Halloween Class Party

This party was so much fun!!!  We initially did it for my son's first grade class, but I have since done it at a friend's Halloween party, and also at my daughter's preschool class (age 4).  The experiments are good for all ages.  Adults and kids alike are fascinated by them, and I absolutely love helping that fascination come about!  Seriously, I don't know who has more fun - me or the kids!    

We divided up the kids into 4 groups, and had them rotate between 4 different stations.  Each station was about 20 minutes long.

First Station:  Boo Bubbles & Crystal Balls...  Oh, My!

The Boo Bubble Experiment requires some preparation, but it is SO worth it because the kids get to hold and bounce fog-filled bubbles that form slowly, and literally in their hands.  It is beyond cool.  Click on the image below for step-by-step instructions...

We followed the 'Boo Bubble' experiment with the Crystal Ball Bubble experiment.  This experiment involves a bubble which grows and grows out of a bowl, and stays around for at least 30 seconds before it bursts into a cloud of fog.  It gets so big, it ends up looking like a crystal ball.  Oh, and the good news is, unlike the last experiment, it does not involve building your own generator (phew!), and you should have all the rest of the materials (other than the dry ice) around your house.  Click below to get the step-by-step instructions...

Second Station:  Ghost Marbles & Expanding, Screaming Ghosts... 

I'll start with the ghost marbles.  I love this experiment because it pretty much works like a magic trick while really being based on science.  It is also nice and easy (the only thing you might not have on hand are the jelly marbles), and the sensory aspect of this is something kids of all ages (and I mean all ages!) absolutely love!

Next, there is the familiar and basically foolproof, expanding balloon experiment, with a simple Halloween twist...  

And if you still have time left on this station, here is a quick and easy bonus experiment that goes well with the previous two...

Third Station:  Photo Booth & Photo Prop Craft

I have step-by-step instructions on how to build a photo booth backdrop for less than $10 in the post below.  I also have some pretty cool photo prop printables in the same post.  The idea is for the kids to make their own photo props.  They can draw, color, add designs, use stickers, glue...  you get the idea.  When they're done, you just attach some wood dowels to the back, and you're ready to take some pics!

Fourth Station:  Popcorn Ghost Hands 

These are so cute!  I don't have a post on this, as it was the awesome idea of my friend, Tanya, but here is a quick link for you guys:  Popcorn Ghost Hands

Good luck and have fun!  Happy Halloween!!

                                                              

Frozen Party Decoration: Floating Posters!

This is such a great way to decorate for an outdoor party, especially if you have a deck (or any type of ceiling) on top of your porch, which so many of us do.  I had six of these all together, and they really helped to enclose the area of the party, while at the same time helping us enhance the theme...  When the party was over, I easily cut off the invisible string (more on that below), and put the boards away in storage.  When we're ready to throw another party, all I have to do is print some new posters (only $1.29 each), and maybe change the duct tape "frame" if the blue doesn't match the theme!  Keep reading to see how I find and print the posters,  and what I used to hang them in order to create this magical 'floating' effect...

Here is what you'll need:

• 16x20 white foam boards
• Duct tape 
• A flash drive 
• Access to printing services (I use FedEx Office)
• A glue stick
• Scissors 
• Invisible string 
• A needle
• Hammer and nails

Ok, the first thing you want to do is find and download the posters.  You'll need to do an advanced search in Google to find a large image.  You want images larger than 1024x768 pixels to ensure the images are clear enough when you print them.  Here is how you do this...

1. Go to Google Advanced Image Search, and type your party theme in the search box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
2. Specify larger than 1024x768 pixels in the 'image size' drop-down box.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Change the usage rights to 'free to use or share'
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Click 'Advanced Search'


5. Select an image and click on it a few times until you get to the image file


6. Insert your flash drive into one of the computer's USB ports, and wait for the computer to recognize it


7. Right click on the image, and select 'Save Image As...'


8. Save the image on your flash drive 


9. Eject your flash drive, and take it to your local FedEx office 


10. Print your poster on an 11x17 (tabloid) paper
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Trim around the edges if needed
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
12. Center and glue on top of your foam board 


13. Create a frame using the duct tape 


14.  Use a needle to pull the invisible string through both top corners of your foam board


15. Make sure the length of the strings on both sides is equal, and hang.  

Tip:  Placing the nails further apart than the width of the foam board (and therefore having the string         come down diagonally) will make the board more stable, and less susceptible to wind.

Here is another poster we had at the party...

As you can imagine, having 6 of these enclosing the area of the party had a huge effect - and all for less than $15!  

Head over to my Frozen Party post for more Frozen party ideas.  See you soon!

                                                                                                               

Frozen Birthday Party Ideas

I wanted to write a quick post to summarize the set-up we had for the Frozen party.  I figured with the 'Frozen craze' out there, some of you might benefit from this...

Decorations 

Our decorations consisted of these awesome 3-D paper balls

And these amazing floating posters

We also had a photo booth set up for the kids, and that served as a decoration as well as an activity and a 'stage' for Princess Elsa.  Click on the image for a step-by-step tutorial on how to build one of those for less than $10!  I got these awesome photo props on Etsy...

The Birthday Dress

This is something I decided to do totally last minute, but I'm so glad I did as my daughter (and everyone else!) absolutely loved it!  I thought it made such a huge difference for the birthday girl to be in a special birthday dress, and for everyone at the party to know exactly whose birthday it is!  Oh, and by the way, this dress is super easy - no sewing involved...

Activities 

We had 4 stations set up around the area where Princess Elsa performed.  This worked out perfectly as the kids had something to do as soon as they came in, but also throughout the party.  The kids' favorite activity was of course the DIY snow...

I got the amazing DIY play snow idea from the Two Sisters crafting blog.  The only ingredients you'll need are corn starch and shaving cream!  I made 11 batches of this stuff.  For each batch, I used one pound of corn starch and one can (11 oz) of shaving cream.  Each batch filled a gallon-sized plastic ziplock bag.

There really isn't much to this - first you pour the corn starch into a large bowl, and then you work in the shaving cream in small batches.  Using your hands, you knead the shaving cream into the corn starch.  You know you're done when the snow is moldable.   I made all the snow ahead of time, and stored it in the freezer.  Then, I took it out right before the party, and emptied the bags into a large storage box.  I placed some bowls with branches and carrots next to the snow, so the kids can build snowmen.  This snow is cold, light and fluffy.  It is so much fun to play with (even for adults!)  I can certainly second what Nancy from the Two Sisters blog said - there were kids playing with the snow at every point throughout the party!

The second station was 'Snow Dough', and the kids again built snowmen, but out of a different sensory material.  I made homemade play dough (1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of salt, 2 tbsp cream of tartar, 1 tbsp oil, 1 cup of water - cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes).  Instead of food coloring, I added some silver glitter.

The third station was Elsa's Bubbles.

And the fourth was Ice Painting.  I was not happy with the Ice Painting activity, and I would not do it again, so no point in providing the link...  If you decide to google and do it anyway - make sure to test before the party.

Food

I set up a dessert table, and used the Elsa Cake as a center piece...

The Elsa cake was totally me, and I have the step-by-step instructions here...

As for the rest of the food, I used Pinterest of course, and here are the links...

• Elsa's Wand
• Olaf's Nose 
• Anna's Ombre Treats 
• Sven's Snack Mix
• Frozen "Ice" Cubes 

Favors 

I made these awesome Olaf favor bags I found on Team Skelley, and put Starbucks Hot Cocoa inside.  The kids loved them, and they also made for a nice decoration.

I believe I got it all.  I loved how smooth this party went.  The kids seemed to always have something to do, and my daughter had an amazing time.

Evernote 

I used an app called Evernote to plan this party.  If you're not already using it, I highly highly recommend it.  It made planning this party so much easier.  I was able to access my notes from all my devices, categorize different aspects of the planning, link images to tutorials, and keep all my receipts and reservations in one place!!  It made the whole experience so much easier.  Since this was super helpful to me, I thought I'd do a step-by-step tutorial (or maybe a video?) on how to use the Evernote app to plan a party.  Please let me know in the comments if that is something you'd be interested in...

In the meantime, I believe it's time to 'let go' (sorry I couldn't resist...)  See you soon,
                                                                                                           

Frozen Party Decoration: 3-D Paper Balls!

I used to get a helium tank, and a bunch of balloons in the colors of the party.  Then I'd sit the morning of the party, and blow up all the balloons I got.  This was annoying on so many levels.  First, there are so many other things I'd have preferred to do the morning of the party.  Second, a helium tank is not cheap.  And third, in an outside party, a little bit of wind can turn the balloons from a nice decoration into quite a distraction.  So, when I came across a picture of these cool 3-D paper balls in a magazine, I decided to give them a try.  They have since become a staple at all our parties...  I just change up the color scheme to match the theme of the party, and I'm ready to go.  And you have to admit, they look so much cooler than balloons...

Ok, so here's what you'll need...

• 12 pieces of 8.5x11 card stock in your color(s) of choice 
• A pair of scissors
• Tape
• Invisible string (or any string strong enough for hanging)  
• A needle
• A printer
• A pencil

Print & Cut

Click on #1 below to get the free template, and print it on top of each of your 12 pieces of card stock (#2).  Then, cut out the flower shapes, making sure to also cut out the 5 slits on each flower. 

Prepare for Hanging

Pick a random flower piece, and use a needle to pull the invisible string through the center.  Then pull it back to the front, and make a knot, making sure to leave enough loose string to hang the ball.  I placed a piece of tape on both sides of the flower to help the string stay in place (#6).  I hope the images below are clear enough - this string really is invisible!

Of course, you can use any string to hang your balls, but I love the 'floating in the air' effect.  It's even cooler with 'floating posters', and you can head over to my Frozen Party Post for more details on that, but for now, let's get back to our paper balls...

Label the North & South Poles

Turn over your flower piece, so that the long piece of string you're going to use to hang the ball is on the bottom.  Then, take another flower piece and place it on top of your flower with the string.  Make sure the slits on both flowers are facing the same direction.  Now, write 'south pole' on the top flower, and 'north pole' on the bottom flower.  It is essential that you label on the side of the flowers that was actually at the top when you aligned the slits of the two flowers.

Put it Together!

Take your 'North Pole' flower, and make sure the label is facing up.  Pick another flower from your pile.  Use the slits to join two petals together (see #7 below).  Remember, your 'North Pole' flower should be at the bottom with the label facing up.  Pick another flower piece, and this time join two sets of slits together - one at the bottom and one at the side (see #8 below).  Repeat with two more flower pieces, joining two sets of slits for each additional flower.



Now, attach the last flower piece, this time joining the slits in three places - once at the bottom, and then at each of the two sides.  You should have half a ball at this point, and it should look similar to #10 below.

Get the flower labelled 'South Pole', and repeat the process starting with #7 above.  Make sure the side you labelled 'South Pole' is facing up, and use this flower piece as your bottom piece, attaching 5 other flower pieces all around it (as in #10 below).  You should now have two 'half balls'.  Place the 'north pole' half ball on top of the 'south pole' half ball (see #11 below), and again use the slits to join the petals together.  The sphere you end up with should be about the size of a basketball!




In the image below, I used one color (bottom left), then two colors (bottom right), and then finally three colors for the top ball.  I think I like using two colors the best.  Which one is your favorite?

I hope you give this a try.  It's fun to make with the kids, and it makes a beautiful party decoration.  We made quite a few of these for my daughter's Frozen party, and I thought together with the photo booth and the floating posters, we created quite the 'Frozen' mood - and all with super cheap DIY decorations!  Oh, and by the way, these are totally re-useable - just take them apart for easy storage, and reuse for your next party!
                                                             
                                                                    See you soon,
                                                                                     

Photo Booth Backdrop

I'm working on so many other projects right now - I was debating if I should even write a post about this.  The photo booth backdrop was one of those accidental (translation:  late night on Pinterest) projects.   I was in the midst of planning my daughter's Frozen birthday party, and I happened to see a post about a photo booth.  I liked the idea, but the one I saw just had a flat background.  A little more research, and a tiny bit of creativity, and this project was born.  I loved it so much at the party that I did it again at both of my sons' Halloween class parties.  At all three parties, it served as a decoration as well as an activity, and had the obvious benefit of helping us create some great pictures.  At the Frozen party, we even used it as a stage for our performer (Princess Elsa).  So, I think this is definitely something I'm going to repeat, and since I have the memory of a cat (no offense to all you cat lovers out there, but let's face it - these creatures have no memory), I figured I should write down some notes.  And since I'm already writing notes - well, I might as well share with my wonderful readers out there... ❤️❤️❤️ 

So here we go...

Oh, I almost forgot to mention.  I made these awesome (I think!) photo prop printables, and you can download the pdf just by clicking on the images below.  The idea is for the kids to make their own photo props.  They can draw, color, add designs, use stickers, glue...  you get the idea.  When they're done, you just attach some wood dowels to the back, and you're ready to take some pics!  These work well as an add-on activity since the kids are a lot more excited to take pictures using a prop they created themselves...  Plus, if you're doing this at a party, they have something to do while you're taking all those pictures...

Ok, back to creating the photo booth.  Here is what you'll need...

Make It!

Based upon the space where your backdrop will hang, you might need to trim the length of each tablecloth.  This is obviously much easier to do in the very beginning, so decide now where your photo booth will be, and what chairs you're going to use in front of your backdrop.  I decided to use a bench, and hide the ends of the tablecloths underneath, so I got to skip this step :)

Fully unfold the first tablecloth and run a piece of clear packing tape across the top.

Fold up the tablecloth in 3-4 inch segments across the strip of clear packing tape (see #1 below).  Do a few layers, and then punch holes through the center (#2).  Keeping folding and making holes until you reach the end of the strip of tape.

When you're done, you might want to hold the folds together using a binder clip (#3).  Pass your string through the holes (#4), and then repeat this process for the rest of the tablecloths.

At this point, here is what you should have...

Hang It!

I have tried a few methods for hanging this thing, and the following was by far the easiest...

First, decide on the width of the backdrop (for 10 tablecloths, 4 feet 7 inches worked well for me).  Using a tape measure, hammer your 2 nails with exactly that distance between them.  Then, still working with your backdrop on the floor, tie a binder clip at one end of your string, measure the same distance again, and tie your second binder clip at the other end.  Pick up your backdrop holding a binder clip in each hand, and hang each clip on one of the nails you just hammered.  Super simple, but measuring the string on the floor, and then tying the clips at both ends might save you from accidentally letting go, and having to put the string through all those holes again.  Just saying.  Ok, well yes, that did happen to me.  And yes, it is extremely frustrating.

Like I said earlier, my bench actually covered the entire bottom, so I did not need to trim the tablecloths.  I used a real (i.e. made from fabric) tablecloth to cover the bench up, and that was it!  You can see the 'before and after the bench' photos below.

And here are some of the results...

Using the Halloween backdrop...

And from the Frozen party...

The whole project took about an hour to complete, and cost exactly $10 ( I only needed to get the 10 tablecloths :)  It served as an activity, a decoration, a stage for the performer, and helped us generate a bunch of wonderful photos.  I can definitely see this becoming a staple at our parties...  

Please let me know if you try this!  

                     

I'd love to hear your thoughts!  See you soon,