Poisson d'Avril: April Fool's Day Tradition in France

Poisson d'Avril - France's April Fool's Day Tradition

I love learning about different traditions celebrated in other countries. When I first heard how the French celebrate April Fool's Day I was quite confused. The day is called Poisson d'Avril and the tradition is to tape a paper fish drawing on to your friend's back without them knowing. It has the same light hearted silliness as a prank one might play on April Fool's Day in the United States, but the prank never changes. It's always a fish. So, why the name "April fish" and how did the tradition come to be?

Free Printable Candy Jar Coloring Page

Free Printable "Fill the Jars with Candy" Coloring Page by B.Nute productions

Spring vacation time is happening now all around the nation and kids will be out of school. From a mom's point of view, that either means plane rides, car rides, or time at home where the kids will be looking for things to do. Be prepared for those "I'm bored" moments by printing out this free printable Fill the Jars with Candy coloring page. There's nothing like dreaming up jars filled with colorful candy to get your kids happy. Perhaps entice them with a candy once they finish the drawing. Nothing like a little incentive to get them going!

Free Printable Candy Jar Coloring Page

Fill the Jars with Candy Coloring Page by B.Nute productions

Instructions for Making Your Coloring Page
1. Select each link above, and print out the coloring page on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper (print in landscape mode). 
2. Place on a table with crayons, pens and other art supplies.
3. Watch the jars of candy fill up!

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.

1940's Swing Dance Party Invitations and Party Ideas

40's Swing Dance Party Invitations by B.Nute productions

I can just hear the big band playing... the drums start with a lively beat. In come the trumpets, showing their flare. Next up is the trombone, sax and cymbals chiming away. In pops the clarinet for a solo, and then the sultry voice... and what a voice it is. This is 40's swing music and it's the perfect theme for your upcoming party. Whether you are having a milestone birthday, hosting a retro gal gathering, or organizing the school dance, this theme and these 40's Swing Dance Spectacular invitations are just the ticket.

40's Swing Dance Spectacular Invitation by B.Nute productions on Zazzle

So, lace up those shoes, pin up your hair and let's get started on planning your big spectacular!

40's Swing Dance Party Decoration Ideas
To style your 1940's party, you can take lots of cues from a 50's sock hop, but instead a soda shop theme, your looking for something with a little more bebop and boogie woogie! Here are some suggestions for decorating your space:

• Records - Head to the thrift store and pick up a bunch of old records. They are great to use as decoration on the walls, or fun to hang from string from the ceiling. You can also get creative and use records for your table, if you are having a sit down meal. Use them as a charger to set your plate on-- or for that matter a placemat for each guest. Records can also be used to decorate a buffet table.
• Record Covers - While looking for records, be sure to look carefully for record covers too! Specifically, look for big band music and and other 1940's music. The album covers are perfect for decorating your space.
• Sheet Music - Don't stop with just records and album covers, sheet music also makes a great decorative item. It can be used as a runner on a table or buffet, it can be strung up as a banner, or fill an entire wall as wallpaper. The wallpaper of sheet music can make a great backdrop for impromptu photos.

1940's Photo Booth
Set up an area of your party as a photo booth to take playful candids of your guests. Stock the area with plenty of props to enhance the scene. Here are some ideas below:

1940's Photo Booth Ideas & Props

• backdrop of sheet music or dark velvet curtain
• old fashioned microphone (perfect for pretend crooning)
• 1940's men's hat
• 1940's women's hats
• Flower hair accessory for a woman's hair
• trumpet
• pin up girl wig

40's Swing Dance Party Activity Ideas
Of course, for this party, few activities or entertainment is needed, since dancing should be the spotlight! But, if you're looking for a few more ideas to entertain your crowd, look no further:

• Have a Dance Contest - You can decide how competitive you'd like this to be. It can be as simple as judging by style or original moves, or you could judge for accuracy of guests performing a specific dance, like the Lindy Hop.
• Have a 40's Costume Contest - Ask guests to dress in 40's attire and award the best outfits with some prizes. A classic pin up girl, a member of a big band, or a sailor all make great 1940's outfits!
• Croon Like a 40's Star - Hold a crooning contest. Provide a few lines from a 40's tune and have guests give it there best shot. This can provide loads of laughs!
• Hire a Dance Instructor- There's nothing like teaching the crowd some real 1940's dances like the Jitterbug or Boogie Woogie! If you need to stay in budget, hire a local college dance student to help out.

Free Printable Lucky to Have a Friend Like You Tags

Free Printable Lucky to Have a Friend Like You Tags by B.Nute productions

I am so lucky to have so many wonderful friends. Friends from forever, and friends I've just met. Friends who I see all the time, and friends who I only get to see once in a blue moon. Friends who help me through life's twists and turns, and friends who love to share a good giggle and loud laugh! I truly am blessed.

In honor of friends and the St. Patrick's day 4 leaf clover, I drew a colorful printable tag. The tag is

Free Printable St. Patrick's Day Mini Banner - Luck of the Irish

Free Printable Luck of the Irish St. Patrick's Day Mini Banner by B.Nute productions

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner! Here's a great craft to get in the spirit of the day - a free printable Luck of the Irish mini banner. It's perfect for a wreath on the front door, a kitchen window, a cake topper or where ever you want to add a little Irish charm.

Inspired by Turkish Tile from Istanbul: Mediterranean Invitations for All Occasions

Inspired by Turkish Tile: Mediterranean Invitations by B.Nute productions

As we wandered the streets of Sultanahmet, Istanbul, I couldn't get enough of the gorgeous tile work at every turn. From tile in the majestic Aya Sofia to tile in the grand Topkapi Palace, the colorful patterns were everywhere. I knew once I returned home I would have to make some invitations inspired by the gorgeous work. I decided to go with a soft painterly feel for the invitations.

Mediterranean Party Invitation by B.Nute productions - Inspired by Turkish Tile

I love the bright blue tiles. They remind me of the Mediterranean area and the wonderful waterways surrounding Istanbul.

Mediterranean Party Invitation by B.Nute productions - Inspired by Turkish Tile

The tile in this invitation above used great earthy colors as seen throughout the Mediterranean, especially in Provence, France and Tuscany, Italy. These invitations are perfect for any type of occasion - a birthday gathering, a girl's night out, a Bon Voyage party, an Anniversary; whenever friends and family get together to celebrate! Head over to my store and personalize your invitation for your next get together.

Free Printable Mardi Gras Cootie Catcher / Fortune Teller

Free Printable Mardi Gras Cootie Catcher / Fortune Teller by B.Nute productions

It's Mardi Gras time! That means delicious foods - beignets, pralines, jambalaya, po'boys, and king cake. It means potent drinks like chicory coffee and Hurricanes. And, it definitely means great party fun like beads, masks, parades, balls and more!