DIY: Find It game, How to make your own "Find It" Game

This is a very unique project, because it is based on a very unique game. I once saw it in a toy store - called "Find It" and it consisted of a clear container and many mini objects to find. It's roughly around $10 - $20 depending on where you buy it. Then a friend of a friend gave a gift to a child that was based on this same concept. Only it was liquid based and she had made it, and the objects were charms (minus the silver ring) of things. I tried to find the instructors or examples on-line but had no luck. I wanted to create a fun and unique craft for a teen event - so I needed to be able to make affordable - bulk DIY: Find It games for them.

 

So here is a picture of supplies I used from Discount School Supply and below is the link to Barnes and Noble where they have one for sale.

 

 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/toys-games-find-it-original-edition/13740729?cm_mmc=googlepla-_-toysgames_10to25-_-q000000633-_-9780641845031&cm_mmca2=pla&ean=9780641845031&isbn=9780641845031&r=1 

SUPPLIES: So here is the list of the supplies I used to make 12 - 16 Find It games: empty tennis ball containers, 4 buckets of fuse beads - or any colorful filler that you want to use (see options below), poker chips, globe key chains, flip flop key chains, mini clothes pin, paper clips, rubber bands, mini bottles, toy mini dinosaurs, mini beach bucket beads, buttons, mini jingle bells, glass dice beads, glass dog bones, plastic coins, letter tiles (look like Scrabble pieces), and sports beads that are in the shapes of mini balls. 

They also sell colorful rice, and pony beads, which I considered for the fillers. But in the end, I thought this was the most affordable, closest to the actual product and the most durable and long lasting.

I chose the items as random as possible, with some that were easily accessible - like paper clips and rubber bands. I also chose items I thought were best to duplicate in additional projects - like the toy dinosaurs, buttons, poker chips, dice and letter tile - which I thought kids could use left over game pieces. But I have seen that these games come in themes - otherwise you could get overwhelmed with what to put in there!! And if you aren't going to do this in "bulk" - then you are limited to what you can find. Either way - this was fairly inexpensive for the bulk project and would have beat buying 14 games for each kid, plus they had the fun and experience of making it on their own!!

HOW TO: Anyway, once you have the supplies you are going to use, you will also need to prep the objects for hiding! For instance I had to remove any of the metal rings on the key chains and I added a note to my mini bottle. I also hand picked out the letters of the teens names for their letter tiles :) They you give each a kid a bad of their objects to hide, you can also give them an option to bring an item to add...(limit it to a 1inch X 1/2 inch object) and have them wipe out/clean their tennis tube. Once they have their scoop of filler they can begin to add objects as desired, till they are all in, plus filler - NOTE: leave an inch at the top, or there won't be any movement!! And lastly, glue the top on and add directions!

I printed a list of all the objects I brought for them and left two lines for them to pencil in something if they brought it. On the back of the list was instructions:

One person:
1) Find the objects and beat your best time!
2) Find the objects in alphabetical order
3) How many objects can you find in 2 mins (no looking at the list!)
4) Find every other object in order, then every third, and so on

Two person:
1) Who can find the most objects in 2 mins (no looking at the list!)
2) Time each other to see who can find all the items the fastest
3) Take turns finding every other object, then every third, and so on
4) ADD dice for more fun! Take turns and role the die, find the object that corresponds with that number.

Let me know if you come up with more ways to play!! Enjoy!

DIY: How to make Comic Book/Super Hero Center pieces and decorations!

This is how to make, or how I made my own Comic Book and Super Hero Theme center pieces for a Banquet - where the theme was Super heroes. I blog about what I can't normally find on the internet. So I hope this can help you. I had to first search and collect the clip art to be used and download the fonts. (I went to 1001freefonts.com) I also used some of our own logos that were created for our conference.

 

Anyway, the idea was to create something that looked like a city scape and then a comic strip to accommodate it. I used my printer, foam boards, black construction paper, scissors, spray mount, exacto knife, glitter, comic book stickers and tea lights.  

 

 

 Here you can see the "strips" have been printed out and mounted to the foam board. I then used the exsacto knife to cut them out and score the edges where I bent them.

As you can see here 5 boards made 25 strips, for 25 tables. We ended up needing 30 - so it depends on how big you want them and how many you need.

Here you can see the strips cut out and the one is standing up, now that I have scored it.

Here is the finished product. To make the city scape for the centerpieces I used large (construction type) black poster paper. I made two city scape on each one. If you look at this example, you can guess what the city line looked like in the second one. And I used a silver sharpie to color in some "windows", and cut out some with a square hole punch. Some metallic star garland was added at the event and tea light were set in the middle to light up the table. The light reflecting off the metallic stars and casting a shadow on the city scape was perfect!! Enjoy!

Crafts for Kids: Kids Camps Crafts and Ideas for projects!

 Crafts for Kids: Kids Camp Crafts or Kids Crafts Ideas for projects!

My "formula" for class set up is this: I pick four to five projects that fit within the theme of the days projects: i.e. Animals, garden, space, bugs, etc. This fills up 45 mins to 1 hour nicely. I place one sheet of instructions on the table, but don't insist on children following an "example". I like to see what they come up with, and also it allows them to go at their own pace. I simply ask; "who is ready for the next project?". I also try to mix in different mediums: i.e. painting, gluing, stickers, stamping, drawing, cutting, molding, taping, etc. Using materials like paper, ceramic, wood, cardboard, plastic, fabric, yarn and the other plethora of materials that come in craft kits. I order on-line mainly from Oriental Trading Co., Discount School Supply and S&S Worldwide (SSWW). And I buy materials at Target, Michael's and JoAnne's Fabric stores.  

 

This particular set of projects were based on "Feathered and Furry Friends" - we made a parrot, an owl and bunny and then used scrap fabric to make our own animal.

This used just cotton balls to fill in their bunny and paint to color them in.

 

Below was from a garden theme - this project was garden stones. We used air drying clay, mosaic tiles, buttons, "glass" plastic mosaic pieces and clear letters from Discount School Supply.

Here is a photo of the supplies we used and how I placed them in smaller bags for each table. I used a wire to cut the clay and divide it out. My favorite was the clear letter. They really added to the project and are very unique!

 

Below is from SSWW a DIY: Color me shoe. This was great for ALL ages, and this was for a teen night at the park event. I brought a box of sharpies and the shoes, and everyone got in on the fun. They also doodled notebooks too, for back to school. It was fun and a cute idea.

 

Toilet Paper roll crafts. I try to use as many recycled or reusable things I can find. I call these Toilet Paper roll rockets. Simply collect them, then hand them out and have the kids punch holes in the bottom of them for the streamers to tie in to.

I used sparkly foam to make circles. I found a temple on line, it showed the circle cut out, then make one straight cut to the middle (so only half way across). Then begin to make the circle into a cone, secure the cone with either tape, glue or staples. I found that the foam is so thick, it needed to be stapled. Then I used tape and glue to secure the cones to the paper rolls.

Next: we used pieces of foil to cover the rest of the rocket, metallic stars, and added the streamers. Optional: add a magnet for the fridge, or a string so you can hang it up! 

Below was a "Pond Theme" - we made ponds, dyed small plush lizards, made a bug collage and painted ceramic Frog banks.

 

Enjoy and let me know your ideas!!

Old Sayings - enough already!

If it were a snake it would have bit you...yes, because we do keep the snakes in the fridge. And, if I were Crocodile Dundee, I would be in the Amazon with protective clothing on and a machete and would of cut it's head off. Do snakes say "If it were a blond in her kitchen, you could've bit that!"?? No. Ok, so enough of the old sayings, that don't make sense!!

Like "a bird in hand is worth two in the bush" - whatever that means?

The Working Place For The Nice Girl

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/06/24/nice-girls-still-dont-get-the-corner-office/?ncid=webmail

I just read this article and this topic was on my list of things to blog about - mainly the spirit of the workplace lately and it's progression over this difficult time, with this recession and past lay-offs - it has changed dramatically, no one can deny that. Not only are most people not getting raises for fifth year in a row, they have been asked to take furloughs, unpaid vacations and cut back dramatically on hours. Resulting in, at least in my personal situation of a 35% income loss, and to some a great more. Plus, we all know that everything else, like the cost to consumers is on the rise. These things plus other stressful situations is making everyone a bit more cranky! No more mr or misses nice guy!?

I know I have found myself trying to figure out the best way to deal with it all. Being a young woman, who already had some issues with the "working world" (yes, the "Good 'ol Boy" system still lives, and being blond doesn't help), it has been challenging and I do not have any clear directives as of now. Because as the article stated - no one "wants" to be the "bitch", but you can't constantly be the one everyone "abuses" either. I love how articles like this always have the same advice: "take the middle road", or "be a little of both - don't be a push over, but don't be mean - either way, no one will want to work with you!".

But they don't exactly tell you how. And yet I still know both kinds of people in my work place and no, no one wants to work with them. Yes, I have ideas about how these people could be better, but it still wouldn't make them "middle of the road". I would consider myself middle of the road and consistent. I don't say "yes" on good days and "no" on bad days, although I will say "come back later!" I take on the work load I want and think I can handle. I also take on things I think will grow or challenge me. I don't take on things volunteers can do, I tell people to "go get volunteers!" or "can the committee get together and do this at a meeting". I try not to make more work for myself, but I also feel like sometimes I dilute the work I am doing. My attention is so spread out, hardly any one project gets my full attention. Plus, friends complain to me, that there are the pet projects from upper management. Despite a declining economy and less staff - pet project still exist...damn! Those are my "PET" peeves, I hate pet projects (for other people). I'll admit I have one occasion. However, if I had more time, there are a couple of work projects I wish I could do better.

That being said, I am doing the best I can. I do believe others are doing the best they can and I give them the benefit of the doubt. However, if the recession is just enough to throw you over the edge - jump back and take a second to think about what your about to do. Making a scene, "cracking up" or having a melt down, is just not healthy for anyone. And right now it doesn't seem like it's not going to save your job or get people off your back. 'The mentality is "lay-low" and "stay off the radar" or "don't bring attention to yourself". It's everyman for himself! You don't want to be a "target", because that could mean you could lose your job.' That's what I have heard anyway. How is that possible - how did we get here?

Just by bringing up the slightest thing, shedding light on an inequality or uneven work load, or a hostile environment, make YOU the target? What happen to the squeaky wheel? They REPLACED it! Or in many cases they took it off and made the other three wheels work that much harder...

So the "Nice Girl" is someone totally different today, than just a year ago and will be totally different I think after this recession. Right now, there are just too many factors and variables to consider in each work place. If you have a nice working relationship with your supervisor or a mentor in your work place - ask them. If you really have to or want to say "NO!" to someone or something, ask them first for advice. Same goes for reporting inappropriate behavior or discrimination, ask them for advice on who and how to report it. It might just mean, keeping a log of it for right now and waiting it out!

Day in the life of someone SICK!!

So I was SICK this week. This is a day in the life of a sick person:

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Ugh, what? The Alarm. My throat is closing. Can’t breathe! (Cough! Sniffle!)

OH NO!!!!! I’m sick! Damn! I mean I’m really sick! (Moan!)

Wait, let me try to get up and see how sick I am…Nope GET BACK IN BED!

Dude, you’re sick. Accept it. You’ll feel better if you just call into work and get some sleep!

No. I want to be the HERO. I want to charge in, try to make it and have them send me home. (Cough!)

Then I’ll get the sympathy vote! What vote??? Dumbass, just stay in bed, no one gives a shit, except when they end up sick, then they will they will think you are an asshole for showing up…sick!

Ok…I’ll call…(cough, cough) yeah, I sound sick enough…they’ll believe me! What’s to believe – YOUR SICK!

I feel so guilty! Wait, you feel guilty for being sick?? Whatever, call in!! Before you fall back …

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OH, what time is it? Whew, I have time to call in…or, if I get in the shower right now, I can be there in…

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Will you call in already? Yes, now I can just get back to bed.

Wait...now I am going to have to make up that report I missed today…

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2:38 – Wait is it 2:38 in the afternoon, or in the morning? How long have I been asleep? I either have till 5:30 pm till everyone gets home from work. Or I have till 5:30 am when my alarm goes off…

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What day is it? (Cough! Uhg!) Take some medicine. What medicine? ANYTHING!! I wish the medicine would just come to me, so I don’t have to get up…

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If you get up right now, you can go pee, get the medicine and then get back to bed. What DAY is IT??

I should take a shower, I think I've been in bed for TWO days straight? Wait, why hasn't anyone checked on me? They don't want to get sick?

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What if I wake up to the zombie apocalypse? Yeah,  I should defiantly take a shower NOW! And maybe clean up  the house a little. Should I watch a movie? NO! I'm too sick to watch a movie...staying home sick is not as FUN as it use to be!

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Seminary At Six AM: Christmas Candy Ball Game

Seminary At Six AM: Christmas Candy Ball Game: What does this have to do with Seminary, you may be asking.  This was an ideal alternative to a class Christmas gift exchange. I did not ...

Love this idea and I think I am going to try it with my teens at their summer event!! I might hide gift cards in there too!!

Event Planning: I am an Event Planner and I plan Special Events

Event professionals, a thought: Post 9-11 and post Boston Marathon 4-15

I didn't get into this profession to read through Homeland Security manuals, to "brainstorm" about potential threats, worse-case-scenarios and train my staff/volunteers in triage or mass evacuations.

I wanted to give people a reason to celebrate, to come together and feel a sense of community. To experience new things to celebrate culture, diversity, history, music, food, talent and each other. To push limits; to create "Wow", to "take it up a notch", to make memories, to make children laugh, smile or expose them to something new, and make traditions. I want to give families a chance to do something together - outside of their TV's, out of their SUV's...away from technology. Furthermore, I want them to "get out" into their parks, community centers, city streets, and out of their comfort zones. I want to create opportunities for people to challenge themselves, and challenge others. I want to improve their quality of lives, by providing quality, safe experiences that foster their appreciation of the arts, sports, and tradition.

It is well known in our industry that you follow the first two rules of event planning: 1) SAFETY FIRST 2) Plan for the worst and hope for the best...

And as far as I am concerned I will continue to do that, and although I will always be as prepared as I can be! I HOPE that the only thing I have to worry about - is rain on my parade!!

 

I am an Event Planner. They call them "Special Events" for a reason. Smile, dance, sing, play, run, swim, cheer, compete, perform, Enjoy!

Piece of Cake Desserts - My daughters LEGO Cake!!

Piece of Cake Desserts Is making my daughters LEGO Cake - can't wait!!

DIY - How to make LEGO Crayons

How to make your own LEGO crayons:

This is how to make or DIY Lego Crayons for a birthday party. I made these ones for my daughters party for the gift bags. I bought the LEGO trays on Amazon.com for $4 - $8 and made candy and crayons. The crayons were old crayons we had collected from restaurants and broken ones around the house, so it didn't cost me anything in supplies.

Your little one can help you by peeling off the wrappers (or I use an exacto knife to make a cut the lenght of the crayon and then just pull off the wrapper in one move), they can help break up the crayons, pick the colors and place them in the molds/trays.

This silicon tray worked very well. I placed it on a broil pan with foil underneath to protect it from the heat. I preheated the over to 275 degrees and put the tray in the middle of the over for 8 - 10 mins. Use a timer so you don't forget!! When the crayons get too hot - they boil, singe and smell burned.

To cool the tray I placed it in the freezer for 20 mins. Then I let the tray get to room temperature before trying to pry out the crayons. The best way is to just completely pop out (inside out) the mold of each crayon then carefully pull out the knobs of the LEGO block. TIP: make sure the cooling surface is level or you will have slanted and uneven crayons. To even out any corners or imperfections, I simply just "colored" down the edges on some paper and it was proof that they worked :)

Have fun and enjoy!!

Here you can see the finished product!!

DIY - How to make LEGO Candy

How to make or DIY Lego Candy for a LEGO Birthday Party or for fun! I bought the LEGO Candy making trays online at Amazon.com Both the "Ice Tray" and "Candy Tray" to make decorations and treats for the Lego Birthday Party for my little girl. Only about $4 - $8 each, and the candy was $2.50 a bag at Walmart.

 

Here you see the finished product. I bought BLUE, PINK and YELLOW Wilson Candy Melts. I used about 8 - 10 candy pieces per square and placed the tray in the microwave for a minute. I pulled out the tray and checked for holes. I used additional pieces to squish the candy into the holes and a toothpick to spread the candy around. Then I microwaved it for an additional 30 - 45 secs.

 

 

Once the candy was completely melted, I again used the toothpick to fill in the corners and holes of the LEGO shapes. Once it was filled in, I held both sides of the tray and taped it lightly to tap out any bubbles or air pockets. Once all the bubbles came to the top and the surface appeared smooth, I placed the tray in the fridge to cool for about 20 mins.

Once the candy was cool, I flipped the tray over and lightly tapped the tray and the candy pieces just fall out. It was a lot of fun and I might do some more colors since it was so easy!! One bag of candy will do about 3 trays of candy or 24 pieces of each color.