Monday, September 30, 2013

A Makedo review and giveaway!

Have you heard of Makedo? If not, prepare to have your mind blown! I'm not kidding, every time we use this amazing stuff, I can't believe how cool it is and how I wished it had been around when I was younger.

So what is this Makedo stuff? "Makedo is a reusable system for creating things from the stuff around you".


 The system is really simple, a collection of clips "re-clips",  lockable hinges and a safe-saw. The safe-saw has a point on the back that you use to make holes in the cardboard (for the clips), it also does an amazing job at slicing through cardboard! The re-clip is in two parts, and can be used over and over again, you just squeeze the back to slide it off and reuse it! Genius!

an action shot - miss E and the safe-saw
I love that the kids can do most, if not all of the construction themselves, with a little help from me if needed. But without that safe-saw I would be there with scissors or a craft knife helping. I love seeing them problem solve to work out how and where they are going to clip, to make the "in their head" designs come to life.


We mainly use the system to make giant houses! Seriously take over the whole lounge type huts that have multiple rooms and spaces. The Makedo system means we aren't using a ton of sellotape to keep the structure together and we have been able to make big huts with small boxes too, something that I've attempted unsuccessfully in the past with sellotape (it's just not strong like these clips).


This morning we made this little/big house, we worked together on the main structure. I helped them form the roof, I had the height advantage there. After these photos were taken a little annex was added to the back and lots of shelves etc were added to the inside. All of the added extras were done by the kids, letting their imaginations run wild, I really love that part.


That is pretty much all you need with Makedo, imagination and perhaps a good selection of cardboard boxes! But you needn't stop at cardboard, you can use Makedo with all sorts of things, foam, plastic and fabric too.

So if you live here in New Zealand you might be wondering where you can get your hands on some Makedo, you can buy Makedo sets at the following places : Trademe, IQ Toys, Te Papa and the Auckland Muesum to name a few. You can buy themed sets, like for flowers, a play house, car etc, which include some stickers to turn your creations into something extra special. I do like the plain sets though, like the Makedo Kit for one. Makedo is also for sale on the Makedo website.

To get you inspired pop on over to the Makedo website, where they have an amazing showcase of customers creations. I would seriously love to have a go at making these bird wings over the holidays, lucky for me there are instructions!


This is not a sponsored post, but I do however have a giveaway for a lucky blog reader. I have bought a Flower set to giveaway to a New Zealand reader, because I really want more families to have some of this amazing Makedo at their own homes to pass on the joy of making something with things that you might already have at home! I really think that this is "magic" stuff.

So, leave a comment on this post telling me what you might make with Makedo! Extra entries for being a follower of this blog via GFC or Bloglovin, liking the NZ Green Buttons Facebook page, and sharing this giveaway via whatever social media you prefer! Just make sure you pop back to leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

I'll close the comments on this Friday - 4th of October. Good luck!

27 comments :

  1. I had never heard of this brand before. But how freaking cool is that.

    I am a follower via bloglovin.

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  2. also a follower on FB.

    Thanks for the chance.

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  3. Makedo looks amazing! I think, if I'm honest, that me and hubby would have more fun with it than my 3 year old! But I'm sure it will be great for his learning. We recently painted a box to make it a rocket so if we won I think we would "extend" the rocket and give it some extra features! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  4. I've just liked your page on Facebook!

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  5. We used this for Master B's birthday when we made robots! http://mrsaldridge.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/creative-robots.html Loved how easy they were to use and such creative ways to use materials!

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  6. This is such an awesome product! And as you say it encourages imagination without all that sticky tape!
    I'm a follower via Bloglovin :)

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  7. And already like you page there too :)

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  8. I've seen this stuff around and always think ooooo soo clever, soooo gooooood! I can imagine the girls would make houses and structures for their toy animals and all manner of cardboard men (or women!)! Thanks for the giveaway Louana xx

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  9. And of course I follow you on gfc and bl :)

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  10. I've never heard of these before, they look ace. Totally getting claud some for christmas! if i had some in front of me right now i'd make a cardboard maze, you know, kind of like the maize mazes you see around, but a smaller scale cardboard version for the million kids who are coming around for a playdate tomorrow, gulp! i see they have a doll house version on trademe. wonder for how long i can resist clicking 'buy-now'...!

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  11. These are awesome, we'd make a shop cos the kids are into having shops at the moment and selling all there stuff to me!

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  12. follower on GFC/Bloglovin' etc

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  13. and I just Facebooked the comp

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  14. and finally, I liked NZ Green Buttons Facebook page :0)

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  15. I've never heard of it before but makedo looks awesome! I showed it to Michael and he reckons it looks cool too. Just wondering what size set you have Louana? How many pieces do you reckon is a good number?

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  16. One of my daughters was given a set of these for her birthday last year, the safe saw is so safe that it got left lying around somewhere and has never been seen again. Would be lovely to have a replacement :).

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  17. Would you look at that? I thought I was already following you on Bloglovin'. Definitely am now :).

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  18. And Facebooked you too. Thanks for the chance to win this.

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  19. Love the idea of this - I'm not sure what we'd make - I hope the boys would lead the way! :o) I think they'd love this. Do link in with We Recommend on Weds if you want to - def a great present idea!

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  20. and I follow you :o) because I like you!

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  21. This stuff looks great, might have to invest in some for our 5yr olds birthday. Nothing beats books and gifts that stir a childs imagination! I think our family would love to make a great big house inside our house!

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  22. Perfect for school holidays! Thanks for giving us all a chance to win!

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  23. This looks fantastic. I love that the kids can do it. My kids would probably make a house or a Star Wars ship of some sort. Thanks, Cx

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  24. I follow your blog too. I guess I might be too late to enter though! Cx

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  25. Thanks for all the comments. Comments are now closed and the winner announced shortly.

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Thank you so much for your comments, it makes my day! - I try and reply by email, so it's great if your email is connected to your account.