Tag: crafts

Celebrating May the Fourth Be With You at Home

Celebrating George Lucas’ Star Wars, May 4th is known as May the Fourth Be With You. For diehard fans, the catch slogan is a play on words to the catchphrase “May the Force Be With You.” A general wish of good luck or goodwill as a person leaves to go on a mission. With social distancing and self-isolation, celebrating May the Fourth Be With You means staying close to home. But, the day still can be lots of fun.

How to Celebrate May the Fourth Be With You at Home

Beginning in May 1977, Star Wars enticed theater and drive-in goers around the globe. Through the years, other installments were released only to further the storyline. Today, fans enjoy movies, animated series, and a new television series, The Mandalorian, all adding to the beautiful world of the Star Wars franchise. So, how do you celebrate the day at home? Check out the following ideas:

Yes, I still own y VCR versions of Star Wars.
  • Binge-Watch: From the first Star Wars, the prequels and the sequels, there is plenty to binge to celebrate May the Fourth Be With You. Not to mention, the new series on Disney+, The Mandalorian, centering on The Child, the show provides hours of entertainment. For added fun, host an online watch party. Enjoy Star Wars with your friends.
  • Read: The Star Wars Universe has numerous books and comics. Grab your favorite blanket, cuddle with your four-legged companion, and just read.
  • Audio: If you are cleaning or doing yard work, try listening to Star Wars. The different stories are brought to life while you continue to do your work.
  • Play Games: Do you have a Star Wars-themed video game or board game? Today is the perfect day to play. Gather your family together, grab your favorite game, and have fun.
  • Set Up a Photo Shoot: Using a sheet or blanket as a backdrop, set up your own photo session. Wear your Star Wars apparel, act out scenes, and have fun with the extra time on your hands.
  • Get Crafty: Star Wars is full of unique characters and creatures. Use the different species as inspiration for crafts. For example, make homemade modeling clay (the recipe is on Pinterest). Use the clay to make a Star Wars-themed creature of your own.
  • Cook a Meal or Dessert: Ever tried galactic meatballs or out of this world spaghetti? Adding a space name to any food is an excellent way for children to enjoy the day without a lot of added fuss. Use your imagination, prepare an entire meal or snack with different names.

For avid fans of the franchise, celebrating May the Fourth Be With You is an added bonus. Due to the recent health issue, staying home is the norm for this year. But being indoors does not need to be boring. Enjoy your time together. Soon, the parks will open, conventions will be running, and you will be able to take part in larger celebrations. Until then, May the Force Be With You.

May the Force Be With You, always. This is actually above my kitchen sink.

 

 

Celebrating Easter at Home

Celebrating Easter at home may not have been your original plan. Yes, the big family gatherings will not happen this year. Canceled Easter Egg hunts, church services, and other events are inevitable. The pandemic brings changes to protect your health.  But there are still numerous ways to make Easter special.

Start by turning off the news. Unplug from your devices. Set your cell phone to vibrate. Simply enjoy the quality time with the ones you love.

Make a Family Meal

Dust off your baking skills and cook a homemade family meal to enjoy together. Do not forget dessert. Bake some cookies or other special treats to celebrate Easter. When baking, ask your children to help. Even younger children can help pour, measure, or stir the batter. The quality time will turn into a lasting memory. For added fun, decorate the table together.

Do you want to do something different than a traditional Easter meal?

  • Pull out the grill and BBQ for Easter.
  • If the weather is warm, consider an outdoor picnic. Or set up a picnic in your living room.
  • Order from a local restaurant. Many food establishments are still open for delivery and curbside pickup.

Dress Up for a Family Photo

Most cameras come with a self-timer, which is perfect for a family photo. Dress up in your Sunday best. Yes, you can take off your good clothes after the picture. The photo will be a lasting reminder of celebrating Easter at home.

Set Up a Photo Booth

 Using a sheet, tablecloth, or bare spot on the wall for background creates an instant photo booth. Pull out hats, scarves, beaded jewelry, and other accessories to add to the fun. Use a poster board, index cards, or construction paper to make photo props. Bunny ears, an Easter 2020 sign, mustache, big smiles, or glasses are easy to make. Place your prop cut-outs on wooden dowels, popsicle sticks, or hold with a clip clothespin.

Dye Easter Eggs

Even if you do not have any Easter dye, you still can color eggs. Use food coloring, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and boiling water to make a color mixture of your choice. Stir the solution, allow the contents to cool, and dye your eggs.

Listen to a Church Service

Numerous churches are hosting services online. Listen to an Easter service before starting your day. The words may bring you comfort and joy this Easter season.

Do Easter Crafts

Spend the afternoon, crafting as a family. Do not know where to start? Pinterest has numerous ideas for Easter crafting.

  • Paint or Draw an Easter scene
  • Cut out Easter eggs from construction paper or plain paper to design.
  • Make collages out of everyday materials, including cotton balls, magazine pictures, cloth scraps, etc.
  • Paint Easter eggs.
  • Make placemats for your meal.

Call Loved Ones

Easter is definitely different this year with social distancing and self-isolating. But, you still can keep in touch with loved ones. Call, text, message, or video chat with friends and family.

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I know this year’s celebrations are probably not going as planned. But I wanted to take the time to wish my followers a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Being in Michigan, all of the bars and dine-in restaurants are closed. Both a popular choice for celebrating the holiday. But I am a firm believer in making the best out of the situation.

  • Celebrate at home.
  • Make a special meal or dessert.
  • Download a St. Patrick’s Day-themed movie.
  • Listen to Irish music.- Celtic Thunder is my favorite.
  • Do St. Patrick Day crafts.

The celebration may not be the same. But I am confident, the day will be memorable.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

What Are Christmas Crackers?

A British tradition,  Christmas crackers are traceable back to Victorian times. Tom Smith, a confectioner, began adding romantic poems to his bonbons. He would twist the wrapping around the sugary treat with the poem inside. Generally, only men would buy the almond-flavored bonbons to give to women as a romantic gesture.

Sitting by a crackling fire one night, Tom Smith came up with the idea to add the snap sound to the bonbon treats. Eventually, the bonbon name was set aside for the Christmas cracker or Cosaques. The novelty of the Christmas cracker was successful.

The Christmas crackers are colorfully decorated tubes filled with small items. Typically the cracker contains a paper hat, a joke or motto, and a small gift. The jokes inside the crackers are usually ridiculous.

When pulling on the cracker, generally two people tug at each end, a little snap occurs. The fun novelty item is perfect for any holiday celebration.

Homemade Christmas Crackers

Yes, you can make your own Christmas crackers.

  • Use paper tubes.
  • Fill inside with goodies. (When you make your own, you can fill the tubes with age-appropriate items. For example, for adults, you could add one dollar lottery tickets or miniature bottles of alcohol. For teenagers, consider adding lip balms, USBs, or small usable items.)
  • Wrap with tissue paper, cloth, or wrapping paper.
  • Secure the ends with string
  • Decorate with individual names or other items

Did You Know?

In the U.K. on December 20, 2001, the children, staff, and parents at Ley Hill School and Pre-School, Chesham presented the world’s largest Christmas cracker. The cracker measured 207 feet long and 13 feet around. Now, that was a Christmas cracker with a loud bang.

Many design Christmas crackers to promote a business. Using company themed items, the Christmas crackers are given away with logos or other designs on the small trinkets inside.

Millionaire Christmas crackers contain expensive jewelry. The specially made bracelets, earrings, and necklaces are given at fancy parties as extravagant gifts.

Whether you make your own or buy Christmas crackers, add them to your holiday party list. Enjoy the party favors at your next gathering.

 

 

 

Reference: The History of Christmas Crackers. https://www.whychristmas.com/customs/crackers.shtml

 

Please note: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Creating a Christmas Season Bucket List

Ushering in a magical time of year, the holiday season is now in full swing. Soon, your schedule will be busy with all sorts of work, school, and other Christmas time commitments. Taking time to enjoy every moment is vital to making long-lasting memories.

Before you realize, Christmas vacation will be here. Get the best out of your holidays, make a Christmas Season Bucket List. Ask your family or friends for ideas on how to make the holiday season more fun. 

Ideas for Your Christmas Season Bucket List

Do you need some inspiration to get your bucket list started? Consider the following activities for your Christmas Season Bucket List. 

  • Decorate for Christmas
  • Put up the Christmas Tree
  • Decorate and hang stockings (don’t forget to add one for your dog)
  • Make your own Christmas ornaments
  • Go to the library to get Christmas-themed books
  • Bake and decorate Christmas cookies
  • Attend a Christmas parade
  • Visit Santa (Yes, even adults can have their picture taking with Santa. Enjoy the season!)
  • Write Santa
  • Make homemade Christmas cards
  • Go to a community event
  • Go caroling
  • Volunteer
  • Decorate a gingerbread house
  • Make holiday goodies to deliver to friends and relatives
  • Go ice skating
  • Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater party
  • Build a snowman
  • Host a Christmas tea
  • Have a Christmas movie marathon 
  • Make homemade hot cocoa (perfect for the movie marathon)
  • Sponsor a child or donate to a local charity
  • Make a Christmas wreath (make an extra one to give to a friend)
  • Ride around to view Christmas lights and other holiday displays 
  • Donate toys and gently used coats to your local charity
  • Make cookies or cupcakes for your local fire department
  • Get a professional Christmas portrait
  • Attend a live Nativity 
  • Go to Christmas services at a local church
  • Host a Christmas craft day
  • Go sledding or snowboarding
  • Play in the snow
  • Build a snowman
  • Call loved ones who live far away

Regardless of what you decide to do, spend quality time with those you love. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures of your activities. Make a Christmas scrapbook. Have fun, and enjoy the Christmas season. 

Simple Christmas Stockings for Your Dog

Dogs are an essential part of any home. Millions of pet owners treat their four-legged companions as part of the family. Including all of your pets in various activities is a normal part of celebrating. The Christmas season is no exception to the rule.  Dogs and other pets get holiday gifts, Christmas attire, and much more.

When we begin decorating, Christmas stockings are part of the holiday decor. Including your dogs in every aspect of the Christmas season is fun. Placing Christmas stockings for your dogs does not need to be a costly addition to your decorating budget.

Decorating Christmas Stockings for Your Dogs

Start by gathering the necessary materials. Remember, these stockings are for your dogs. You know the best stocking to fit their personalities.

The stockings do not require a lot of items to make.

  • Christmas Stocking of your choice. (Note: I found mine at the Dollar Tree. The price was great. The dog on the front was perfect for this simple craft. They also carry cat ones if anyone wants to make a Christmas stocking for their beloved cats.)

  • Glitter Glue or Fabric Paint
I found this glitter glue at Wal-Mart

Next, simply start outlining the stocking’s features with the glitter glue. Use the glue to write your dogs’ names on each of the stockings.

Outlining the stocking with glitter glue. Use thick lines.

Let dry overnight. Then, hang the stockings as part of your Christmas decor.

 

How to Make a Christmas Organization Notebook

Staying organized during the holiday season is essential. Making a Christmas organization notebook is one of the best ways to keep all your information in one place. Fill the pages with Christmas card lists, recipes, gift ideas, grocery lists, receipts, and much more.

I begin the Christmas Organization Notebook by decorating. When I write out my lists or tape return addresses inside to use later, I want a festive and fun covering. Make the notebook part of your holiday crafts.

Making a Christmas Organization Notebook

Each Christmas Organization Notebook is a personal process. Decorate or leave plain, the choice is up to you. The idea of the notebook is convenience. When you are sipping your morning coffee, you can glance through the notebook to add or cross off items. I leave mine on the end table. When I am relaxing in the evening, I write down what I would like to accomplish the following day. Or add to lists that I need to finish before Christmas gatherings.

Materials I Used:

  • Christmas Cloth (I buy the pre-cut pieces at Wal-Mart. At $1.47, the price is right for simple crafts.)
  • Composition Notebook (I love these notebooks. They are inexpensive with a sturdy cover.)
  • Construction Paper
  • An Envelope ( I actually used an old one)
  • Scissors
  • Marker
  • Embleshiment
  • Hot-Glue Gun
The basic materials for your Christmas Organization Notebook

Measure and cut the cloth to fit around the notebook. Leave room to fold the fabric over to glue down.

Cut the fabric piece to fit around your notebook

Before gluing the fabric down on the inside, cover the inside with construction paper. This step is optional. I like using the green and red construction paper to add to the Christmas theme.

Construction paper covers up the inside information.

Next, begin gluing. Before careful, the contents are hot. There is a reason for the name hot glue gun. When folding the fabric over to glue, you will need to cut the middle to allow the cloth to lay flat.

Next, glue the envelope in the back. I like having one place for all my shopping receipts. Placing them in the envelope, allows me to keep track of spending. I have the receipts on hand in case I need to return anything.

An envelope for the receipts.

Finally, add your embellishments. Since my fabric had snowflakes, I added a large snowflake to front of my Christmas Organization Notebook. I wrote in the year. I keep my notebooks as resources for the following year.

 

I record my purchases in the notebook. I can look back to see what I bought each person on my list. This way I know I do not purchase similar items the following year.

Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give thanks for everything in your life. Gathering friends and family for a bountiful meal is a long-standing holiday tradition. Are you looking for a new tradition to go beyond gathering around the dinner table? Consider the following ideas:

  • Donate one or two turkeys and all the fixings for a family in need
  • Volunteer at a homeless shelter or other community organization
  • Donate groceries or money to your local food bank
  • Invite your elderly neighbor over for Thanksgiving dinner
  • Unplug for social media. (Yes, wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, but then put your device on vibrate.)
  • Bake (or order) an extra pie for your neighbor, dog groomer, hairstylist, postal worker, child’s teacher, bus driver, etc.
  • Stay in your pajamas, eat a buffet-style breakfast, and watch the Thanksgiving parade together
  • Make homemade Thanksgiving decorations, placemats, and name tags
  • Set up a craft area to occupy children while you are preparing the meal.
  • Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving 
  • Binge-watch your favorite series
  • Host a Friendsgiving
  • If the weather allows, get aside as a family, go for a walk, go for a nature hike, or play touch football.
  • Play cards or board games
  • Participate in a Turkey Trot
  • Go on a trip
  • Take a group photo
  • Write your Thanksgiving blessings on leaf-shaped notecards and hang on a tree. Or collect them to save in your scrapbook

Spending time together is the best tradition. Enjoy each other’s company during the downtime of the busy holiday.

 

Just a quick note: ha“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Throwing a Last Minute Halloween Party

Is the perspective Halloween forecast limiting your trick-or-treating options? Keep your children inside, throw a Halloween party. Planning an impromptu Halloween is the perfect way to celebrate on a cold, windy night. 

Tips for Last-Minute Halloween Party Planning 

The key to throwing a last-minute Halloween party is organization. Grab a tablet and begin to make plans. Do you need some help? Consider the following tips to make your party planning go smooth.

Guest List

The guest list is essential. Start by writing out a potential guest list. Begin calling, texting, or emailing the people on your list. If you are on Facebook, consider making a private group or invite page for the Halloween party. The group allows you to keep track of the number of people coming. Parents will be able to ask questions about the party. Most parents will ask what can they do to help. Do not be afraid to accept their help.  

Menu

When you get an estimate on the number of people attending, you can start food shopping. Finger food is always a party favorite. Mini sandwiches, snacks, and punch are simple treats for quick party planning. Or if your budget allows order pizzas. 

Craft Area

Set up a corner with different crafts for children to enjoy. The crafting material does not need to be elaborate or costly. 

  • Paint 
  • Paintbrushes 
  • Glue 
  • Glitter 
  • Pompons 
  • Markers 
  • Yarn
  • Googly eyes

Use small gourd-shaped pumpkins for painting. Or go to your local store to find some Halloween themed wooden cutouts. Even a posterboard can be a template for a spooky theme. Allow children to create and decorate. The party-goers will love the fact they get to take their creation home with them.

Games & Activities

Kids love to participate in fun, easy games. 

  • Long-Standing Tradition: Bobbing for apples is a Halloween tradition.
  • Ghost Toss: Make ghosts from white lunch bags.  Stuff the inside with newspaper or other lightweight material. Set up baskets to toss the ghosts in. 
  • Pumpkin Smile: Instead of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, play pin the smile on the pumpkin. Use large orange poster board to make a pumpkin cut out. Draw in the eyes and nose. Use yellow or black poster board to cut out mouths.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Hide Halloween themed items throughout the house. Make out clues that will lead your partygoers from one place to another. 
  • Ghost Hunt: Use tissue paper to wrap suckers in the shape of ghosts. Hide the ghosts throughout the house for your Halloween guests to find. 
  • Photo Booth or Display: Use a black sheet or other cloth to set up a photo area. Set out Halloween themed props. Designate someone at your party to be the official photographer.
  • Fear-Factor Inspired: Putting your hand in a box without knowing what is inside can be scary. Cold spaghetti noodles can pass for worms. Peeled grapes can be eyeballs. Just use your imagination. Or have some edible insects on hand for those who are brave enough to try. 

Take-Home Treat Bags 

Fill treat bags with goodies. The Halloween take-home bags do not necessarily have to be filled with just candy. Balls, fangs, spider rings, skeletons, puzzle pads, and other Halloween themed items are available. The size of the treat bags is entirely up to you. If you use the ghost toss game, the extra white bags are perfect for take-home treats. 

 

August: Family Fun Month

August is Family Fun Month. Gather your definition of a family together to enjoy activities make lasting memories. August represents the return to school and the end of summer. Putting in the effort for last-minute family fun is essential before school activities, homework, bedtime routines, and other commitments take over your schedule.

Do you need inspiration for family fun? Check out the list below:

  • Go Hiking
  • Go Canoeing
  • Go to a Water Park
  • Host a BBQ
  • Have a Bonfire
  • Go for a Bike Ride
  • Go Bowling
  • Go Camping
  • Go on a Weekend Vacation
  • Cook a Meal Together
  • Host a Movie Night
  • Host a Game Night
  • Be a Tourist in Your Hometown
  • Order Pizza and Go to Your Local Park
  • Go on a Day Trip
  • Visit a Museum/Art Gallery
  • Go to the Lake
  • Host a Craft Day

The possibilities are endless for you and your family to enjoy Family Fun Month. Remember to take pictures, print them, and create scrapbooks. Often, simple outings turn into the biggest adventures.