Hosting any type of kids’ party is going to involve some moderate parental stress, but there are ways of lessening the workload and making things easier for mum and dad. Getting it right on the big day is important, especially for the child who is celebrating their birthday, but if you plan it well in advance, a craft party can be a hit with kids and adults alike.
So let’s assume your child is a creative type and a particular fan of making things. If their idea of the perfect party is inviting all their friends around for a mammoth crafting session, at least mum and dad have a clearly defined goal to aim at and can start putting plans into place.
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Invitations
Start the crafting early by making home-made invitations to send out. Encourage children to come up with a design of their own. A variety of invitation, card making kits and other craft supplies can be ordered online via handyhippo.co.uk. For added convenience, at the same time you can order from handyhippo.co.uk supplies for the party craft project so that they are delivered before the big day. Make sure invitations include important details such as ‘Bring an art smock to cover up your party clothes!’
All Weather Fun
One of the good things about throwing a craft party is that it’s success is not dependant on the weather. On summer days, it may work well to do the craft activity outside, but provide adequate shade from the sun whilst the children are creating their masterpieces. The obvious benefit of working outdoors is that making a mess isn’t quite such an issue and clearing up is easier.
That said, if the rain falls on party day, you can still have a wonderful time inside. The main thing you will need to provide is a large, sturdy work surface. A dining table, old office conference table or boards on trestles can all function well as work surfaces – make sure they are protected with newspaper, padding and waterproof coverings were necessary.
What to do?
Your child will be the driving force behind the choice of craft, but you can steer them in certain directions. Do they like to paint? Isjewellery their thing? How about baking? Maskmaking? Are they never happier than when they are moulding with salt dough or cutting out paper shapes? Craft suppliers like handyhippo.co.uk sell a range of products that suit self decoration and customisation. A solid papier mache teddy, babushka doll or small trinket box sold unadorned, make wonderful craft projects for parties. Make sure there are plenty of decorating options such as glitter, paints, sequins, varnishes, gems and crystals to lift their creations into a new dimension. Paper craft is always a big hit with little kids, so why not consider doing some origami, making a paper hat, kite or mobile? For a large part of the event, their focus will be 100 per cent on their craft project – as a parent, this is music to the ears!
If you have older kids, doing a tie dye T shirt project or stringing beaded necklaces or bracelets is often popular.
Food Party
Many children love to bake and create foodie delicacies. What could be easier than having your guests cook their own party food? You could try baking and decorating biscuits or putting together pizzas. Necklaces or bracelets made from star shaped cookies are a hit with all kids. Making fudge or coconut ice is always popular with those who have a sweet tooth and it is relatively quick and simple to make. If you have a spacious kitchen, don’t mind it getting too messy and have the patience of a saint, a baking party can be a lot of fun. Remember to check with parents beforehand about any particular food allergies or special dietary requirements that need observing. In addition, enrol the help of at least one other responsible adult to help supervise as kids and kitchens can be a chaotic combination.
Send your guests home from the party with more than just a goodie bag of sweets, give them the gift of creativity. The fun and sense of satisfaction gained from taking part in a craft party will live long in the memories of all that attend. It certainly makes a welcome change from pass the parcel or musical chairs.
