Martha, You'd Be Proud
Dec 14 '99
Martha, Martha check it out. My hot glue gun's awesome ...Not! It's Elmers and it's pretty cold and ....gooey. What are we doing over here in Studio 1A? We're crafting. Crafting at our child's birthday party. A sporting event I highly recommend at any child's preschool-age party through about age 8 or 9.
Having a craft offering at the beginning of a party breaks the ice. It would be a hoot if we adults had one, too. (That light bulb just went on again!) Kids arrive in shifts and it helps organize the tone of the party before mayhem sets in. The kids arrive, sit down at a table, are shown the finished product or at least given some direction. And then, boom, the fun begins. I have never had a child not participate in the craft time. (Maybe because a Mom was nestled nearby)
Our latest projects (for the preschool age set):
A spyglass for a pirate party
Large wooden bead necklaces (the boys adored this, too)
Masks with feathers
Foam board Indian hats
Why have these projects been so successful? Because they were age appropriate with not too many components to put together. They didn't take long to do and the items were usable (unlike a painted acorn or even a coloring book drawing)then and there. I'll never forget the year my sister had us (because we mom's were the only ones who could figure out the directions - they were written. Sorry, Sis, three-year-olds can't read. At least not mine) making Christmas trees that swung from popsicle sticks with a star on top dangling, just so. I did a great job and my self esteem was greatly improved. My son had not a clue what we were up to. Though he liked putting glue on the popsicle sticks. Gooey, sticky, messy fun. Yeah!
So, how did we do the above? Easy.
Spyglass - pre-paint (a few days before) paper towel rolls, black. Non-toxic, washable paint only. No spray painting allowed, Honey (as in my husband)It takes two coats of black to have it look halfway decent. Buy some bright paints (do-a-dot-art), glitter glue, stickers, clear cellophane rolls cut into squares, rubber bands. Put the cellophane squares at one end and secure with a rubber band (now you have "glass" on your spyglass) then let the kids decorate until they are content. Have more rolls then kids, we had requests to make seconds and thirds. Identify each child's masterpiece by writing their name inside the roll with a marker. Have some empty six-pack carrying cases available to let the art dry.
Wooden Bead Necklaces- Have the kids sign a release form before they leave. This form frees you from any problems with this item after they leave your home. Kidding aside. In a ziploc bag have the following: an assortment of large, wooden beads of many colors, pre-cut burlap cord long enough to make a child size necklace and leave room for tying it. Kids at 3+ love to string beads. Put about 15-20 beads in each bag. Have a styrofoam bowl available so the kids can spill the beads from the pack into the bowl but still keep the bag as a carrying case for their new jewelry or gift for mom. Note:don't forget to tie a big loose knot at one end so the beads don't slide off. That will only frustrate the party-goer.
Masks with feathers - good for ages 3+. At your local craft store you should be able to find "Batman and Robin" -style masks. The ones that go over the eyes only. Buy some bags of multi-colored feathers. Have glue available, 1 small tube per guest. Put the feathers in bowls and let the kids glue the feathers on to the mask. Very festive. Kids love masks and dress up at this age.
Foam board Indian Hats - At the local craft store you should be able to find 8 1/2 by 11" foam board sheets. Flimsy and flexible. Cut these into strips before the party and punch holes every inch or so on top and bottom. Have bags of multiple colored feathers set out in bowls. Have the kids weave the feather from the top hole into the bottom hole. Punch a hole on either end of the lengthwise strip and insert a pipe cleaner. This hooks around the child's head and back into the other hole punch.
These are just some preschool projects but other ideas might include: Baking and Decorating cookies (or just decorating some gingerbread men or pumpkins), painting ceramic mugs and baking in the oven (for the older kids and moms) Stitching up some American Girl knock offs would not fall under an easy party craft.
Follow the KISS principle - Keep it Simple Sorry (I hate to use the word stupid).
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