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Monday, January 31, 2011

How to Throw a Craft Party

Craft Party Inspiration Board including
Valentine Craft Party Invitation by B.Nute productions
Whether you're young, old or somewher in between, a Craft Party is always a hit! Even your most "uncreative" friends (as they call themselves) will enjoy a couple hours of cutting, pasting, and decorating with good friends!

A Craft Party can be held anytime of the year you want to be creative with friends, but is especially good during holidays such as Valentines, Easter or Christmas. Here are some tips on how to throw your own Craft Party.

Guest List - Adults Only? Kids Only? Adults and Kids?
The first decision in throwing a Craft party is who do you want to come. A crafty morning, afternoon or evening with friends is a great way to relax and have some quality "girl" time. So many times we wish we had more time to sit down and make something by hand... now here's your chance.

On the other hand, your little artist may love to have a Craft/Artist Party for her birthday, say. This may be a daunting thought (visions of painted handprints covering your living room walls), but when planned carefully this party can definitely be a hit and kept under control. If the kids are very little (preschool or toddler age) it may be best to make sure a parent comes too, to enjoy craft making and help her little artist.

Once you've decided your guest list, this will help tailor the rest of the questions you need to decide to host your party.

Pick a Craft
Obviously the craft you choose to make should be geared towards your guests age and ability... but here are some suggestions on things to make:
Holiday Themed Crafts
Valentine Crafts
Valentines Day and card making go hand in hand together! Get out your doilies, hearts, red and pink paper, glitter and more, and get to work! Think up some fun extras to add to the mix, like fabric trims, ribbon, embroidery thread (for stitching on a card), old Valentine ephemera, playing cards (especially the Heart suit), and more.
Another crafty idea for Valentines is to make candy. There are many candy making kits available at craft stores; how about candy lollipops, chocolate hearts, or bonbons?
Easter Crafts
Family and friends will love a homemade Easter card. Similar to Valentine card making, find a bunch of extra embellishments for folks to put on their card. A great easter card is to simply start with an egg shape on the card, and then create several different designs in the egg using pens, glitter, fabrics, notions and more.
Easter is also a great time to decorate eggs of course. Whether you'd like a crafty afternoon of egg dying, or creating egg ornaments, friends will love this traditional Easter craft activity.
Halloween Crafts
Pumpkin carving parties, costume parties and more usually dominate this holiday, so throw a twist and host a Craft Halloween Party. Host it in early October, with the intention of creating Halloween decorations to use around your house, or give to friends as gifts. Make Halloween garlands, a wreath for the front door, or even decorate a canvas bag or two to give to your kids to use while trick or treating. There are so many great Halloween craft accessories available this time of year, I'm sure something at the craft store will catch your eye!
Christmas Crafts
Christmas is craft season. There are shelves full of crafty gift and card ideas for Christmas and the holidays at the library. Check out several of these books, and pick out your favorite activities to create at your Christmas Craft Party.


Adult Craft Party
UFO's
In the crafting world, a UFO is an UnFinished Object... you know the one... that wreath you started to make for your front door but never finished, or how about that mosaic table top collage that got started and never finished. This party is all about bringing those unfinished pieces back to life, and get them done!
Knitting
Knitting is a great way to gather friends and have some fun crafting and chatting. If you have beginner knitters, be sure to have either some "how to" books available, or if someone is an expert, have the help them get started. You can come up with a project (a simple scarf, perhaps), and provide supplies, or have friends bring their own projects and just have fun knitting together. The internet is a wealth of information on knitting circle ideas.
Paper Crafts
If you search paper crafts on the internet, I'm sure something will tickle your creative fancy! Pick a project or two, purchase some decorative papers, gather friends, and have fun!
Jewelry Making
Ask friends to bring a pound (or more?) of different types of beads. Now, at the party you will have your very own "jewelry making store"... with a plethora of bead choices to use!

Make it Pot Luck
A pot luck craft party is a great way to share the expense of all the crafting supplies. Have guests bring either their own supplies, or better yet, assign them an element of the craft, or their favorite items. Once all together, you will have a bounty of supplies to create the objects you desire!

The Set Up
A large table is essential for this party. Depending on the craft (messy, relatively clean) it may be necessary to cover the table with a plastic table cloth. Set out either a buffet of crafting supplies and/or set bowls of craft pieces in the middle of the table. Now it's time to create!

Something to Nibble and Sip
Be sure to have some nibbles to eat and something to drink. No need to get to elaborate with this, since the focus on the party is crafting! How about a mini-sweet treats table with coffee, hot cocoa and tea? If you're having a crafty morning, how about bagels with loads of fixin's and coffee. For a crafty evening, some savory appetizers, and wine will definitely please the crowd!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Free Printable Queen of the Sea Crown

Free Printable Queen of the Sea Crown by B.Nute productions
Attention all mermaids, mermen and dreamy Under the Sea lovers... Here's a feee printable crown perfect for you to wear on your special day. Whether it is your Under the Sea Party, or any day you feel like exploring the enchanted ocean world, be sure to print out this vintage style crown filled with beautiful shells, sparkling mermaids and a touch of glitter!

Free Printable Queen of the Sea Crown by B.Nute productions
Instructions to Make Your Under the Sea Queen Crown
1. Select the above image and print out on card stock. (Print in landscape mode)
2. Cut out crown.
3. Add glitter or embellishments as desired.
4. Punch holes in either end, and string with fancy ribbon.
5. Tie crown to your head, and have an enchanted birthday!


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.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Under the Sea Party: Art Activity Ideas

Under the Sea party Coloring Page by B.Nute productions
After running around like jelly fish and mermaid, how about set out some creative Under the Sea Art Activities for your school of fish at your party! Below is a free Under the Sea coloring page, as well as several art activity suggestions for your Under the Sea party.

Free Printable Under the Sea Coloring Page
Set out some crayons, markers, glitter and other art supplies, print out this coloring page, and have a coloring contest!
Under the Sea Coloring Page by B.Nute productions
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 Under the Sea Party Art Activity Ideas

Sea Shell Flip Flops
Get out the glue gun, purchase some small sea shells and inexpensive flip flops and start gluing! You could add some raffia tassels to them as well for some added flair!


Swedish Fish Necklace
Set out some colorful turquoise thin ribbon, some large plastic sewing needles (especially made for little hands), and a bowl or 2 of Swedish Fish and it's time to make some necklaces. Have the kids string 3-5 fish on the necklace. Then, it's the fun part, they get to wear it and eat it too!


Sea Shell Frame
Buy packs of sea shells and wooden frames at the craft store. Set out a table with bowls of the shells, craft glue and the frames and let the guest make their own shell frames. Be sure to take several pictures at the party to give to them to put in the frame after the party!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Under the Sea Party: Game Ideas

Throwing an enchanted Under the Sea Party? Looking for ideas on how to entertain the crowd? Look no further! Here are a bunch of game ideas perfect to get those little mermaids and fish tired out!

Under the Sea Party Games
Fish for Treasure
I remember this game from my elementary school fair way back when! How fun it was to see what I would "catch" on my fishing rod! To play this game, all you need is a tub/large box or container, some pretend fishing rods, toys and magnets, and there you'll have your very own fishing hole!

Create some simple fishing rods with long sticks and a sting tied to the end. At the end of the string, tie a magnet. Now attach another magnet to a small toy. Fill a large tub (i.e., plastic container, or cardboard box) with all the small toys with magnets. Have children line up and fish for a toy!

Jelly Fish Relay
Set up an obstacle course around your yard, park or party space. Make the obstacles that are part of the course named after areas in the sea, such as: a coral field - a bunch of chairs that they need to zig zag through; an underwater cave - a play tube the kids need to crawl though; the deep abyss - a fold up table the kids need to crawl under; a jelly fish swarm - hang many crepe paper strings from the ceiling or branches of a tree that they have to "swim" through; the tide pools - put out a kiddie pool with only an inch of water in it that they need to skip through; etc. Have fun with the areas and ideas. Now simply line the kids up and have them run through the course!

Shell Hunt
Think how much fun kids have on Easter for an Easter egg hunt. Why not use the same concept, and just replace eggs with shells. The kids will love to gather the shells, and have them keep them as part of another craft or a goodie bag gift.

King Neptune Says
Here's a spin on Simon Says... same rules, just make Simon into King Neptune. If you can find a crown, a turquoise cape, and Neptune's trident for the "new" Simon, even better!

Under Water Dress Ups
Kids love dress ups, so why not set out a box of Under the Sea dress ups for the kids to put on and have fun. Here are ideas on what to put in the box:

  • King Neptune's Crown
  • Mermaid Crowns
  • King Neptune's Trident
  • Mermaid tails (perhaps this can be as easy at simple green sequin skirts with elastic waists.)
  • Mermaid bikini tops
  • Shell Accessories (necklaces, hair clips, etc)
  • Fish Masks

Monday, January 24, 2011

Under the Sea Party: Decoration Ideas, Menu Ideas and More...

Under the Sea Party Inspiration Board
including Under the Sea Party Invitation by B.Nute productions
Dive into a magical underwater world filled with colorful fish, shells, dancing jelly fish and mermaids too.. welcome to your dreamy Under the Sea Party! Below are some decoration ideas and more for your enchanted affair, all will adore.

Decoration Ideas
Water - Of course an Under the Sea Party needs water-- but who is willing to flood their living room with water? No need to go to those lengths, just head out to your local party store and pick up some rolls of blue and green cellophane. Now, have fun decorating. Cover the windows with the cellophane, or crumple up large pieces and cut into long strips and hang from the doorway or ceiling. Guests will have to wade through the space, and love it!

Another great water accent is to fill glass fish bowls with fish (real or pretend aquarium fish) and set out on the buffet table or dining table.

Sand - Fill a kiddie swim pool with play sand, and set outside for some fun playtime. If you'd like to use sand as an accent, fill in small glass bowls or vases with a couple shells and put on the buffet for a great look.

Sea Shells - There are several places on the internet to find sea shells to decorate your space. Check out Oriental Trading for inexpensive shell decorations. Place shells in glass vases with sand, or just scatter about the buffet table and party space. A shell garland to string up is perfect as well.

Seaweed - Cut out large green seaweed shaped from construction paper, and place around the party space. Also, hang green crepe paper strips from the ceiling for more seaweed the guests can "swim" through!

Bubbles - Cut long, single row strips of bubble wrap and hang from the ceiling for more aquarium fun. Another way to add bubbles is by having a bubble machine in the corner blowing out loads of bubble at the party goers. All little ones love bubbles!

Fish and a Fish Net - Purchase a fish net and hang from the ceiling. Now dangle decorative paper fish from fishing wire from the net. Your space is now truly becoming an underwater scene!

Vintage Maritime and Seaside Imagery - Old seaside imagery would be perfect to frame in a weathered wood frame and put next to the buffet table.

Shabby Chic/Weathered Accents - This party is the perfect time to get out those Shabby Chic furniture pieces to use to serve food or put goodie bags on. A weathered wood tray or crate would be great to put drinks or other food items in for folks to grab and go.

Menu Ideas
Below is a list of food ideas perfect for an Under the Sea Party

  • Fish Sticks
  • Tuna Sandwiches
  • Sushi
  • Small Sandwiches Cut Out in Fish Shapes
  • Gold Fish Crackers
  • Under the Sea Treasure Snack Mix (Salty/Sweet Cereal Mix)

By the Boardwalk Treats

  • Salt Water Taffy
  • Extra Large Lollipops
  • Pink Popcorn Balls
  • Pink Cotton Candy

Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Vintage Valentine Love Letter: Free Printable Paper and How To's



Sharpen those pencils... and get out the thesaurus, it's time to start crafting your Valentine love letter to that special someone! Below is a vintage-style printable love letter paper, just for you as well as some love letter writing tips gleaned from around the web.

Free Printable Vintage Valentine Love Letter Paper by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Vintage Valentine Love Letter Paper
1. Select each link above, and print out the page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper.Try using a linen finish, to add some richness to the look.
2. Get out your pen, and start writing!
3. Seal with a kiss and give to a loved one.

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.


Tips for Writing a Love Letter
Across the web are many sites that give tips for writing a love note to that special someone. At first, I may say, don't use any of it, just write from your heart, and it will perfect... but then once I dove in to the content, I found there were some very helpful tips! Here's a summary:

Content Ideas
Write about reasons why you fell in love - possibly the moment... or the time in your life. Recall some special moments, specific memories. Mention qualities in your partner that sets him/her apart. Describe how meeting this person changed your life for the better.


Use Nice Stationery
Well, duh! Many sites suggest this, hence, the lovely love letter printable paper above!

Make it a Keepsake
Be sure to date the love letter and sign it too! Think of that box that he'll/she'll be saving with all your letters that someday will be discovered by a great great grandchild, a date in the past will make the letter even more precious.

The Delivery
Don't forget how you'll actually give this letter to that special someone. Of course, just handing to them is great, but what about something more special-- hide it in an unexpected place, mail it, leave it somewhere he/she may never expect you to be (say on his desk at work, yet you don't work at the same place...)

Some More Love Letter Links
Romantic Love Letters
Get Romantic: Write a Love Letter in 6 Easy Steps
Letter Writing Guide: Writing a Love Letter
Love Letter Samples

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Free Printable Vintage Valentine Tags


Here's some vintage Valentine goodies perfect for your loved ones. Print out, and tie on sweet treat bags, or wrap up a bundle of love coupons and add one of these tags, the perfect paper accessory for your vintage Valentine's Day!
Free Printable Vintage Valentine Tags by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Vintage Valentine Tags
1. Select each link above, and print out the page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. I suggest a card stock to give the tags some weight.
2. Cut out tags, and punch a hole in them.
3. String with a vintage ribbon and hang on a gift, goodie bag, or even in a windowsill as a perfect vintage Valentine decoration!

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.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

A Little Romance Valentine Party: Decoration Ideas

A Little Romance Party Inspiration Board by B.Nute productions
Romantics rejoice! It's that time of year... Valentines is coming and it's time to celebrate. For all you vintage-loving romantics, this party is perfect for you. An afternoon Valentine Tea, a Valentine Chocolate Party, a Romantics Wedding Shower, this A Little Romance Party is perfect!

Decoration Ideas

Vintage Valentine Imagery - This party is the perfect place to display all that vintage Valentine imagery you've been collecting! Put the imagery in fancy frames on the buffet, or one at each person's place at the table. Use as gift tags (more on this in a later post!) or wrappers for a chocolate treat... the look will be perfect for this party.


Roses and Peonies - Fresh flowers are definitely a must around your party space. Roses are, of course, "the" Valentine flower, but also look into a bouquet of Peonies. Their ruffled petals are soft and gorgeous, and quite romantic!


Love Letters and Old Postcards - Who wouldn't want to receive a sweet love letter on Valentines? Use these old treasures around your party for a great accent. Spread out old postcards across the buffet table or as a center runner on the dining table; hang postcards from an old fashioned wire postcard display; or frame a few and put on the buffet.



Ruffles and Lace - This ruffled pillow in the picture above is dreamy! Add a couple like these to your couch for a soft look. Find some old lace at a vintage store, and drape around your chandelier. Or, if you can sew, add lace accents to napkins or a table cloth.


Cupids - I must admit, cupids can be quite trite... and frankly, there are many awful cupid images out on the market! The key is to find one that has a vintage feel. An old cupid stone statue surrounded by flowers and other vintage goodies could be a great centerpiece for the buffet or party table.


Blumchen.com Victorian Valentine Party Favors
Treat Cones and Victorian Goodies - Of course, this party is aching for Victorian Valentine goodies as well! Fussie Mussie posie baskets, treat cones, candy baskets, and more. Blumchen.com is a perfect source for these Victorian items!


A Little Romance Valentine (or Wedding Shower) Party Invitation by B.Nute productions
A Little Romance Party Invitations and Matching Decorations
Of course, don't forget matching A Little Romance Party invitations decorations from B.Nute productions! Hand drawn backgrounds, collaged vintage ephemera, and a soft romantic feel, these paper goods are the perfect look for this romantic party.

A Little Romance "Be Mine" Banner by B.Nute productions
That's all the romance for today... much more ahead this week!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Matching Printable Party Goods

B.Nute productions' Princess and Knight Royal Party Printable Collection
I'm so excited to finally take the time to put all my matching party goods together and list them in my etsy store! Yes, for some time I've had matching personalized banners and personalized tags for many of my invitations, but behind the scenes, I've made many customers other goodies to go along with the theme... from stickers, and cupcake toppers to menu cards, and thank you postcards!

B.Nute productions' matching Princess and Knight Royal Party Assorted Printable Party Cards
So, in the next coming month, I'll be listing all these matching goodies as printables - or digital files that I personalize for you, then you can print them at home (or a photo/copy center). The beauty of the "printable" route, is you can print as many as you need, however you please! Of course, I'm happy to print them for you as well, just let me know and I can give you prices.

Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to email me if you don't see the matching items to the theme you'd like, I'm sure I have them ready to go!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Free Printable MLK Dream Banner

Free Printable "I had a dream..." Banner by B.Nute productions
With Martin Luther King weekend upon us, it's time to ask yourself, what's your dream? There are, of course, the big ones... world peace, equality, understanding and acceptance of differences, etc. But what more specifically? What are your dreams?

I made this "Dream" banner last year, and feel that this year I must share it... Print it out, hang it up, and dream... that's your job this weekend!
I Had a Dream Printable Banner by B.Nute productions (d and r)
I Had a Dream Printable Banner by B.Nute productions (e and a)
I Had a Dream Banner by B.Nute productions (m)

Instructions for Making "I had a dream" Banner
1. Select each link above, and print out the page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. I suggest a card stock to give the pennants some weight.
2. Cut out each pennant. 
3. Use a hole punch and make a hole in the upper left and right hand side of each pennant.
4. String a ribbon through the holes, and hang!

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.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Robot Party: Game Ideas and Free Printable Scavenger Hunt

Free Printable Robot Scavenger Hunt Game by B.Nute productions
It's a known fact that robots love to play games! Below are a bunch of ideas perfect for keeping your robots moving and happy at your Robot Party.

Robot Scavenger Hunt Game
Print out these scavenger hunt cards and have kids hunting for robot parts! Hide a screw, a dial, a gear, an antenna, a spring, a nut around the party space. Make sure to have a computer somewhere that can be found as well as possibly as some appliance or items with a meter or gage. Once everything is hidden well, hand out these cards and let the kids hunt. Place them in teams if it's easier. For the first team to finish have a prize... Or just have a prize for all that finish!
Free Printable Robot Party Scavenger Hunt Game
Instructions for Making Robot Party Scavenger Hunt Game
1. Select each link above, and print out the page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper (in landscape mode). I suggest a card stock to give the cards some weight.
2. Cut out scavenger hunt cards.
3. Hide items on card, and have kids hunt!

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 Game Ideas
Robot Dance Contest
Put on those electronic tunes and have the kids do their best robot dance moves! Give prizes for most creative, best move, most robot-like, etc. Here are some great robot-inspired tunes to play:

  • Mr. Roboto by Styx
  • Robot Parade by They Might Be Giants
  • Become a Robot by They Might Be Giants
  • Weird Science by Oingo Boingo
  • She Blinded Me with Science by Thomas Dolby
  • The Jetson's Theme Song
Robot Relays
Get 2 robot costumes out (i.e., decorated card board boxes, antenna, and pieces of heating duct -to be used as robot arms or legs). Split the party into teams. Each person needs to put on the costume (when it is his/her turn) and run or robot walk your relay course. After he/she is finished, he takes off the costume and passes it to his next team member to put on. First team to finish wins!

Pin the Part on the Robot
Cut out large rectangular shapes from construction paper. One for a body, 2 arms, 2 legs, a head, antenna, hands, feet, etc. You can be as creative as you'd like with your robot design with the construction paper. Place the body on the wall. Now blindfold each child and hand them one body part. Have them place it on the wall with a small piece of double stick tape on the back. Kids will love the look of the mixed up robot once complete!

Retro Robot Windup Race
Purchase several windup toy robots, draw a chalk "course" on your driveway, and have kids race the robots. Which robot is fastest? Which is slowest? Which walks in the most straight line? Have fun by giving the robots names and having them cheer on their favorite one!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

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!

Monday, January 10, 2011

Robot Party: Decoration Ideas, Menu Ideas and More

Retro Robot Party Invitation and Inspiration Board by B.Nute productions
Calling all robots... time to gear up for a retro party full of nuts, bolds, gauges, screws, levers and space age fun! Below are some decoration and menu ideas for your Robot party - a perfect match for that retro feel.

DECORATION IDEAS
Mylar Wrapping Paper - If it's silver, and shimmery, it's perfect for the look of the party. Wrap the front door, hand strips on a wall, for a mirror/metallic wall look, or use as a table runner or on the buffet. Metallic silver mylar wrapping paper is a must.

Retro or Space Age Fabrics - Go online or to your local fabric store and pick out some retro fabrics to add to the space. These can be turned into a table cloth, place mats, napkins or just stretched on canvas and hung up in the party space. Here are two examples of retro fabrics: Retro Robot Fabric and Jetsons Fabric.

Retro Robots (of course) - Definitely head online or to the store and pick up several retro robot toys to put around your party space. The come in so many different colors, shapes and sizes, the kids will love to play with them.

Bubble Wrap - Wrap empty gift or shoe boxes with bubble wrap and stack around the buffet table or on the center of the eating table for a textured, space age look.

Flexible Heating Ducts - Cut these metallic gems into different size segments (say, 1', 1.5', 3/4', etc) and hang from the ceiling to give a robot factory-like look. Or, just drape long tubes around the party space. These can also be great for using for dress ups for the kids to put their arms and legs into to walk like a robot. You may want to duct tape the cut edges to they aren't sharp.

Hardware Store Items: Nuts, Bolts and More- Your local hardware store may be just the answer to your decorating needs for this party. Fill jars up with nuts, bolts, screws, and springs and set about the party space. Also, pick up some dials, gears, and gages to add to the look.

Old Computer Circuit Boards If you can get your hands on some old computer circuit boards, these would be great for decoration. You could even frame a piece, or better yet, some pictures of circuit boards and prop on the buffet table.

Tin Foil Pans - One tin pan may seem strange, but how about stringing several in a row to make a "tin pan" bunting... or place different sized tin pans artfully on a mylar covered wall to pretend to be computer gauges, dials and gadgets.



MENU IDEAS
Here are just a few menu ideas to match your Robot themed party.

Nuts & Bolts - Well, this one is a given! Who doesn't like a nuts and bolts snack mix, and it fits the theme so well!

Computer Chips - Set out a bowl of chips, and there you have it-- computer chips! Any flavor will do, but better yet, the veggie chips that have green in them will look great!

Space Cheese Balls - A bowl of cheddar cheese balls are delicious pick up food, and tasty too.

Robot Fuel Smoothies - Blend up some fruit smoothies and call them different types of fuels - Jet Fuel, Robot Lubrication, Gear Moving Fuel, etc. The kids will love them, not only because of their name, but also because they taste so good!

Assorted Parts Skewers - Fruit skewers balled or in small shapes are healthy and great for the theme.

Cork Screw Pasta - You can't go wrong with a big bowl of rotini or cork screw pasta. You could just have it plain with butter and cheese, or make a pasta salad for the crowd.

Chocolate Milk in an "Oil Can" - Fill some tin cups with chocolate milk for some "oil" for the robots. Put some funnels near the cups to add to the look.

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Stay tuned for more robot ideas this week!

Friday, January 7, 2011

...weekly roundup: hurray for Dots 'n Stripes...

1. Red and White Polka Dot Straws from Bake It Pretty
2. Polka Dot and Checks Linens from Country Living
3. Polka Dot Cupcake Liners from Bake It Pretty
4. Polka Dot Cake Stand on Amazon
6. Striped Table Cloth from KMart

It's been a busy week at B.Nute productions-- a great way to kick off the New Year and get back into the swing of things after vacation!! Today is my homage to polka dots and stripes, in honor of my newest free printable party, a Dots 'n Stripes Party.

Enjoy and have a great weekend!