| |
|
 |
|
Follow WTS Toy
Review on your favorite websites! |
|
  |
|
|
SUMMARY
Couplicoles by Hartia
Toys are three-dimensional toys created by cutting, folding and gluing
paper models. Children have the opportunity to learn develop
their imagination while following instructions and participating in
teamwork, simultaneously developing autonomy, tri-dimensional
thinking and fine motor skills. There are more than 100 models of
animals, birds and other characters available.
Couplicoles are
designed for children ages six and older. They are classified
according to their degree of difficulty - beginners start by relying on
the help of an adult and are expected to progressively learn to be more
independent. Couplicoles require basic tools such as a ruler,
scissors and glue. Black and white models can be customized using
crayons or highlighters.
Each box contains
twelve sheets allowing to create paper characters according to different
themes, such as the farm, martial arts, tropic and polar animals.
Instructions are provided and note the degree of difficulty for each
project (on a scale from one to four). Some boxes also contain an
additional page allowing the user to assemble a mobile from the models
created.
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY RATINGS
|
The directions state five "easy"
steps - score, cut, fold, roll and glue - however, based
on the model, easy might not be the best word to
describe it. Each situation is different - scoring
is definitely simple; and cutting, dependant on the
small and precise cuts needed can be challenging.
Folding, at first, is a little tricky - you need to
decipher "mountain" folds from "valley" folds - and be
sure not to mistake a glue line for a fold line;
however, once you get the hang of it, it's not too tough
at all. Rolling is the part that all of our
reviewers found the most difficult - they had a hard
time getting their model to look similar to the image
provided when it came to rolling. Lastly, gluing -
due to the small lines and intricate folds we had lots
of sticky fingers; additionally, determining where to
glue next was a little difficult - in some cases a
number was easy to see to follow the gluing patter, but
at other points it was a slight bit more complicated. |
|
|
The end result of the Couplicoles
is likely not all too durable. The paper is of a
heavy stock, however, when complete the model could be
easily crushed. Furthermore, when cutting, the
paper is not too forgiving - so kids and adults alike
must be very careful when working with scissors or
Exacto knives. |
|
|
Bright, fun and refreshing were the
top words used to describe the Couplicoles.
On the flat paper, the images are inviting, and, as a
final project, they bring on a life of their own. |
|
|
The project itself rates very well
in this category. Models come twelve to a package
and each sheet takes between 10 and about 45 minutes to
complete. Therefore, the package includes hours
and hours of paper art - growing children's fine motor
skills and developing three-dimensional thinking, all
while having fun. There were only a couple issues
our reviewers had with the project. First, the
younger artists needed quite a bit of help to complete
the project - this is not something they will be able to
complete on their own. Secondly, the project
doesn't have much function once complete - the models
are cute to look at, and are something budding artists
can be proud of, but they do not provide any lasting use
(except in placing as art in your home). |
|
|
At just under $16 our reviewers felt
that this kit was a bargain. Even though it is for
the most part just copies on heavy stock paper, the
length of time each model takes along with the
brightness of colors causes Couplicoles
to be worth the investment. In addition, our
reviewers noted this could be a great project for
multiple children hanging out at your home - or
something to have in the closet for a rainy or snowy
day. |
|
|
For sure! Our review team has
completed many art projects - both on the panel and in
their own homes - and none were familiar with a kit
similar to this one. Couplicoles
most definitely rate well in the Originality category. |
|
|
Our reviewers love them!
The recommended age is six to twelve - but don't be
shocked if moms and dads are sitting side-by-side
trying to work on their own models! Some final
thoughts from our reviewers included how amazed they
were by the number of lessons that the children were
learning without even realizing; the development of
fine motor skills and three-dimensional thinking is
astonishing, and, in addition, they enjoyed proving
to their kids that hard work and patience can really
pay off! |
|
|
|
