Have you and your kids seen Qixels yet? We spotted them for the first time over the summer while we were on vacation, and Little Crafter has been crazy about them ever since! Qixels (pronounced “Quick-suls”) by Moose Toys is a creative activity set that inspires kids to use their imagination and create an 8-bit world of monsters, warriors, ninjas and more without being on an electronic device. The process is kind of a throwback to the old melty-bead projects we used to do as kids, but it’s much easier and safer because there’s no ironing or heat required. Here’s how it works.
Step 1: Choose a design template and place it on your base plate.
There are lots of different kits available that contain templates of everything from sharks and divers to monsters, knights, and skeletons. One of our favorites is the Qixels Design Creator which has basic templates like this one that you can use to create any type of pixel character you want.
Each of the colored cubes is open on one side, which allows kids to place them on the plastic pegs that show through the template. Little Crafter wanted his character to have blue jeans, a green shirt, brown hair, and blue eyes.
Step 2: Spray the entire surface of your design with water.
Each kit comes with a little spray bottle you can use, but LC loves the Fuse Blaster, which has a little more power. We placed his design in the Fusing Station of the Turbo Dryer and he gave it at least 25 blasts of water, making sure to fully cover his character.
Step 3: Dry your design.
If you like, you can simply let your character or other creation air dry, or you can speed up the process by using the Turbo Dryer like we did. LC pushed the handle and spun his character around for about 30 seconds. Then we let it sit for 20 minutes before peeling it off of the template.
Step 4: Play!
Once the creations are dry, they’re ready for adventures! Little Crafter designed and created a diamond sword for his character too, inspired by a particular favorite video game of his. Pretty awesome, don’t you think?
If you’re looking for a fun gift idea that requires no batteries or screens and allows kids to get creative, Qixels are a great choice. You can find them at mass retailers like Target, Walmart, and Toys R Us, and they’re appropriate for both boys and girls ages five and up {although I will say that building requires dexterity and might be difficult for younger kids}. Qixels are also affordable, ranging in price from $9.99 – $19.99. Check out this demo to see them in action!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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