Kids Party Idea - Building Kits

Last weekend I was walking around Lowe's and I noticed a sign that said Kid's workshop - build a bird feeder. I've seen the sign before but my daughter was always too young so I have sort of blocked it out for years. Well my daughter is seven now and that sign screamed our name..so we went for it. We packed up last weekend and went to Lowe's to build a bird feeder. It was a great time. It took about 30 minutes to complete and she was given a little patch that said bird feeder to put on an apron. Apparently they give a patch for every project (such a cool idea). We have already signed up for the next 2 projects online. I highly recommend this fun free activity. Although I can tell you the thought of my daughter hitting her finger with the little hammers they provided did cross my mind...but she did it all herself and didn't get hurt or anything. I guess I must admit that she is growing up :). While we were there a group of scouts came in. What a great activity for them to do together...did I mention it's free...How cool is that! Here is the link where you can sign up for the Lowe's build and grow clinics yourself: http://lowesbuildandgrow.com/ . Next week we are building a school house and the week after we are building a garden trellis. They also have a few kits you can buy online and here is the link to that: http://www.lowes.com/pl_Kid%27s+Building+Kits_4294825296_4294937087_ So which brings me to my point on how this could be a kids party idea. I went to the home depot website and searched for kids workshops and it brought up a link that has bulk kits that you can buy (12 sets in each kit and a little home depot apron for each child). How fun would it be to have these kits at a construction party as an activity or even a garden party (for a bird house). The price is $95.00 for 12 kits which did I mention contains the cutest litttle orange home depot aprons. The price seems a little steep until you figure out these are the favors for your party too. So you would get a great activity and a favor all in one that isn't junk(I just hate giving junky favors that will end up in the trash). I think it's fabulous! To find the kits just go to http://www.homedepot.com/ and search for kids workshops. They are having one this weekend. I'm not sure if we will have time for both but it looks like a great project. Even if you don't do this for a party I hope you will get to go to a workshop and have a great time! Happy building and partying! Please let me know if you know of any other places that offer free workshops and things like this for kids - we've got the bug now.

Faux Bubble Gum Machine

While trying to find ideas for crafts for Valentine's Day for Natalie's class I stumbled up on this great "faux" Bubble Gum Machine. If you were having a Candy Themed Party I think you could make this as a craft, or make them a little bigger and use them as centerpieces or just make a bunch for take home favors. Since you can buy flower pots and glass fish bowl type pieces in so many sizes you could have a lot of fun with these.

If I can find enough glass vases I might put together a craft for Natalie's class....or maybe I'll just make an extra big one for the classroom and fill it with goodies for the goodie box to give to the teacher for Valentine's Day.

This example was found at the following URL: http://www.ehow.com/how_5085500_make-machine-out-flower-pot.html and it has instructions on how to create your own.

This example was found at http://twopeasinabucket.com/ after I searched the Gallery for Valentine's Projects.

Party Decor - Use Free Stuff

What can you make with a couple of old boxes, some tree limbs, tape, and a can of spray paint? Yard Signs for your next party. They look impressive and cost almost nothing. Why go pay for a sign when in an hour or two you could have a unique piece ready for a party. Wouldn't this look cute for a Birthday party for you child with their name. How about a big number with how old they are to take pictures beside of every year?

My daughter is going to have a field trip/picnic day at school. I got my scissors out and started cutting some free boxes I found laying around at work that were destined for the dumpster. You can usually obtain free boxes at grocery stores as well. Aldi's and Save a lot love for you to take them off their hands. I then went on a nature hunt to pick up sturdy sticks. Taped them on the back and stuck them in the ground to spray paint. Midway is the name of my daughters school. I think this will look very cute for an end of year class picture as well.

Here are some other things you can modify for fun party decor, favors, etc.

paint chip samples - Use them as bag toppers for your favors, thread them together to use them as a garland, make place cards for food with them.

drink carriers at fast food restaurants - cover the carriers in paper and put paper cups in them filled with candy. Wrap in cellophane and tie with a big bow.

laminate samples - use these as tags for gifts

travel pamplets - great to use for a travel theme party as decor, favors, etc.

plastic cutlery - glue to a card for a fun barbecue or picnic invite, glue together to makea fork stand to hold food place cards