Kid Craft: Paper Rainbow

I designed this paper rainbow with the purpose of using it for a place card on St. Patrick's Day. I've found that my youngest is more enthusiastic about setting the table when she can make the place cards, fold the napkins in cute shapes and pick out a centerpiece (usually a toy). It makes the entire process fun and hopefully she learns where the utensils go in the process.

In case you just want to use these rainbows for a craft project, I made two templates. A smaller size for the place cards and a larger size for a craft or centerpiece. Decorate them anyway you want. For example, add some glitter the rainbow or glue cotton balls to the clouds to make them fluffy.

Small Rainbow Template

Large Rainbow Template

Click on image, right click, copy, save, print. The small rainbow template is designed to fit on a 8.5" x 11" portrait. The large rainbow is designed to fit on a 11" x 8.5" landscape.

Cut out on solid lines. Cut on dotted lines. Attach clouds (refer to picture). No glue is needed.

Craft: Kirigami Shamrock Decorations

Now that Girl's Day is over with, my attention has been focused on St. Patrick's Day. I've been brainstorming new crafts and trying to think of new ways to make the holiday fun but simple. In the past we've stuck to the basics, green clothes, a corned beef and cabbage dinner, and green milk for the kids. This year I decided to change things up and make a few simple decorations, kirigami shamrocks. They will be perfect to use as doilies and decorations to hang on the windows.

Supplies:
Green Paper (6 inch square): light weight paper works best such as origami paper
Scissors

Fold a six inch square piece of paper according to instructions above. Use template to draw the shamrock or freehand it.
Click, right click, copy, save, and print template. Trace shamrock onto your folded triangle (should measure 3" x 3") Cut out shamrock on dotted lines only. Unfold.

If you don't have origami paper on hand, try a page from a magazine.

Book Review: Knits for Nerds

Knits for Nerds by Joan of Dark (a.k.a. Toni Carr)

Once in awhile a craft book will come my way that I feel compelled to share. Recently I was sent a review copy of Knits for Nerds which reminded me of my inner geek. I think I've mentioned this before, I'm a big fan of science fiction and fantasy ( books and films). Many of my weekends as a teenager were spent hanging out at my Grandmother's house with my uncles. My days included playing Gauntlet on the commodore 64, and watching movies such as Batman, Willow, Star Wars, Star Trek, etc. Once I even memorized the entire Batman movie word for word. Now you know.

Knits for Nerds contains 30 knitting projects for fans of Science Fiction, Comic Books, and Fantasy. The book also includes a techniques section with pictures. Even though there are one or two "easy" patterns is this book, I would recommend it for intermediate to advanced knitters.

Below are few pictures of my favorite projects from the book.

Baby Elf Beanie

Star Trek inspired dresses

Cyborg inspired from the Dr. Who Cybermen (cuter version)

Girl's Day Party

Last week I mentioned I would be hosting a small party for Girl's Day. I thought some of you might enjoy seeing some of the pictures from the get together.

I tried to keep it simple and not go overboard with the decorations and food. The only thing I purchased for the decorations was this paper lantern from Daiso for $1.50. I painted it with water colors and added some steamers to hang from the bottom of it. We also had some dolls out that we display every year for the holiday.

For snacks I served monju which is mochi wrapped around red bean paste (top photo). The bottom picture is hina arare which is made only for the holiday (tastes like sweet cereal). I also served senbei (rice crackers), oranges and green tea. The girls were good about trying everything. They liked the hina arare and oranges the most.

Remember when I stood in the hot sun for a couple rolls of stickers (aka my second worst idea ever)? Well, it finally paid off. The Japan themed stickers were perfect for the party favors. I also gave out Japanese erasers and a pair of chopsticks that are heart shaped on top.

For the favor bags, I used some leftover bags I had used for a bridal shower. To make them a little more festive, I used mizuhiki cord to close the bags.

I also had the girls make a paper kimono. I forgot to take pictures of it (sorry). Not all parties go according to plan but this one ended up just about perfect. All the girls were well behaved, they enjoyed the food, had fun making the craft. I know this may sound weird, but it brought me such joy to see all of them having a good time. I know I'm fortunate in that I have the time and resources to throw parties like this.

This party cost no more than $20 to put on. I only share this because it's a good reminder that one can put together a special day without spending a lot. I tried to use items I had in my house before I went out and purchased anything.

Okay, I promise this is the last Girl's Day post of the year. Craft coming soon , if all goes well.

Happy Hinamatsuri

Happy Hinamatsuri! Here's a cute Ekaki Uta (drawing song) that teaches children how to draw a Hinamtsuri doll set. Songs like these are created to help children remember how to draw a specific image. You can find more videos like this on YouTube.

Have a great weekend everyone.