Anamalz signs deal with Russ

Anamalz, the Australian designed recycled and renewable wooden animal range, has continued its amazing success story with the announcement they have signed with Russ Berrie as the exclusive global distributor for the range.

Originating from the beach side town of Torquay, Victoria, this once small company is now taking ethically friendly toys to children around the world with the signing of this major deal.



A recent winner in the Australian International Design Awards, the anamalz range has been a success story from day one for its creators Tim and Louise Scott. “We are absolutely thrilled at this partnership and happy the anamalz have found a great home. We are more than confident that Russ will promote anamalz uniqueness as well as the educational and environmental message that the range stands for.” Comments Louise Scott.

Russ Berrie and Company, Inc are the global leaders in the infant, juvenile, and gift industries, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries design, develop, and distribute a variety of innovative gift, infant, and juvenile products to specialty and mass market retailers worldwide.


Known for its teddy bears and other plush animals, the company’s gift, infant, and juvenile lines are comprised of a diverse range of everyday, seasonal, and occasion-themed products that help people celebrate the milestones in their lives and bring a smile to people’s faces. The company operates offices, showrooms, and distribution centres all over the world and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol RUS.

“We are very excited about the recent announcement from Anamalz naming Russ as their new global distribution partner. We look forward to working with the team from Australia to develop a strong retail program that promotes the uniqueness, educational and environmental message the brand stands for”. Jeffrey A. Bialosky, Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing Russ Berrie comments.

Already a local favourite, the anamalz range continues to thrive based on their unique appeal and strong environmental message.

Made from FSC maple wood, water based paints and fabrics made from recycled materials parents are assured their children are playing safely and also caring for the environment.

“Russ Berrie represents a great opportunity for us worldwide. The fact that they subscribe to a strong philanthropic belief also helped make our decision. We have been contributing a percentage of our sales to wildlife organisations around the world and through Russ’ involvement with Anamalz, we can continue to grow this cause.” Louise Scott comments.

With a zoo of fabulous new animal characters being released including a fun prehistoric range, the anamalz story has a life beyond the zoo gates. Licensing and animation are being developed and a WILD CD is selling strongly, featuring professional musician and world champion surfer, Beau Young.
All of these efforts have not gone unnoticed. Last week in Sydney the anamalz story capped off their success by becoming the winners of an Australian International Design Award – the first for this small but thriving company.

It seems there is no stopping the award winning anamalz!

Winter in the Spiral Garden

Winter Greetings!

This month we have all art supplies re-stocked, so anyone waiting on Modelling Wax, Block Crayons, Watercolour Paints or any of our other favourite items from Stockmar, Lyra and Mercurius, now is the time to order!


As always, we have a number of new items to celebrate the change of season. The Winter Dolls have been a popular release, with most stock sold in May.


Silk playcloths are always one of our top sellers - useful for so many applications. The Winter cloth is hand-dyed in beautiful tones of blue. Also suitable for your seasonal table are the new white muslin playcloths, or one of our hand-dyed muslin or cotton cloths.

Susan Whitehead's Silver Stork book is one of a set of four beautiful books (sold seperately). This handmade-style colourful children's picture book includes Winter stories, songs and many suggested activites, with a practical and creative emphasis on puppetry.


Sarah Laidlaw's stunning Winter cards have been released for individual sale through Spiral Garden. Just perfect for a Solstice message on the 22nd June, or for a Winter birthday or other greeting.

We have also expanded our seed range to include Vegetable Seeds. The first varieties on offer are suitable for winter planting - two type of peas and some dwarf broad beans. Tried and tested in our own organic home garden, these seeds are highly recommended - open pollinated, easy to grow and hardy.


And finally, the Winter article has been uploaded, completing the series of four seasonal articles for our first year. These are included on the site to inspire and direct you with bringing a sense of meaning to the year and its natural cycles and rhythms.

If there's ever a product you'd like further information on, or something you're trying to track down that I might be able to supply, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Life Media Magazines

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Beginning with the July/August 2008 issue, Life Learning and Natural Child magazines are being reintegrated back into Natural Life magazine, where they began over three decades ago. All subscribers to Natural Child and Life Learning will now receive Natural Life (and their payments will be combined so they receive the total number of issues they paid for). To see a preview of this new, integrated version, click here.

Subscription includes 6 issues per year. You start your new subscription with the next available issue. Please allow up to 8 weeks for your first issue to arrive. Price includes postage to Australia from Canada, where this international magazine is produced.

Winner!

Congratulations to Kim S. who won the Baby Prize Pack, pictured below.