Part 2: Minecraft Madness!

 

Using a girl skin helped us make our simple invite work for our daughter. Image courtesy of Debbie Morrow, All Rights Reserved.

We chose a skin that emulated Megan in the Minecraft world. The simple graphics gave us the space needed for info to parents. Invitation image courtesy of Debbie Morrow, All Rights Reserved.

This post is part of a series of how we successfully pulled off a Minecraft gaming party for over 45 people. Follow the link to Part 1: Minecraft Madness, if you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the first tutorial.

When we first mulled over the idea, we knew we wanted the party taken to a new level. Yes, some may feel it is a bit extravagant, but looking at other options of bowling parties, activity zones, and other options for 9-year-olds, it only cost a few hundred more for THE party of a lifetime. You know, if a husband gets excited about a kid’s party, there’s credence to it. Continue reading

Ramping up: Prop Ideas for Halloween 2014

An interactive exhibit of a Paper Craft Guillotine by Mandy Smith. Image Courtesy of Make.

An interactive exhibit of a Paper Craft Guillotine by Mandy Smith. Image courtesy of Make.

 

 

I know…it’s still summer. But this is the time I like to think about what I’d like to make for Halloween. Whether I can actually accomplish the things I dream of making…well – that’s another story. I’ve just had back surgery (all those hours of prop making can do a lot of wear and tear after so many years). But don’t count me out just yet.

Planning Ahead Saves Money

By making your plans and item lists early, you can save a bundle. Especially in garage sale season because you can pick up a plethora of items for pennies on the dollar. You can also find priceless stuff on the curb.

The Newest Prop to Love

While in my Reader, I found an awesome prop idea from Make. It is a paper craft guillotine that was used in an exhibit. I’d love to make one for the kids to try out. You’ll find it at Vimeo:

Unsure of what this season holds for me, I’d appreciate all my creative counterparts to start posting their ideas and if you accomplish your dream prop, shoot me a pic and a quick note so I can highlight you on my blog. Thanks!

It’s All in the Perspective! Transforming Regular Food into Something Gruesome

It’s all in the perspective. Do you see Split Pea Soup or do you see Shrek Slime and Gangrene Stew? Photo of German Split Pea Soup courtesy of FlickrCC.

As I was planning my gruesome food ideas for this year’s Halloween Bash, I began to think about all my favorite foods I usually make and what they could be transformed into.

Most wouldn’t even need tweaking in order to become gruesome because it is all in the perspective.

All I would need to do is set a place card in front of the dish suggesting what it is and the mind does the rest.

Here are some of the ideas I came up with:

Pistachio Fluff or Split Pea Soup:  They can be called Shrek’s Snot, Exorcist Vomit, etc.

Dump Cake (used with Cherries) can be called Baked Bloody Eye Balls or Scab Casserole

Brownies (roll in balls and put on toothpicks): Doo Doo Balls.

Macaroni Fruit Salad: Frog Egg Salad

Tapioca Pudding: Frog Eggs and Cream

Chili (add Zucchini pieces the size and shape of fingers of toes): Appendage Stew or Green Slug Chili

Peanut Butter Balls, Coconut Balls, or Cake Balls (add a candy eye or M&M): Monster and Zombie Eyes

I’m still brainstorming, but you have the idea.

Planning and executing a party is stressful enough without attempting new recipes. So pull out your regular recipe cards and see what you can transform.  You’ll be happier that you did and don’t forget to drop me a line with one of your ideas. Thanks!