Does this have to be put together in one of the suggested configurations, or can a child just randomly create different patterns?
1150244
Random configurations are possible, but it requires a more in-depth understanding of how all the pieces work. You can easily create configurations that won't work at all. For the most part, I'd say construction requires adult help for children under, say, 8?
1150245
No, both styles if play (copying the configuration or formulating your own desing) are 100% possible. This toy is highly educational, as children who learn in different ways can access their intellect and creativity on many different platforms. Our family loves it!
1150246
I would say custom patterns rather than random. There are certain principles to how it works - all of the suggested configurations follow these principles. Once a child (by age or by heart) has learned these, there is no reason they could not make any pattern that followed those principles. In fact you could buy two or three of these and build giant structures.
1150247
It can be arranged however you want but it takes a while to get the hang of it. The various colors of blocks have different shaped holes eg orange blocks just have a hole that goes straight down, red blocks have a little lever inside that alternates the direction the marble falls. There are endless possibilities. Not sure what age could do it all on his or her own. My 4 and 2 year old love this toy but aren't very successful making up a run on their own.
1150248
Each set comes with level-by-level instructions for 4 or 5 possible layouts and then you can start planning your own and combining sets. It's a great toy that will engage and challenge adults and kids.
1106957
It's fun but the designs can be hard for kids to make on their own. 5 might still be too young. Great if you already have a different set as they can be used together.
1437188
Sorry, can't help you with that. It would be nice if it came with one. I made my own out of a heavy appolstry material and added a drawstring edge (I can sew and it is not too hard to make your own pattern if you want a DIY project).
1279416
None. there are holes and support included in the box to achieve the different configurations
1838502
Hi, It rotates all patterns randomly, but you can select 1 pattern & the colors for it if you want.
1504847
There's a tutorial on YouTube that explains it. I've not tried it, but heard it is easy once you watch the tutorial. Mine stays set up on a craft table.
14448
It does not come with ideas on how to set up beyond what's on the packaging box. However, it is pretty easy to set up once you get the hang of it and there's enough pieces to make different configurations each time so it's always interesting to kids. It does use regular marbles so easy to replace if you lose one. Also, you didn't ask but the pieces are a lot sturdier than other brands. This should last you a long time. I hope this helps.
185555
I don't see why it couldn't be pieced together, but you would have to carefully match the pattern. It's a rather busy print, so I think it could be done.
1813877
Yes. Not all patterns however can be entirely paper pieced. There is still some hand sewing and appliquing required.
2124223
You can increase them the complexity is up to you, and there are other sets of the same brand with different pieces but I haven't see them on amazon you may combine them with others but I'm not sure if with any others my children love them they're great.
1264762
Yes, the kit comes with a few different guides for making things as shown on the outer box. The guides are simply cards that fit under the clear tray so you can see where to place the beads. There are usually 3 different things to make per card, but the cards don't always line up with the tray placement so it's not exact. We usually just use the cards as reference and count how many beads are needed.
903962
These are fairly simple to assemble. The instructions show a few stitches that are required for the project, so I would think s child with basic sewing skills and some patience could put these together. They also lend themselves to individual adornment, depending on one's creativity. I don't know how to assign an age range, but would guess 10 and up.
239496
I totally understand- it's fun to create different designs, but it would be cooler if you could do them taller. We have an older set, from a friend who's kids are grown and I'm not sure what brand it is, but it's more sturdily built & I was hoping we could use them together, but these marbulous ones are a little smaller. I wish I could help more, but all I know is the two sets we have are not compatible, so at this point I would recommend getting more of the same. I've seen these things in teacher supply /educational stores though, so maybe you could bring a piece into one of them & ask to try another one? Good luck! I totally understand- it's fun to create different designs, but it would be cooler if you could do them taller. We have an older set, from a friend who's kids are grown and I'm not sure what brand it is, but it's more sturdily built & I was hoping we could use them together, but these marbulous ones are a little smaller. I wish I could help more, but all I know is the two sets we have are not compatible, so at this point I would recommend getting more of the same. I've seen these things in teacher supply /educational stores though, so maybe you could bring a piece into one of them & ask to... » Read More I totally understand- it's fun to create different designs, but it would be cooler if you could do them taller. We have an older set, from a friend who's kids are grown and I'm not sure what brand it is, but it's more sturdily built & I was hoping we could use them together, but these marbulous ones are a little smaller. I wish I could help more, but all I know is the two sets we have are not compatible, so at this point I would recommend getting more of the same. I've seen these things in teacher supply /educational stores though, so maybe you could bring a piece into one of them & ask to try another one? Good luck! « Show Less
1460773
I would think so. If he likes creating things (like Legos). They can reconfigure it any number of ways. And there are add on pieces available so they can make it as intricate as they want.
752893
Yes. 30 different patterns on the tape. I ordered 2 packages. Both had no duplicates. Though it wouldn't have been bad if it did, my kids came up with so many different projects with these.
912560
No, it is a building project requiring creative thought. My 12 year old daughter made a tent for her cats today. She has had fun making different types of forts for her own use as well. Fun toy for the creative child.
1969183
Not that often, depends on what they are making. My daughter did it herself, only down side was when it was knocked over and all the colors mixed. :-(