Red Plastic Octopus

Another red thing is back in stock after being AWOL for quite some time. It's our cute little RED OCTOPUS, and you can visit him/her here, scuttling around with its long-lost friends.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

He's Baaaaaaaaack!

After a brief hiatus (doing what, we aren't sure) our popular red and black plastic crayfish is back on the job, ready to entertain your friends at a crawdad bake, or whatever you have planned.

You can buy our plastic crayfish here.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

This Spider Went to Sweden

Eric sent a photo of our super-realistic redknee tarantula in its new home in Sweden. He said:

"Thanks for the spider! Here she is in her natural habitat :) Greetings from Sweden /E"

Yikes! Is a human skull part of the spider's natural habitat? It certainly could be, and it looks pretty cool here in its terrarium habitat. Below is a close-up of our beautiful plastic toy tarantula! She looks real, and she makes a very easy-to-care-for pet, as you can see above. Can you think of interesting ways to use this spider?

The Mexican redknee tarantula (Brachypelma smithi) is a large terrestrial spider located along the western faces of the Mexican mountain ranges Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre del Sur. They live in self-dug burrows where they can avoid predators and ambush prey. Like most tarantulas, the Mexican redknee with kick course, irritating hairs off its abdomen and rear legs if frightened or surprised, rather than biting. The Mexican redknee is only slightly venomous to humans.

If you'd like, you can buy this spider replica in our store.

Eric sent another photo (thank you!). This time Lady Tarantula is emerging from her cave. I can't believe how real she looks! Can you see her?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Cane Toad

Cute little bugger...just don't EAT him!!

Our Plastic Cane Toad Replica

This beautifully-detailed and hand-painted plastic cane toad is a remarkable animal replica. Look at the real-life features. The eyes are shiny, just like you see in the photo, and the plastic skin is bumpy just like on the real toad. Wouldn't our cane toad be perfect in a diorama for a school project about Australian animals? The toad also makes a superb educational toy with its durability and its amazing likeness to a living animal. Our plastic toad is somewhat flexible to minimize scratches to humans. This figurine can be used to enhance reports at school, used by therapists for sand trays, or hey . . . just carry this little toad around in your pocket to entertain your friends. The fingers are flexible, and on a hard surface the toad props up on the ends of its front toes. Check out our other frog and toad toys and gifts.

About Cane Toads

According to Safari LTD, the cane toad (Bufo marinus) is "native to Central and South America, and can reach up to 15 inches long. It is deadly to both animals and humans that ingest it. Their skin glands secrete a toxin that can be used for various pharmaceutical applications."

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

King Tut of Egypt Plastic Funeral Mask

King Tut took power at age 10...the same age as my youngest child!!

Our Plastic King Tut Funeral Mask

This detailed plastic funeral mask of King Tut is well-made and realistic in both color and appearance. It is 1 5/8 inches tall. This funeral mask showing the Egyptian King Tutankhamen, the ruler of ancient Egypt in 1300 BC, fits well in a diorama for a school project about ancient Egypt or is a nice keepsake for a collector of religious symbols. Check out our other ancient Egyptian Kings and Queens and Ancient Egyptian toys and gifts.

About King Tut

Ruling Egypt as Pharoah from 1333 to 1323 BC, Tutankhamen was known as the "boy Pharoah". He took reign at the age of nine or ten, and lived only another ten years. It is widely belived that Tutankhamen died as a result of an infected broken leg. Tutankhamen gain modern fame and notoriety by being one of very few unplundered tombs of the ancient pharoahs of Egypt.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Silver Calla Lilies Beaded Necklace

We now have beautiful beaded bling from Guatemala!

Our Beaded Calla Lily Necklace

Our beaded "silver calla lilies with leaves" lariat necklace has a dark green shiny lariat stem with light and dark green leaves and silver calla lilies. Everything is made of securely hand-stitched beads. It is made from Czech glass seed beads and green crystals. One strand of this exotic-looking necklace drapes over the other and is held comfortably in place by the leaves so the necklace requires no fastener for closure. The beading on our beautiful beaded necklaces is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads and is very sturdy. These necklaces are durable and with normal wear and handling will hold up extremely well. Check out our pages of beaded animals, beaded keychains, and beaded ornaments and suncatchers, all made in Guatemala. When you purchase any of these outstanding beaded items from our collection, you help in a number of ways. You help save tapirs, because that's what we do. You help the local artisans in Guatemala who need an outlet for their work (yes, jobs!), and you help my friend Catherine with her sustainable business of working with the artisans of Guatemala to maintain jobs for themselves and make beautiful art for many people around the world to enjoy.

About Calla Lilies

Also know as the Arum lily and the varkoor, the calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) is a species of perennial flower native to southern Africa. It is evergreen where conditions permit. Cultivated around the world as an ornamental plant, calla lilies contain calcium oxalate (which produces severe burning sensations in the mouth, stomach pain, and diarrhea if ingested raw) and is not currently used for any agricultural or medicinal use.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Anubis Plastic Replica

Come see our new collection of ancient Egyptian replicas!

Our NEW Anubis Statue Replica

This detailed plastic Egyptian God of the Dead toy is well-made and realistic in both color and appearance. It is 2 1/2 inches tall. This little icon showing the Egyptian God of the Dead, fits well in a diorama for a school project about ancient Egypt or is a nice keepsake for a collector of religious symbols. Check out our other ancient Egyptian Gods and Ancient Egyptian toys and gifts.

About Anubis

The ancient Egyptian panthenon provides many different Gods and Goddesses for different purposes. The God Anubis is the God of the Dead, and therefore was also the patron of mummification. With a jackal's head on a human body, Anubis drew the departed's soul into the afterlife and watched over them for eternity.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Stuffed Cheetah Cub

Don't let this little guy run away from you!!

Our Stuffed Cheetah Cub

We think this plush stuffed cheetah is exceptional. It is so lifelike and compelling, you almost won't believe its a stuffed toy and not the real thing. Although its made of synthetic materials, it looks real. Note the tufts of fur on the back of the neck and on the head, as well as the delicate curly whiskers made of fine, clear filament. Each piece is hand-cut and stitched. The height (12 1/2 inches) is measured to the top of the head.

Read more about Hansa stuffed animals and see our interesting selection.

About Cheetahs

The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large feline predator native to Africa and the Middle East. Best known for being the fastest living animal on Earth, an adult cheetah can accelerate from zero to over 60 mph in three seconds, and can maintain a speed of 70-75 mph for bursts of just over 500 yards. A not so well-known fact is that cheetahs are the only felid with non-retractable claws and pads, and because of this, cheetahs cannot climb vertical tree trunks the way other cats can.

Cheetahs hunt during the day (usually in the early morning or early evening, when it's cooler), and hunt by sight rather than scent. The incredible speed of a cheetah means that a chase is over very quickly...either the cheetah succeeds, or it burns up its energy reserve and cannot continue the chase. The sacrifice of that speed is physical strength, which means cheetahs cannot defend their kills against larger predators. As such, a successful cheetah will consume as much of it's kill as it can immediately following the chase, then abandon the kill when other predators arrive.

  This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Cactus Beaded Keychain

This beautiful keychain has no spines!

Our Beaded Floral Keychains

The beading on these flower, plant, and tree keychains is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads and is very sturdy. Unlike some beaded animals I've seen that are beautiful and engaging but very delicate, these plant keychains are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. Check out our other cactus items as well as our page of beaded keychains from Guatemala. When you purchase one of these unique items from our collection, you help in a number of ways. You help save tapirs, because that's what we do. You help the local artisans in Guatemala who need an outlet for their work (yes, jobs!), and you help my friend Catherine with her sustainable business of working with the artisans of Guatemala to maintain jobs for themselves and make beautiful art for many people around the world to enjoy.

About Cactus

The saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea) is the most distinctive plant of the Arizona and Sonoron desert. It is also the state flower of Arizona. It grows very slowly, about 1 inch a year, to a height of 15-50 feet and may live for 200 years or more. It has a columnar stem of about 24 inches and several curved arms. The saguaro cactus develops bright white flowers with yellow centers which open in the evening and develop into brilliant red fruit in late Spring and early Summer. The saguaro cactus is home to and provides nutrition and shade for a myriad of animal species, especially woodpeckers and owls that burow inside the stem. The name saguaro is a Spanish adaptation of the Native American word. The saguaro cactus played an important role in Native art and housing construction. It is a delight to see this cactus throughout the desert landscape.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Frog Pins ~ Made in USA

Come see our line of painted pewter wildlife pins!

Our Painted Pewter Frog Pins

These gorgeous and unusual frog pins are made in Washington and Idaho by a team of U.S. artists. The high-quality lapel pins or oversized tie tacks are unique. They are exquisitely detailed; the quality of the painting elevates each pin to an item of wearable art. Each one is cast in pewter and painted by hand. You will be delighted with the professional quality and artistic details of your piece of frog jewelry. The finish is extremely smooth and shiny, as you can see by the highlight from the scanner. It is also extremely durable. The pin is secured by two sturdy tacks on the back so it stays upright, and the finished product is not only gorgeous, but satisfyingly substantial in weight. It can be used as a lapel pin, hat pin, tie tack, and more. This collectible animal pin is heirloom quality, and the details are so realistic, they are found in museum gift shops and bought by organizations in need of the perfect animal to represent their group.

About Frogs and Toads

Frogs and Toads are common inhabitants of many of the world's swamps and forests, from tropical to subarctic regions. Some frogs rely on camouflage and speed for protection, while others secrete poisons to drive off predators.

The red-eyed treefrog (Agalychnis callidryas) is an amphibian native to the Central American rainforests. Its dominantly-green coloration allows the red-eyed treefrog to blend in with the leaves and other foliage of its arboreal home. They are fantastic jumpers and have sticky pads on their toes for gripping to trees and leaves.

Red-eyed treefrogs are carnivorous, feeding mostly on insects and occasionally smaller frogs. They are not poisonous, depending on their coloration to hide from predators. As with many species of the rainforests, the red-eyed treefrog’s primary threat is deforestation throughout its habitat range for agricultural purposes.

Poison dart frogs are amphibians of the family Dendrobatidae and are native to Central and South America. These frogs are brightly-colored and active during the day, protected by their universal toxicity. Poison dart frogs get their name from their famous contribution to native cultures, whose hunters used them to poison their blowdarts. Only three of the 175 species of poison dart frogs have been documented being used in this way, and while all poison dart frogs secrete toxins, the level of toxicity varies widely from one species to another.

Strawberry poison dart frogs (Oophaga pumilio) are common throughout its habitat of Central America. This amphibian is terrestrial, hunting and roaming the organic debris of both forested habitats and cultivated regions.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Mermaid Beaded Keychain

This delightful lady will happily watch over your keys!

Our Beaded Mermaid Keychain

Our hand-made mermaid keychain is securely stitched into a woven fabric of beads and is very sturdy. Unlike some beaded keychains I've seen that are beautiful and engaging but very delicate, these mermaid keychains are durable and with normal handling will hold up extremely well. The bright, shiny beads will delight you when they sparkle in the light. Check out our other beaded keychains as well as our pages of beaded animals, beaded jewelry, and beaded ornaments and suncatchers from Guatemala. When you purchase one of these unique beaded items from our collection, you help in a number of ways. You help save tapirs, because that's what we do. You help the local artisans in Guatemala who need an outlet for their work (yes, jobs!), and you help my friend Catherine with her sustainable business of working with the artisans of Guatemala to maintain jobs for themselves and make beautiful art for many people around the world to enjoy.

About Mermaids

Mermaids are creatures reported to be a melding of a human female from the waist up and a fish from the waist down. The first stories of mermaids appeared in the literature of ancient Assyria (present-day Iraq) over 3000 years ago. Sightings of mermaids have continued throughout time, the most recent being made in Canada, Isreal, and Zimbabwe in the 20th - 21st centuries. Christopher Colombus reported seeing mermaids during his exploration of the Caribbean.

Mermaids have been depicted as both malevolent and benevolent creatures, sometimes luring sailors to their deaths on unseen rocks and reefs, other times betowing helpful gifts and information to humans to protect them. The order sirenia includes manatees and dugongs, who's body shape could be mistaken for human forms with aquatic tails when seen at distance or through water. These animals are believed by much of the scientific community to be what ancient sailors may have seen in eyewitness accounts of mermaids.

According to a 2012 report by the U.S. National Ocean Service, "no evidence of mermaids have ever been found". It is interesting, however, that the United States made an investigation so recently...isn't it?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Caterpillar

A wonderful miniature for your science diorama!

Our Plastic Caterpillar

This engaging, realistic plastic caterpillar is made of hard durable plastic. It is 2 3/8 inches long including feelers. Our caterpillar resembles the larva stage of the luna moth. It makes a good replica in a shoe box diorama or for any school project. It is also an excellent party favor. Check out our other caterpillar toys and gifts.

About Caterpillars

A caterpillar is the larval form of a member of the order Lepidoptera, the insect order comprising butterflies and moths. Like other insects, the caterpillar consists of three body parts, the head thorax and abdomen. The thorax and abdoment are segmented. They have three pairs of true legs on the three thoracic segments, up to four pairs of prolegs on the middle segments of the abdomen, and often a single pair of prolegs on the last abdominal segment. There are ten abdominal segments. Caterpillars breathe through slits in their thorax and abodmen which are called spirales, and move along by flexing a series of approximately 4000 muscles. They also have remarkably good eyesight, since they have six small eyes on each side of their head. Of course, they are voracious plant eaters and are viewed as a pest to crop growers. Caterpillars have developed all kinds of defense mechanisms against predators. Some have spiny, stinging hair, others put off a noxious odor. In any case, caterpillars are amazing creatures, especially in the way they transform into butterflies or moths.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Red Maple Tree

Who doesn't like a red-head?

Our Plastic Red Maple

Our plastic red maple tree will add a bit of brilliant red foliage to your diorama or school project. We have plenty of animals to go with the landscape you create. Do you make model railroad layouts? Our plastic trees could lend some variety. We have seen more realistic trees for model railroaders, so our trees may be best used in layouts for younger engineers, as they are sturdy enough for play. All materials in this plastic red maple tree has passed the required testing, as these trees are sold as toys for kids 3 and older. The name "Red Maple" is stamped in small letters on the bottom of the tree's base. Therapists like to use our realistic models for sand trays. Check out our other tree, flower, and plant replicas, toys and gifts.

About Maple Trees

In the broadest definition from Wikipedia, "a tree is a plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, supporting leaves or branches". Under this definition, palms, bamboo, and tree ferns are included as "trees". Some definitions attempt to narrow this to what most of us consider trees by naming specific height or use for lumber. However, when it comes right down to it, a 100-foot tree is still basically a plant, like any other bush, flower, or crop plant.

Maple is the common name given to members of the Acer genus of trees. There are approximately 128 species, most of which are native to Asia. There is only one species, Acer laurinum, native to the Southern Hemisphere. 54 species of maple are considered under threat of extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Large Plastic Brown Beetle

Believe me when I say beetles are EVERYWHERE!

Our Plastic Brown Beetle

This large and detailed plastic brown beetle is made of somewhat flexible plastic with good quality. This replica is robust and durable, ready for hours of play! While it does not float, this beetle replica makes for a great toy, gift, or centerpiece for a school project. It is 5 1/4 inches long with a realistic textured surface. An impressive figurine in size and detail! Check out our other beetle and insect toys and gifts.

About Beetles

The name Beetle refers to any of the 400,000 known species of insect belonging to the order Coleoptera (taken from the Greek words for "sheathed wing"). Virtually all beetles have two sets of wings, front and back. The rear set of wings are commonly used to fly, while the forward set is thick and hard, forming a protective shell or "sheath" over the flying wings and the rear of the beetle's body. Beetles represent nearly 40% of all insect species in the world, and new species are being discovered all the time. In fact, the order Coleoptera includes more species than any other order, and represents nearly a quarter of all life-forms on the planet. Scientists believe the total number of beetle species, discovered and undiscovered, to be between 1 and 100 million species. Beetles are widely diverse in size, weight, and coloration, and exist in every habitat on Earth except marine and polar.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Plastic Juniper Tree

My favorite character from Dies The Fire was named for this tree!

Our Plastic Juniper

Our plastic juniper tree will add a bit of green to your diorama or school project. We have plenty of animals to go with the landscape you create. Do you make model railroad layouts? Our plastic trees could lend some variety. We have seen more realistic trees for model railroaders, so our trees may be best used in layouts for younger engineers, as they are sturdy enough for play. All materials in this plastic juniper tree has passed the required testing, as these trees are sold as toys for kids 3 and older. The name "Juniper" is stamped in small letters on the bottom of the tree's base. Therapists like to use our realistic models for sand trays. Check out our other tree, flower, and plant replicas, toys and gifts.

About Juniper Trees

In the broadest definition from Wikipedia, "a tree is a plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, supporting leaves or branches". Under this definition, palms, bamboo, and tree ferns are included as "trees". Some definitions attempt to narrow this to what most of us consider trees by naming specific height or use for lumber. However, when it comes right down to it, a 100-foot tree is still basically a plant, like any other bush, flower, or crop plant.

A coniferous plant of the cypress family Cupressaceae, Junipers are widely distributed from the Arctic south to tropical sections of the southern hemisphere. There are 50 - 67 species of juniper, and can range in size and shape from shrubs to trees over 100 feet tall.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.