For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – January 8th, 2008
Mary Mertens is a Chicago school teacher and a smart business woman, she understands what is utmost in parent’s minds for their children; safe play. And if you can create a memory or two while your child hand-makes a toy that becomes an heirloom to pass along; what could possibly be better? Merten’s company; Ticche & Bea provides all mentioned with their new Design-A-Doll Kit at www.ticcheandbea.com
In light of the toy recalls that plagued some of the top toy makers like Mattel and Fisher-Price in 2007; Mattel alone recalled more than 21 million Chinese made toys because of excess levels of lead in paint to small parts causing choking hazards, many experts are predicting a fierce demand from parents and grandparents for American made toys and teaching aides.
Mary Mertens corroborates, “While I don’t want to perpetuate a culture of fear, there are certain safeguards that you have with an American-made toy that you can’t find with a product that is being mass produced and shipped to our country. And more than anything else, here at Ticche & Bea, we value quality control. I personally check and help package every piece that leaves our studio. Also, and this sounds so simple, but you cannot buy components in the U.S. that are made of lead because we don’t sell lead paint in America.”
Mertens is not alone, more and more American companies are home-growing products for children. Cecilia Leibovitz, President of Craftsbury Kids in Vermont offers toys and clothing made in the USA, Europe and by fair trade cooperatives in South America. www.craftsburykids.com
“In an industry that is over-run with shoddily-made gizmos and gadgets a child doesn't need, parents take comfort in our carefully handcrafted classic wooden toys, natural fiber dolls, cozy knits, and thoughtful books. A large toy room and nursery full of things may seem impressive, but a small collection of truly useful and beautiful possessions will see far more use, and prove worthy enough to be handed down to the next generation,” says Leibovitz.
Mertens continues, “There’s a certain comfort (and not to mention a smaller carbon footprint) in knowing that the toys we produce are made right here in Chicago, by people who are able to support themselves on the wages we provide. We are a small company, and though our products might cost a bit more than your average plasticized mass-produced product, you certainly get a peace of mind in knowing that you’ve given your child a safe toy.”
About Design-A-Doll kit by Ticche & Bea:
Design-A-Doll, the latest product in the Ticche & Bea family, will teach your child to sew. With the kit, s/he will be able to create the doll’s hairdo, choose her facial features, and make an A-line dress and a pair of pants. The best part is…the kit comes with an 80 minute DVD, showing exactly how to create the doll, step-by-step.
The kit includes everything you need:
• an 18” muslin doll in a top, leggings, and ballet flats
• 4 facial transfers
• 60 yards of yarn: blonde, red, brown
• dress, pants, and headband patterns
• 2 fabric fat quarters
• ribbon
• elastic
• tacky glue
• needles & pins
• scissors
• thread
• seam ripper
• measuring tape
• thimble
• buttons
• naming certificate
• kid-friendly directions
• 80 minute, step-by-step DVD (with chapters for easy viewing)
Note to parents: You’ll need to help with one step—the ironing of the facial transfers.
As a school teacher, Mary Mertens (owner of Ticche & Bea) is pleased to present Design-A-Doll because the fine motor skills (not to mention patience) your child will learn from sewing will translate to other skills-- the really important stuff… reading and math!
Recommended for ages 8 and up. If you already have your kids on the “craft track” they may be able to complete the doll at an earlier age, but because they’re using needles, scissors and other sharp implements, we recommend waiting until s/he’s 8 years old.
Suggested retail $59.95. More info at www.ticcheandbea.com
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Press Contact:
Julie K. Berry
Rivendell Communications
312.375.0756 24/7
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About the Press Release
In light of the toy recalls that plagued some of the top toy makers; many experts are predicting a fierce demand from parents and grandparents for American made toys and teaching aides.
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