Robot Party: Free Printable Art Activities and More...

Retro Robot Party Coloring Pages by B.Nute Productions

Looking for some ways to entertain the kids at your Robot Party? Look no further! Here are some Retro Robot Party free printable art activities and ideas to fill the time with at your upcoming party!

Free Printable Retro Robot Coloring Pages
Set out some crayons, markers and other art supplies, print out these coloring pages, and have a coloring contest! Coolest robot or Ray Gun design wins!

Free Printable Retro Robot Coloring Page by B.Nute productions

Free Printable Design Your Own Ray Gun Coloring Page

Instructions for Making Retro Robot Party Coloring Pages
1. Select each link above, and print out the coloring page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper (in landscape mode). 
2. Place on a table with crayons, pens and other art supplies.
3. Let kids have fun!

Printable items are copyright protected, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download on any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

More Robot Party Art Activity Ideas
Make a Cardboard Box Robot
You've probably seen great cardboard box robots on kids at Halloween. Well, this is also a perfect activity for a robot party! Get several cardboard boxes, lots of glue and supplies and have the kids make several robots. Afterwards use the costumes for impromptu photos or robot relay races!

Make Robot Antenna
Kids will love these antenna, and make great photo ops as well! Head to your local drugstore or super store and pick up a bunch of inexpensive plastic headbands. Next stop, the hardware store for springs, and last stop to the art store for either pom poms, or small styrofoam balls. Now, have kids (with adult help) hot glue the springs to the headband, and put the balls or pom poms on the top of the springs. Kids can paint the balls as well if they like. Now put on and walk like a robot!

Decorate a Robot Inspired Frame
Head to the art store and pick up several inexpensive wood frames. Paint them all silver. At the hardware store, buy some nuts, bolts, screws, springs, gears and small similar items. At the party, set out a table with the silver frames, hardware and lots of glue and have kids create a collage on their frames. Make sure to take many pictures of the kids at the party, so they can put it in their new frame.

Make a Retro Robot
There's an art kit on the market perfect for this party-- a Windup Workshop Robots by Creativity for Kids. This was even written up on Family Fun as one of the Toys of the Year!

List of Party Food Ideas

Pigs in Blankets, Yum!

Pizza is definitely a hit at kids parties, there is no doubt, just order a couple pies and your set. There are, though, so many other easy party options that sometimes get overlooked. Here's a list to jog your memory of great party foods-- loved by all ages, and easy to prepare or purchase.

• The Big Subway Sandwich - Order from a local sandwich shop an extra large sub, slice it up, and there you go! You can order a few, some relatively plain for picky folks, and some with all the fixin's. Easy!
• Quesadillas - Tortillas and cheese can be made easily in the microwave, cut into small triangle and set out for small hands to grab and go. You can get fancy and add cut up veggies or meats into them, or simple cheese works too.
• Mini Hot Dogs or Pigs in Blankets - Buy some cocktail wieners and wrap in pre-made dough for a retro bite to eat. These don't have to be piping hot when served either! Set out a dish of ketchup and mustard for dipping. Yum.
• Mac and Cheese Cups - Buy some small ice cream cups or dixie cups, make up a large batch of mac and cheese and voila, pasta in cups, perfect for little hands to grab and eat. You can also fill with buttered pasta as well (shells or penne work well).
• Big Pretzels - Who doesn't like an extra large pretzel... they are filling and fun to eat.
• Pretzels and Hummus - If you don't want large pretzels, then serve small ones with hummus to dip them in.
• Sliders - Meatball size hamburger patties with a roll for a bun... Easy to pick up and eat, and always delicious. You can set out condiments for folks to add to it, or just keep them plain.
• Cracker Sandwiches - Pre-make a variety of cracker sandwiches - ham and cheese, peanut butter, cream cheese and jelly, different tastes for your crowd.
• Breadsticks - Cook up some pre-made dough into breadsticks, for a filling and easy food items. You can even add or fold different foods into the breadsticks to make them savory or sweet. Try sprinkling with cinnamon and sugar, sprinkling with parmesan cheese or fold in diced foods such as cheddar cheese and salami, bell peppers and pepper jack, ham and swiss cheese and similar items.
• Deli Meat and Sandwich Fixing - Many stores offer pre-made sandwich trays that are great for parties.
• Kabobs: Meat, Veggies or Fruit - Anything on a stick is fun to eat! There are so many different combinations and all are filling and good to eat.
• Popcorn Balls - Popcorn balls remind me of my neighbor who used to make them to hand out at Halloween. So fun! There are plenty of popcorn ball recipes on the web, kids will love getting their own to munch on.
• Chicken Nuggets - Heat up a package of chicken nuggets, set out in a bowl, and kids can pick up and munch on the go. Add some dipping sauces for the more adventurous like mustard, honey, BBQ sauce and more.
• Yogurt Cups and Fruit - Buy some small yogurt cups and cut up fruit pieces for a healthy food snack at the party. For less money, buy a large container of yogurt and spoon into dixie cups. Set out cut up fruit and granola to let kids sprinkle on top.
• Cereal/Chex Mixes in a Cup - Nothing beats a good cereal/Chex mix for munching on at a party. Many recipes exist for savory or sweet tastes.
• Corn Dog or Mini Corn Dog - Hot dogs on a stick... fun to eat, and filling. These come in large or mini sizes depending on your crowd.
• Mini Bagels with Toppings - Mini bagels are the perfect size for a party. You can either pre-make bagel sandwiches, or just set out bagels with toppings... from cream cheeses (in different flavors) to sliced veggies and meats. A plain bagel or just an assortment of flavored bagels is also a perfectly delicious option as well.
• Meat Balls - Heat up some meatballs, and set out some toothpicks. Yum!
• Salami and Cream Cheese Rolls - This is one of my mom's favorites! Place a little dab of cream cheese on a piece of salami. Roll it up, and put a toothpick through it. Easy.

I would love to hear your easy party food ideas! Let me know if I've missed your favorite!

Peppermint Party Ideas- Decorations, Menu, Games and More

Personalized Peppermint Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Etsy

Red and White reign in this party filled with peppermint delights! Below are links to free printable Peppermint Party items as well as loads of ideas for your festive gathering.

Peppermint Party Inspiration Board

Decoration Ideas
This party couldn't be simpler to decorate-- think ruby red and crisp white. A modern, clean and crisp look will make this a festive affair. Below are some red and white decoration ideas:

• Red and White Crepe Paper - Drape red, then white crepe paper from the ceiling to form a "tented" ceiling. A festive and a colorful addition to the space.
• Red and White Balloons - Have bunches of red and white balloons scattered throughout the party space, or lining the walkway to the front door.
• Red and White Table Linens and Paperware - A crisp white table cloth, and red napkin will look sharp and colorful. Now add red and white paper plates, napkins, cups, etc. Stay clear of patterns, and let the bold solid colors stand out. In the center of the table, have jars of candy canes. The more the merrier!
• Jars of Candy Canes and Peppermints - Jars of peppermints and vases of candy canes throughout the party space will add to the look. You could also have jars of solid colored candies sprinkled in with the candy canes and peppermints. For red candies use red hots, red licorice, red M&M's, for white candies use mini-marshmallows, white mints, white M&M's, etc.

Menu Ideas
Get some red and white foods-- then mix and match and have fun! Below is a list of red and white food ideas-  some on their own, and some mixed together:

• red licorice
• red hots
• cherry tomatoes and fresh mozeralla balls
• strawberries and cream
• raspberries and cream
• red macaroons and vanilla frosting
• marshmallows
• coconut balls
• powdered sugar cookies

Art Activity Ideas
Peppermint Garland
Buy several large bags of peppermint candies and twist ties. Have them out in large bowls on a table. Use a twist tie to tie the ends of a peppermint together. Now continue tying peppermints to each end. You can substitute small pieces of white yarn for the twist ties, and just tie the ends of the peppermints together with the yarn.

Red and White Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes
Spread red and white pipe cleaners out on a craft table, and let kids twist together and bend at the top. Voila, a candy cane pipe cleaner.... perfect as an ornament for a tree, or to tie on to a present.

Peppermint Frame
Get your glue gun out (or heavy duty glue) and some plain white inexpensive frames, and have guests glue peppermint candies to the front of the frame. Once covered, apply a generous amount of Modge Podge or similar acrylic clear coating to seal the candies. Let dry, and give to the guest to take home at the end of the party.

Game Ideas
Candy Cane Wrap
This is a take on a Halloween game called the Mummy wrap. Instead of toilet paper to wrap a person, use red and white crepe paper, and wrap the person like a candy cane! To play, have a team of 2 people be the "wrappers" and one person be the candy cane. Give each wrapper a crepe paper roll, one red and one white. Have the candy cane stand still in the middle, and have the wrappers walk around the cane until he/she is all wrapped up. Make sure to have the camera ready for a picture before the cane "breaks" through of the stripes!

Candy Cane Hunt
This game is just like an Easter Egg Hunt at Easter time, but instead of eggs, use wrapped "mini" candy canes. Depending on the party time and age of guests, you can hide the candy canes before the party, or while they are doing another activity. Limit the hunt to a room or specific area. When ready, give each guest a white bag and let the hunt begin!

Printable Peppermint Party Good

Free Peppermint Party Printables by B.Nute productions

Make sure to print out free Peppermint Party invitations and matching Peppermint Party Printables (candy bag label, menu cards, and tags) from B.Nute productions to accessorize the party!

...weekly roundup... an Ode to the Pumpkin

1. Pumpkin Waffles from Country Living, 2. Pumpkin Place Card from BHG, 

3. Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie from Delish.com, 4. Pumpkin Candies from Family Fun, 

5. Paper Pumpkins from Martha Stewart, 6. Pumpkin Bread Recipe from Country Living, 

7. Pumpkin Garland from BHG

Ode to the Pumpkin

It's big and orange and quite a delight,

it helps on Halloween to give a big fright.

It's festive and gay in your front foyer,

and looks perfect as well in your dining room display.

It's delicious to eat in so many ways

from pie to soup to pumpkin beignets!

So here's to the pumpkin, my favorite autumn thing

It's mighty and versatile and definitely the fall king!

I dedicate this weekly roundup to the pumpkin!  Enjoy.

...weekly roundup...

I just love this picture above! That's me in the tiger costume. How I LOVED that tiger costume! I think I was a tiger for 3 years in a row. I thought is was so exciting to get the face makeup too-- the 3 lines for whiskers. The thing I like the best out of this picture are my best friends. I am still close with almost all of them to this day! How great is that?

Well, Halloween is upon us! I'm sure your weekend is action packed like mine. Although my house decorations fell a little short this Halloween (I'll make up for it at the holidays, I swear), I'm still ready to go for the big spooky night. If you have a spare moment, between costumes and candy, check out these weekly round up links...

• This week I went Hollywood on my blog. I know, seems like a strange time of year to be featuring a Hollywood party, but I had a secret motivation... my daughters Halloween costume this year-- a Glamorous Movie Star and her upcoming birthday! I think we'll be getting glamorous pretty soon around here. I hope you enjoy the features and free printable "Hollywood Star" tags.

• Any moment now, I'll be heading to my kids classrooms for their Halloween parties. Did you see this post the other day at Kara's Party Ideas about a classroom Halloween Party submitted by One Charming Party? Wow! That room mom is the best, that's all I can say! 

• The last little Halloween party nugget-- did you see the Mad Hatter themed Halloween Party on Celebrations at Home. Love taking a year round theme and making it specific to a holiday...

• Here's a great decoration idea for any type of year... a Ribbon Canopy. Just change the ribbon color for your theme. How festive!

• Now that Halloween is almost past, it's HOLIDAY PARTY time!! Check out my List of Holiday Theme Parties post for a whole bunch of ideas for your gathering this year!

Have fun trick or treating!

Making a List... and Checking it Twice: List of Holiday Theme Parties

You know what's going to happen this Sunday night after trick or treating? The instant Halloween is over, Christmas will be everywhere... music in the grocery stores, ads on TV, the works! As much as you may want to ignore it... it will be here sooner than we think! So, no procrastinating this year. Here's a list of Holiday Theme Party Ideas.... I'm sure one of these ideas will be a perfect way to ring in the Holiday season with friends and family!

12 Days of Christmas Party - Partridge in a Pear Tree, Lords a Leaping, Maids a Milking, 5 Golden Rings and more... think of all the great imagery and decorations that could be used for this party! Also, it could be a lot of fun to have a scavenger hunt too!

Jingle Bells Party - Bells, bells and more bells will make this a festive party.

Oh Christmas Tree (O Tannembaum) Party - This could be a party specifically for decorating the tree, or a party just centered around the gorgeous holiday tree, either way, the tree gets to take center stage.

Deck the Halls - House Decorating or Tree Trimming Party - All will love to join in the festive spirit and deck the halls with merriment. You can have most of the decorations complete, and have folks help out with the final touches, or have guests make their own ornaments to bring home.

Caroling Party - When was the last time people came by your house to sing carols? Start the tradition this year, and your whole neighborhood will remember. After caroling, head back inside for warm treats and hot cocoa.

Frosty the Snowman Party - Decorate a snow man, watch the old holiday show, or make snow man as part of craft activity.

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer Party - Who wouldn't want to come to a party and play reindeer games?! All will love this party based on the nostalgic TV show!

Angelic "Rejoice" Party - "Angels we have heard on high" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" are just a few of the Christmas carols that come to mind that speak of angels. Deck your holiday house with silvers, light blues and etherial fabrics and accessories for this angelic affair!

Better Not Pout- Santa Claus is Coming to Town Party - The star of this party is definitely Santa and his arrival! A good old fashioned party with Santa Claus will bring smiles to all ages.

Naughty and Nice List Party - All will have fun sharing their nice list, and possibly their naughty list at a party filled with revelry and silliness.

Joy to the World/Peace on Earth Party - Peace symbols abound, this holiday party will celebrate peace on earth and good will towards men. It could even be a party where gifts are brought, then donated to a charity!

Presents, Packages & Bows Gift Exchange Party - Everyone loves getting a little gift... and a Holiday Gift Exchange is the perfect venue. Fill the space with packages and bows, and it will feel just like Christmas morning!

Hot Cocoa Bar and Dessert Party - Fill a bar of delicious morsels perfect for putting in a nice mug of hot cocoa, and layer your tiered plates full of delicious deserts. This will be a party that will warm up anyone!

Holiday Cocktail Party - Egg Nog, Spiced Rum and a Hot Toddy too... Get out the martini glasses and cocktail recipe book and have an 50's style Holiday Cocktail party with all the traditional standbys, and new concoctions too!

Let it Snow Snowflake Party - Decorate your space with snowflakes galore... falling from the ceiling, scattered on the table and floor with twinkle lights in abound... If you're lucky enough, it may even snow on the day of your party! This glittery, snowy party will put all in the mood for the Holiday season.

Nutcracker Party - Get out all your holiday Nutcrackers, put on the music from the ballet, and have yourself a Nutcracker party-- just like the party in the performance!

Messiah/Classical Holiday Music Party - Set an elegant buffet, play the beautiful classical music and enjoy the holiday season with friends and family!

Holiday Cookie and Dessert Party - Cake stands filled with delicious offerings, tiered platters with holiday morsels! This party will be perfect for all your sweet tooth friends and family.

Cookie Exchange Party - Who wouldn't want to come to a dessert or cookie exchange party. You bring a dozen cookies and leave with much more! A delicious holiday tradition.

Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Party - Hand make the gingerbread, or buy them undecorated, set out the decorations and frosting and have friends and family join in the fun of decorating the cookies! The best part of this party is you get to leave with lots of new friends-- your gingerbread cookies.

Gingerbread House Making Party - A holiday tradition for many, instead of just decorating a gingerbread house with your family, make it a party by inviting friends and family to come a decorate their gingerbread house too! After they are complete, set them up and take a picture of your Christmas village!

Holiday Baking Party - Get out the aprons and mixing bowls and invite friends over for a fun holiday baking party. Each person can bring their favorite recipe and ingredients and make them all together as a group. At the end, share the recipes and the tasty treats with everyone!

Old Fashioned Dickens' Christmas Party - A Victorian affair, filled with vintage charm is a great way to celebrate the season!

A North Pole Party with Santa, Mrs. Clause and the Elves - Transform your party space into the North Pole for a whimsical, festive affair all ages will have fun at!

Santa's Toy Workshop Party - Scatter vintage style toys around, and set up tinker workstations-- your holiday party setting is Santa's toy workshop, what a fun sight it will be!

Star of Bethlehem/Creche Party - This party is perfect for after the children's Christmas pageant at school or church. Set out your creche scene at the center of your serving table, play some traditional holiday music and enjoy the season with friends and family.

Popcorn and Cranberry Garland Making Party - Set out bowls of popcorn, cranberries and string and have guests make garland for your tree or for them to take home and put on theirs. You can offer different items to make other types of garland, like a bead garland or a candy garland.

Tartan Christmas Party - Tartan red and black is definitely the fabric for the Holidays. Have folks dress in their best Tartan and set you space up in reds and black. All will love the look and the fun!

Letter to Santa Party - Throw your holiday party early this year and have guests write their letters to Santa all together. Provide stationery, envelopes and stamps, as well as delicious treats and share your holiday wishes together!

Stockings by the Fire Party - Nothing says the holidays like a stockings hung carefully by a warm fire. Have guests bring their stocking, make a stocking or just come and get a treat from one of your stockings at your holiday party!

Mittens Party - Pin woolen mittens on strings throughout the space at this mitten party... when guests leave, have them take a pair home to keep warm!

Candy Cane or Ribbon Candy Party - Red and white and full of delight-- ribbon candy and candy canes are traditional symbols of the holiday season. Decorate your space filled with these candies, serve peppermint cocoa, and other treats and ring in the holiday season.

Sugarplum Candy Dessert Party - Jars and jars of candies should fill your space for this sugary sweet dessert party, no one will want to miss!

Twas the Night Before Christmas Party - Take cue for the old story for decorating and activity ideas! Wear a stocking or cap, hang sugarplums and candies, and definitely have Santa show up... a fun party for all to remember.

Sledding Party - If you live in snow country, gather friends and family at the local hill, set up some hot cocoa and treats and have a fun sledding party to celebrate the holiday season!

Christmas Ornament Making Party - Set up tables and have guests come and decorate ornaments to take home. Make sure to date the ornaments so you remember the party for years to come.

Elegant Damask Holiday Party - Get out the china and crystal, light the candles, and throw an elegant holiday party for your friends and family. We don't get dressed up nearly enough these days, so make sure folks know to wear their holiday best!

Holiday Craft or Card Making Party - Set out the craft tables, put out the art fixings and have friends come over for an afternoon or evening of crafting fun. You can create small gifts for friends and family or make cards. Have guests bring their favorite art supply to share.

Holidays Around the World Party: Celebration of Holiday Traditions Around the World - Spend some time researching holiday traditions around the world, and throw a party where you celebrate these great festivities. Not only will you educate your guests, but all will have fun in the process!

Tacky Christmas Outfit Party - Pull out that tacky holiday sweater and tie, and head over for some retro 1950's hors d'oeurves and laughs at this Tacky Christmas party. Make sure to bring the poloroid for some classic party shots!

Ornament Exchange Party - Wrap up a festive ornament and bring it to this party for an ornament exchange. All will have fun celebrating with friends and family, then leave with a treat for their tree at home.

Christmas Train/Polar Express Party - Set up the train under the tree, and invite all to a Polar Express, holiday train party. Old fashioned train tickets will be the perfect invite for this holiday affair.

Holiday Lights Party - Set out the strings of lights, and have friends and family decorate away. Or, if you live in an area that has a decorated street, after some time eating at home, head out on a walk with your party and enjoy the night and Christmas lights in your neighborhood.

Now, time to start planning... Happy Holidays!

...weekly roundup...

Halloween is approaching fast, and before we know it the holidays will be upon us! Hard to believe. This week has been another busy one for me! So many great customers and projects, I'm having a blast. Here's a recap:

• This week on my blog I featured ideas for an Old Fashioned Halloween Party- decorations, game ideas, a printable candy label, and even a printable art activity. I hope you enjoy them!
• Speaking of printables, I found a great site, ishareprintables where talented folks love to share their free printables (I've signed up as well.) Check it out, you may find that perfect decoration item for your next party.

Elegant Merry Cheer Holiday Photo Card by B.Nute productions on Etsy

• Although we're not yet in full Holiday swing, I've just started posting all my Holiday Card designs on my Etsy shop. Be sure to check them out, and find the right one for you this year! I promise to have many themes and designs to suit all styles!

Harvest Moon Lollipop Recipe from Delish

• Oh my, a Moon Pie! Don't these lollipop Moon Pies look delicious! 

Creative Halloween Pumpkin Ideas from BHG

• Are you carving pumpkins this weekend? Check out these creative pumpkin carvings for ideas!

Have a great weekend!

Old Fashioned Halloween Party - Printable Halloween Mask Art Activity

Printable Halloween Masks by B.Nute productions

Remember the craft activities you did at your school Halloween party in elementary school? You may still even have some of them tucked away in an old memory box. Below is an art activity suggestion that may be reminiscent of those projects, perfect for your Old Fashioned Halloween Party.

Decorate a Mask
Set up a table with crayons, markers and glitter glue; print out the free printable mask templates below; and have kids decorate away. Once finished punch a hole on either end, tie a string to the hole, and put the mask on the kids! Now they are ready for some costume party fun. Be sure to include some blank paper for kids who may want to make their own masks.

Printable Pumpkin Mask from B.Nute productions

Printable Cat Mask from B.Nute productions

Printable Owl Mask from B.Nute productions

Printable Ghost Mask from B.Nute productions

Have fun, and be sure to email me with pictures of your decorated mask!

Printable Old Fashioned Halloween Candy Bag Tags

Printable Old Fashioned Halloween Candy Tags by B.Nute productions

Trick or Treat

Give me something 

Good to eat!

Well, instead of having something to eat, how about something good to print? Below are some free printable Halloween Candy Bag Tags perfect for putting little tricks or treats in to give to special friends and neighbors this Halloween!

Printable Old Fashioned Halloween Bag Tags by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Candy Bag Tags
I suggest using a card stock to print out the label.
Select the image above, and print from your own printer.
Cut out the images, fold in half and stable to the top of your bag of treats.
Tags/Labels fit most snack and sandwich bags.

Yum, yum!

Printable items are copyright protect, and provided free of charge by B.Nute productions for personal use only. B.Nute's printables can not be sold, altered, or provided for download by any other site. For questions or inquiries, please contact B.Nute productions.

An Old Fashioned Halloween Party - Game Ideas

Bobbing for Apples- It must be a Halloween Party!

To continue with the old fashioned Halloween theme this week, here are some game ideas perfect for your Halloween party. Some may bring back memories from your childhood, or even your parent's childhood!

Bobbing for Apples
This is a great traditional game. I'd suggest doing this game on a warmer fall day since kids can get wet! Get out that large bucket, or tub, fill with water and apples, and there you have it!

I have heard in the past, that some folks (i.e., parents) are wary of this game since it may pass along nasty germs. (This would be a perfect candidate for a Myth Busters episode-- don't you think?)  An alternative to bobbing for apples is to hang the apple from a string and have the kids try to eat it. You can hang an apple for each child, so they have their own. The person to eat the most of their apple in, say, 5 minutes, wins!

Scavenger Hunt for a Witches Brew
Come up with a fun witches brew recipe and get kids on the hunt to find the ingredients! The items could be silly toys, or could be edible. Hide the items around your yard, or house, and provide clues to find each item... Be sure to include enough of the items at each stop for each child. Here are some brew recipes for your scavenger hunt:

Witches Brew #1: Toy Delights

• Lizard Tail (plastic toy lizard)
• Frog Legs (plastic toy frog)
• Handful of Hair (could be pieces cut from a pretend wig)
• Green Slime
• Eyeballs (toy eyeballs)
• Vampire Teeth (toy vampire teeth)

Witches Brew #2: Edible Delights

• Worms (candy chew worms)
• Eyeballs (eyeball candies available during Halloween time)
• Hair (licorice laces)
• Teeth (candy corn)
• Dirt (brownie crumbs)
• Bloody Juice (red fruit punch juice box)

Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin carving has come a long way since when we were kids. There are so many creative ideas and kits out there it's almost overwhelming! Depending on you party size, and the guests' ages, I advise you can go either the "advanced" route, or "back to the basics" route.
"Advanced" Pumpkin Carving
With so many ideas abound on the internet, as well as free printable stencils to make intricate designs, I thought I'd gather a bunch of links here so you have plenty of ideas to prepare or print out for your guests pumpkin carving fest

• Pumpkin Carving Ideas from BHG
• Pumpkin Decorating Ideas from Family Fun
• Pumpkin Decorating Ideas from Country Living
• Pumpkin Templates from Martha Stewart

"Back to Basics" Pumpkin Carving
Tell your guest the are limited to the basic shapes only (i.e., triangle, circle, square, mouth shape/half circle), and see what folks come up with! You may be surprised how different the pumpkins will look using the same basic shapes!

Another option, which can be great for young ones, is to just decorate the pumpkin with markers or stickers. This is a great alternative to avoid having to use a knife.

Fortune Teller
A simple gypsy fortune teller can add a lot of fun, mystery, and excitement to your party. Buy a vintage palm reading card or this retro Fortune Tellers Kit, put on a gypsy outfit, set up a table and let your fortune telling career begin! Silly fortunes will be a hit with young ones!

An Old Fashioned Halloween Party - Decoration Ideas and more...

Spooky Vintage Style Halloween Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Etsy

Bring back the Halloween party from yesteryear-- an old fashioned Halloween party with fun games, and art project that you may have done when you were a child. You remember... bobbing for apples, carving a pumpkin, wearing that hot halloween mask! Here are some decorating ideas to throw an Old Fashioned Halloween Party.

Inspiration Board for an Old Fashioned Halloween Party

Old Fashioned Halloween Party Inspiration Board

Spooky Banner

SpookyVintage Style Halloween Banner by B.Nute productions on Etsy

Hang on your mantle, at a doorway, or by a window and greet the halloween season with spooky vintage charm. Black glitter adorns each pendant, giving it an eery sparkle on a chilly fall evening. The word “spooky” glitters over the vintage imagery of halloween children. 

A Ben Cooper Vintage Halloween Costume

Old Vintage Costumes and Masks
Scour the internet for some vintage Halloween costumes and you'll be amazed the flood of memories from your childhood that may come back when you see what's out there! Vintage masks and costumes can be hung up around the party space for great accents. Hang on a clothes line, scatter and prop masks on a buffet table... be creative. If the costumes aren't too precious, perhaps have a dress up area for guests to have fun!

A little Halloween Costume History: If you grew up in the 60's or 70's you may have had the privilege of wearing a Ben Cooper costume for Halloween. Ben Cooper was one of the biggest brands of mass-produced costumes between the 1950's- 1970's. Head down a little memory lane and check out these links:

• Ben Cooper Halloween Costume Information
• Goblin Shop with Ben Cooper Costumes
• Images of Ben Cooper Costumes

Halloween Festooning from Blumchen

Old Fashioned Halloween Garland
One of my favorite shops for old fashioned garlands, crepe paper decorations and vintage holiday decorations is D. Blumchen & Company. If you have not perused their website yet, you are in for a treat! Make sure to check out their Halloween section and all their great vintage decoration items and ideas!

Beistle Halloween Cutouts

Old Fashioned Halloween Paper Cutout Decorations
Even with the stiff competition of animatronic Halloween mummies and vampires as well as folks parking full size hearses on their lawns for Halloween, vintage-style Paper cutout Halloween decorations are making a comeback! One company, who's in been in the business for a long while, Beistle Company have even re-released some of their all time classics. Take a look at some of their cutouts and see if any remind you of when you were growing up! Here are also some more links to vintage Halloween paper decorations:

• The Vintage Halloween Store- Cutouts
• Retroween Halloween Decorations

...weekly roundup...

Can you believe it's already October? It seems like just the other day I was lamenting how summer was ending, and now I'm full swing into Fall and excited about it! Pumpkins, Halloween costumes, and the Holiday rush ahead! Well, enough getting ahead of myself... time to slow down and share some highlights from the week:

• A vintage style Sports Ticket Invitation is my latest new addition to my Etsy shop.
• This week I highlighted many great Sports Party ideas-- games, a printable Sports Name Game activity, decoration ideas and more.
• Have you seen Cathe Holden's blog/website, Just Something I Made? One of my all time favorites. She's such a talented designer and so many ideas! You must check it out.
• Martha and her crew are up to it again-- have you seen this very cute Chalkboard Banner/Bunting? 
• Yum, yum, I saw this delicious recipe for a Salted Golden Carmel Bar online this week-- it's basically a gourmet Rice Krispy treat. I think I need to make it this weekend!

Have a great weekend!

Vintage Style Halloween Masks Party

Pottery Barn Kids Halloween Party Decorations

I just received the latest Pottery Barn Kids catalog, and oh man-- their Halloween party decor fits perfectly with one of my Halloween invitations - the Vintage Style Halloween Masks invite below.

Vintage Style Halloween Masks Party Invitation by B.Nute productions on Etsy

I love these Mini Treat Bucket ornaments too!

Pottery Barn Kids Mini Treat Bucket Ornaments

They are very cute as candy holders, but could also have a little plant in them too as a table centerpiece.

...weekly roundup...

Gnome Costume from Family Fun Website

Friday is upon us again! We have a big weekend ahead, a belated birthday (pictures to come, I promise...) and big family news... the four legged kind. We are evaluating a rescue dog this weekend, and will share all about it when we know more! In the meantime, here are some little tidbits for your perusal.

• Although my weekend is packed full of fun and new experiences, I wish I could also be going to Country Living's Fair in Ohio. Has anyone of you readers been before?
• Some quick shop news-- I've updated my Nursery Rhyme Baby Shower invitation and posted it! Sweet vintage fun for your upcoming little one!
• I bought the Family Fun Halloween special Magazine the other day. Just love the kids costume ideas... The gnome is adorable!
• Are you a B.Nute productions facebook fan yet? I've been working on jazzing up my fan page, and would love to have you there too! Great party ideas, giveaways, printables and more!
• Planning your Halloween bash? Be sure to check out my collection-- as well as my two latest additions, a Monster Bash party and an Unlucky 13 party!

Unlucky 13 Halloween Party

Unlucky 13 Halloween or Friday the 13th Party Invitations by B.Nute productions on Etsy

Just posted a new invitation in my Etsy shop...

perfect for all you superstitious folk!

...weekly roundup...

10 Years Since Camp Nutenbeier-- My Summer Camp Wedding

It's been a busy week here at B.Nute productions. Lots of work, and new items posted. Below is a round up of the latest and greatest:

• I've been a busy bee trying to update my website full of great party ideas, holiday party ideas, party resources, and of course very cool designs! Check it out.
• I've been wanting to create a series of Paper Doll Party Invitations... and finally have had the opportunity. This week I posted a Halloween Paper Doll Costume Party invitation. I love how it turned out. Keep posted for the next ones to come... a Wedding Shower Paper Doll Party, Baby Shower Paper Doll Party, Princess Paper Doll Party, etc.!
• My son's {very belated} birthday party is coming up... a Pro Sports Championship party... new invite too. I'll post it soon!
• Preppy is back, and I'm ready... Check out my new Preppy Paisley party invites- perfect for a wedding shower, baby shower, birthday or any occassion!

I'm looking forward to the weekend... my husband and I are going to get a chance to celebrate 10 wonderful years! Can't wait for many, many more...

Gothic Style Halloween Party: Art Activities and Game Ideas

Gothic Style Halloween Party Art Activities
Depending on the timing or day of your party, an area set up with some art projects may be a perfect activity for your Haunted Halloween party.

Witches Book of Spells

Create a Spell Book
There's nothing more ghoulish than a bunch of evil spells to turn your guests into toads, snails or gargoyles! You could make this easy by writing a few spells an having kids decorate the page, or write up several lines that folks can use to mix and match to create their own wicked spell. Here are some examples of some spells, serious and silly:

• Sample of Varied Spells
• Samples of Playful Spells Written by Children
• Funny Spells for Halloween
• Simple Guide to Writing Your Own Spell
• Magic Spell Tips

Example Downloadable Halloween Coloring Page

Haunted Coloring Pages
Here's a links to many, many Halloween coloring pages online. Some are a "cute" and some are "scary." Pick the ones that fit your party best!

• Google Search for Halloween Coloring Pages

Design Your Own Gravestone
A morbid project, perfect for your gothic Halloween affair! Cut out gravestone shapes from card stock and have all guests decorate their own tombstone with an epitaph. When done, hang them all on a wall, and create your parties' own graveyard! You could turn this into a game, by having guests create their own tombstone, but leave off their name. Again, hang these on a wall, and have guests guess who's tomb is whos!

1950's Articulated Paper Glow in the Dark Skeleton

Pin the Bone on the Skeleton
Buy a pre-made "jointed" skeleton (or create your own paper skeleton) and disassemble so you have all the bones in separate pieces. Start by placing the skull on the wall, and then blindfold guests, hand them a bone/body part and let them guess where to put it. You could give them a hint by telling them which bone they have (i.e., "You have a foot bone.") or just let them guess by the shape and size of the item in their hand! In the end, you will have one mixed up bag of bones!

Gothic Style Halloween Game Ideas
Here are some frightfully fun game ideas for your Halloween party.

"There was an abandoned church at the end of the street
that no one went near for years...
until one fateful Halloween evening..."

Tell Ghost Stories
When was the last time you were told some ghost stories? This can be a great idea for your haunted party. Make sure to set the mood. Turn off the lights and only have a few candles flickering to read by. All gather around in a circle, by a fireplace preferably, and begin reading. Make sure to have lots of pillows and blankets available so folks can be comfortable, and have a place to hide when they are afraid! Here are some links to some ghost stories and tales online:

Build a Haunted Tale
An alternative to just reading a ghost story is to make the story a group effort. Have everyone sit around in a circle, and begin with one person who starts the story. He/She should only make up a few sentences, or until there's enough suspense to move on to the next person. As the story moves around the circle it should build and build, and hopefully be very different than what the first person thought it would be! To start the game, you can begin by providing a title, or have the group create a title once it's complete!

Flashlight Tag
Flashlight tag could be played in a dark house, a dark yard, or better yet, a graveyard! The rules are pretty simple; the person who is it has a flashlight. If you are "tagged" by the light, then you are out. The last person tagged becomes "it."

In general, flashlights can be a game unto itself if there are little kids around. Make sure to have plenty on hand for an evening of fun!

Enjoy!

Gothic Style Halloween Party: Decoration Ideas

Close Up from B.Nute productions Halloween Haunt Gothic Invitation on Etsy

Although Halloween seems to be a far way off, stores are brimming with great Halloween decorations! It's also never to early to be thinking about your Halloween party! This week I'm going to be featuring ideas for a frightful Halloween Haunt Gothic Style Party... I hope you enjoy!

Inspiration Board

Pre-Made Gothic Style Halloween Decorations
If you are willing to spend some money and have space to store the items, there are amazing gothic-style decorations that can be bought online. Check out this link to many inspirational decoration ideas: Gothic Halloween Decorations.

Framed Cemetery and Graveyard Pictures
Head to your local graveyard and start snapping some pictures. Try close ups, funny angles and distorted perspectives. When home, in you favorite photo program, convert the to black and white and print away. Purchase used frames, or "distressed" ornate frames and hang or place in groups around the party area. Remove all pictures of "live" people, and make sure to only feature the dead ones!

Martha Stewart.com Has Many Great Inspirational Pictures

A Spooky Mantle: Candles, Dried Roses, A Gargoyle Statue, Old Potions and More...
Imagine being in an old Victorian house that has been boarded up for years. Picture what the mantle may have looked like in the parlor, if no one had touched it in over 100 years... Candles 1/2 gone, roses dried, artwork discolored, dusty old bottles and spider webs galore. This is the perfect scene for your mantle at this party!

Cheesecloth
There's nothing better than cheesecloth to add spook to your space. Best yet, it's pretty inexpensive! I've purchased yards and yards of it and hung it up as tattered curtains in my windows and doorways.

All you need to do is tear and stretch (once hung) to give the tattered look. For also some aging, you water down some brown acrylic paint in a spray bottle. Then (before hanging) spray the cheesecloth to give it the perfect aged look.

(Also, be sure to check out this great Cheesecloth ghost decoration from Country Living.)

Photo from Country Living Website

Old White Sheets - the Abandoned House Look
There's a neighborhood near us that goes all out for Halloween! It helps that the houses are also the perfect style for Halloween, but the decorations these folks pull out are just amazing. One house in particular creates a look of an old abandoned haunted house. They drape all their furniture with old white sheets to make it look like no one has lived there for years. Although, as trick or treaters we never go in the house, as you head up to the door, you can look into their big picture windows and see the spooky set up! It's just perfect!

For Your Amusement- Cool Exhibit

While travelling the other day through SFO, I got to check out a very cool exhibit of vintage slot machines.


They all had great graphics on them... Hard to capture, but here's a little taste.



This one would look great in a casino at North Shore Lake Tahoe.



A great Halloween one...



Art Deco style too...

So, if you're travelling United in or out of SFO, be sure to check it out!