This free printable paper craft is for our American friends, but with a federal election looming north of the border, here, too, you’ve got to wonder how long it can be before a Canadian version hits the ink jets…

You know how the old curmudgeons down at the coffee shop have been known to call the issue-dodging politician a mere puppet of this or that?

Well… Fold US Candidate is a clever little site with a fresh trendy design, happy video demonstrations, and — here’s the whole point — free printable so you can make your own finger-puppets of the American contenders (and their stylish spouses).

Just imagine! No more ranting helplessly at the television, my friends — now you can hold your own political debates in a homemade puppet theatre (cleverly crafted from a cereal box?), put your own words in the mouth of each candidate, and declare your own winner.

Heck, while you’re at it, why not hold your own “on paper” election?
(Sycophants and dangling chads not included.)

You’d think that the Museum of Modern Art’s online shop (MOMA) would be all tasteful leather desk accessories and reprints of Old Masters, right?

Not so!

Clockwise from top left:

• Curved glasses in a rainbow of colours. Maybe not the best thing for your restorative orange juice on New Year’s Day morning, but a cheery sight in the winter kitchen.
• The essential wall clock for peeking around corners at fridge-raiding roommates and mischievous children — the Spy Clock is a convex glass mirror with sleek metal hands that tell you how long you’ve been obsessing about what other people are doing in the house, instead of minding your own business.
• How could a Color Spectrum umbrella not perk up a dreary wet day?
• So, Broadway’s on strike, and you can’t afford a weekend in New York anyway, even if the shows are flowing? No worries — MUJI’s New York in a Bag has it covered, with all the important architecural icons made in miniature of sustainable wood.
• And finally — my personal favourite — a cuddly Pig Finger Puppet that can double as a fridge magnet if you feel the need to pretend that you don’t really play with soft toys… (Six bucks for a flying pig! Who could resist?)

Got a pair of googly eyes?

If you can make a simple pom-pom or tassel out of leftover yarn or string, you can make a cute pencil-topper.

The Yarn Council of America provides a simple how-to tutorial for making the pencil toppers, and you choose a favourite character. Make a cat, dog, frog, or snowman — or go from there to make a custom pencil puppet of your own design.

It could be the perfect happy little surprise gift to bribe (er, encourage) young kids to go merrily off to school…