Abstract: A method for making toys and toy figures from pliant rods such as pipe cleaners comprises providing an elongated member having a plurality of openings passing therethrough, the openings being arranged substantially linearly across the length of the member and configured to receive pliant rods. When one pliant rod (e.g., pipe cleaner) is thread through each one of the plurality of openings, a warp weave is defined. Pliant rods are weaved through the warp weave to create a woof weave and ultimately, a weaved piece. Once the weaved piece is formed, it can be removed from the device and then bent, twisted, and otherwise flexed to create a multiplicity of different toys drawing on the user's creativity.

Abstract: A toy that may be used to make three-dimensional designs from elastic members comprises a base and at least one, and preferably two, vertical sidewalls rotatable relative to the base. The base and the at least one sidewall each have a face surface with a plurality of retaining means disposed thereon. A plurality of elastic members may be secured to the plurality of retaining means and thereby suspended between the base and the at least one sidewall to form a three-dimensional design, for example, each member may be attached at a first point along the member to a retaining means on the at least one sidewall and at a second point along the member to a retaining means on the base. The at least one sidewall or the base can be rotated to vary the length of the elastic members, thereby changing the three-dimensional design formed thereby.