AlmondRod Toys

🧺 Announcing my NEW Prayer BIG Blocks & EASTER SALE

I created these new BIG blocks that are big enough to fit whole prayers! My hope is that they will be a fun way to help people memorize these timeless Catholic prayers.
My four-year-old daughter, Kat, is the featured model. 🤩
Most everything in the shop is 15% of or more thru the end of the day tomorrow. Get up to 35% off block purchases!

🧺 Announcing my NEW Prayer BIG Blocks & EASTER SALE - www.AlmondRodToys.com

You probably haven't seen me at a conference before... Last week was the 3rd time I've set up an AlmondRod Toys booth. I designed this 8 foot map, two 6 foot banners and these giant wood block display shelves that hold over 1,200 blocks so we'd be beautiful for all the kids at the National Catholic Youth Conference. My daughter and I talked to so many kids about who they chose as confirmation saints and why. It was incredible. Here's a picture of and me at the booth. Did any of you have kids that are there?
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If you're shopping this week, my whole shop is 15% off! No coupon needed. AlmondRodToys.com

Moses the Strong is the patron of Africa and nonviolence, but he could work for athletes as well because, well, he was strong. He's carrying a bag because he once carried a leaking bag of water (or sand) behind him to illustrate how people let their sins run unseen behind them while they pay attention to the sins of others.

Though she's traditionally depicted as European, St. Monica was from Algeria, North Africa and may have been an Amazigh (Berber) woman. I chose to depict her with the clothes and accessories of the Kabyle people (one of the Berber tribes), including their traditional striped pattern, and holding a Kabyle water jug.

I hadn't heard about this Marian title before I arrived at my Polish parish here in Grand Rapids. She's super popular up here! It's pronounced CHEN-sta-HO-va.

Louis IX was regarded as the shining example of a Christian ruler during his time. The king of France, he was not only a skilled warrior but also a pious Catholic who used his leadership to promote justice throughout his kingdom. Through his intercession, may we and all people in power use our authority over others for the glory of God. ART NOTE: Louis is holding the crown of thorns, which he found in the Holy Land while on a Crusade and brought back to France.

She's usually depicted as a pretty nun wearing flowers, but in real life she wore a spiny metal band and rubbed her skin with pepper and lime to damage it and make it less attractive. Intentionally mutilating ourselves probably shouldn't be the part of her life we imitate, but we can definitely copy her decision to prioritize her soul over appearances.

Queen of the Angels, Queen of Patriarchs, Queen of Apostles, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Confessors, Queen of Virgins, Queen of all Saints, pray for us!

Try saying her name three times fast! More impressive is the way she kept the Church in Madagascar alive by her determination and acceptance of God's plan. You can find photos of her online (none with cute lemurs though).