CLEVELAND, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the 2003 Carlton
Heirloom Ornament collection, Kenner's Easy-Bake Oven is replicated
in exact detail.
"When we were creating this year's collection of ornaments,
our thoughts turned to the warm memories we have of our own
childhood Christmases," explained Suzi Cipra, Ornament Director.
"Cooking and baking and Christmas just all seem to go together
and our earliest memories of these activities immediately brought
to mind Kenner's Easy-Bake Oven."
Learning that 2003 is the 40th Anniversary of this toy icon
added to the excitement as plans got underway for creating a
miniature version.
"We were very fortunate to obtain an original Easy-Bake Oven,
complete with packaging and cake mixes," according to Cipra.
"From there we looked at the toy from an engineering standpoint
to ensure we would remain true to the design and features."
The result -- a unique creation that is actually two ornaments
in one! The first, a replica of the original Kenner's box, that
actually opens. "In re- creating the packaging, we were unable
to locate the now-grown child featured on the box. So, we substituted
one of my photos, at the age of seven!" said Cipra, with a laugh.
Inside the box, which does have its own ornament hanger, is
a miniature likeness of an Easy-Bake Oven. True to the original
with its aqua color, the ornament features a special slide out
tray, simulating the action of the Easy- Bake Oven. In one side
goes a cake pan filled with "batter"; out the other comes a
golden brown cake! As an added touch, displayed on top of the
oven, a delicious-looking pink iced cake.
Stimulating fond memories even more, the Easy-Bake Oven ornament
contains long-lasting fragrance, spreading the sweet aroma of
a freshly baked cake! The approximately 2-1/2" by 2-1/2" ornament
is designed to be placed over a Christmas tree light, reminiscent
of the light bulb "glow" that baked Easy- Bake treats. It also
allows viewers to "watch" the cake as it slides through
the oven, just like the original!
"When the first prototype was completed, I was like a kid again,
running around, showing it off to everyone in the office," said
Cipra. "Each person who saw it immediately smiled and shared
their special memories of this very favorite toy. Plus, they
all wanted to play with the ornament!"
Christmas is all about memories, according to Cipra, reliving
the past and creating new ones for the future. "Our goal with
the Easy-Bake Oven, and all of the ornaments in the Heirloom
Collection, is to create the warm, wonderful feelings we all
associate with Christmas," she said. "Nostalgia plays a very
large role in this, which is why we've included childhood favorites
such as the Easy-Bake Oven."
Even though the "treats" in the Easy-Bake Oven ornament aren't
edible, viewers will savor the happy memories created by those
who remember the Oven they had -- as well as those who always
wanted one.
The Easy-Bake Oven is perfect for hanging on a Christmas tree
and also for display as a collectible. The 2003 Carlton Heirloom
Ornament collection includes more than 160 ornaments, which
are available at Carlton Cards and American Greetings card and
gift shops throughout the U.S. and Canada. The ornament is also
sold online at http://www.carltoncards.com/
.
Other nostalgic favorites in this year's collection include
The Lone Ranger, Archie Comics and the Partridge Family's memorable
"family bus."
A special collection of highly detailed celebrity ornaments
includes Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Alan Jackson, The Beach
Boys and Judy Garland, all of which contain sound chips of these
legendary artists singing their hits.
The extensive selection of ornaments includes popular licensed
characters (SpongeBob SquarePants, Thomas the Tank Engine, etc.),
childhood favorites (Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Rudolph
the Red-Nosed Reindeer), commemorative and themed ornaments
and many more favorites.
HASBRO and its logo and EASY-BAKE are trademarks of Hasbro and
are used with permission. (C) 2003 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.hasbro.com
