Shaker Maker from Ideal (1971)

Company: Ideal | Release date: 1971 | Where to purchase: eBay

It’s Fun,
It’s Silly,
It’s Fantastic!

Released by Ideal in 1971, Shaker Maker was a craft toy that allowed children to create and decorate their own figures using two-piece moulds and a powdered casting material called “Magic Mix.”

Designed for ages four and up, the process began by adding water and Magic Mix to a shaker fitted with a plastic mould. Children shook the container to distribute the mixture throughout the mould, where it hardened into the shape of the figure.

After approximately five to 10 minutes, the mould could be opened and the newly formed figure placed on a drying stand. The cast continued to dry and shrink over the next several days. Once completely dry, children could paint and decorate their creations using the materials provided.

A Shaker Maker set included two-piece moulds, a shaker, paint set, drying stands, brush, crayon, accessories, and enough Magic Mix to create three figures. Early sets offered moulds for people, animals, and birds.

Ideal expanded Shaker Maker with additional sets featuring licensed characters from Walt Disney Productions and The Flintstones. The company also introduced Shaker Maker Switchables, which allowed children to combine different cast heads and bodies to create new characters.

After disappearing from store shelves, Shaker Maker was revived during the 1990s and 2000s, first by Toymax and later by Spin Master.

COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS

Shaker Maker sets can be found on the secondary market in varying condition. Collectors should look for examples with their original two-piece moulds, shaker, and drying stands. Unused Magic Mix, paints, and other craft materials may have deteriorated with age and should not be assumed to remain usable.

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