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I think I’ve mentioned before that, as much as I love being crafty, I find it really hard to be crafty WITH my children. As they get more interested and more able it’s become easier but still something I am working on. Since I’m really more of a naptime crafter at my core (it’s one of the ways that I recharge my batteries) it’s a definite struggle for me.
But sometimes I am inspired to get crafty with my boys. And in this case, not only with my boys but with a whole houseful of kids ranging in age from 2 to 15. You’d think it might be hard to find activities that appeal to all the kids in that wide of a spread but it’s actually not. Put some paper, ribbon, crayons and glue in front of most people and they find it hard to stay away.
So last weekend, I talked my husband into hosting a crafty playdate at our house. He loves to entertain, so inviting people over wasn’t an issue at all – the “crafty” part threw him for a bit of a loop, though. But, as always, he stepped up like a trooper to plan the simple, but delicious menu for the party consisting of his go-to carne asada recipe and hot dogs with a side of watermelon and chips + guac.
The boys and I hit up Walmart for party and craft supplies and beverages and then spent the better part of Saturday prepping for the party. One thing I’ve learned about crafting with kids is that preparation is key. My boys have the collective attention span of a gnat so if I am not ready to go, they are over it. I imagine most other littles are like this as well so I wanted to be uber-prepared.
The kids and moms gathered around two craft stations I had set up while the dads manned the BBQ (so 1950’s of us). I had written up instructions for each craft but also did a bit on hands on demonstrating. I think people really loved that the base material for both crafts was upcycled juice boxes. I mean, who doesn’t throw a kerbillion of these away a month? Well, unless you don’t do juice and then I kind of admire you. But anyway.
The first craft I had set up was Juice Box Sailboats. I can’t take credit for this idea but I definitely put my own spin on it by using duct tape to wrap the boats – so fun – and having the kids use crayons to color the sails. If you follow me on , you probably saw the pic I posted of my pickle duct tape sailboat floating in my bathtub. I was beyond impressed that these actually floated and the kids were too.
Our second project was Juice Box Windsocks. We got super creative with cardstock, sparkly stickers and ribbon to make these beauties. The project was inspired by this windsock, but these came out quite a bit different. I loved them so much that several are still hanging on my patio and I suspect they will stay there until they fall apart. And then I might just make more. Who knew I loved windsocks so much?
All in all, the crafty playdate was a huge success. When they weren’t working on the two main projects I had planned, there was drawing with sidewalk chalk and tons of visiting going on. It was so much fun to bring together friends from different aspects of our lives and just hang out. I’m looking forward to doing that a lot more pf this over the summer – perhaps even another crafty playdate or two.
Then, get a deal on your supplies! From April through September 2014, there will be specially marked packages of Juicy Juice delivering up to $3 off coupons savings on toddler and kid appropriate Crayola products such as Color Wonder and My First Crayola. There will also be $1 off Juicy Juice Instant Redeemable Coupons applied to specially marked packages of Crayola Color Wonder and My First Crayola products. Great deal, right?
What a great idea, especially for the summer! And juice boxes are the best treat!
Bonnie @ Uncommon Designs recently posted…Wooden Bottle Caddy and Free Fathers Day Printable Tags
Thanks, Bonnie!
All kinds of crafty kids fun — and with juice boxes? All kinds of fabulous!
Kelly recently posted…
Thanks, Kelly. It was totally fun!
Great playdate ideas! Juice boxes make everything more fun too!!
Heather recently posted…10 Fun DIY Ideas | Monday Funday Link Party
Thanks, Heather!
Thanks for including those tutorials – I see some windsocks in our future this summer! #client
Stephanie recently posted…Grilling Pizza with Fresh Produce & Meat from Walmart
The windsocks are definitely my favorite!
I LOVE these ideas! Thanks for the downloadable tutorial too!
Heather Brummett (@loveandcents) recently posted…Taking The Back Roads of Life (Hwy 82 & The Longest Back Roads of Louisiana)
Thanks for stopping by!
What a cute summertime idea for the kiddos! And love all the cute projects you came up with!
Megan recently posted…
Thanks so much, Megan!
How fun is this? Fab ideas!
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