The staff and I knocked this out in no time -- which matches their attention span. They are looking forward to presenting it to their friend at an upcoming Birthday Party. While "kid" friends may not appreciate handmade gifts, they do welcome a tricked-out package. So, crank up the bling, glitz, glamour, pizazz and oomph ("Oomph" is actually in the dictionary: 1) sex appeal 2) vigor; energy. This is a G-rated site, ok PG, based on my donkey pun at the end of Party Game "Who Am I?" But, we'll stick with definition #2)
Finally, this demonstrates an important Party MOMster principle: Having little ones create for others, fosters generosity and kindness.
Wow! Ending with a little philosophy. This week has brought out the best in the Party MOMster and staff. Release the doves. Extinguish the flame of righteous idignation. We have conquered the pricey greeting card and "Put Your Cards On The Table Week" has come to an end.
Since Tuesday when I saw a crepe recipe on one of my favorite blogs, I've been feeling a little -- I don't know, how you say -- French. I do a great French accent that has the staff rolling on the floor (But that would likely mean it's funny and not very accurate or convincing.)
Yes, Decoupage: "the art or technique of decorating something with cut-outs of paper, linoleum, plastic, or other flat material over which varnish or lacquer is applied." (Thank you Dictionary.com) It is derived from the French word découper, to cut up or out. Ok, class put your pencils away, it's time for Art.
So, the staff and I picked two of their favorite cards with great color and images. We cut out what we liked ...
and with the help of Modge Podge (a glue and sealer combined) lacquered them to two small picture frames.
C'est magnificant!
I was responsible for cutting out the cards. And a circle cutter from Creative Memories, always makes things easy, but look super finished. But, applying the Modge Podge is a great staff duty --it's a very forgiving medium.
So, there you go. Mes gamins déchirent la maison (My kids are tearing the house a part). Since everything sounds nicer in French and I'm tired of saying these things over and over in English. You will be hearing the following in the Party MOMster household:
Réhabilitez le temps (Clean up time!)
Calmer! (Quiet down!)
Le fait de frapper non!(No Hitting!)
Manger!(Eat!)
And I bid you adieu.
P.S. (I know no French this is all compliments of Free Translation Online. But, the French accent is all my own.)
Inspired by a childhood memory of my sister and I weaving potholders like sweatshop workers (Hey, doesn't that sound like fun?), I thought -- let's try that with cards.
So, I run around the house digging up stacks of old cards. I have to admit there are some I can't bear to re-purpose and tuck them back away. But, a few seem like prime candidates and run to the shredder.
Yes, I said the shredder. I haven't used the shredder in a while, but I thought it would slice through the cards like a pasta maker -- turning my cards into colorful paper fettuccine.
"Hey guys, watch this." I feed the card into the shredder and it spits out confetti. Not quite what I had in mind. One staffer is speechless studying the card remains. The other turns to me with wide eyes and says plainly, "Why did you do that?"
Not everyone is on board.
Plan B. The staffers are busy on their own projects. They don't seem to have the stomach for this. So, I pull out my paper cutter and begin making my colorful paper fettuccine. Now that the cards are unrecognizable and the craft table is a big mess, the staffers want back in. We begin to weave a bookmark.
Somewhat skeptical at first, they see the pattern take shape and are thrilled. The Party MOMster's cool quotient is rising steadily. Earlier instability is now seen as genius. The staffers can only be described as "stoked". (Is a Mom of three allowed to stay "stoked"? Does anyone say "stoked" anymore? Am I wicked dating myself?)
Moral: You gotta break a few eggs to make an omelet.
Whoa...After my niece's stage debut, a Graduation party and Father's Day, the Party MOMster's got a celebration hangover. (That does not mean the same as it did in college. I did not partake in the Beer Pong game that evolved at the end of the Graduation Party. I'm just really tired, but my house does look like a Frat house at the moment.)
But, I shall press on -- because I'm the Party MOMster and I'm on a crusade: squeezing every last penny out of greeting cards. Call me "Joan of Hallmark". (A clever twist on Joan of Arc.....ok, moving on.) My pocketbook is still smarting from my Father's Day card purchases, as I mentioned in last week's post, Father's Day Gift Idea. So, this week is "Put Your Cards On Table Week". We are going to take all our old cards, throw them on the craft table and get to work.
To kick off this week, I'm actually going to highlight a project that I did a few years back. We added our second staffer and received many beautiful cards congratulating us on our bouncing baby boy. I also had a baby's room that could use a little art. So, I created this card collage. It was a cool memento of all the well-wishers, as well as a neat art piece for the little guy's room.
I believe this could be a great 1st Birthday Gift. But, I think if you are looking for some cool wall art for your kid's room, sifting through some old cards is a great start. One staffer loves pink, princesses and hates to throw stuff away. We may create another cool card collage this week or something else -- you will have to stay tuned...
So, you wake up on Monday thinking it's just another ordinary day, and you find out it's "Put Your Cards On The Table Week". I know the sun seems a little brighter, the air has a sweetness to it and a bird has just rested on your shoulder to chirp you a tune. Share the euphoria and your card ideas with us this week!
There was a time when we freely expressed our passions by emblazoning them on our chests. The Party MOMster had a GO GOs baseball t-shirt with 3/4 length purple sleeves that was worn with pride. (sigh) Good times...(written wistfully) Even the staffers proudly wear their faves: Nemo, Disney Princesses, Dora.
Doesn't Dad deserve this kind of adoration?
We have expressed our love for Dad in various ways throughout the years -- fabric painted onesies, Gap PJs and ridiculously expensive catalog T-shirts. Why? Because, we can't resist Mr Party MOMster's face when the staff rushes him on Father's Day liked crazed fans with T-shirts proclaiming their love. (Think the mob in Back Street Boys, I Want It That Way or the snarkier homage of Blink 182, All the Small Things)
This year, we will continue this tradition with handmade shirts using supplies (fabric markers and iron-on inkjet sheets) from our Guest of Honor Project . But, I wanted to put this out there in plenty of time for others to partake. We will be working on ours today as we enter our 11th day of rain and 14th day of summer vacation.
So, have fun and show your love, because DADs ROCK!!!!!
P.S. (Beware the Back Street Boys videos. They seem to have a hypnotic quality. I've listened to five of them while I posted this. "You are my fi-re. My one de-si-re...." ...Must...brake it's hold...it's just... too... stong! )
Well, the Party MOMster and staff are on high alert in preparation for Father's Day. I purchased cards today and OUCH! that really adds up. We will likely be making more of our own cards in the future. Especially after the staff added their personal touch to today's posh purchases -- they are barely recognizable.
But, enough regrets -- the staff and I created a nifty card keeper to keep those little slips of gold in as a Father's Day Gift a few years back. We used a photo box bought at the craft store and covered it with pictures of Mr. Party MOMster and the staff. Mr. Party MOMster is very sentimental and couldn't image tossing out his beloved cards, so now he has a safe place to keep them.
Now, if your staff is a bit young or heavy with the glue stick, you can also use Full Sheet Ink jet Printer Labels at an office supple store. You can just print out your pictures, cut them out and stick them right on. It looks nice and neat and the pictures are less likely to curl or pop off. I love these label sheets. We have used them on goody bags, presents and invitations.
For those of us that are a little less sentimental and want to get a bit more mileage out of our pricey bits of paper, I have started keeping a small scrap box of old cards. The staff can take bits to make other things -- like cards (I should have remembered that earlier), place mats, bookmarks, art, etc.
Have any handy Father's Day gift ideas? Please share. We love to spoil our Dad, Grandad, Poppy and Great Grandad on Father's Day.
And I get the benefit of her great party idea. She told me about a party she went to where they hung donuts from a string and the kids had to race to eat them without using their hands. Donuts, messy eating: we're in! And because we are always taking it to the next level here at Party MOMster Labs, We will try other food/string options as well. (We're having soup for lunch today. Tomorrow, PBJ on a string!) Stay tuned!!
So thank you to Laura for her entry and all of you that were so generous with your ideas. As promised, we will report on them throughout the summer with the help of the staff.
The Are You Game? Giveaway was well played! Party on!!
Ok, let's see if we can make it through the rest of these questions. Now that you know more about the Party MOMster are you intrigued? disturbed? bored? Well, buckle-up this ride ain't over yet....
What is your favorite color?
Red. Which according to Your Favorite Color: What It Says About You means: "Red is usually chosen by people with open and uncomplicated natures, with a zest for life" There was some negative stuff too in the article, but it also says I'm an optimist -- so I'm going to only believe the good stuff. And I've been told I look great in Red.
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
A cream colored jean jacket. I look skinny in it -- enough said.
What is your dream job?
To be a Children's Book Author. And do book tours. And go on the Today show. And make Snake Party Blowers with Martha Stewart.
If you could invent any useful invention, what would it be?
Markers that wouldn't get all over my kids hands when they color -- or just keep giving them crayons.
If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
I would go to the Bookstore and buy self-help, writing and sewing books. I'm an optimist and believe there's always room for improvement. And maybe have enough for a cheap clown that face paints and makes balloon animals to entertain the kids, so I could actually read my new books. Actually, I have plenty of books to read -- send in the clown.
Describe your personal style?
Wrinkled with faint spots and stains -- except my cream colored jean jacket, which makes it even more special, almost magical
What is your favorite TV show?
Law & Order (The original, not SVU, sometimes Criminal Intent -- I'm diggin the addition of Jeff Goldblum.)
What are you going to do after this?
Go to bed. But, I should do the dinner dishes, put in a load of laundry and iron. So, I will be going to bed feeling guilty.
What are your favorite movies?
Sixteen Candles, Meatballs, Goodfellas Godfather I & II, The Usual Suspects, Memento
What's your favorite fruit?
A banana. Which according to What your favorite fruit says about you... means: "You are a softie! Loving, gentle, warm and sympathetic by nature is the banana lover." Although, I may become a Pineapple lover -- they are way cooler.
If you could swap lives with someone famous, who would it be?
I am completely stumped on this one. I'll say AlyGatr because she has many devoted blog readers and her favorite fruit is Pineapple which makes her automatically cooler.
Your favorite books?
The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky (Did you know that a portion of our happiness is genetic? That's kind of a good news/bad news kind of tidbit.) I used to read a lot of Steven King. This question makes me realize I need to read more.
Are you a home body or do you prefer to be out?
It's not that "I love the Nightlife." But, I'll be the first to load the kids into the minivan to "get some action. I want to live!" (I'm sorry I just had to find this song.)
Polka Dots or checks?
Polka dots. I'm afraid to find out what that means. The whole banana thing is kind of dull --I'm a little bummed out.
Favorite candy?
Whatchamacallit. Although they are thinner than I remember growing up. And I don't think it's because I'm bigger.
Do you collect something?
I don't consciously collect anything. But, I seem to always be buying fancy stationary and cards which are piled up in a drawer with my stash of wrapping paper and gift bags. So, collecting: no. Hoarding: yes.
I have been asked to answer some probing questions by blogging friend, AlyGatr. Now, as I have mentioned, I am home full-time with the staff this summer. Thus the inspiration behind Are You Game? Giveaway. And not only am I running out of ideas how to entertain them. (You still have till Wednesday to save me -- I mean, email your entry.) I am completely at a loss, how to get everything done -- including writing.
So, I have to answer my questions in installments. Also, any tips how the rest of you are able to write, craft, cook and enrich your children -- are more than welcome. Here we go the clock is ticking...
What is your current obsession?
Blogging. Making it through the summer with staff without the house being condemned or the TV burning out. Hey, did I mention I was having a contest?
What are you wearing today?
Black exercise pants, gray t-shirt and baseball cap. Gym teacher chic -- except I don't exercise.
What's for dinner?
When I finish cleaning up last night's dinner, I'll figure it out.
What would you eat for your last meal?
Anything I don't have to cook myself or clean up after either.
What's the last thing you bought?
A bubble maker, a pink jump rope and model airplane this morning while two staffers were in soccer camp. Did I mention I'm looking for things to keep them busy? I'm having this contest you see...
What are you listening to right now?
Clifford the Big Red Dog (Come on just a little TV and it's PBS and Clifford teaches such great values -- all right clock is ticking...)
If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
A villa on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. My old boss went there, "Oh, you just haaave to go!" She gave me her travel book for when I went. I never used the book, but I looked at the pictures a lot -- that was 11 years ago.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
New York and give my old Boss her book back.
Which language do you want to learn?
I'm still mastering English. My father corrected me yesterday. He said, "Whose this piece of cake for?" I said, "Me and the baby." He said, "The baby and I." I think I might of been right. Feel free to weigh in. I can correct him when I call him on Father's Day.
What's your favorite quote (for now)?
Cleaning with kids is like shoveling during a snowstorm -- Phyllis Diller
OK, Clifford is over. Calliou is coming on and I draw the line at Calliou. I've got some shovelling to do.
Well, we are closing out our first full week of summer vacation where the staffers are on hand full-time. And I'm outta ideas.
So, to help get us through the summer, I am announcing the Are you Game? Giveaway. All you have to do is email a party game idea and you will be entered. Any idea -- really I'll take anything. (Sense the desperation) The staff and I will dutifully test these ideas throughout the summer and let you know how it goes. The deadline for entries is midnight June 17th.
And in return for the inspiration, I will take the entries and randomly pull one out of a hat on June 18th. The chosen entry will receive this hand sewn banner from Oh Sew Sweet Creations
As you may recall from Ode to Simply Sparkles, I am a big fan of the handmade extravaganza offered by Etsy and could not resist this banner. With the word "whimsy" in the description you can't go wrong. And by sharing a little "game love" it can be yours.
Maurice Sendak turns 81 today. Happy Birthday, Mr. Sendak! (Who, by the way, is no stranger to this Blog. We mentioned a celebrity birthday party inspired by his book Where the Wild Things Are in You Got A Book In My Party. You Got A Party In My Book) In honor of this classic book and its vanguard author (His fanged monsters were new territory in the land of Children's Books at the time. Hard to believe with our Sesame Street friends today), I'm feeling very bookish!
No news here: I am always looking for great Children's Books. I think they make great gifts and great activities. Here's the news: I found a new blog that is a great resource The BookNosher. This lady knows her stuff with a very impressive background in Family Literacy programs. Upon visiting "Picture Books For Your Graduate", I found out about this lovely book Only One You by Linda Kranz, which I promptly went out to buy.
And the BookNosher was kind enough to indulge my request for a book to pair with our Snake Party Blowers. She suggested Verdi by Janell Cannon, the same author of Stellaluna.
Hmmm, I wonder what kind of part Mr. Sendak is having? Well, if he makes snake party blowers, tell us how it goes and don't forget the book!
When the usual suspects arrive at Party MOMster shin digs, they promptly ask, "Is the Wizard coming?"
As I mentioned in my earlier post, Party Game "Who Am I?", there are no losers at a Party MOMster party. I like everyone to feel good and have fun. Life lessons of winning, losing and being a good sport are fine, but not on my watch. Come on -- it's a Birthday Party!
Yes, but who is the Wizard? Well, it started back a few years ago at a Princess Party. We had done "hunts" in the past (think, Easter Egg hunts) We've hidden stuff: animals, pictures, puzzle pieces, plastic figurines. But, our crowd was getting a bit more sophisticated, so we rose to the occasion. Our hunt now involves clues.
The initial premise was a bit complicated. The Wizard had captured the Magical Unicorn (The Pinata) and the guests needed to help rescue it. The first clue was just laying on the floor in the open. It read "You want your unicorn? You'll have to use your head. Find your next clue under the pink bed." The guests would then charge to the pink bedroom with the pink bed and discover the next clue. And so on and so on till the "treasure" is found.
I usually have at least on clue for each participant. For this Princess quest, the "treasure" was a bunch of keys cut out of foam at the end. Each key had a guests name on it. On a closet door we had a over sized keyhole cut out of black paper. Blindfolded they tried to put their key in the keyhole (think, Pin the Tale on the Donkey). The one that got the closest to getting their key in the keyhole got to open the door and rescue the pinata. And they all lived happily ever after.
Now, it doesn't have to be that complicated. Our Wizard has now become known as a trickster and a troublemaker. He has hidden goodie bags, games and presents. The guests don't seem to need a lot of back story on the Wizard and at this point are not too fixated on the treasure at the end. They seem to really enjoy the quest.
Which reminds me of a quote I used in Deep Thoughts By Party MOMster: Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome. - Arthur Ashe. Enjoying the journey -- how's that for a Life Lesson!
There is only one caveat: A lot of preparation goes into planning, creating and hiding the clues. I usually start where I hide the "treasure" and work backwards. And for all your work, the hunt goes by very fast (think, opening presents on Christmas morning). But, it is always well-received and guests are so proud that they figured out the clues: Take that Wizard -- foiled again!
If you try this or have tried this, please share (think, I'm done).
Today, I hit a new low. A diaper let go of the flow.
On the road with a dipe M.I.A., Paper towels had to save the day.
And though I felt like a mess, to see me no one would guess.
For my SimplySparkles earrings are so divine, I LOOK like I have it together just fine.
As I mentioned in my post, Ode to Aqua Poppy Designs, I often feel poetic when I feel intense joy and gratitude. Today my muse is SimplySparkles, a jewelry site on Esty for two reasons:
It provided me fabulous new earrings that have given the illusion I have my act together. (The compliments I received on a recent visit to school when I was groomed and wearing clothes -- not sweats, made me realize I needed to step it up a notch when it came to my appearance.)
It introduced me to Esty, this online marketplace of handmade goods. It is awesome! It has so many unique and personal items. Decorations, invitations, party favors, keepsakes -- I'm out of breath! And so reasonable -- I've seen similar things in cutesy boutiques for twice the price.
While on browsing Esty, I found a kindred spirit at Oh Sew Sweet Creations. There was a stuffed letter birthday banner that I had to have and in the description it says "Every Special Day deserves a little whimsy!" RIGHT ON! Although, I might just part with it for my first giveaway which will be revealed next week. (Wait for it...)
Now, my fabulous earrings and I are going to go fold some laundry.
We did it! The staff and I struggled with this one, but we finally have success! We have created a Snake Party Blower. We had a few different models. Our favorite is the color your own snake -- it allows for maximum creativity. So, if anyone is interested in a template of this, let me know. This isn't the DaVinci Code, you could probably figure this out yourself. But, we are still pretty proud of ourselves and more than willing to share.
Finally, I have to say that you don't always have to wait for a party for some of these party crafts. The staff worked on this while I made dinner and it was blissssssssssss!
