I am always thrilled to be accepted for one of Tryazons’ parties. I was exceptionally excited to be able to participate in the 3Doodler Campaign. I love creating things, but I have yet to even come close to mastering the 3D pens on the market. 3D doodler has a great product, I am very impressed. I received their 3Doodler Create Pens to play and party with, but they also carry a beginner’s line, and a line great for younger kids, called #Doodler Start. Now, if you are a pro at it, or a professional, they even have a line for you, called 3Doodler Pro, and it looks impressive. Last, but not least, they even offer a kit for classrooms, called the 3Doodler EDU. The 3Doodler Start was The Best Creative Toy of the Year for 2017, too! We took the pen on the road as well, since it is so portable. You can really have fun with it anywhere.

They have a wonderful website, with 5 main sections on it: Store, Projects, Educators, Support, and Blog. The website is very easy and clear to follow and understand. I am highly impressed with their Projects section. It is a lot better than others I have used, and looked at. Their projects are actually free to print out as well, which I really love! I printed out a few to use at my party.

In my package I received 2 3Doodler Create Pen Starter Kits, 1 DoodleStand 2.0, 2 Different Color Packs of ABS Plastic Sticks, and 2 Doodle Pads. The Create Pen Starter Kits include: 1 Pen, 1 AC Power adapter, 1 instruction pamphlet, 1 Quickstart Guide, 1 wrench, 1 mini screwdriver, and 1 long tool to clear the passage with. I love the stand that this company offers. It can hold up to 75 Doodlestrands, and 1 Pen. Because the pen has a rubber guard by the tip of it, it will even hold the pen if you have the power cord attached to it. The power cord attaches to the top of the pen. It plugs into a regular 2 prong outlet. The included pamphlet offers some easy to read, and understand instructions. You can also go their website, and on the first page of the Shop section, you will see a Getting Started Tab. Press that, and it takes you to a page, where you can choose your pen. So, I clicked Create, which is the pen I have, and it took me to a plethora of information. This is the direct link for that section: http://the3doodler.com/getting-started/create/?_ga=2.159286396.778643117.1500502727-1931972569.1497930577 There are videos and manuals there to help you on your journey. Here is the main Youtube video for getting started: https://youtu.be/LVPqK4L5p2Y   Have your pen ready, so you can follow along. It is basic, for example: On the side of you pen is the off, low, and high switch, as well as, the ports for accessories. It shows you that the top of the pen houses the air vent, the power port, and the port for your plastic strips to be inserted. The buttons to make the melted plastic come out, are called extrusion buttons.

These are on the front of the pen. The larger one makes it go faster, and the smaller one, makes it go slower. It’s a fast visual, which makes it easier to adjust your speed. I really like that. I also like how they are not located on the side, like some other brands. I would always hit it while trying to create, and that was sooo annoying. Now, the back side of the pen houses a clear section, which is the Maintenance Housing. You can see how mush plastic you have left in the pen, and access the inside of the pen from here, if you have an issue, like needing to clear a blockage. Last but not least, it warns you about the tip, or nozzle of the pen. It gets very hot while in use, and takes a bit to cool down after the pen is turned off, so be careful! Then it will go through other videos about turning on and operating your pen. You can choose to just read the pamphlet, but having a video visual, can make it easier for a lot of people. The pen has two settings: low, and high. On the low setting, the lightbar turns green when ready, and blue when ready for the high setting. The bar is on the front, top of the pen. The included plastic with the kit is ABS, which has to be used on the High setting. The low setting is for PLA, which was not included, but can be purchased separately. This pen can accommodate it. Now, to operate it, after you place a piece of plastic in it, and the light is on, go ahead and press one of the extrusion buttons once to start it. Pressing once again, will stop it, and double clicking one of these buttons will reverse the direction of your plastic, so you can remove it, and start a new color; easy peasey. Now, they state to trim the ends of your plastic after removing it from the pen, so it’s ready to be reused. This is easily done with a pair of scissors. Now, if you are trying to reverse your plastic, and it won’t, that means it’s too short to reverse, and you will have to use the rest of it, to remove it. They have videos on how to use the included tools to troubleshoot, in case you have an issue removing any plastic.

Time to create and enjoy. Being aggravated is not allowed, lol! I printed out a few projects ideas, but you can find others for free, or for purchase on the internet. I am ecstatic by the free library of projects 3Doddler’s website offers, though. Their videos give you hints on how to do 3D drawings, and more. Nothing takes the place of practice, though. With their DoodlePads, which have grid measurements on them, it was easy to place a project paper under the mat, and then create from there. Here is a link to some of their videos, for ideas: http://the3doodler.com/videos/ . Some hints I learned from their website. For a flat pattern, press form onto the surface. For a 3D pattern, when creating a line up, hold it for a few seconds, so it can solidify, and then pull quickly away, to separate from the creation.

I have a 10 year old son, who has tried 3D pens before too. He is at my skill level, which is, we will say, the fun level, lol. I feel safer with him using this pen. Since the plastic inserts are straight, and not long and curvy, the pen is easier for him to handle, which in turn makes it safer to use. I homeschool him, so I love to bring creative items into our home. This definitely fits the bill. Their website also shows all types of kits they offer, which can be highly fun, and educational for children. I am really impressed with this company overall! Under their Educators section on their website, the even have STEM included, which is beyond wonderful. You can create, or copy patterns. Learn how physics work in 3D builds. You can even have your friends create their own wine glass, or beer bottle markers, at the beginning of a party. Scientists do say, that as we age, are brain ages also. To keep It young, and quick, we need to keep using it, challenging it. This is definitely more fun than brain games on a tablet or phone, that’s for sure.

You can purchase any of their pens directly from their website, or Amazon. Here is a link to their community page: http://the3doodler.com/community/ 

All opinions are honest and my own. I have no financial ties to Tryazon or 3Doodler. I received this set in exchange for testing their items, and sharing my experience, only.

I may be an adult, but this is the coolest setup for magician wannabees. I have two older boys, now 22 and 26, and a 9 year old, who is at prime magician in training age. My older sons would have loves, loved, loved this set. I could never find anything like this even remotely affordable when they were young, so I am extra thrilled with this set. It is well thought out, well planned. No, it is not professional quality, but I did not expect anything like that in a children’s toy. I love how it all folds back into the table. Every parents dream. This set includes all of the classics. I mean the ball and cup routine is even done with pet nowadays, lol. Here is the actual list of what comes in this set: “Magic Table Case (2 legs 3 feet), 3 Cups, 4 Balls, 4 Metal Rings, Magic Wand, Flying Coins, Magic Box, Money Paddle, Magic Cards, 2 Bizarre Boomerangs, Vanishing coin, Instruction Video Download and Book of Secrets.” I indeed receive everything stated too. They are the normal children’s magic toy quality I have purchased separately in the past. So, I am very happy with that. To buy all these separately would be a lot more money indeed, from my personal experience.

My 9 year old is so computer oriented, I love being able to get him something that will pull him away from the computer, but still allowing him to use the computer to grow an learn in the craft. That tie it in with the downloadable features, and video. He also watched YouTube videos on these magic tricks as well. We love the look of the table. It screams magic. It really is a blast, and they look soooooooo precious when they set up to do magic. It’s not the sturdiest table. I would let your kids know you can’t lean on it, just use it as a work base. It is made out of real wood, which is great. The base can be tricky. If one of the three legs won’t fit into a hole, just keep moving it around, and I finally was able to fit them all in just right. It gets easier with use, too. Yet again, it is what I expected, and I love it. There are so many tricks to learn and do with what is included. We absolutely love this set.

I received this, for free, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – Fantasma Toys Retro Magic Table Set – Loaded with Props and Featuring 150 Magic Tricks – Includes Instructional Video Download and Book of Secrets – Ages 6 and Up

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EL10XUK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have wanted one of these since I was much younger, lol. I remember when they were the biggest phase, and even businessmen had them on their desks. But, sadly enough, I never had one, lol. This one is a little different than the original. But, it still has the cool factor to it. The pins are not metal, but made out of plastic, so children are less apt to hurt themselves, or you, with it. It currently is only available in the blue coloring as well. It is still a great size for a desk. Its measurements are only: 5″ x 3.75″ x 2.25″. So, it doesn’t take up a lot of room. This is great for inspiration, to spark your creativity, or even to help you relax. You can just play around and make your own creations, or you can push an object into it to emulate its shape. My son is big at fidgeting. This is a huge win for a fidgety person. They can just sit and push away, even without a purpose. I have known children with sensory disorders, and one thing that would help them handle a bunch of external stimulation was to hold, and do something with their hands. Be it a rubbing stone, or something they can fidget with. This could be great for some of those children and adults. It’s a pretty silent way for them to keep too much stimulation in check. Of course, as a parent, I love that no batteries, or electricity are required. Your children can actually be amused without power. Imagine that. My son absolutely loves this thing. He plays with it non-stop, while at his computer. He has a lot of fun creating with it. Overall, it’s a fun way to be creative. It’s made well, and runs with no store bought power. I’m glad I finally got my hands on one. It brought back a lot of memories.

I received this, at a discount, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – Perfect Life Ideas’ Pin Art – Make Incredible 3-D Pin Impression Sculptures and Fascinating Shapes of Objects by Impressons of Push Pins.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01L2M0POU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I received a bunch of plain canvas bags recently. They make great gift bags, because they are reusable. The only downfall I found was individualizing them, so they weren’t so boring, all be it, practical, and ecofriendly. These fabric markers from E & I Trading Fabric are a fun way to personalize these bags. Now, I have to get used to writing on fabric with markers, lol. In this set I received 12 markers of different colors. Each marker has 2 tips on it too. There is a chiseled tip on one end, and a fine tip on the other end. I like having the two tips, it really makes it easier and more convenient to do your design. The colors included in the set are: Black, Vivid Red, Orange, Lemon Yellow, Deep Violet, Sky Blue, Forest Green, Chocolate, Grey, Grass Green, Brilliant Blue, and Pale Purple. Those are the actual names of the colors on the caps.

The colors are pretty true to the cap color, which was nice to see. I hate reaching for what I think is one color, but ends up being another color. These are permanent markers, but they are nontoxic. So, you can feel safe with your kids decorating with them. They could have a blast decorating their own T-Shirts.

Make sure, when you color, to place a notebook, or piece of cardboard, on the back side of the material. Or in-between, like I had to do with this bag. Otherwise the colors will run through to the other side. They recommend washing in cool water, and with a color friendly detergent. What I noticed, is that when drawing on fabric, the ink will run slightly with the fabric. Your lines will not be exact on all fabrics. It’s like drawing outside the lines, lol. The amount it will run depends on the weave of your fabric. A tighter weave will allow for a more exact look. With Halloween coming up, you can have a blast decorating trick or treat bags, and costumes with these. You can make banners for special events and more. You are really bound by your own imagination. These are easy and fun to use. Now I need more plain fabric to play with.

I received these, for free, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. – E & I Trading’s Fabric Markers Crafts 4 All® Permanent 12 Pack.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017KN3HUY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Adult coloring books are the new craze today. I know so many adults who just love to color in these. They help you to relax, de-stress. They trigger the creative side of your brain, which is very important. Adult coloring books are not just for adults either. They are great for kids who still like to color, but have outgrown regular coloring books. Most children’s coloring books are geared to really young ages. I have a 9 year old son who still loves to be creative, but won’t touch a regular coloring book. Even his drawing has turned to drawing apps on his tablet. This is a great way to get your older children unplugged!

I am really excited about this new monthly box concept:

Just Add Color Box Monthly subscription. It’s a new idea now on the market. It’s an exciting new monthly subscription service. It brings the world of coloring, and creativity to your front door. Every month you will get a surprise box filled with new, and different adult coloring books and more. They even offer 4 different ways to join and experience. The first launch is scheduled for an August 15^th ship date. If you sign up by this August 6^th, they will even give you a $10 discount. These are the different options for signing up and joining:

Monthly $19.99

3 Months $49.99

6 Months $99.99

12 Months $199.99

https://justaddcolorbox.com/home/join-now-2/

(When you sign up, please add my name in the note to merchant box under the total when you check out. That way I can be entered into a separate contest, with the same prize, too. Look further down this blog for your area to enter the contest.) 

This concept is even great for gift giving. I think it would be fantastic to set this up for your loved one in a nursing home, etc. It can be your secret treasure that you can hide in your car, lol. You can indulge and try and relax on your lunch breaks at work.

I received a box to sample. When I opened my box, I really did not know what to expect. Let me tell you what, I was really surprised, and in a good way too. I received 2 coloring books of different sizes, and many different coloring options. The pictures in both books are only printed on one side, which I always prefer. No bleed through to the other side this way. The pages in both books are perforated, in case I want to take one out, and frame it. Also included in my box was a pencil/pen storage case, and a box of 18, double tipped markers. They are water based, and non-toxic. Which is great if you have nosey pets, and small children in your home. I have asthma and allergies, and these markers had no scent to bother me. It was a great, well balanced set. The set had a lot of floral in it, but it also had animal prints, and abstract prints, so something for everyone. It even had some great quotes on some of the pictures. The double tipped markers are great. There is a fine tip on one side, and a broader tip on the other. The markers really cover well, too.

There is an exciting contest going on right now too. I did a recent blog on the contest, but I will add the information again here for easy entry. The prize: A 3 Month subscription. That is pretty awesome.

                             Launch Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check it out this fabulous contest to win a three month subscription to the Just Add Color Box Subscription: https://gleam.io/XWrNE/launch-giveaway

There are several ways to enter including following us, visiting the site & referrals!

Good luck everyone in the contest, and enjoy this new way to experience the adult coloring book experience.

Almost all children love things that glow. You combine that with drawing, and it becomes even more entertaining. This set is so much fun. You will get 1 glow board, 4 markers, 11 prints, and 3D paper glasses in your packages. Technically there are 6 prints, but 5 are double sided. Each marker has two color choices on it. So in each 2 marker set you get these colors: yellow, green, orange and pink. The ink is almost translucent, and the light makes them really glow. One side of the glow board has an acrylic plate that covers the print. You slide a print in from the top of the board. Then you take a marker and draw where you want to on the board. You can go crazy with your imagination, or draw like you are coloring in the print. The light button is the white button at the bottom of the easel. Every press will take it to a different LED light, until you get to the cycle of rotating colors. The LED light colors I saw on my pad are: red, blue, green, purple, white, yellow, aqua, and a rotation of the colors. My son really likes the light feature, and how much it makes the marker glow. It’s pretty wild. There is no weird odor to the markers at all. I love the functionality of the glow board. First off, you will need to install 3 AAA batteries on the back of the board. You need to provide the batteries, and a Phillips Head screwdriver to access the compartment. This board has a pull out tab that lets you stand it up like an easel. There are also two thick and sturdy suction cups to mount it to the fridge, mirror or window, if they wanted to. It’s a lot of fun, and well made. You will also find a spot on the back of the board, to snap in your 2 marker set. The 3D glasses are the clear kind. So if your family has the plastic ones in home, they can use those. Only one pair comes in this set. It has a minor 3D effect, which is fun for kids. This is definitely a product kids can entertain themselves with.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Mindscope’s Light Up LED GLOW PAD Writing Pad BLUE with 3D Activity Kit Bundle Pack, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. This product arrives as shown.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BYUCH96?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage