Gummy Lump: 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011 {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Mrs.Smitty!}

I'm fairly certain that if Big Sister E was given the opportunity to do a craft project every single day that she would still never grow tired of it. Give the girl a pair of scissors and some glue and she'll work to come up with some sort of masterpiece showing off her creativity and developing artistic skills.

Unfortunately for her, my brain seems to hold only a limited number of project ideas and then starts repeating, making for some not-so-exciting duplicates and the entertainment level decreasing. So, when I heard that one of our favorite sites for toys that encourage creativity, passion and inspiration, Gummy Lump, had started their 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011 on their blog, I knew that it was going to be the perfect way to brush up on some new, fun art times around here.

To get us even more prepared, Gummy Lump sent a box of great kids art supplies that were just calling out for some imagination and originality.

If you're looking for the supplies to make arts & crafts time fun, Gummy Lump really does offer just about everything. From individual items such as the awesome ones that we received to complete craft kits for kids that contain everything you might need (the Melissa & Doug Decorate Your Own craft kits are really fun!) all that's left is coming up with the ideas.

Which, thanks to the 300 Crafts for Kids postings, is no longer a problem. Geared mainly towards preschool-aged children (but with modifications included for children with special needs as well as ideas on how to make that day's activity more challenging and appropriate for older kids), Gummy Lump has a new and entertaining project for each day of the year.

As Big Sister E and I browsed through the fun options listed, we both enjoyed the fact that Gummy Lump includes plenty of photographs and clear instructions for each craft. With the list of supplies needed for each one, it was easy for me to see if we had everything necessary right on hand or whether I would have to do a little searching.

Being that Big Sister E was drawn to all of the Valentine's Day crafts that were posted surrounding the holiday, as soon as we came across the Choo Choo Photo Train I knew that it would be a big hit. Turning to the supplies that Gummy Lump sent, I pulled out the Child Safe Scissors Set, Construction Paper and Glitter Glue and we were all set.

We started with a little cutting...

...moved on to a little gluing and glittering...

...and ended up with a cute Photo Train that Big Sister E was really proud to say that she had created.

Even though ours was slightly different than the Choo Choo Photo Train picture from Gummy Lump (seen at left) we had a blast during the process and the end result is both cute and unique. And, considering how much we enjoyed making this, I knew that Big Sister E and I were going to have a great time completing more of the 300 Crafts for Kids - there are just so many fun ideas!

We have since moved on and made all sorts of cool projects using the Poster Paints, Kids' Paint Brushes, Palm Stampers, Jumbo Stamp Pads and more and, as I suspected, Big Sister E has loved them all. Each day we look forward to seeing which of the 300 crafts will show up next for us to try!

But we're not the only ones that can have fun with Gummy Lump...

As well as checking out the list and step-by-step instructions for all of Gummy Lump's great crafts, you'll want to head over to their Facebook page as well! Simply share pictures of your own completed projects and you'll be automatically entered into their weekly giveaway to win even more great art supplies! And heck, just by Liking Gummy Lump, you'll receive a coupon for savings off any purchase on their site... and who doesn't like a discount?

If you've never visited Gummy Lump before, you're missing out! Their wooden toys, play kitchens and food, kids' games and more have never failed to impress us in the past, but now, having used their high quality art supplies and gotten so many entertaining ideas from their list of crafts, we're even bigger fans. Don't miss the opportunity to encourage your child's imagination in 2011 with a long list of projects to choose from!

And to be sure that one person is prepared and ready to create, build and explore Gummy Lump's 300 Crafts for Kids...

One lucky person* will win a collection of art supplies** from
Gummy Lump! ARV $50!

*If you have won any giveaway from Gummy Lump in the past 90 days, you are not eligible to win.
**Art supplies included are: artist's smock, set of 2 child safe scissors, poster paints, large paint brushes, palm stampers, jumbo stamp pads, construction paper, origami paper and glitter glue.

To enter to win: Visit Gummy Lump's 300 Crafts for Kids and tell me at least one not mentioned above that you think the child(ren) in your life would really enjoy.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Gummy Lump on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, sign up for their e-newsletter and/or follow the Gummy Lump blog with Google Friend Connect.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN an Arts & Crafts Prize Pack (ARV $50) from @GummyLump for fun and inspiration! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/enSdkg #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Gummy Lump's 300 Crafts for Kids in 2011. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 11th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Gummy Lump for providing a set of art supplies for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.