| All kinds of crafts continue to grow in popularity as | | | | Games-A pinata can make for a great addition to the |
| everyone from children to seniors see the value and | | | | birthday party but how fun would it be for each guest |
| fun of doing crafts. This has led to crafts becoming | | | | to make their own pinata? This is a simple-to-make |
| more a part of parties. What could be more fun then | | | | pinata that is made from a paper bag and tissue |
| doing a craft project with family and friends? This | | | | paper. When everyone is done making their |
| works especially well at a birthday party. The key to | | | | candy-filled pinata, you can hang them up and have |
| doing crafts at birthday parties is to make sure that | | | | the children break it open with a soft bat (like a Nerf |
| you have everything on hand (you do not want to | | | | bat or a tightly-rolled-up and taped newspaper). |
| have to leave the party to go get something that you | | | | You will need: |
| have forgot), you have plenty of adult supervision if it is | | | | A large paper bag |
| a kid's party and you are offering craft projects that | | | | String |
| are age appropriate. If you have these three factors in | | | | Tissue paper |
| place you can have a successful craft experience at | | | | Glue |
| the party. So if your child or someone close to you is | | | | Scissors |
| about to celebrate a birthday here are some great | | | | Crepe paper streamers |
| craft ideas to get the birthday party off to a great | | | | Optional: Googly eyes, paint |
| start- | | | | Start by filling a paper bag about half way with little |
| Decorations-Why spend a lot of money or time setting | | | | treats (like candies and small toys). Carefully roll the top |
| up decorations when they can be unique and creative | | | | of the bag down, staple the folded part shut, and |
| with a just a little help from your party guests. Simply | | | | punch two holes along the top. Help the kids cut strips |
| cover the party table with a white table cloth (you | | | | of tissue paper and cut fringes. Have the kids glue the |
| may want to wash it before hand to remove any | | | | fringes of tissue paper to the bag (glue along the top |
| finish) as each guests comes in have fabric paint | | | | of the fringes) and then cover the bag with tissue |
| handy that they can draw or leave a message for the | | | | paper. The kids can then decorate with diecuts, |
| birthday boy or girl right on the tablecloth. You could | | | | markers, paint, and/or googly eyes. You can then |
| even have each party guest cover their hand in fabric | | | | weave a long thread through the holes. You will hang |
| paint and then leave their handprint and signature right | | | | the pinata up using this string. Have the kids glue long |
| on the tablecloth! This would make a great keepsake | | | | crepe paper streamers from the bottom of the pinata. |
| from the party that you could have for years to come. | | | | Food-Even the party food can be part of a craft. For |
| For a cheaper (and less durable) option cover the | | | | added fun at a birthday party why not skip the |
| table with white craft paper that can be purchased in | | | | birthday cake can let each child decorate pre-made |
| large rolls from a craft store. Tape down the edges | | | | cupcakes or cookies. You can make your own or |
| and as the kids come in let each child color a picture | | | | purchase pre-made cupcakes or cookies from a local |
| right onto the tablecloth. This can be a great ice | | | | bakery. Simply set out a variety of frostings, toppings |
| breaker at the start of the party and you will have | | | | and candies and let the kids go to work. Then they are |
| some colorful decorations when it comes time to | | | | finished they can take their masterpieces home or eat |
| serve the birthday cake. | | | | them right on the spot! |