Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera review

 

Canal Toys recently sent us through one of their Photo Creator Retro Instant Cameras to review and, even though it is targeted at children aged 8+, all three of the Madhouse kids (aged 15, 19 and 23) were enthusiastic to try it out ! The camera is a funky light blue colour and it resembles a Polaroid-type camera. Inside the box, alongside the camera there is a USB charger/download cable, 4 different colours of marker pens, 3 rolls of paper, one roll of sticky paper and some stickers that you can use to brighten up your photos.

It is very simple to start using the camera. Pierre asked me how to load the paper and I started reading the enclosed instruction sheet but he'd worked it out before I'd even finished reading it. The camera is already charged and ready to use when it arrives so you literally point the camera at what you want to print and press the button. If giving the camera to a very young child, you might want to explain beforehand that they shouldn't go mad as it really is quick to use and I could see them getting through a roll of paper in minutes !

Despite having a cool retro feel, the camera incorporates cutting-edge technology, providing young photographers with an easy-to-use tool that produces instant prints, ready to be decorated with borders and smileys before printing or stickers and writing once printed.

The camera has a simple-to-use flash that means you can take pictures inside as well as outside, giving kids the perfect opportunity to capture memories and inspire creativity. Pierre is already used to using his phone camera day-in-day-out but he was still blown away by the experience and loved the instant results that the camera provides.

Here's one of the very first pictures that he printed : a candid snap of me, his lovely mum ! I was very impressed with the quality of the picture, which I actually found clearer and sharper than those taken on his big sister's Polaroid. Switching over to the sticky paper would allow young photographers to take selfies and stick them on their school books or other personal possessions. 

Extremely simple to use, the camera provides great quality prints and is a fun and interactive way for children to explore the world of photography. Inspired by classic designs, this camera appeals to both aesthetic enthusiasts and tech-savvy individuals seeking a unique photography experience. While young children enjoy the independence of taking their own photos, it also has a cool, nostalgic vibe for older kids. The camera’s companion app offers a range of creative tools, including filters, frames, and stickers, allowing users to personalise their photos before printing. This customisation feature encourages artistic expression and allows children to add their unique touch to every snapshot. You can also have fun with video content, capturing special moments and using fun sound effects to add another layer of excitement to the photography experience.

 RRP: £69.99 

 Retailers: Very, Argos and Amazon. 

 Explore further details about the Photo Creator Retro Instant Camera right here. 

Disclosure : We received the item in order to shar our honest review.

Make-your-own Crystal Card Kit from Craft Buddy review

When the Madhouse kids were younger, they always loved getting out their paintboxes and felt tips and creating their own, completely unique Christmas card masterpieces for their friends and families. Now that they are older, with Pierre into double figures next birthday (gulp !), they've outgrown the finger painting and abstract artwork stage, but we have discovered a new product that's great as a home-made option for older kids and even artistic adults : the DIY Crystal Card Kit from Craft Buddy.

The Crystal Art concept, commonly known as ‘diamond painting’, is a universally popular craft that is suitable for adults and children aged about 8+. Having partnered with renowned artists such as Claudia Hahn (award-winning BBC wildlife artist), Randal Spangler (USA) and Kentaro Nishino (Japan), Craft Buddy Ltd have established the craft as a growing trend across mainstream Europe over the last 12 months.

Everyone knows the concept of “painting by numbers” and it has been well-and-truly updated and brought into the modern day as “bling by numbers” !

Using the pick-up pencil, simply lift the flat-backed crystals and place them onto the adhesive

card for instant stick. The results are sparkly, beautiful cards, either in a Christmas, Valentine’s

or birthday theme. We found it quick and simple to pick up and were very impressed with the results. Check out this YouTube video to see how it works.

The therapeutic benefits of Crystal Art are proven, with its ability to lower stress levels, increase attention span and develop cognitive skills. By combining Crystal Art with the tradition of cardmaking, the spirit of Christmas is given a unique twist. It's a lovely way to while away an afternoon in the run up to Christmas.

The DIY Crystal Card Kit is available from www.crystalcardkit.com. For more information on Crystal Art, visit www.craftbuddyltd.co.uk

Disclosure : We received the product, in order to write an honest review.

Giveaway #684 : Win To The Land Of The Dinosaurs Paperplay book - closed - winner Maeva Devilette

Generations of kids, both boys and girls, have been utterly fascinated with the world of dinosaurs, and with the latest Jurassic World movie currently on the big screens, that's not going to change any time soon. Paperplay: To the Land of the Dinosaurs offers a great collection of crafty activities to help transport your child back in time to an age when prehistoric creatures ruled the land and the sea.

There are models to press out and build, art projects to frame and display, masks to accessorise and model, and gorgeous stationery to pull out, colour and send.

The projects differ in complexity, with some taking minutes and some an entire afternoon. Reusable stickers are included to help decorate your creations, while the notebook binding makes it easy to tear out the paper for each activity.

You might like to start with a popcorn party cone or a balloon buddy.

Play a matching game or do some colouring.

Make yourself a fun Dino Visor.

Or maybe take on the big project and create your own T-Rex skeleton.

Perfect for keeping the kids entertained during the summer holidays, To The Land Of The Dinosaurs will enchant any fan of prehistory, but if dinosaurs aren't your thing, you can explore two other completely different worlds in Paperplay books :  To the Moon and Back and Enchanted Fairy Forest.

Paperplay: To the Land of the Dinosaurs | 9781783123575 |

Author: Melanie Hibbert

Paperback | £12.99 | Published: April 2018 |

Age: 6+

Carlton Kids have kindly offered to send a copy of the book to one lucky Madhouse Family Reviews reader. Fill in your entries via the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

UK only. Closing date : 15/7/18

T & C's : Entries close at midnight on the closing date. Winners will be selected with a random number generator and announced on facebook and in the giveaway post subject line. Please note, you will be contacted by email and/or twitter and if I haven't heard from you after 28 days, I'll have to pick another winner. Prizes will be sent out by the companies or their PR directly to winners. Madhouse Family Reviews cannot be held responsible for any prizes that go astray. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. The winners' personal contact information will be passed on to the PR / Brand responsible and used only for delivery of their prize. 

You may also like to enter my other giveaways :

coming soon !

Celebrating #NAPBeauticiansDay with Nail-a-Peel (review)

Did you know that today is National Beauticians' Day? Well, I'll be honest, I didn't either until Gel-a-Peel got in touch and sent us through a lovely pamper package of goodies to mark the occasion ! Juliette was delighted to discover a selection of beauty treats, including a bath bomb and hairbrush, along with some sweeties.

Not forgetting the most important part of the package - a box of Nail-a-Peel. This pack is the Rock Out Kit, which contains dramatic black, gold and pink gel polish, along with nail glitter.

The pack also contains accessories and design tools that fans of Gel-a-Peel will instantly recognise, including 16 design templates, a mould tray for tiny 3d embellishments, a squeegee tool and various designer tips. You also receive some nail wheels ready and waiting to be customised.

The new Nail-a-Peel design kits allow fashionistas to create their very own nail art by using the Gel-a-Peel extension, which uses a gel polish that’s simple and easy to use. As a bit of an old-hand when it comes to getting crafty with Gel-a-Peel, Juliette jumped straight in filling up the little moulds with gel, because she knows that they take a while to set. Once dry, these little 3d additions can be stuck on to the nail designs to give extra texture and volume.

Juliette already had some Nail-a-Peel so having an extra kit to use just gave her even greater scope for letting her creative juices run free. Adding glitter or 3d embellishments to a single-coloured nail is a piece of cake and gives a professional finish with no effort.

Using the design tips to create different textures and patterns with the gel is slightly more tricky because it needs a very steady hand and a less-is-more approach.

It will take a lot of practice before she manages to create anything as intricate and elaborate as the designs on the box, but she'll have a lot of fun trying and the great thing is, just like Gel-a-Peel, if it all goes wrong, you can just peel it off and start afresh. This is a great introduction to nail and art and manicures for young girls who can avoid the harsh chemicals in more grown-up polishes and nail varnish remover. It's a lot more fun and creative too.

For tips & tricks, cool how-to videos and much more, visit https://nail-a-peel.mgae.com

Facebook & Twitter: @GelapeelUK

Instagram: @Gel_A_Peel_UK

Disclosure : We received the product in order to write an honest review.

The Early Man Model Making Challenge

Aardman, the creators of family faves Wallace & Gromit, Shaun The Sheep and Chicken Run, are back with a fantastic new stop-motion animation, Early Man (released on 28th May). Shot in Aardman’s own distinctive style, the film takes audiences on an extraordinary journey into an exciting new world, unleashing an unforgettable tribe of unique and funny new characters voiced by an all-star British cast.

Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the earth, EARLY MAN tells the story of courageous caveman hero Dug (Academy Award-winner EDDIE REDMAYNE) and his best friend Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth (TOM HIDDLESTON) and his Bronze Age City to save their home.

Leading Dug’s tribe of lovable misfits is Chief Bobnar (TIMOTHY SPALL) who is joined by Treebor (RICHARD AYOADE), Magma (SELINA GRIFFITHS), Asbo (JOHNNY VEGAS), Barry (MARK WILLIAMS), Gravelle (GINA YASHERE), Eemak (SIMON GREENALL) and Grubup (RICHARD WEBBER). MAISIE WILLIAMS voices Goona, the gallant and indomitable rebel who befriends Dug and helps the tribe in their battle to beat the Bronze Age at their own game.

Also joining the stellar cast are ROB BRYDON, who voices the Message Bird - an ingenious Bronze Age communication device – KAYVAN NOVAK as Dino, Lord Nooth’s assistant, and MIRIAM MARGOLYES as Queen Oofeefa, ruler of the Bronze Age world.

It's a fun family movie that has definite overtones of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep. The kids loved the funny characters while, as an adult, it's fun trying to put the famous names and faces to the voices.

In celebration of the DVD release, we were challenged to take part in the Early Man Model Making Challenge and received a bundle of Early Man merchandise, including plushes of Hognob and Dug and official Aardman modelling kits for Dug, Hognob and Goona.

These kits combine modelling clay in the quantities and colours required, along with cardboard inserts that allow you get a genuine likeness for the film characters. The kids had great fun putting them together.

You can even join the tribe and share your creations online with the #EarlyMan hashtag.

Disclosure : We received the products in order to take part in the activity.

Getting Creative for Customisation Month with Gel-a-Peel #GAPCustomisation

For the merry month of May, Gel-A-Peel have decided to inspire the nation to get their creative juices flowing, sharing ideas for crafty fun with the #GAPCustomisation hashtag. You just have to type Gel-A-Peel in the search bar on my sidebar to find all our Gel-A-Peel posts and see how much of a fan Juliette is, so she was over the moon to receive two packs of Gel-A-Peel and a tote bag and tumbler to customise. 

In the parcel, she discovered Colour Change Peach-2-Maroon and Pearly Plum Gel-A-Peel but she also got out some of her other tubes from her collection, including Neon, Pastel and Fuzzy (which comes with a furry powder to add to the top of the Gel-A-Peel before it sets).

So where to begin? Gel-A-Peel can be used on a multitude of materials, including wood, fabric, paper, plastic and glass, but it can also be used to make little 3d embellishments to further enhance your customisation.

They do take a while to set though - it's best to leave them overnight for best results - so Juliette started off with filling up the little moulds with the colours of her choice.

Next, she moved on to the tumbler and, with a remarkably steady hand, started decorating the top with horizontal stripes in various colours.

Halfway down, she switched to vertical stripes, using the two tubes from the latest packages. We're always impressed with how vibrant the colours are and, the great thing is, if you happen to mess a bit up, you just need to wait for it to dry, then you can peel it off and start again.

After the tumbler, she started on the bag and drew a heart with an arrow through it freestyle, although there are also templates that you can use in the box. She played around with the various nozzles to create different sized and textured dots, and also stuck on some of the little teddy bears (that look like Gummy Bear sweets !) from the moulds.

As a finishing touch, she sprinkled on a little bit of the flocking powder from the Fuzzy kit to give it a nice texture. She was most impressed with her efforts - she loves the colours and, above all, the fact that she knows nobody else will ever have designs the same as hers. She's now wandering around the house wondering what else she can personalise - she's earmarked some plain white plimsolls, some flip-flops and some notebooks at the moment !

We had great fun taking part in the #GAPCustomisation challenge and it's lovely to have useful as well as decorative items once the kids have finished being crafty.

 Disclosure : We received the products in order to take part in the challenge.

Nail-a-Peel 3D Nail Technology review

If you're a regular follower of my blog, you'll know that Juliette is a huge fan of Gel-a-Peel, a silicon gel that can be squeezed out like glitter glue on to all manner of materials - wood, glass, fabric, cardboard, plastic, ... - to customise them. We've made Christmas decorations, bracelets, personalised notebooks, T-shirts, even a unicorn jewellery box ! There was, however, one item I had never thought of customising with Gel-a-Peel - fingernails ! But that was about to change.

We received a Nail-a-Peel Sugar Rush Kit to review, along with a Crystal Kit add-on pack. The main pack contained two nail wheels, three pastel nail varnishes and a "nail confetti" clear gel with little hearts, two applicator brushes, tweezers, three nozzles, some pearl embellishments, little glue stickers for sticking on the nails, a mould for tiny 3d embellishments and a squeegee tool. 

The moulds are great for making 3D embellishments that can be used for sticking on all sorts of things, not just nails, but they do take a while to set so it's best to start with those, or prepare them the day before (especially for the bigger moulds in the regular Gel-a-Peel kits).

The squeegee tool helps perfectly fill the moulds and also get a flat finish, making it easier to stick them on the nails. It also saves wasting the Gel-a-Peel/Nail-a-Peel product.

The Crystal Kit has textured nails that you can highlight with the polish to create more elaborate designs - there is an enclosed inspiration sheet but the designs look quite ambitious and fiddly.

Time to get the creative juices flowing ! Juliette started off applying a coat of pink nail polish to one of the nails, then used the tweezers to dot little hearts all over it from the other bottle.

She continued with pastel blue polish and little pearls, all using the applicator brushes. I decided to have a go freehand with the nozzles and tried to create a hashtag design (on the far left) but the line came out much too think and gloopy so I obviously need more practice !

The nails are great fun to customise and are simple to stick on with the little double-sided glue dots. There are plenty of nails on the wheels but you can also peel off the Gel-a-Peel and start all over again if you want, once you've used them all.

For tips & tricks, cool how-to videos and much more, visit https://nail-a-peel.mgae.com.

Facebook & Twitter: @GelapeelUK

Instagram: @Gel_A_Peel_UK

Disclosure : We received the products in order to write an honest review.