Y'er Authentic Pirate Map: Arts and Crafts Activity

Ahoy me mateys--
Here's an art project perfect for your Pirate party, or any day: making a authentic pirate map. It couldn't be easier to set up, and I have to admit, it's a project that I've done many times with my kids and each time they love it.

Here's What you Need:
Paper Grocery Bags
Pens
Some ideas to give (if needed) to add to map: dock, treasure, volcano, ocean, boats, sharks, whales, pirate ship, cave, palm trees, pirate flag, etc.

Step One: Tear map-like shapes from your paper grocery bags.

Step 2: Step up table with crayons, pens and more, and have kids create.

Step 3: And thar' she is-- authentic Pirate maps, perfect for treasure huntin'!

Happy Friday

It's been a busy, busy week and I'm ready for the weekend!

I haven't had time for a long post in a while.

I hope this flower will do... A beautiful peony to look at!

Enjoy!

I'll Take the Ups and Downs: Happy Mother's Day!

Crazy Kids and Dad Loving the Amusement Park

There are days when I loose my patience (many, in fact.) 

There are days when I just need a time out. 

There are days when I just want to have my "own" time...

 There's the sadness after not performing your best bowling game...

(Can you tell which one didn't do so well?)

 There's sand in your mouth...

 There's the dress up brigade, that never gets put away...

There's the endless begging for candy... any kind will do, but light up kind is the best!

And there's those smiles, the giggles, the hugs and kisses!

I wouldn't trade this motherhood-thing for anything! 

To all moms out there; 

my own mom, my sisters, 

my friends, my customers, 

and anyone else who's listening-- 

have a great Mother's Day.

A Perfect Match: B.Nute At the Shore Invites and Pottery Barn

B.Nute productions' At the Shore Crab Feast Party Invitations

I just received a new Pottery Barn catalog recently and was so excited! They are advertising a whole host of items that works just PERFECTLY with a new line of invitations I just created... Check out the screen grab below to see their suggestions for a terrific Crab Feast.

Pottery Barns Crab Feast Party Planner Page

If you look closely at their website, they do offer a downloadable invite, but, in my opinion, it isn't nearly the perfect match as my At the Shore Crab Feast Party Invitation!

B.Nute productions' At the Shore Crab Feast Party Invitation

Not having a Crab feast, but a Lobster bake instead? No problem!

B.Nute productions' At the Shore Lobster Bake Party Invitation

Or, just not quite sure on the menu, but definitely want that Coastal Style party... Here's an invite perfect for you!

B.Nute productions' At the Shore Beach Party Invitation

So, next time you look at a Pottery Barn catalog, make sure to take a peak in my Etsy shop... I probably have the perfect invitation to match your party theme and decor!

Pretty Posies Basket: Arts and Crafts Activity

Close Up of B.Nute productions' Pretty Posie Party Invitation

It's a tradition at my kids' school to decorate a paper cone "flower basket", fill it with flowers and leave it on a neighbors door for may Day. It's fun to see the class parading around the neighborhood, baskets in hand.

My Kid's May Day Flower Baskets

This tradition inspired me to create my own "printable" art project, perfect for your Pretty Posies Garden Party! Just select the link to download the art below... then decorate, staple, hang with a ribbon and fill with posies. This is a great project at your child's Garden party... print out several copies of the basket, set up a table with crayons, and let the kids have fun. Depending on the age, they can cut it out, or you can help. Buy some inexpensive posies or flowers from your yard, and fill so they can take home as a treat!

Click to Download this Printable Pretty Posies Basket

Party Game: Red Light, Green Light Version 2.0

It seems like all kids love a good game of Red Light, Green Light. Just over spring break, a range of kids 5-16 were playing it and having a ball. So, why a version 2.0? Well, there's nothing wrong with the original version, but sometimes the kids can get a little bored... So to add some twist and keep the game going a bit longer, here are my suggestions for Red Light, Green Light Version 2.0!

We all know the original version goes as simply as-- green light means go, and red light means stop. Usually it's running when the light is green.. and trying to stop when the light is red. For version 2.0 we're gonna add a few more options to add some spice...

• Assign different colors to different players, so when purple light is called, just the purple player can go. Another similar option is to call out groups to go by age. So, "All 4 year olds go..." "All 2 year olds go..." (This helps younger players stay in the action.)
• Instead of running when the light is green, how about different modes of transportation per game. For instance, have the kids skip, hop, hop on one foot, crawl, do jumping jacks, squats/lunges, tip toe, etc. Make the whole game, until one person tags the light, that mode of transportation.
• Add "traffic" obstacles to get in the way of the light/person who's it. Depending on where you're playing, could be patio chairs, cones, even trees if you have them!
• Add a "yellow light" option as something to call out. On "yellow light" the kids must go in sllllooooowww motion! The more exaggerated the slow motion, the better!
• Add a "Police!" option to call out. When "Police!" is called, everyone must go backwards.
• Act like an animal... instead of running, have the kids be an animal to get to the light... so, "Green light doggies..." and they have to run like a dog and bark! Could make a great video to show at the end of the party!

Now off to play, enjoy!

Paradise

Here are a few pictures from our Spring Break... Hawaii, always paradise!

Always plenty of yummy fruit!

Until next time. Aloha!