieving.

Best
My sister has it and sometimes I use it. It is the best ... Read more

Editorial Review

Budding abstract artists can get their start with the clever and highly entertaining Wacky Roto Art kit. Kids spin a sturdy plastic wheel while squeezing two plungers filled with paint (includes red, yellow, and blue). The square of paper attached to the wheel is spattered, squirted, and sprayed while it spins, creating abstract art worthy of Jackson Pollock (well, almost). Sounds too messy? Fear not! A transparent plastic shield protects the immediate environs from becoming installation art. Do take note: attaching the shield--and keeping it attached--is no easy feat. However, for families who are sick of battery-powered toys, this kid-powered alternative (kids not included) will be worth the potential for a little mess. Includes spinning wheel, plastic shield, spray plunger and paint cups, 10 sheets of paper, three little tubs of paint, and one paint brush (in case children want to venture out beyond splatter art). --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Not a good buy!
I bought this product for my classroom. It was a huge disaster. We could not get it to work and it wound up in the trash. The spin art machine is a much better product!

This is a stupid toy!
This toy is definitely hateable for me! When I tried to make a spiral like on the box, it just turned out to be big, giant blobs! I was really disappointed about it. The plastic always kept breaking off it. It took very long to clean it up. It was really frustrating to get the paper on and off. It was really disappointing about that silly piece of stupid junk! Don't waste your money on it!

Shame!
You have to wonder at the morality of company executives who offer toys for sale that are of such poor quality. The other reviews are right on the money -- this is a cheap, flimsy piece of junk that could not possibly offer any enjoyment whatsover to any child. Shame on Crayola for allowing their fine name to be associated with such garbage. Pure greed wins the day. I can only hope this review will prevent other parents from wasting their hard-earned money on a so-called "toy" that can only disappoint and sadden their children. Bah!

Bad, Bad, Toy
If you like to do a lot of cleaning then this toy is for you. Lots of mess and little fun in this toy. I'm planning on writing to Crayola to see if I can get a refund, oh well, live and learn, and should have read all the reviews BEFORE buying this one!

Don't buy this toy
We received this as a gift, and despite my better judgement did not return it. The plastic shield does not stay on, the paper is hard to get on and off the platform, the paint provided is too heavy and causes the paper to fall off from the weight of it. My daughter thought it was fun anyway. But from a mother's perspective it was a bust. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Very Disappointing
My daughter just received this as a birthday gift. It is a nightmare! First of all it claims to be mess free, but that is a completely wrong. The release mechanism that allows you to pour the excess sand out at the end sticks and so when she shakes it the sand pours out all over the place. The kit contains six pictures that have cuts in them over adhesive. To color the picture, you pull off sections of the picture. Even I had difficulty lifting getting the paper to release properly! My daughter was very frustrated and upset that she was unable to do it. In addition, once the six pictures are used up, the whole thing is worthless! On the whole - it is definitely a big disappointment and I would steer clear of buying one.

THIS WAS GREAT FUN FOR MY 3 1/2 YR. OLD
HOWEVER, it is a bit messy and definately requires adult assistance. The sand sticks all over (including on top of the sand already on the picture). The dispenser, used to empty extra sand, does not work well at all. We had fun with it, but isn't really user friendly (unless a child is much older!).

All in all it was fun and my daughter made pictures for her teacher, aunt and grandparents. She really enjoyed it!

Still looking for info on purchasing additional sheets?????

Big mess for a "No-mess" project
We have a 5 and 7 year old. It was fun for them, but a little too messy. This project was difficult for them as well as for Mom! After the funnel broke, on the first try, no matter what we tried, sand went everywhere. We found it much easier to just put a larger piece of paper under the sticker, sprinkle the sand on, crease the paper, and pour back into the bottle. We had much less mess this way. It would be better to buy a child nice colors of craft sand & a glue stick and let them be creative with that.

Horrible Toy
My 4 year old daughter was given this toy for her birthday. Peeling the stickers off in the manner required is impossible for me, much less alone her. The lines peel up and this causes the picture to look incomplete. After doing the first picture our release button got stuck open and no amount of manipulation could fix it. Therefore, when you shake the box, the sand now comes out all over the place. The idea that you could ever "release" the sand back into the little bottles, even with the funnel is ridiculous. Due to static electricity you can never really get all the sand out of the box so you don't always get true colors. The only part of this activity my 4 year old can do is pouring the sand on. Thanks to the broken release button she can't even do the shaking. There are only six pictures included and as far as I can see there are no ways to purchase more, which at this point, I am thankful for! I would expect much better from Crayola. Save your money, your frustration and your home from turning into a beach and try another craft project!

No mess?... Not with this toy!!!
The box at the store said it was suitable for ages 3 and up so I thought it was a great idea for my creative 3 1/2 year old son, provided I helped him a little. Well, the help ended up being more than a little. In fact, he mostly had to wait for me to do almost everything but pouring the sand on the pictures. He did have fun and so did I and the pictures turned out very nice, but the work of pilling off the stickers is so minute that only precise hands can do it neatly. You have to plan in advance which stickers to pill off first so that you don't mess up the picture by pilling the smaller stickers. Some actually were still stuck to the bottom sheet and tore it a little, making a small hole in the picture.
As far as mess is concerned, this is not the right craft to do on a wooden table. Do cover yours before you start using this toy so that you don't end up with scatches all over it! The sand spreads all over the plastic artboard and ends up jamming the funnel realease button. My son's stuck in the open position so we have to be really careful when we shake the picture to spread the sand on it, and when we pour the excess sand back in the bottles. Our table ended up covered with sand (and it caused some scratches, like I said earlier).
The two picture frames are a great idea, but the tape doesn't stick very well and we're going to have to find a solution so that they don't keep on opening up.
All in all it's a great idea but it needs many improvements. To avoid frustration, I wouldn't recommand it for children under 10.
I had fun, but then again, I'm 30!!!... ... Read more

Editorial Review

Crayons, once merely tools for writing, art, and imagination, can now be transformed into Spider-Man and Dock Ock action figures with this wax-melting machine. Housed in a red plastic box with a clear lid, the unit features a metal melt tray in which to place the crayons. An indicator signals when it's time to pour the wax into the mold; shortly thereafter, the solidified action figure can be extracted. Kids might get bored with this after they've used it a few times. Included in the kit are 12 Crayola crayons, two different Spider-Man molds, and two Dock Ock molds. The heat lamp can cause burns, so parents should take caution. Required, but not included, is a 60-watt candelabra light bulb. --Andy Boynton ... Read more