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Sleepovers are always so much fun because you get to see all of your
friends at once. You get to stay up late and play games. But
sometimes sleepover parties are a time for kids to cause mischief
and they do so because they are simply given a little too much free
time. Here are some fun crafts that are great for sleepover parties
that involve the fun of working as a group, but also creating
something special that you get to take home. The kids will have fun
making the projects but also will have fun knowing they have made a
special memento. My niece has a message & doodle pillowcase that is
now five years old that she absolutely treasures and she's not
a "crafter". You may also spark a bit of creativity in someone that
night by offering a craft project you never know!
Message & Doodle Pillowcases
You will need:
- Pillowcases - any color
- Permanent markers
- Cardboard
Give each child a pillowcase and a piece of cardboard. On each
pillowcase they will write their name and a special message to that
person. This craft works best if the children begin by writing their
own names on their pillowcases, then you can help keep track of whose
pillowcases are whose. Have the children write their names all in the
same place such as in the right corner.
Also have some pads of paper handy because some children may want to
practice drawing their message or a special doodle that they like to
draw, to be sure they get it right. It may also be a good idea to
purchase several extra pillowcases in case someone does make a large
drawing error, because with permanent markers there is no way to
erase your mistakes.
While drawing their name or a message on the pillowcase, have the
child place the cardboard in the pillowcase to keep the message from
coming through on the other side. You can also use a bunch of sheets
of paper; at least five sheets of paper should work. Have each child
work on a flat surface like a table, hardwood floor or even the seat
part of a chair.
Permanent markers now come in a rainbow of colors no longer are we
stuck with just red, black, blue and green. You can write your
message in permanent marker in pink, orange, purple, silver, gold,
light green, lavender, deep purple pretty much any color. Be sure
to use permanent markers because the design will remain on the
pillowcase through repeated launderings.
Once every child has drawn a message on the pillowcases they are
done. The children can then use the pillowcases at the sleepover
party they are attending, and they can also take them home.
Design & Doodle Nightshirts
This is a great craft to do in the beginning of the sleepover party.
Make sure to do these at least three hours before the children will
actually wear them, so that they have ample time to dry. (Hanging
them in a warm and dry room will speed this process up also).
For this project you will need:
- Large white or colored t-shirts
- Fabric paint
- Fabric stamps
- Permanent markers
- Cardboard
This project the children will have their name in large letters on
the front with a stamped design and then autographs and messages from
their friends on the back. You may also want to put on the top of the
back of the shirt the date and the occasion "Jamie's 10th birthday
party July 11th".
Give each child a t-shirt and some permanent markers. Have them write
their name on the front of their shirt in a special and fancy way.
This will also help to keep track of whose shirt is whose. Then have
each child write a message and a doodle to each other on all of the
shirts. Put cardboard between the shirt so that the message does not
seep through.
Once the children have completed the back, it is time to stamp a
design on the front. Put fabric paint out on large paper plates and
give each child a fabric stamp. Designs that circle the name are
probably best.
After the shirts are completed, lay them to dry flat or hang them as
long as the fabric paint does not drip.
Sleepovers are always so much fun. These projects may lead you to
create others, or may inspire other projects for your children to
enjoy.
About The Author: Abigail Beal © 2004 Abigail Beal a.k.a. "the Gift-wrap Goddess" teaches gift wrap in suburban New York. She is the author of 2 ezines: GiftWrapGoddessWraps and CreativeCraftsTeachers. To subscribe: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CreativeCraftsTeachers/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GiftWrapGoddessWraps/ contact: creativecraftsteachers@yahoo.com
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