SpirographMini Gift Tin, Multi (1030Z)

Spirograph Mandala Maker is a big hit!I didn't realize until I really looked this over, that under the Stencils is a HUGE Spirograph Ring. It's built into the turquoise base, that's how big it is. If you flip the base upside down you will see the teeth. It doesn't say anywhere how many teeth, example like the 144/96 ring. But, this ring is 7 inches inside.What's also great about this is, there are 4 other rings you can use just like the stencil patterns. You get the normal size 96, but also a large 128, 72, and a little 58. You can change stencils during your work for extra details.This set comes with very nice wheels that latch in tight, in the normal sizes. But, I also use all the wheels from the Original Spirograph set. I obviously can't stop talking about this, I just love it! Thanks Spirograph!

As a child/pre-teen/teen, I had the original Spirograph (when it was new and no one had ever heard of them before), and then the really big Spirograph when I'd drawn about 100 designs and my parents saw that it was something that I REALLY liked. They were so much fun. (I still have them tucked down in a box in the original, rather worn, packaging. All the disks and wheels, most of the pins, but the pens dried up.)Having had a bad summer this year (too many things died), I wanted something fun. And since I like mandalas, and my old Spirographs, I bought this new type of Spirograph for myself when I spotted it. Like, how perfect for me!So far, I've played with drawing with their pens (much better than the originals from the 1960s/1970s), gel pens (they work fine), and doodling little additions in with felt tips (looks great), and have tried out a number of design combinations. So many possibilities! I haven't tried all of them yet, that'd take years!Looking forwards to using it with colored pencils and other art supplies. Maybe on black paper, when I get some. Several suggestions are made in the booklet that comes with the set, too.NOTE: There are questions on this page asking what I consider the "right age for the toy". Well, it's MY TOY, and I'm 70. I guess never too late for a happy childhood. Though, I remember a Spirograph being great when I was about 12. So I'd say pre-teen to old age. If you have the steady hands and concentration to use it. Keeping the little wheels on the gears does take some skill, which is why I really wouldn't give this to anyone under about 10, or anyone with hand issues.Another note: Someone said there was a booklet included that explained the designs, and what they meant. All I got was two booklets with lots of pictures explaining how to use the items. One booklet was in English, the other in French, but otherwise, the same booklet. (Glad for the English, my French isn't THAT good.) And while info on what designs mean would be interesting, I'm more focused on making things that are pretty.Biggest issue -- trying to keep my elderly cat from helping herself to the bits and pieces while I'm trying to work. And from putting grimy paws on the artwork. But I have that issue with all artwork, and try everything from keeping small pieces in zipper bags to putting covers over what I'm not using that minute. (Both usually work fairly well, though it's sometimes inconvenient when I'm focused on doing something.) Sometimes I end up working fast, and distracted. However, that's not a matter of anything wrong with the toy. Just the work environment, which really needs an upgrade.

I used to have a Spirograph set/kit back in the 1990s but I can't remember much (probably in storage for now), so I re-purchased different variations and will re-purchased other versions, the numbers are small, I needed to use a torchlight (flashlight) or a magnifier. Will keep it to get me started again, and also do Doodletop drawings, they're similar and different.

Very good for kids. Keeps them occupied and happy.

Bought for daughters birthday live it

As a christmas gift, this brought my wife to tears. I got it on a hunch. It struck a sentimental chord that I didn't know was there, as she recalled using a spirograph when she was a child. I don't know how often it will be used, but the reaction was worth 10X the price.

It is great family fun, and educational for everyone

It's pretty impressive!I started to get into drawing again. The Spirograph Mandala Maker looked pretty interesting. The gears that you get with this package is pretty minimal. So, if you have the regular Spirograph or even the Super Spirograph, feel free to experiment with using other size gears within the 4 different size rings. One stencil has a centre size of 128 teeth and the outer 58 teeth. The other stencil is 96 teeth in the centre with the outer one being 72 teeth.One HUGE improvement that Spirograph made over other Spirograph sets is; that the rings have a top barrier/lip that prevents the gears from popping out. Especially if your pen/pencil is in the first few holes. This small innovation should be implimented with the standard 144/96 and the 150/105 rings. I'm going to submit this idea to Spirograph. I think that all who read my review should recommend the same idea. A top lip over the teeth that prevents the gears from popping out would be an awesome improvement with the ability to order them from their supply.I experimented with Canson's black paper and Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils. I loved the result. Markers get absorbed by the black paper. So, I wouldn't recommend using markers. However, opaque pencils like Faber-Castell and Derwent work great. Crayola pencils work, but you may have to go over it twice. So, if you want to also experiement with black paper, go with opaque pencils. Then seal it with a Fixative, if you want to preserve your work.