Featuring Practical Feeder Kits & Projects For Kids of All Ages


		stretchy stuff, puzzles & brain teasers, outside, wind-up action, kits & projects, wood kits (houses & feeders), puppets, too fun, dino-land, rocks & minerals, explore-more
		Kids (of all ages) have fun learning about nature at J.J.'s! Be sure to check out the calendar of events & programs - our activities are certain to delight and expand young minds of all ages. Stay active and join the fun Mother Nature has in store for us!
stretchy stuff
Gumby! The ultimate toy; forever cheerful, perky & quite the jokester. Proudly stands 6” tall, made of flexible green rubber. Gumby can sit, stand, hang on, twist, and bend. He'll listen to all your stories without interrupting. (He is) one amazing guy! Item# 4511. $5.95 Not familiar with Gumby? Check out the vintage Gumby TV clip from the '60's on YouTube >		Pokey Standing 4¾” tall (when standing on 4 legs). Taller when posed dancing a waltz with Gumby. Pokey is a bendable orange rubber wonder - handsome and proud, and very stable. (A staple for every toy stable?) Item# 4512 $5.95
Mr. Bill - Ohh Nooo!!! For ages thirty-five and up. (The packaging says 3 and up, but what 3-year old would know who Mr. Bill is?) Bendable, and poseable. What does Mr. Bill have to do with a “nature store?” Absolutely nothing, but we just had to have him just the same; after having spent the last 30+ years in the freezer, his friend, Ms. Sally released him! 5¾” tall x 5¼” wide. $8.95		Want to see more? Visit www.mrbill.com Links to fun Mr. Bill Video Clips & Public Service Announcements Mr. Bill Presents: New Orleans - The Natural History Mr. Bill Meets Shelly the Starfish Mr. Bill Meets Rocky the Raccoon and much more from Walter Williams.... See Mr. Bill in action in Chicagoland! 1 2 3 4 5
Chicken N' Egg - With just a squeeze, the egg squishes out and begins to swirl. Great for party favors. Made by Toysmith. 7" tall from beak to feet. $2.95 (Please respect our web-order minimum: $10 + freight)		more vintage toys: on this page > [see "too fun"]
top
puzzles & brain teasers
Gyroscopes Twin pack of gyroscopes for a world of fun, and both educational and instructive. Made in the USA! $14.95		Q: Ok...I give - what's a gyroscope? A: A mechanical gyroscope is essentially a spinning wheel or disk whose axle is free to take any orientation. More info and examples >> (Link takes you out of JJCardinal's website)
The Light Crystal Prism Learn the secrets of light and color. The Light Crystal gives you the ability to capture light, bend and divide light into a rainbow of beautiful colors. 4½ x 1½" and includes stand. $14.95 Made in the USA.		3-D Mirascope instant illusion maker. Create a 3-D hologram image. You won't believe your eyes...it looks completely real. But you can't touch it! New size: now 9" diameter. $15.95 import alert: not made in the Greater USA
Jacob’s Ladder an original American handmade toy by Channel Craft...still made right here in the USA. Includes history* of the ladder, illusions, animal shapes to create, and a magic trick! Solid wood, 6¾” x 2” x ½”, $7.95 * short historical version: The Jacob's Ladder is one of the most ancient and famous of folk toys. Legend has it that one was found in King Tut's tomb, which means these fascinating toys were played with in Egypt before 1352 B.C., when the young king died (at about 18 years of age).
Birds of North America Memory Card Game This 100-piece memory card game is a great learning tool for ages 3 through adult. Knowing how to identify birds by sight is key to becoming familiar with different species. $14.95		Euler’s Disc Spinning Science into Art. What is it? Euler’s disc is chrome plated steel disk that is one-half inch think and 3 inches wide. One edge is carefully machines to a smooth radius. A concave mirror base provides a setting for the disk to spin on like a coin … a coin that doesn’t seem like it will ever stop. Mesmerizing, and fascinating to watch. It’s a hypnotic display of light and sound. $31.95
3-D Slide Puzzle by DaMert The smooth gliding pieces are contained within a four inch tray. Challenging enough to entertain for hours, they are the “Perfect Travel Puzzle”. Colorfully packaged with informative facts inside. Ages 5 and up. Select from Celestial, Toucan, Dragonfly, Fish, Sunflower. $3.95 import alert: not made in the Greater USA
Six-sided Puzzle Buglacious puzzling fun! Sixteen, 6-sided cube pieces make for six puzzles in one. Amusing, and educational bug lifecycle illustrations are printed on the inside for lasting durability. Features clear plastic cubes, bright fun illustrations, and neat information. $15.95		Green Turtle 4D Puzzle - No painting or gluing needed; parts snap together. Includes fun turtle facts, too. $6.95 note #1: Imported (we're always searching for creative domestically produced, thought provoking toys and activities...got any leads for us?) note #2: Not suitable for children under the age of three due to small parts.

Slotter Play more than 20 classic tabletop coin games with this unique contraption- Basketball, Baseball, Football, Hockey and many more. Includes the official SLOTTER, flip card & instructions. Item #SLPP, $4.95		Bamboozlers Bamboo Puzzles How fast can you disassemble and reassemble the Bamboozlers? 3 styles: #6499A, diamond shape, or #6499B, square shape; specify style when ordering please. Ideal for ages 8+ to adult. $5.95 (imported) Why Bamboo? Bamboo is a large grass that grows quickly in different climates around the world. It is an ideal, sustainable, plentiful and eco-friendly species to replace wood, which will help make our earth greener and last longer.
top		Bamboo Cup and Ball Game How many times in a row can you catch the ball in the cup? Great toy to help build hand-eye coordination, and it's a nice toy size for small hands! 5" x 1½" ideal for ages 5+. Item #7814. (Imported.) just $3.25 each Please respect our $10 minimum web-order (+s/h).

outside fun
Design Your Own Kite Have a hands-on kite building experience. Kit includes” 1 plain sail sheet 26” in length (with the two spine rods, dihedral joint and bridal already attached), 2 spare rods, 1 reel with flying line/cord, paint, paint brush, and detailed instructions. $14.95		Nature Color Glasses Use these glasses to discover your surroundings through the colorful lenses: red, blue and yellow. These “primary” colors ban be blended to produce “secondary” colors. A great way for children (recommended for age three and up) to learn their colors. $11.95
top		Wooden 'better quality" Children's Butterfly Net We suggest...after observing your butterfly and insect friends, carefully release them to return to their natural habitat. Age eight and up, 10-inch diameter, $12.95

wind-up action & puppets
		Folkmanis - The world-famous, award-winning brand has been recognized by nearly every parenting publication as one of the best toys of the year, including Parents, Child, FamilyFun, Parenting, Nick Jr., and Baby Talk. The overwhelming reason: kids (and adults) love them and can’t put them down. Stop-in to see out new collection of Folkmanis puppets. Made in USA since 1976.
Little Chick - Finger puppets by Folkmanis Just in time for Easter Baskets! #5544, $4.99 enlarged view		Jack Rabbit Finger Puppet by Folkmanis #5545, $6.50
Fawn finger puppet by Folkmanis Fawn, 8” long x 3” wide, $7.00		Firefly finger puppet by Folkmanis Firefly guaranteed to light up 50,000 times! That’s 140 times a day for a year. Shiny wings, and cute expression, and what child does not love fireflies? Firefly, 6” long x 2½” wide, $9.50
Opossum Finger Puppet by Folkmanis #5549, $5.99		Dutch Rabbit Finger Puppet by Folkmanis #5556, $6.50
Flying Piglets Finger Puppet by Folkmanis #5554 Piglet with Wings, $5.50 enlarged view		Red-Legged Frog - finger puppet - 5" long, #2673. $8.
hand puppets "If you do not see the critter you are looking for, give us a call...we may have just what you are looking for." toll free: 1-866-818-6295		Other Folkmanis finger puppets in our collection include: chipmunks, porcupine, Gray squirrel, tortoise, monkey, zebra, monarch, barn owl, praying mantis, walrus, giraffe, brown mouse, skunk, fox, lion, flying pig, mini Dutch rabbit, brown rabbit, opossum.
Elephant hand puppet 20" long, flexing trunk action, workable mouth, #2534. $45.		Hatching Dragon - hand puppet - 8" Tall, workable mouth and arms, #2544. $33.
Camel - hand puppet - 18" long, workable mouth, #2532. $33.		Swan - hand puppet - 15" long, flexing neck action, workable wings, #2543. $34.
Harbor Seal - hand puppet - 19" tall workable mouth, #2537. $31.		Peacock - hand puppet 18" tall, workable tail, #2539. $45.
Penguin - hand puppet - 13" tall, animate his head and beak. #2177 (baby penguin separate). $27.		Flamingo - hand puppet - 22" Tall, flexing neck action, workable wings, #2536. $31.
Jack Rabbit - hand puppet 21" tall, workable mouth, movable head and arms, back opening, #2429. $31.		Donkey hand puppet 16" long, workable mouth, "kickable" back legs #2415. $33.
Crow Puppet by Folkmanis (makes a guest appearance at JJ Cardinal's - hanging out on the front counter). 12" x 12" x 14" tall. $22.00 great companion to new children's book: Merry Christmas Crow		Small Wooly Sheep - hand puppet 15" long, workable mouth, #2535. $19.
.top
too fun
Glow-in-the-Dark Moon & Stars Stick them on a wall or ceiling. Expose them to room light for a minute. Turn off the light and watch them glow like magic! Set contains one crescent moon and ten stars of various sizes. $7.95		Metal Kazoo - If you can hum...you can play! $1.95 import alert: sadly, these items were not made in the Greater USA or anywhere near North America.
Classic Toy Tin Series -- Nostalgic Toy Tins Featuring classic games from our childhood...favorite “Retro” toys just $9.95 each, and packaged in heavy-duty storage tin: 5” x 3-5/8” x 1-5/8” (attractive tins keeps all play pieces together - perfect for storing at Grandma's house). Proudly made in the USA.		Tiddly Winks in a Classic Toy Tin 36 Winks and 6 Shooters in 6 colors, 1 Scoring Platform & 20 page Handbook. Made in USA. $9.95
Dominoes in a Classic Toy Tin A full set of double six dominoes. Made in USA. $9.95		Marbles in a Classic Toy Tin Whether you've lost your marbles (and seeking a replacement set) or starting a new collection, we can help! 48 assorted Marbles, 2 Large Shooters & 20 page Handbook. Vintage collectable tin storage container. Made in USA. $9.95
Skip Rope in a Classic Toy Tin 9 foot Skip Rope with wooden handles & 20 page Handbook with skipping rhymes. Made in USA. $9.95		Jumbo Jacks in a Classic Toy Tin 5 Brass and 5 Nickel Jacks, 2 Real Rubber Balls & 20 page Handbook. Made in USA. $9.95
J.J.s Ocarina Instrument Kit These precision laser-cut wood craft kits are a great introduction to the world of Woodworking. The wooden pieces snap-fit together but a real work of art can be had with some glue, sandpaper, paints and wood stain. Each kit comes complete in a hinged-lid tin with instructions. item #WKOK, $7.95		did you see the other retro toys? This page is covered with 'em! retro balsa wood gliders > Mr. Bill & Slinkys & even Gumby >
Authentic American Wooden Pick-up Sticks Contains: gaming instructions, 25 - 3/8” in diameter birch sticks, and handy canvas carrying pouch. And yes, authentic American means: Made in USA. $7.95
Maple Landmark Woodcraft of Vermont Quality wooden toys and projects constructed by dedicated craftspersons right here in the greater US of A. American Made to American Standards - While much is being made of the dangers of imported products, there are alternatives. Maple Landmark crafts a wide range of wooden toys, games, and gifts following American standards of product safety, employee safety, and environmental protection. The shortcuts of doing it any other way are not what Maple Landmark is about. These toys provide the best in hands-on learning and exploration. Surely it is becoming an electronic world but children still need to learn basic manipulation and construction.		Push 'n Pull Natural Toy Made by Maple Landmark Toys, in Middlebury, Vermont. Completely natural, 100% hard maple - no chemicals! Push 'n Pull Bunny toy. $19.00 Winner of the 2008 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine.
Pull Alongs by Maple Landmark Woodcraft Pull toys feature wobble wheel construction so they bounce and tip as they roll along. Approx. 5” long. "Quack-a-long" Duck #73101 "Hop-a-long" Bunny #73104 Happily made in USA. $16.00		Made by Me Kit (with a little help from Maple Landmark Woodcraft) - Kit includes a vehicle body, four axles, and four wheels plus smokestack on the engine. The bodies are approx. 4” long. Kids can decorate with crayons, markers, paints, glitter, etc. (not included). #78250, made in the USA. $16.95 « enlarged view
Mites Made by Maple Landmark Toys, in Middlebury, Vermont, USA. Collect all 6 handsome little cars and trucks. 100% wood - finishes and paints are non-toxic and cars come "poly-bagged" (to ensure freshness....ha!). Each car is approx. 3 to 3.5" long; ideal to tote anywhere or leave behind in Grandma' toy chest. Select from: sporty red jeep or blue fastback convertibles, yellow or green sedans, black panel truck, or the mighty red dump truck. Just $4 each.		Maple Tops by Maple Landmark Toys - Vermont, USA. Simple 1-3/8" diameter, available in red, blue or green. Amazing: trees are grown, harvested, transported as lumber, milled and turned, sanded, painted, packaged, and shipped to our store - where you can get 'em for the insanely low price of just $1.39 each. (Minimum web/charge card order: $5 + shipping)
Natural Unfinished Oval Bead Rattle The rattle is 2.5" long and the oval ends measure 1½" X 2½". The beads float freely on the pegs for maximum sound and movement. Item #72151. Made in USA. $9.50		C-Blox Simple and Compact; you can’t put them down. Made in Vermont (ah, go-on, we know you want to chant with us right now: "USA-USA-USA!!") from unfinished rock maple and a non-toxic finish. A great manipulative toy for young and old. From simple stacking to creating modern art, they are fun at any level of development. For your little ones it is a great introduction to spatial concepts. Of course the real fun is stacking and knocking down. That is okay, we’ve all been there. Four blocks, plus tip sheet and pouch included. Item #73222. $15.00
Earth Yo-Yo You, too, can have the whole world in your hands with this yo-yo, by Maple Landmark Toys, in Middlebury, Vermont. (That's right...another fine product made in the USA.) $4.95		Folding Cribbage A product revival by Maple Landmark Toys - Vermont, USA. Folding Cribbage Boards are perfect for the gamer on the go! This board has a standard hole/street configuration. Crafted from cherry and lacquered for a long-lasting durable finish, this board has a peg storage pocket, 2 brass-look hinges and a latch; pegs included. This folding cribbage board measures about 3" wide by 5½" long and 1¾" high when closed. $18.95
Basic Checkers Made in the USA by Maple Landmark Woodcraft. Lacquered laminated board 15" square. Hardwood checkers painted red and black - no design. Choking hazard for children under age three, $26.00.		Chinese Checkers A game for two to six players. Made in the USA by Maple Landmark Woodcraft. Solid cherry board 11½" diameter. Choking hazard for children under age three. Includes complete game instructions, $33.50
Chess Made in the USA by Maple Landmark Woodcraft. The Basic Chess Set is complete with 15" square by 3/8" thick hardwood board and 32 chess men. And what is really cool is each playing piece has its corresponding move pattern engraved its bottom. Maple "light" and cherry "dark" pieces measure approximately 1" square at the base and range from 1¼" to 2¼" tall. #50316. $52.00		Two Player Chinese Checkers Made in the USA by Maple Landmark Woodcraft. The Two Player Chinese Checkers board is a little different (from 6-player game above) and a lot special. The game play is the same, but the board is abbreviated. It is crafted out of cherry and the playing board measures approximately 7½" wide by 12" long by 3/4" thick with instructions laser engraved on the back. Includes 20 marbles, 10 each of 2 different colors, and a marble storage pouch. #50310. $24.00

Teach & Play Tiles - Animal & Vegetable by Maple Landmark of Vermont (yep - right next to New Hampshire...USA!) These tiles are great for classification, grouping, sorting or matching. This set of 12 wooden cards measures 2¼" wide by 3½" tall and are thin enough to be used as flash cards. Sets are printed with one theme on each side. $12.95		Made By Me! Bug ["bug"....as in VW, style automobile] This kit has a 4" long unfinished, sanded smooth pine bug-shaped body, and 4 natural wheels and axles. The assembly instructions are under the tag. All you need is some glue, a hammer, and paints, crayons, stickers or whatever you want to use to decorate with. Made in USA by Maple Landmark of Vermont. $4.95
Tic-Tac-Toe - The maple board is approximately 4½" square, with a clearcoat finish for protection and durability. Colorful pegs, die-cut squares, model #50105. Made in USA. $10.00 Learn Colors with Color Cube by Maple Landmark Woodcraft (right) - This is an easy take-along game for entertaining. There is more than one solution. #50240, 2-3/8” square. Made in USA. $9.50 >>
My First Blocks by Maple Landmark Woodcraft 21 Piece - Crafted from locally sourced, sustainable harvested maple hardwood, the My First Blocks Set of Montgomery Schoolhouse building blocks contains 21 pieces in 8 different shapes. The base block unit is 1" and each dimension of all blocks is a multiple of 1" so blocks can be stacked cleanly and uniformly. Each set comes in a sturdy box for storage. No finish on blocks, but each is sanded smooth. Box weighs 2.5 pounds. Made in USA. $27.		Mosaic Triangles by Maple Landmark Woodcraft 96 piece colorful wooden triangles in limitless ways for never-ending design possibilities. Triangles measure approximately 1½ inches on short side. Design suggestion sheet included. Age 3 and up, model #42601. Made in USA. $19.50
Lace-A-Shape - Made out of wood, making them very durable for years of enjoyment. Includes four shapes: monkey, fish, butterfly and bear (4 to 6½” high) per set plus four 52” laces. Maple Landmark of Vermont, USA. $26.00		Natural ABC Simple Block Set Simple and clean ABC blocks. Using a kid-friendly font, these letters are burned into 1¾" hardwood maple cubes. Ideal for children 12-months and older. 16 blocks to set. Made in USA. $22.95
Train Whistle by Maple Landmark Woodcraft All aboard! Get your train whistles here. Model #41297, great four-tone sound, 8½” long. Made in USA. $4.75		Tooth Fairy Box by Maple Landmark 2½" Round wooden box with "Tooth Fairy" on top. Painted white and about 1" deep. Great place to keep that valuable tooth! Item #41010. Made in USA. $5.50
Rub-On Transfers Transform everyday objects (cutting boards, boxes, planters, or picture frames) into decorative works of art. The package contains an assortment of 25 butterflies and moths. $8.95		Wildlife Track Mold Kit - comes with everything needed to create real animal track impressions. Use the mold template to create a border around the wildlife print, mix the plaster and pour into the mold template. Includes "Art Plaster", mold template & interpretive card. item #TMK, $7.95
top		But where are the famous GoodPlanet™ bird house and bird feeder kits?
Felted Hat Kit Harrisville Designs, USA, includes everything you need to make two beautiful and creative, crazily popular felted hats! $24.95		Harrisville Designs was established in 1971 to preserve the textile heritage and economic vitality that had sustained the village of Harrisville, NH since 1794. Beginning with a line of high quality woolen handweaving, HD soon branched out into handweaving and equipment: "Friendly Loom Products" to introduce children to the joys of working with their hands.
Friendly Loom Lollipop Knitting Loom by Harrisville Designs - For generations, a child’s first knitting experience included a simple thread spool and some yarn. With these simple objects, beautiful knitted tubes are created that can be made into coiled hot mats, decorative bowls, fun pencil covers, and many other exciting projects. Kit contains: Hardwood Lollipop Knitter 100% Wool Yarn Fleece, Needle, and Complete Instructions, $19.95, and made in the U.S.A.		Potholder Loom Includes sturdy metal loom, 100% cotton loops, metal looping hook, and enough loops to make two potholders. Kids love to make potholders. Made by Harrisville Designs - right here in the USA. $16.95
Knot Your Scarf Kit A simple knotting technique you will learn in minutes. Kit makes one, 45-inch long looped scarf. Another fine craft project by Harrisville Designs. $~~11.95~~ (Temp. out of stock)		Bag ‘O Cotton Loops Contains enough loops to make two colorful potholders, or may be used to make more knotted scarves. For use with the Knot Your Scarf Kit, and Potholder Looms (see above). 100% cotton, and 100% made in USA! $5.95
Made in the USA. Pretty nice, huh? Try find that at your bigger-boxy stores. top		Trash to Treasure Sweater Magic Kit Join in the fun with this kit that teaches recycling and how to make sweaters into something magical. Kit includes instruction booklet and patterns, yarn, fleece, and thread. Harrisville Designs - Made in USA. $14.95
J.J.'s dino-land
Peterson First Guide: Dinosaur The concise field guide to more than 100 dinosaurs and the world they lived in. Paperback, 128 pages, full color illustrations. $5.95		Golden Guide: Dinosaur - A classic guide for all ages. Paperback, 160 pages, full color illustrations. $6.95
Dinosaur DVD - Based on the revolutionary book series, Eyewitness video Dinosaur is the ultimate guide to the natural history of dinosaurs. Narrated by Martin Sheen: the man who SHOULD be our next President! For ages three and up. $12.99 See our "gifts page" for more Eyewitness DVD series >		Wooden Dinosaur Model This kit has an awesome realistic skin-like appearance and will provide hours of fun. A full 24” long when complete! No tools or glue required due to its easy inter-locking assembly. $10.95
top		Glow-in-the-Dark Dinosaurs Parts snap together; no gluing needed. Inc. dinosaur handbook and instructions. Choose from stegosaurus, velociraptor, tyrannosaurus, or triceratops. $8.95 each Not suitable for children under the age of three due to small parts.
rocks & minerals
		Start a rock collection, today! All rocks: $1.25 each (From right to left, top to bottom) top row - quartz point, tumbled jasper, fuchsite, rough rose quartz, pyrite (fools gold!); 2nd row from top: chalcopyrite (peacock rock), rough orange calcite, tumbled sodalite, hematite, amethyst cluster; middle row: chrysocolla, citrine, rubellite tourmaline, sandstone, orchid calcite; 4th row from top: banded agate, red tiger eye, tumbled adventurine, copal amber, jasper; bottom row: silicon, fluorite, amethyst point, blue kyanite, snowflake obsidian. Another great product from Mother Nature! Each piece varies in shape & size - how big are they? Think golf ball-size. Velvet pouch - ideal for holding your treasure - $1.50 (Minimum web/charge card order: $5 + shipping)
Peterson’s Rocks and Minerals A handy pocket guide to more than 250 common gems, ores, and other rocks and minerals. Full color photographs, 128 pages, $5.95		Collector’s Box Heavy-duty clear plastic box with 17 compartments is perfect for rock collecting. Includes cards for each slot to write in name of specimen when collected. Length 10½" Width 7" Depth 1¾". $6.95
A Golden Guide to Rocks, Gems and Minerals Fully revised, and easy-to-use guide to the most common kinds of rocks and minerals with fascination information. 160 pages, $6.95		Audubon Society Guide to Rocks and Minerals Photographs organized visually by their subjects color with thumb tab index makes identification quick and easy. Twice as many descriptions and color plates as any other guide. 850 pages, $19.95
Simon and Schuster’s Guide to Rocks and Minerals Over 1,000 spectacular illustrations, 600 in full color, color photographs, practical and easy to use. Contains everything that the rock and mineral enthusiast needs to know. 607 pages, $17.00		Audubon Society Guide to Fossils Photographs organized visually by their subjects color with thumb tab index makes identification quick and easy. Twice as many descriptions and color plates as any other guide. 850 pages, $19.95
see Petoskey Stone Polishing Kit below >		More books & reference >
top
explore-more...and dig dirt!
Audubon Bird Call simple device ideal for attracting a variety of species. How does it work? Twist the birchwood roller on the zinc plug, and an audible "squeak" resonates. With reasonable care, and periodic re-application of rosin from the included capsule, the call will last a lifetime. Made in USA! $6.95 see also, other bird calls available at JJ Cardinal's >		Children's Binoculars 6 x 35 binoculars featuring center focusing adjustment, carrying strap. 6x magnification. Nice starter binoculars for little hands: light-weight. (Styles may vary slightly from picture; available in red or blue). $12.95

The Original Uncle Milton's Ant Farm In celebration of Uncle Milton's 50th Anniversary Includes: ant farm habitat, clean tunneling sand, ant watcher's manual, stock certificate to order ants. See the ants building bridges, digging subways, and moving mountains. Not recommended for children under three yrs of age. $18.95 note: ants mail-in fulfillment - allow 2 weeks		Ant Works - Illuminated Gel Ant Farm by Fascinations Illuminated Ant Farm: Watch ants dig 3-D tunnels in nutrient-rich pre-filled gel. No feeding or watering needed. Break resistant, and escape proof! Illumination lights up the tunnels they dig. You never have to feed or water your ants, because the gel provides a continuous source of food and water. Watch the tiny architects as they sculpt their habitat into a natural work of art. Coupon to receive live ants by mail (allow 2 weeks). Ant farm 6" x 6½" x 1¼". $32.95 enlarged view note: ants mail-in fulfillment - allow 2 weeks
Large Sized Butterfly & Critter Habitat Features large 24" x 12" x 12" chamber, super-fine mesh screening for excellent ventilation and keeping out parasites, one side is clear vinyl for easy viewing of contents, and large all-around side zipper for easy access and cleaning. Folds into a compact little package when not in use. $18.95		Medium Sized Butterfly & Critter Habitat Features large 12" x 12" x 12" chamber, super-fine mesh screening for excellent ventilation and keeping out parasites, one side is clear vinyl for easy viewing of contents, and large all-around side zipper for easy access and cleaning. Folds into a compact little package when not in use. $12.95
Raise Praying Mantis! Praying mantis are considered “beneficial” because they eat insects that often become garden pests: aphids, scale, spider mites, white flies, etc. Praying mantis egg pods contain 50 upward to 300 mantis eggs, which will hatch, spread and offer protection around your garden and yard. Complete instructions are included for the gardener and for those wishing to raise a mantis as a "pet". Typically available January through May; More info about JJ Cardinal's praying mantis and other "beneficial insects" (on our "garden page") >>		Port-A-Bug from Insect Lore A safe haven for observing friendly insects. Observe butterflies, ladybugs, and other friendly critters in the airy mesh habitat, then let them go! It's lightweight and escape proof - convenient nylon carrying handle. Port-A-Bug compresses back into its tote-sack for storage. Great for show-and-tell, field trips, and insect excursions. Approx. 6" diameter x 12" tall. $9.95


top
kits & projects
EIN-O Box Kit: Planet Earth - builds a cross section model of earth, its inner core, etc. Includes support rod, and model base, $9.95 Not suitable for children under the age of three due to small parts.		EIN-O Box Kit: Geothermal Energy - explore the energy from the earth's heat and its geothermal energy with this nifty kit. $9.95 Not suitable for children under the age of three due to small parts.
Crystal Growing Kits Choose from Aquamarine & Diamond, Emerald & Amethyst, and Citrine & Ruby. Watch these 2 amazing crystals grow before your eyes in just a few days! Just dissolve the pre-mixed chemicals in water and brilliant crystals will grow right before your eyes. Complete instructions included. Specify crystals desired at time of order. $16.95 Caution: this set contains chemicals which may be harmful if misused. Read cautions on individual containers carefully. Not to be used by children except under adult supervision.		Origami Sea Life Create a colorful and fun sea life world with the printed patterned paper. Contains a pop-up play scene, more than 30 colored sheets of 11 different patterns, a sticker sheet of eyes, and detailed instructions. $6.95
Easy-To-Do Window Mosaic Art Select from 3 nature designs: butterfly, sunflower, dolphin. Mosaic making has never been so easy. No glue is needed and it is not sticky either. The innovative Sticky-it-Easy™ mosaic pieces will stay on most shiny surfaces like magic. Simply follow the design template provided and make a colorful mosaic picture to hang in your window. Let the sun shine through and turn your window into a world of vibrant colors. Contains over 800 pcs plastic color mosaic 'tiles', 1 design template, transparent board, suction cups & detailed instructions. Completed picture is about 10¾" x 11". $11.95		My Box Robot An eco-friendly and creative science activity! You will actually be reusing the package box to help build a robot. Doodle and decorate on the box surface to make it unique. Learn simple mechanical and circuit science. Your robot will walk with cute movements, too. Be green, be creative! This project requires one “AA” battery and one 1½ volt battery (not included). $11.95
Recycled Paper Beads - Have fun making paper beads with specially designed tool. Simply insert strips of paper from newspapers, or magazines into the tool and turn the handle. Recycle a drink bottle by screwing on the handle to make a neat storage container for your beads. Item #4612. Age 5+ $12.95		Recycled Bottle Light - Help save our environment by recycling plastic bottles. Turn them into enviro projects. Just use a little bit of imagination. You can make them into super cool decor! Age 5+; item #3747. $12.95
Splatter Art - Turn a toothbrush into an art tool and create lovely greeting cards. It's cool. Part of the famed: 'Create Your Own Series' item #3631. Creative fun for virtually all - ages 5 to adult. $6.95		Thread Art - Follow the simple steps to make beautiful geometrical patterns using colorful threads. 'Create Your Own Series' item #3459. Age 8+ $6.95
Spiral Art Create fascinating patterns with this classic art tool that has been a favorite for generations. Release your creativity. Item #3634, ideal for ages 5+. $6.95		Spin Art - Create beautiful patterns with a spinning top. It's just amazing. Spin Art includes materials to make 40 spin creations. Age 5+ item #3488. $6.95
[top]		Design Your Own Paper Fans - Design your own paper fans by following the simple template and choosing your own special attractive colors. Item #4565 is ideal for ages 8+. $12.95
Solar Print Kit Contains everything you need to make your own solar prints including sun-sensitive paper, blank note cards, stencils, frames, and complete instructions. $14.95 (refills below )		Pressed Flower Art - Preserve the beauty of by making pressed flower crafts with this flower press kit. Materials for making trinket boxes, greeting cards, and bookmarks are included. Age 5+ #4565. $10.95
Solar Print Paper These sun-sensitive sheets produce beautiful prints from natural or man-made objects. The paper undergoes a chemical change when exposed to sunlight. Images appear in minutes and are permanent. Contains 12 - 5”x7” sheets and one print frame holder. $8.95		Green Creativity: Paper Recycling Learn to recycles old paper into your own handmade art paper. It is fun to experiment with different materials in papermaking. Kit includes: mesh tray, screens, paper, paints, paint brush, silk flowers, beads, envelopes, wool, ribbons and detailed instructions. Enough supplies for a variety of craft projects. Age 8+. $12.95
Natural Rock Art Kit Turn common rocks into unique and cute creatures, and raise them with love. Kit includes four rocks, materials for decoration: wool, moving eyes, felt, paint, paint brush, glue, birth certificates, and detailed instructions. There are enough materials to decorate 8 rocks ... four you will find yourself out in nature. $10.95		Sock Monkey Kit Make Pee-Jay monkey with easy-to-follow instructions. Kit includes: two socks, buttons, cotton floss, felt, flannel, pom-pom, embroidery needle, and all the materials to make Pee-Jay's little brown bear friend. Two kits in one! $14.95
Electric Bug It's out of control! Discover how a tiny spinning weight is used to make your own shaking bug. Created by specialists who teach teachers at Middlesex University, England. (Completed kit requires one AA battery, not included.) $15.95		Solar Energy Kit Capture the power of the sun....the energy source of the future. Kit includes: solar cell module - pre-wired; DC motor, also pre-wired. 4 attachments for experiments with motor including a fan blade. $16.95 [import alert: made in China]
Origami Safari Create your fun safari world with printed animal patterned paper. Contains a pop-up play scene, more than 30 sheets of 7 different animal hide patterns, 4 different butterfly patterns printed papers, moving eyes, and detailed instructions. $6.95		My Nature Journal: the kit Construct a 22 page journal out of pre-cut papers; learn how to bind a book and you can use this kit as a template for future projects. Color enclosed icons to decorate the book cover and inside; use stickers to identify subject chapters, and learn how to record nature observations. For age 8 through adult, and $10.95
Deluxe Aquasaurs® from Uncle Milton Prehistoric Pet Habitat - You don't have to be a time traveler to have real prehistoric pet creatures. With some water and a little bit of care, you can watch Aquasaurs come to life! Ages 6 and up. Adult assistance recommended; hatch & raise real prehistoric creatures. $32.95		Mini Ant Hill - from Insect Lore Now a mini home that ants can dig, at a price that you can dig, too! Features cutaway half-hill profile for easy double-sided viewing, certificate for free ants (mail-in fulfillment - allow 1 to 2 weeks), fun-filled facts, and locking lid for safety. #06050 $10.95
Earthworm Nursery - from Insect Lore - You've never seen a nursery like this before! Hatch baby earthworms from real earthworm cocoons, then watch them dig and grow in the special greenhouse habitat. Kit includes: multi-chambered nursery, coupon for 15 - 20 earthworm cocoons (mail-in fulfillment - allow 1 to 2 weeks), growth soil, built-in magnifier, egg net and forceps, and fun-filled fact guide. $~~24.95~~ (temp. out of stock)		Birds Kaleidoscopes Colorful songbirds wrap the outer tube while a burst of colors appears inside as the tube is turned. 3¾” long x 1¾” in diameter. Paper, made in the U.S.A., $8.50
Frog Life Cycle Stages by Insect Lore Accurate lifecycle replicas of some popular creatures. $4.95 each		Nature Kaleidoscope Kit Contains: kaleidoscope parts, assembly directions, 2 nature drawings to color, colored pencils, dried flowers and leaves, polished gemstones, glass marbles, and minerals! Handcrafted in the USA, for age seven and up, and only $13.95. (temp out of stock)
Hand Polish a Petoskey Stone Kit JJ Cardinal's famous program is now available "to-go"! Kit includes everything you need to hand-polish a Petoskey stone in one handy little kit. Contains: Petoskey stone slab (from Michigan!) Wet/dry sandpaper (220, 400 and 600 grit) Polishing cloth Polishing powder Complete instructions All you need is water, a thick towel, a shallow plastic plate, and in no time, you’ll have a lustrous stone with the familiar six-sided Petoskey image. Polishing the Petoskey stone would be a great group or classroom project. $6.00 each		Bird Call Squeaker Kit For many, many years JJ Cardinal has conducted a fun event teaching young people about the communication techniques birds utilize. Now this "class" is available in a kit form: our famous Bird Call Squeaker! By twisting the wood dowel into the hole of the handle of the birdcall, you will produce a squeak most birds find irresistible. Contents: Wood dowel, Wood Handle, Neck strap, Vial of powdered rosin, Small square sand paper. Made in Michigan. $6.00 [see also: our selection of professionally manufactured bird call devices >> ]
Live Butterfly Garden Watch and learn as your tiny butterflies turn into beautiful butterflies. Kit includes sturdy reusable airy butterfly garden chamber, certificate for five live butterflies that are delivered to your doorstep, butterfly food, and complete care instructions bursting with fascinating information. $24.99 (Live butterfly larvae sent by manufacturer in 7-10 days, additional $5 handling charge.) More info below right >		Curiosity - Lady Bug Land From Insect Lore: a live ladybug kit for $19.95 that shows children the four life stages of the ladybug: egg, larva, pupa and beetle. Price includes live ladybeetles. Learn, raise, release. Enjoy.
		This is an example of the fulfillment you receive when ordering butterflies from Insect Lore - makers of the Butterfly Garden projects shown above. These day-old Painted Lady butterfly caterpillars are shipped to you with their food source in cup provided. See each caterpillar's transition as it matures, changes into a chrysalis, and finally emerges as a Painted Lady butterfly! After observing your butterflies, experience the joy of releasing them into your backyard! During extremely hot or cold weather, delivery of live larvae may be delayed. Available only in the Continental U.S. and Alaska. Note that a $5 shipping charge applies for delivery of live caterpillars. Ideal for ages 4 & up.

The Metamorphosis of a Beetle (Dynastes Hercules) Set of 5 life cycle models are included: egg, larva, pupa, emergence, and adult. Age 4 and up, $10.95		The Metamorphosis of a Dragonfly Set of 5 life cycle models are included: egg, nymph, elder nymph, final molt, and adult. Age 4 and up, $10.95
The Metamorphosis of a Butterfly (Purple sapphire) Set of 5 life cycle models are included: egg, caterpillar, 3rd instar caterpillar, pupa, and adult. Age 4 and up, $10.95		The Metamorphosis of a Bee Set of 5 life cycle models are included: egg, larva, pupa, emergence, and adult. Age 4 and up, $10.95
Build a Bug: model kits Easy to assemble Real Wood Pieces Learn the Parts of a Bug The surface is smoothly finished and could be painted. Collect Them All: Mantis, Bumblebee, Tarantula, Cricket, and Butterfly. Age 5+. $5.95		Insect Planet Realistic, wooden monarch butterfly. Assembled size 11" to 13½" in height and width! $8.95 butterfly
4-D Vision Snail - 8 " long model contains 30 detachable organs and body parts and display stand. Also includes Illustrated assembly guide and description of the anatomy along with some fun Q&A to test your knowledge. Fine detailed sculpting with hand painted parts. Collect the series - great gifts for education or future entomologist! Ages 8+ $28.95		4-D Vision Frog - 6 " long model contains 31 detachable organs and body parts and display stand. Also includes Illustrated assembly guide and description of the anatomy along with some fun Q&A to test your knowledge. Fine detailed sculpting with hand painted parts. Collect the series - great gifts for education or amphibian lovers! Ages 8+ $28.95
Make Your Own Garden Stepping Stone Make your own garden stones with your own style. This kit includes stone sparkles that glow-in-the-dark, jewels, and everything needed to make one garden stone. Item #4510, $7.95		Amazing Mummies Cast, wrap, paint and display your own custom mummy in four easy steps. Kit includes plaster pack, mummy mold, sandpaper, mummy wrapping material, crafting sticks, rubber bands, 5 custom paint colors and paintbrush, mummy mask, and sarcophagus box. $23.95, age eight and up.
[top]

wooden GoodPlanet kits (bird houses & feeders)
If you would like to schedule an event for your scout group, child's birthday party please give us a call. Programs can be held at our store or at your location - assuming you're "local" to our area. Call Louise for info (810-695-8733).
Bird House Kits - by Good Planet Bluebird houses are Ideal for bluebirds but enjoyed by chickadees, nuthatches and other cavity nesting birds too (entry hole 1½" diameter.). Design features: solid wood (pine or cedar), easy-open clean-out, plenty of ventilation to keep your house cool & drainage slots to keep it dry. Predator guards make it difficult for some critters to raid the box and damage eggs by extend the reach - they are effective so we include them on most all bird houses that we make. Kits are pre-cut, pre-drilled, with screws, nails, closure latch, sandpaper, and illustrated assembly plans. Tools typically required (not included): hammer, Phillips head screw driver. Note: Wood parts may contain knots and splinters.
Flat Top Bird House Kit by GoodPlanet - includes solid wood pieces pre-cut, pre-drilled, lightly sanded, illustrated instructions, screws, nails, closure latch, & tiny sandpaper. Features: side panel clean-out, roof vents, drainage slots, & attached predator guard. Finished dimensions: 10¾" x 5½" x 7" entry hole 1½" diameter. Tools required (not included): hammer, Phillips head screw driver. A great project for all ages! Available in 3/4" pine (near left) $19.95 cedar (far left) $23.95 [pssst: the top-secret building plans for Flat Top Bird House Kit are right here]		GROUP PHOTO Info: We had a special session in late December (2010) just for this family (grandma and three grandkids) so they could make their Dad a special gift: a GoodPlanet Flattop Bluebird House. The children took turns decorating all surfaces before taking turns in its assembly. We’re sure this is something the Dad will treasure forever!
		see our bird house kit assembled and "in action" 1 2 3 4 5
Bat House Kit from Coveside Conservation Features a simple, single chamber that holds up to 20 bats. Features an extended landing pad and an interior covered with screening to provide bats with a maximum foothold. Also includes echolocation slot to help the bats locate the cavity. It's a great educational tool for all ages. It comes with easy-to-follow instructions and information about bats, pre-cut solid pine and all the hardware required (nails & mounting hanger). Overall dimensions: 16"h x 8"w x 3¾"d. Boxed - great for shipping. Made in the USA. $26.95		The Fly-Thru Feeder Kit from GoodPlanet™ is a great general purpose feeder which can be hung or pole mounted. Just pour in a few cups of seed to attract a wide array of birds: cardinals, nuthatch, woodpeckers, goldfinch, chickadee and more! Featuring solid ¾" pine or cedar. Pre-cut parts, solid all-screw-assembly, holes pre-drilled, and edges lightly sanded. Finished dimensions: 9" x 5½" x 5¼". Made in USA. $14.00 Here are our "not-so-top-secret" assembly plans for Fly-Thru Feeder Kit (shown above).
Nesbitt - a chickadee roosting box kit from GoodPlanet™ Provide a warm shelter for chickadee and nuthatch with this fun little kit featuring minimal ventilation to keep box warm. Hardwood perch inside; front opening clean out panel. Solid cedar parts are pre-cut, routed, lightly sanded, and holes pre-drilled. 7¼" x 6¼" x 7". For all ages capable of using a Philips head screw driver (not included). Detailed assembly instructions. Made in the USA. $19.95 We also stock ready-made Roosting Boxes » »		.pdf file for plans to assemble the Nesbitt Chickadee Roosting Box Kit shown left. The Nesbitt: the history of this roosting box This is a story about Farnsworth T. Nesbitt. He was born in 1890 in Calumet, MI. Nesbitt had an interest in birds at an early age, but studied his favorites, the boreal and black-capped chickadee his entire life. Professionally he was a librarian in Calumet. Nesbitt was the first person to notice and document chickadee roosting behavior. At night the chickadees would roost inside the hundreds of small holes made by woodpeckers in his log home. These holes were oval spaces not much larger than the chickadee itself, and most nights the chickadees would return at the same time to settle in for the evening. Because the chickadees seemed to depend on the holes, Nesbitt could never bring himself to plug them. In 1930, Nesbitt’s love of the bird caused him to lead a strong campaign to make the black-capped chickadee Michigan’s state bird, but he was unsuccessful. In 1931 the American robin won the distinction. And so we dedicate this simple chickadee roosting box to Farnsworth Tobias Nesbitt. His observations helped us in the design, and its size. We recommend you place one or two (or hundreds) around or on your home to provide a warm spot for chickadees. Note/confessional: Ok, we'll fess-up...Nesbitt is a fictitious character. But he is based on bits and pieces of information about chickadees, roosting behavior, and the people who have observed and written about them.
Cute Little Squirrel Feeder Kit - a great, simple but effective little feeder ideal for a quick project. Build it in less than one-half-hour - and that includes the time it takes to dig out your Phillips-head screw driver! Cob corn is secured by "spike" - we use just a 1/2 corn cob 'cuz it's just a lil' feeder. Fasten to post, deck or tree. 5¾" tall x 3" wide x 3¾" deep. Now available in solid cedar or pine. $6.95 cob corn: $2.95/doz. (about 5 lbs. of corn) [more photos: Kits being assembled @ October 2005 Story Hour]		[pssst: the top-secret building plans for our Cute Lil Squirrel Feeder Kit are right here]
Leaf Press Kit from GoodPlanet. A great project to assist you in tree and plant identification. The secret? Place a leaf, flower head or other portion of plant that you wish to observe on a sheet of blotting paper (to absorb moisture as planet dries out). Cover specimen with another sheet of blotting paper and place it under moderate pressure. Here's where the "Leaf Press" comes into play: specimens can be stacked, sandwich style, with a piece of cardboard between layers (corrugated cardboard aids air circulation and drying process). Insert the "stack" into press and tighten wing nuts. Tip: experiment with many plant materials. Some plant stock that we think press well includes: Ivy, daisies, violets, pansies, ferns, clover, lilacs, baby’s-breath, buttercups, forget-me-nots, euonymus, and hydrangeas. Kit includes instructions, 2 boards: 7-7/8" x 7-7/8", 2½" machine bolts, nuts, washers, pre-cut cardboard and blotting paper. $16.95 More leaf press info (this link is to a non-commercial site outside of J.J. Cardinal.com) >		Two-sided Fruit Feeder Kit by GoodPlanet Kit is made from solid pine, edge sanded and pre-drilled. Stands 10" tall, 5½" wide. Roof spans 3-3/8". Holds halved fruit on 3/8" diameter spikes with perches. Includes screws and eye-hook for hanging. $8.95 [see our photo album for action photo ]
Our Kits are easy-to-assemble; all pieces are precut and predrilled, solid ¾" thick pine (or cedar if specified). Each kit includes instructions, appropriate hardware -- nails, screws, and hanging hardware when necessary. Makes great fund raising & educational projects for scouts and school groups. Wood parts may contain knots.		J.J.'s Tip for kids Stay curious, be constructive, and always seek out positive aspects of all things and all people. Oh...and try not to pester your parents too often to bring you to J.J. Cardinal's. Just do good things around the house, clean your room. Rewards come to those most deserving.
Okay, admittedly we're "low-tech" - but what we do, we do well, swift, accurate and honest. Your order should be in transit in less than 24-hours, often same day. See our orders page for more info regarding shipping carriers & nominal shipping charges [top]		When visiting those "web-only" sites that are filled with all sorts of mindless merchandise, we often find they have used our fine photographs to merchandise stuff they sell. In most cases we take pictures of products ourselves. We don't farm it out to some foreign webdesign shop. Louise sets up a tiny "photo-shoot" studio in her ity-bity backroom, and SNAP. So anyway, this web-monkey gets a bit disturbed when they rip off our pictures. Its not really good for their karma - not the sort of thing their parents taught 'em. Still, we're delighted you made it this far...the bottom of a really long page filled with toys we actually have in-stock, and selected to offer in our store....to customers who are our friends...because the product has some redeeming value. We hope you feel the same way about J.J. Cardinal's - and thanks for letting us "vent".

J.J. Cardinal's Wild Bird & Nature Store®		12830 S. Saginaw St., Grand Blanc, MI 48439 810-695-8733
updated 12/22/11 illustrations, text & fun © copyright J.J. Cardinal's 1992-2011		Home \| Books \| Feeders \| Seed \| Links \| Contact Us \| Photo Album

Bird House Kits - by Good Planet