From the Toysit archive
Blo Pens Deluxe: make a stencil scene with a story
Picture the BloPens stencil-and-airbrush play idea, then direct a three-part scene with characters, a setting and a caption.
The play at a glance
A cloud of color inside a stencil
BloPens brings a spray-like mark to drawing: the original kit is described as using breath to carry ink onto paper, with stencils giving the color a shape. The blue-and-yellow box shows a cheerful red pen character surrounded by examples. The play idea is easy to picture—a shape appears, another joins it, and soon the page has a scene.Give each shape a part in the picture
The original account lists fifteen pens, twenty-three precut stencils, paper and a cardboard workstation in a carrying case. It describes the colors settling onto paper with an airbrush effect. Those details suggest a drawing session with several decisions: which shape comes first, where it belongs, and which colors will help it stand out.
A stencil can become a character, a landmark or a repeated decoration. Imagine one shape close to the bottom of the page, a second in the middle and a third far above. The same collection of shapes could tell a different story simply by moving their positions. Choose from the stencils actually supplied with your kit.
Try being a stencil scene director
This original activity starts with a picture plan. Make the finished scene using your identified kit’s own instructions and adult guidance, or trace shapes with a pencil and color them with crayons.
- Choose the setting. Is this a garden at dawn, a busy harbor or a visit to an imaginary planet? Say the setting aloud before choosing the shapes.
- Give three subjects different distances. Plan one near the viewer, one in the middle and one in the distance. Use position and open space to separate them.
- Choose one starring color. Let one subject attract attention. The other colors can suggest the place or time of day.
- Add a title and a one-line story. “The visitor arrived before breakfast” could turn a quiet scene into the opening of an adventure.
Ask a viewer where their eye goes first. Then make a second paper plan with the same subjects in a different arrangement. Perhaps the distant visitor becomes the main character, or the empty corner becomes a place where something is about to happen.
A shared picture, one artist at a time
Two players can take turns as artist and storyteller. The storyteller chooses a mood—festive, sleepy, mysterious—and the artist chooses colors and placement. Change roles for the next scene. Each person uses their own mouth-contact pen; follow the matched kit’s directions for preparation, breaks, materials and care. The pencil version keeps all the choices about shape, color and storytelling.
The historical record
Original Toysit coverage
The original product account and commentary are preserved below as historical coverage.
Creative Activity Kit with Bonus Blo-Pens and Stencils
Like miniature cans of spray paint, the pens in this 50-piece Blopens activity kit can be used to make a wide variety of colorful stencil and airbrush pictures. The kit contains 15 pens, including five color-changing ones, and 23 precut stencils. Each pen is filled with nontoxic, washable ink. By blowing into one end of the pen young artists can create a colorful airbrush effect on paper. A sturdy cardboard workstation that holds all of the pens has been included, along with eight sheets of paper, a carry case for the whole set, and an instruction and idea booklet.
Blo Pens are innovative and entertaining art tools that have captured the imagination of young artists. By simply blowing into one end of the pen, children can create stunning airbrush effects on paper. Here's why Blo Pens are considered a fun and engaging tool for young artists:
- Unique Airbrush Effect: Blo Pens offer a unique way to create art by utilizing the breath to spray ink onto paper. This airbrush effect allows for the creation of soft, blended colors and intricate patterns that are not easily achievable with traditional art tools.
- Encourages Creativity and Experimentation: With Blo Pens, children can experiment with different blowing techniques, stencils, and color combinations. This encourages creativity and helps them discover their own artistic style.
- Easy to Use: Blo Pens are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to children of various ages. The simple act of blowing into the pen allows even young children to create beautiful artwork without the need for advanced skills or techniques.
- Enhances Breath Control: Using Blo Pens requires children to control their breath, which can help improve lung capacity and breath control. It adds a physical dimension to the artistic process, making it a multisensory experience.
- Safe and Non-Toxic: Blo Pens are typically made with non-toxic, washable ink, ensuring that they are safe for children to use. Parents and educators can feel confident allowing children to explore and create with these tools.
- Collaborative Play: Blo Pens can be used for collaborative projects, allowing children to work together and share ideas. This fosters teamwork, communication, and social interaction.
- Integration with Other Art Forms: Blo Pens can be combined with other art materials and techniques, such as drawing, painting, or collage. This versatility encourages children to explore various artistic expressions.
- Portable and Convenient: Blo Pens are compact and easy to carry, making them a convenient choice for art on the go. Whether at home, school, or traveling, children can enjoy creating art anytime, anywhere.
Blo Pens provide a novel and enjoyable way for children to express themselves artistically. The combination of breath control, color blending, and creative experimentation makes them a valuable addition to any young artist's toolkit. They not only foster artistic creativity but also provide opportunities for physical development and social interaction. Blo Pens are more than just a fun novelty; they are a versatile and enriching art tool that can inspire and empower young artists.
Sources and editorial notes
The original Creative Activity Kit photograph and complete 50-piece description are retained. An exact manual for this older kit was not recovered. Lansay’s two-page 23539 Glitter Super Activity Workshop guide was reviewed as a different edition; its age label, setup, distances, inventory and cleaning instructions are not transferred here. Historical lung-capacity, safety and developmental claims are preserved as original commentary, not adopted as current findings. No physical testing was performed.
- Original Toysit image — Existing same-site photograph reviewed and retained unchanged.
- Lansay BLOpens 23539 instructions — different edition — Both pages, diagrams and caution text reviewed. Documents the later Glitter Super Activity Workshop and the general stencil play pattern; not an operating manual for the pictured older kit.
- Original Toysit coverage — Complete original product account and historical commentary preserved.
Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.
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