{KSL Fun}
Had a great time with Elvis (Andrew Whittenberg), Mireda (Lori Prichard), Harry (Ethan), Kitniss (Yours Truly), and a hamburger (our friend Noah!) Wishing you a safe and fun Halloween!
DIY Halloween Decor (That You'll Want To Bring Out Each Year!)
{DIY Simple, Easy, & Smart}
When Aidan (6) is begging to decorate for Halloween you know you'd better have something to pull out of the storage! If there's one thing I've learned about crafting over the years its that I don't want to make it if I don't want to keep it! Paper pumpkins just don't stand the test of time like things made of glass or metal.
Some moms just make crafts to share time with their kids. I say if you're going to craft make something that you'll want to bring out every year! Instead of making paper or pipe cleaner decorations that you'll just throw away try these little Halloween decor ideas that the boys and I whipped up last week. I'll be sharing them on KUTV Ch2 at 12:40 today if you want to see them in action!
When Aidan (6) is begging to decorate for Halloween you know you'd better have something to pull out of the storage! If there's one thing I've learned about crafting over the years its that I don't want to make it if I don't want to keep it! Paper pumpkins just don't stand the test of time like things made of glass or metal.
Some moms just make crafts to share time with their kids. I say if you're going to craft make something that you'll want to bring out every year! Instead of making paper or pipe cleaner decorations that you'll just throw away try these little Halloween decor ideas that the boys and I whipped up last week. I'll be sharing them on KUTV Ch2 at 12:40 today if you want to see them in action!
Glowing Glass Decor
These are made out of old glass jars or small vases you can pick up at Joann's. You paint them and turn them into pumpkins, ghosts, or night creatures! Once they are painted you can put a candle in them and watch them glow!
Watch out for these two in a dark alley! :)
Tin Can Mummy
These are simple decorations that are perfect for the teacher or any counter top! Made out of empty tin cans you simply wrap with can with white paper, then wrap it with toilet paper, add eyes, and off you go!
With a bit a chalk board paint you can make any pumpkin have a different face everyday! Spray the pumpkin and then let the kids go crazy!
For the compete "how to" you can visit my post on Chalkboard Pumpkin Halloween DIY!
For the compete "how to" you can visit my post on Chalkboard Pumpkin Halloween DIY!
Spooky Wreath
This one is great for the older kids who like to use spray paint! Just spray an old wreath black and add a few creatures to dangle from the middle. Simple & spooky!
To see this one complete you'll have to check out 2News at Noon today! ;)
To see this one complete you'll have to check out 2News at Noon today! ;)
And there you have it! The next rainy day you have find a few tin cans and glass jars around the house and go it! You'll enjoy them for years to come...
XOXO
Emily
Harry Potter Birthday Party Flash Back!
{Throw Back}
Had to bring this one out of the archives. Loved this party. Love this time of year. Love this kid. Enjoy!
{Magical Memory} Originally posted Oct 2011.
You are really lucky to be a wizard especially if your mom is only a muggle. And I bet every muggle mom who has a little wizard turning 7 wishes for magical powers. At least I do.
This was way easier than it looks...
Just bake the cake in bread pans, line up the cakes, and frost them. I used 2 cake mixes and store bought frosting. I love that frosting.;)
Stickers rock. They are so easy and add so much. I found this darling Harry Potter clipart on Etsy in a shop called DigiMyWorld ($5.99) and then printed them out onto sticker (or label) paper.
Note: That shop has some super cute stuff if you ever need anything!
Fizzy drink mix via Target ($4.99). It was a hit...all colored and bubbly.
Tip: Next time I would just buy Sprite and use the sugar Kool-Aid mix. I think it would be about the same.
Forgive me for the next few pictures...I love these little characters!:)
Potion Prep...simple. I just grabbed some empty little Costco water bottles and filled them with white vinegar. The cups had a bit of food coloring and baking soda.
The oldest and bestscience experiment magic trick in the world...
Troll Snot. Gak. Gross and gooey...One part glue to one part liquid starch. Add food coloring or glitter for effect. Once again easy, gross, and fun.
{And It Began...}
With Harry Potter theme music blasting, the kids arrived one by one and received their black sidesaddle bag. They were asked to wear it because they needed it to put their wands, prizes, magic money, and other treasures into throughout the party.
While waiting for everyone to arrive we found wands and make broomsticks. (Remember my last post? Yep! That's the one!) Every witch or wizard need one!
Then the Potions Class. We were lucky to have my sister (who got some of the families magical abilities) to teach this class...
Thanks Marge! Your potions were amazing.
{Troll Snot}
After potions we moved right into Troll Snot. Yes, that's right. Sometime they sneeze on the trees in the back and this is what we get. Note: This is not for people with weak stomachs.;)
{Sing It!}
Magical sparks were shooting out of this wand as we sang...fortunately this little wizard had the spell to put them out!
{Warming Up}
Its true, my husband is a wizard. He got it from his father who is also very gifted. It sure came in handy at the party as he "wowwed" the kids with his card trick he perpformed! (Don't tell anyone that he learned how to do off of UTube the night before.)
{The Hunt}
For every eyeball or snake they found they could trade it for "magic money" to spend at Ethan's Prize Shop. Wouldn't you be running too?:)
{Great Day}
And when it was through we had some happy little wizards and witches.
{Magical Movement}
And as for the little brother Aidan, he had quite the party too. After swallowing a 1" screw on Thursday afternoon (yes, a screw...the xray confirmed it) he expelled it during Ethan's birthday party in a "special gift" in his britches.
Our prayers were answered as the Lord truly looked out for him during the ordeal. There could have been some serious complications, but we are so blessed and grateful there weren't.
And yes, I am making him pay us back for the visit to the Urgent Care when he makes it big someday.;)
{The Muggle}
Our father is a wizard and mother is a muggle. In fact, have you heard of Bill the Magnificant? Yep that's him. For more you can see this post from our family reunion this summer.;)
I am a muggle, but my younger sister-who may now be called a witch-- truly worked some magic at this party. Thanks again for all of your help Marge!
Picture taken today by Ethan ...
And as for our little wizard...
Had to bring this one out of the archives. Loved this party. Love this time of year. Love this kid. Enjoy!
{Magical Memory} Originally posted Oct 2011.
You are really lucky to be a wizard especially if your mom is only a muggle. And I bet every muggle mom who has a little wizard turning 7 wishes for magical powers. At least I do.
But since I don't have a wand, I just use Photoshop Elements and make sure to have an outdoor party. It just makes them more magical...or in other words...easier.;)
{Party Prep}
This is where its at. Thank-you dollar store. And here's a behind the scenes look at what we did before the little witches and wizards arrived...
Our little business wizard. He named the place himself. Once his shop was set up we were 1/2 way finished.
{Magic Money}
And here is the currency of the party. It was ready to be distributed to the kids as they "earned" it for things like...showing up, participating in the activities, and finding snakes and eyeballs (which will make more sense in a minute).
This was way easier than it looks...
Just bake the cake in bread pans, line up the cakes, and frost them. I used 2 cake mixes and store bought frosting. I love that frosting.;)
Stickers rock. They are so easy and add so much. I found this darling Harry Potter clipart on Etsy in a shop called DigiMyWorld ($5.99) and then printed them out onto sticker (or label) paper.
Note: That shop has some super cute stuff if you ever need anything!
Fizzy drink mix via Target ($4.99). It was a hit...all colored and bubbly.
Tip: Next time I would just buy Sprite and use the sugar Kool-Aid mix. I think it would be about the same.
Forgive me for the next few pictures...I love these little characters!:)
Potion Prep...simple. I just grabbed some empty little Costco water bottles and filled them with white vinegar. The cups had a bit of food coloring and baking soda.
The oldest and best
Troll Snot. Gak. Gross and gooey...One part glue to one part liquid starch. Add food coloring or glitter for effect. Once again easy, gross, and fun.
{And It Began...}
With Harry Potter theme music blasting, the kids arrived one by one and received their black sidesaddle bag. They were asked to wear it because they needed it to put their wands, prizes, magic money, and other treasures into throughout the party.
While waiting for everyone to arrive we found wands and make broomsticks. (Remember my last post? Yep! That's the one!) Every witch or wizard need one!
Then the Potions Class. We were lucky to have my sister (who got some of the families magical abilities) to teach this class...
Thanks Marge! Your potions were amazing.
{Troll Snot}
After potions we moved right into Troll Snot. Yes, that's right. Sometime they sneeze on the trees in the back and this is what we get. Note: This is not for people with weak stomachs.;)
{Sing It!}
Magical sparks were shooting out of this wand as we sang...fortunately this little wizard had the spell to put them out!
{Warming Up}
Its true, my husband is a wizard. He got it from his father who is also very gifted. It sure came in handy at the party as he "wowwed" the kids with his card trick he perpformed! (Don't tell anyone that he learned how to do off of UTube the night before.)
{The Hunt}
For every eyeball or snake they found they could trade it for "magic money" to spend at Ethan's Prize Shop. Wouldn't you be running too?:)
{Great Day}
And when it was through we had some happy little wizards and witches.
And one happy muggle mom.
{Magical Movement}
And as for the little brother Aidan, he had quite the party too. After swallowing a 1" screw on Thursday afternoon (yes, a screw...the xray confirmed it) he expelled it during Ethan's birthday party in a "special gift" in his britches.
Our prayers were answered as the Lord truly looked out for him during the ordeal. There could have been some serious complications, but we are so blessed and grateful there weren't.
And yes, I am making him pay us back for the visit to the Urgent Care when he makes it big someday.;)
Our father is a wizard and mother is a muggle. In fact, have you heard of Bill the Magnificant? Yep that's him. For more you can see this post from our family reunion this summer.;)
I am a muggle, but my younger sister-who may now be called a witch-- truly worked some magic at this party. Thanks again for all of your help Marge!
Picture taken today by Ethan ...
And as for our little wizard...
And what a celebration! Love you Ethan!