Abstract: A pottery wheel with an improved throwing arm that pushes the clay towards the center of the spinning plate, in an arc shaped motion, defined by four directions of motion, with the throwing arm providing an inward force towards the direction of rotation and towards the axis of rotation, that also allows for micro-adjustments to be easily made, is disclosed. Various tool accessories can then be used to open the pottery and form the pottery. The embodiments of the present invention are suitable for use by children, individuals unskilled in the art of pottery, and individuals lacking fine motor skills due to the assistance provided by the features of present embodiments, including an improved throwing arm removably attached to the housing. Embodiments of the present invention also include numerous attachments designed to work in tandem with the improved pottery wheel and throwing arm assembly.

Abstract: A sculpting kit is provided that allows individuals with a means to sculpt a three-dimensional object. Components which form the armature of the three-dimensional object may be adfixed to a planar surface as two-dimensional elements. The sculptured object may be prepared by using the kit to lay down successive layers of structures in a pre-arranged fashion.

Abstract: A process for creating three-dimensional art using coffee filters in a way that creates texture, depth, and form to make a relief sculpture or decorative collage. The process includes applying color to paper coffee filters and folding the paper coffee filters to produce artistic effects.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as AR or the like to assist the user of mobile devices with landscape design. Through the use of real-time vision object recognition objects, logos, artwork, products, locations, and other features that can be recognized in the real-time video stream can be matched to data associated with such to assist the user with selecting the proper landscape elements for the area the user wishes to landscape. The proper landscape elements may be based off of several factors regarding the landscape area. These factors include natural characteristics of the area, such as soil type, weather, sun/shade, natural terrain of the area, etc. This invention provides recommended landscape elements for an area, such that the recommended landscape elements have a high rate of success in the area.

Abstract: A kit comprises a plurality of printed message cards, a plurality of envelopes, a plurality of sheets of material each from which an instance of an origami structure can be formed, and an article having instructions thereon for creating the instance of the origami structure using one of the sheets of material. Each one of the envelopes has a space for receiving one of the printed message cards.

Abstract: A kit and method for creating a 3-dimensional toy includes a battery powered light, a container filled with a light curable polymer and one or more molds into which the light curable polymer is inserted. Optimal the kit may also include one or more sheets of transparent material to which the light curable polymer does not adhere and coloring which can be added to the light curable polymer. The method of forming a the 3-dimensional toy involves obtaining a mold, dispensing a light curable polymer into the mold; and then curing the polymer by applying light in the visible or near visible range to the polymer via a battery powered light.

Abstract: A method of expression includes exhibiting a sculpture which embodies a living organism. The sculpture has several different components which are representative of parts and processes which are need to support the life and growth of a living organism.

Abstract: A square, flat sheet of flexible, plastic material onto which 12 predetermined, scored fold-lines are administered so that the device can be manipulated and folded to create numerous sculptural forms and shapes, repeatedly.

Abstract: A stress reliever and method of using it according to certain embodiments of the invention may include a box, a mat, modeling clay, clay modeling tools, and modeling inspiration cards.

Abstract: Described are novel armature kits, constructions and elements, providing increased flexibility in design and ease of use. In one aspect, inventive armatures include adaptations to isolate the tensioning of ball-and-socket joints occurring at either end of a motion segment. In other aspects, inventive armatures and kits include uniquely shaped plates, providing interchangeability among chest and hip areas of a human form. Novel threaded and tie-down armature elements are also described.

Abstract: An activity kit including an assembly sheet with a drawing provided thereon and a strip of color paper. The kit further includes instructions instructing a user to cut the strip of color paper into smaller pieces and adhere the cut pieces onto the drawing.

Abstract: An anatomical pocket model adapted for transporting in one's pocket or the like comprises a flexible, bendable, framework and a flexible, bendable three-dimensional representation of an anatomical body part positioned thereon. The anatomical body part representation is proportionate in size to a real life anatomical body part and facilitates a hands-on educational and demonstrational environment for both doctor and patient.

Abstract: A device creating patterns on greeting cards and the like has at least one stencil for applying a pattern onto a flat surface. A stencil holder that has securing elements for securing the at least one stencil in a predetermined position relative to the stencil holder is provided. The stencil holder also has elements for positively securing the surface of the article onto which the pattern is to be applied relative to the stencil holder. The elements for securing the surface of the article are in the form of a recess that provides a positive securing action for the surface of the article alone or in combination with an adapter.

Abstract: A manufacture resembling a natural oyster on the half-shell comprising an oyster half-shell having a painted artificial oyster fixed therein. The oyster is painted with a certain set of colors in a particular order to thereby create the coloring and appearance of a natural oyster. The shell is preferably a natural oyster shell having an oyster cavity on an interior surface thereof. The artificial is preferably formed from hot glue. A coating of cream, tan, dark brown, and metallic bronze colored paints cover an outer surface of the artificial oyster, such that portions of the various paints are exposed. Splotches of white and black paint are preferably applied in order to mimic the eye region of a natural oyster. A coating of clear coat covers the painted artificial oyster to thereby give the artificial oyster a wet, translucent appearance.

Abstract: An article comprising an intaglio three-dimensional solid molded sculpture as an accurate model of an actual subject having selected features at least one of which is proportionally modified to have a proportion: ratio other than the proportion:ratio of the corresponding selected feature of the actual subject of 1:1 taken as a measurement ratio. Observation of the sculpture, under illumination, by a moving observer evoke, to said observer, a virtual illusory solid appearing reproduction of the actual subject, the modified feature of which appears to follow the moving observer. The preferred modification of the proportion:ratio being 1.3:1; the preferred range being between 0.8:1 and 1.8:1 as a measurement ratio.

Abstract: A pattern cutting apparatus for paper margin, is characterized by having a plurality of lower mold holes of perforate pattern disposed in alignment and paralleled to the distal end of a cutting space, and guide mold holes sharing the common shape with the lower mold holes disposed on a protruding portion of a guide mold board positioned in spaced parallel relationship above said lower mold holes for inserting an upper mold body sharing the common shape.

Abstract: A play material container includes a base having an interior cavity, a sidewall and a cookie-cutter edge defining a predetermined shape. A lid is configured to be snap-fitted upon the base to provide container closure. An extrusion die is formed in the container base sidewall which is capped by a resiliently supported cap secured to the container lid. The container lid defines an upper surface supporting a plurality of open face press molds. The cookie-cutter shape, the press mold elements, and the extrusion die aperture are preferably coordinated in accordance with a common theme such as a food article or the like.

Abstract: A plurality of building members and a plurality of sheet members for connection thereof are provided. Each of the plurality of building members includes a main body portion and a coupling portion to be fitted on an end of the main body portion. One of the ends of the main body portion and the coupling portion is provided with a small diameter portion and the other of them is provided with a hole for receiving the small diameter portion. Each of the sheet members has a plurality of openings for passing the small diameter portion therethrough. The small diameter portion is passed through the opening of the sheet member and inserted into the hole to sandwich the coupling sheet member between the main body portion and the coupling portion to thereby fasten the building member comprised of the main body portion and the coupling portion to the coupling sheet member. In this way, a desired ornamental article can be created.

Abstract: A sculpture provided with a concavity carrying a relief negative impression of a formation representing a true object, the formation having selected features of proportion:ratio selectively of height:width, of length:width and of depth:width different (1.3:1) compared to the corresponding proportion:ratio of the true object as 1:1. Observing the sculpture under a light source while moving provides a three-dimensional virtual illusion where the sculpture appears to move in the direction of movement of the observer, like following the observer.

Abstract: An adjustable armature assembly device is disclosed where the assembled armature may be adjusted rotationally and longitudinally during figure modeling when a sculptor desires to alter the original figure composition and size. In addition, a means for detaching sections of a work during and after the sculpting process is disclosed. An embodiment of the invention comprises a plurality of appendage members, of hand and feet members, a torso member, a head member and inner surface threaded or unthreaded tubular sleeve segments used to assemble, adjust and disassemble armature appendages. Also, the head member is adjusted rotationally and longitudinally and can be removed by screw means and the armature is removed from a support structure by screw means using a threaded connector segment so that no unwanted armature protrusion extends from a completed work of art.

Abstract: A structure modeling device for the creation of sand figures, including sand castles, that provide structural stability to the resulting figures and aesthetic enhancement. The main structural member includes a central body member and at least two fin members extending outwardly therefrom at an angle so that sand is cooperatively received and its weight directed downwardly to enhance the interlocking engagement with abutting members. Other structural members permit a user to form diverse building shapes, such as columns or cones. All of these members have fin members that hold sand or other granular material and direct its weight downwardly through the engagement means in order to enhance the stability of the resulting figure or structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a soap forming toy including a shaving mechanism for removing thin leafs or small pieces from an existing piece of solid soap. The thin leafs of solid soap are then mixed with water to produce a paste-like soap material. The paste-like soap material is then molded into a variety of appealing shapes to produce new bars of soap of interest to the child. The cavity of each of the molds is made from a soft resin which includes a mold release oil to simplify removing the new bar of soap.

Abstract: Embossing apparatus for artists and hobbyist including a stencil component having one or more cut-outs of designs to be embossed into a piece of paper and a guide component with identical cut-outs and alignment means for aligning like cut-outs of the two components when a piece of paper to be embossed overlays the stencil component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of constructing an arts and crafts project using a water soluble composition of low density to make a plurality of child-safe articles. The invention is used for forming toys or construction materials for use in playing a game, constructing arts and crafts projects, or used as building blocks. The composition of the articles used in the invented method preferably comprises a matrix principally made from a food starch supplemented with polyalkylene glycol or a derivative thereof. Alternatively, the composition used in the invented method may also comprise a mixture of a grain, a biodegradable binding agent and water. The composition can be extruded in a sheet-like form, with the sheets being cut and bonded together through the application of water to create an art project. By applying water or moisture, the pieces formed by the invented method can be easily bonded together to create the desired article.

Abstract: A sculpture is provided having cuts extending from an exterior surface to an internal position. The cuts are then smoothed using a solvent and simultaneously dyed with an appropriate pigment. The resulting internal faces exhibit both reflectivity and translucency depending on the illumination and viewing angles.

Abstract: A wax craft product which comprises a bendable extruded rod of wax having a textured surface is provided. The textured surface enables the rod of wax to adhere to itself and to other surfaces when the rod of wax is pressed into contact with itself and other surfaces. The wax comprises petroleum-derived paraffins, microcrystalline waxes, and hydrocarbon resins. In an alternative embodiment, the wax craft product comprises a bendable extruded rod of wax having a coating which has adhesive properties. In this embodiment, the adhesive coating enables the rod of wax to adhere to itself and to other surfaces when the rod of wax is pressed into contact with itself and other surfaces. As with the textured rod of wax, the wax comprises petroleum-derived paraffins, microcrystalline waxes, and hydrocarbon resins.

Abstract: A spider-like decorative structure comprising a main bag member having a filling therein, and made of flexible material. A plurality of elongated bag-like tubular members, each having a filling material therein, are arranged adjacent the main bag member at spaced apart locations around the periphery of the main bag member so as to extend from the main bag member. The main bag member simulates the appearance of a body portion of the spider-like decorative object, and the leg members simulate the appearance of legs of the spider-like decorative object. The legs may be connected to the main bag member at the portions which are adjacent the main bag member, and the free ends of the legs are preferably connected to the ground or other support structure for the spider-like decorative object. A support member is provided for raising an articulated intermediate portion of each of the leg members to further simulate the appearance of bent legs of a spider-like decorative object.

Abstract: A doll includes a dress having at least a portion thereof formed of a multi-layered embossible fabric having a malleable layer such as metal foil or the like together with one or more soft flexible layers such as cloth fabric bonded together to form a readily formable and crimpable fabric. An embossing tool used in combination with the doll and the embossible fabric includes a pair of movable jaws hingedly coupled each defining a corresponding embossing raised portion and mating recess on the inwardly facing portions thereof. The embossing tool is applied to the embossible fabric and used to impart a plurality of raised or recessed embossed designs upon the fabric. The malleable character of the foil layer together with the softness and flexible of the fabric layer permit the embossed designs to be removed by simple smoothing of the fabric for repeated use.

Abstract: An interactive sculptural composition comprising a support member and at least one design member matingly attached thereto. The support member defines a plurality of parallel channels and possesses a multiplicity of projections arranged into rows parallel to the channels with at least one row of projections being present between each adjacent channel. The design member is matingly attached to the support member by either: (1) inserting at least one of the projections of the support member through a hole in the design member or (2) inserting a first edge of the design member into a first channel of the support member and inserting a second edge of the design member into a second, adjacent channel of the support member.

Abstract: A method of forming a dry, three dimensional block of sculptable material preferably involves the steps of painting the grains of a granular material, allowing the painted grains to dry, mixing a water resistant binder with the painted grains to form a slurry and hardening the slurry to form the block. The amount of binder added is selected to provide a block with a hardness between about 0.25 and 4.0 on the Mohs scale. The formed block has a wide variety of uses, including but not limited to use as a sculptable article, a sanding object, a sign or as a paving stone.

Abstract: A generally circular floating base includes a support surface for receiving a quantity of soap foam to form a sculpted foam body. A plurality of lightweight play elements having different shapes and configurations are partially embedded by the child user within the foam body to enhance the appearance of the sculpted foam and provide a variety of appearance functions.

Abstract: A mutable three-dimensional facial display system is provided, constructed with a plurality of molded components constructed of a rubbery polymer or plastic material, and chosen to resemble the texture of human skin. Each component includes at least one defined structural edge which mates with adjacent components. Various alternatively shaped components are provided for each primary region of the facial display, so that seven classic face shapes and numerous hybrid variations thereof may be recreated.

Abstract: A plastic-model kit having a plurality of components containing at least one die sheet for molding having cavities therein and at least one thermoplastic resin having a low softening temperature, the die sheet and the thermoplastic resin being packed together in a unitary package. The thermoplastic resin can be softened, by dipping in hot water, for example, at about 60.degree. C. to 80.degree. C., and the softened resin can be cast by hand or by a simple tool into the cavities on or through the molding die sheet and then cooled at ordinary temperature (that is, 20.degree. C. to 30.degree. C.) to form various shaped and sized pieces for the plastic-model kit. Ornaments or decorations having a three-dimensional or roughly three-dimensional visuality such as for dolls, human models, animal models, building models, ship models, car models, airplane models, and the like can be assembled from the plastic-model kit.

Abstract: A sculpting device is comprised of a hollow cylindrical tube completely filled with a plurality of fibers which extend parallel to each other and the axis of the tube. The fibers are packed within the tube so as to be frictionally held therein while still permitting selective engagement and pushing of the fibers outwardly of the tube at different distances to provide complementary sculpted surfaces at opposite ends of the bundle of fibers. One or more styluses having different configurations may be provided for pushing the fibers from the tube. The internal surface of the tube may be inwardly tapered at opposite ends thereof to enhance the frictional engagement of the fibers within the tube and the tube may be constructed of two parts to facilitate loading the bundle of fibers within the tube.

Abstract: A set of devices for fabricating a novel, soft, sheet-like colored plastic picture or a product which adheres on a window glass, a tile, or a wall and may be enjoyed as an indoor decoration, or may be utilized as a coaster or a pendant, and a method of fabricating a colored plastic picture or a product with use thereof. The set of devices includes a metal plate (1), colored vinyl chloride resin material (4) in sol state contained in a squeeze tube, and a hot plate (3). After the sol state colored vinyl chloride resin material is extruded from a tube (4) onto a rough sketch (2) drawn on the metal plate (1) of the set of devices, so as to paint the picture (c) (d), the metal plate is put on a hot plate (3) to be heated, so as to gel the colored vinyl chloride resin, and the gelled colored chloride resin is removed from the metal plate after cooling, thereby fabricating the colored plastic picture or product.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth for the aesthetic assemblage of components including plate members and elongate rods. The plate members include parallel, orthogonal, and angulated side surfaces in containing various apertures therethrough including orthogonally extending apertures relative to the upper and lower surfaces of each plate, angulated apertures oriented non-orthogonally to the upper and lower surfaces of each plate, and blind bores formed in a non-through-extending manner relative to the plates for receiving the respective rods to assemble the various plates and rods in a creative assemblage for educational and creative development of individuals.

Abstract: A method of painting a clay body and maintaining a durable, decorative surface finish by providing a barrier film layer between the paint coat layer and the clay body such that the oily substance contained in the clay body is blocked from permeating through the barrier film to adversely affect the paint coat layer.

Abstract: A method of making a doll includes the steps of forming a skirt portion from a substantially circular, flat, formable sheet by cutting three closely spaced substantially parallel radially extending slits in the sheet, forming the main portion of the sheet into a substantially conical configuration, and bending the elongated strips defined by the slits outwardly in opposite directions so that the main portion of the sheet and the bases of the strips define an aperture in the skirt portion. The method further includes the steps of forming a character figure portion including head, neck and body portions, and assembling the character figure portion with the skirt portion so that the body portion is received in the interior of the conical skirt portion and so that the neck portion extends through the aperture in the skirt portion to position the head portion above the skirt portion.

Abstract: A soft latex figure is formed by sculpting clay appendages, making a plaster casting of the appendages, slush molding a colored pre-vulcanized latex replica of the appendage in the plaster mold, wrapping a form or base structure representing the torso with batting, and securing the molded latex appendages in position on the form. Strips of paper toweling saturated with colored pre-vulcanized latex are applied to the form and juncture of the molded latex appendages therewith to form a integral first layer of the outer skin of the figure having the appendages joined thereto. The first layer of the skin is cut or otherwise removed from the form, and stuffed with a quantity of soft fill material of desired density to achieve the desired shape retention characteristics of the figure. Any undesired seams, holes, or openings are sealed by applying more latex saturated paper toweling thereover.

Abstract: A dry, three-dimensional, sculptable solid comprising a quantity of granular material comprising grains individually coated with paint and a water resistant binder binding the grains of the granular material together into a solid, dry, carvable block having a hardness between about 0.25 and about 4.0 on the Moh's scale.

Abstract: A piece of sculpture representing an animal having hair includes a rigid body and a plurality of thin, elongated metallic link chain strands attached by a first end of each chain to the body, leaving the second end hanging free and representing hair. A preferred embodiment includes some of the chain links rigidized with solder between adjacent links, which may be in the form of waves, curls or braids. Another preferred embodiment uses lengths of chain that are rolled and diamond cut wherein at least one surface along the length of a chain is a relatively flat reflective surface.

Abstract: A method of making a styling model of a decorative body portion of an automobile. The internal surfaces facing inwardly with respect to the outer body portion of the automobile are machined in a block of machinable foam. Hardenable glass fiber material is layed up on the internal surfaces and hardened. A layer of epoxy based material is applied over the hardened glass fiber material and upon the exterior surface of the foam. The epoxy based material is hardened and the exterior surface is machined to define the exteriorly visible surfaces of the model.

Abstract: The design process for a motor vehicle component part by making drawings of cross sections of the part at spaced intervals along the surface. Cardboard templates are cut to the cross sectional shape of the inside of the part, and mounted on a rigid base at the same spaced intervals as the spaced intervals of the cross sections of the drawings to define a skeletal frame. A sheet material such as cardboard is adhesively bonded to the skeletal frame, to define a rough model of the part. This rough model is then layered with glass fiber and bonding resin and finished to the desired outside finished surface dimension shown on the drawing. This provides a finished model of the part, or the glass fibers and bonding resin build up may be removed from the cardboard to be a prototype part. Furthermore, the model may be used to make a mold from which a number of prototype parts may be made.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game which includes as its components a deck of cards, a bag in which the cards may be placed, a timer, a mat and at least one container of modeling clay. The game is preferably played with four or more players who are divided up into pairs. In order to play the game, players choose a card at random from the bag which card identifies an object or creature. The timer is started and the player must create the object or creature out of the modeling clay within a predetermined time period. If their partner can identify the object so created, that team scores. The game continues until each team has played a predetermined number of times whereupon the team with the most points scored is declared the winner. Other modes of player are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices for modeling a large variety of forms--such as: humans, primates, monsters, animals, birds, fish, planes, rocket ships, abstract forms and so forth--are disclosed.An embodiment of the present invention comprises a first wire having bends at predetermined positions thereof and further wires affixed to the first wire at predetermined positions thereon. The first wire serves both as part of an armature formed by the first and further wires and as a support for the armature. Further embodiments include a base having an aperture therein. In one such embodiment, the first wire is bent so that a double thickness thereof is removably inserted into the aperture. In another such embodiment, an end of the first wire is removably inserted into the aperture.

Abstract: A method of forming a decorative doll or figurine is disclosed that uses many parts such as the torso, upper and lower arm, upper and lower legs, feet, hands, head and an encasing mask that is placed over the head of the doll. The mask is easily removed from the doll and the single doll can be changed into many by changing the mask style to form a different decorative doll or figurine.

Abstract: A process for producing three dimensional pictures which begins with a photograph. A mold is first sculptured by affixing a picture of the image in the photograph to a pliable mass such as clay, and then sculpturing the mass using the picture as a guide as to where to place elevations and depressions. Next, the photograph is subjected to steps which result in the removal of the backing, and the lamination of the photograph with the backing removed in plastic. Next a "Vacu-Form" machine is used to heat soften the laminated photograph and then suction pull the combination over the mold. The mold and the photograph are alligned during the pulling step and the result is that the photograph takes on a third dimension which has eleveation and depressions placed as they should be placed by reference to the image in the photograph. The result is an article which retains a third dimension with no need of any supporting materials.

Abstract: An artistic display is formed of a first layer of a material between a base and a transparent cover layer. The cover layer and base may be of a flexible plastic material, or they may be of a rigid material, such as glass. The first layer has a putty like consistency, and is formed with different color pigments in different areas of the layer.

Abstract: A comestible product includes a molded base piece having a series of narrow, slit-like grooves formed therein and configured in a decorative design. A preferably confectionery decorative material is heated until it becomes flowable with a stiff consistency. A tool (such as a toothpick) with a narrow rigid blade is used to scoop the flowable decorative material and insert it into the grooves on the molded base comestible piece. The decorated base piece is then cooled for a short period of time to cause the confectionery material to solidify and become fused with the base piece to form a unitary one-piece construction. A kit used to carry out the foregoing decorating method includes a mold for forming the base comestible piece, and a tool for applying the flowable decorative material to the molded base piece. A plurality of individually associated receptacles hold different colors of the flowable confectionery material during the decorative steps.

Abstract: A wax craft product which comprises a bendable extruded rod of wax having a textured surface is provided. The textured surface enables the rod of wax to adhere to itself and to other surfaces when the rod of wax is pressed into contact with itself and other surfaces. The wax comprises petroleum-derived paraffins, microcrystalline waxes, and hydrocarbon resins. In an alternative embodiment, the wax craft product comprises a bendable extruded rod of wax having a coating which has adhesive properties. In this embodiment, the adhesive coating enables the rod of wax to adhere to itself and to other surfaces when the rod of wax is pressed into contact with itself and other surfaces. As with the textured rod of wax, the wax comprises petroleum-derived paraffins, microcrystalline waxes, and hydrocarbon resins.