SOCCER PARTY - FREE PRINTABLES

Somehow or other I got roped into being the Team Mom for my son's soccer team.  Having never played sports myself, and this being my son's first experience, I had NO CLUE what I was doing.  In the end, I think I did okay - at least no one complained (they might have just been grateful it wasn't them!).  I was actually really excited to through the end-of-season party.  Unfortunately, the party ended up being the same weekend as two other parties I was in charge of, so going all out was not really an option.  But for less than $5 and 5 hours of work, I got a TON of compliments.

We had the party at a park so the kids could play, and everyone was instructed to bring their own picnic lunches.  I had a display set up with cupcakes for everyone and the kids' trophies.  Here's the breakdown of the display:

Cupcakes - I spent $2 on cupcake mixes, and $1 on the cupcake liners.  I'm still trying to figure out the best

way to use those cute liners.  When I've tried baking directly in them, they have literally fallen off the cupcakes while still on the plate, which doesn't look very cute and kind of defeats the purpose.  This time I baked in the regular liners, and then stuck the whole baked cupcake into the blue liner.  This worked better, but still not perfect - if you know the secret to using these, please let me in on it! I also designed the cupcake toppers, which I printed onto cardstock, punched out with a 1 1/4" circle punch, and hot glued a toothpick to the backs.

Displays - I already had the glass cupcake stand from a previous party, but I knew that 40 cupcakes were not going to fit on there.  So I found some kraft wrapping paper at the dollar store, and wrapped two boxes with it (they are pineapple boxes from Costco - which I have used so many times, they are the perfect size!).

Banner -The banner I designed as well, printed onto cardstock, and then sewed together on the sewing machine.  If you don't sew, you can also glue the pieces onto ribbon (I like using hot glue, as it won't make the paper wavy like wet glue does). 

Ditched Ideas - I have learned that whenever you plan a party, expect to ditch plan A, and plan B, and possibly plan C.  It ended up being fairly breezy the day of our party, so there are a few ideas that didn't work for me, but may work for you.  I bought a royal blue tablecloth at the dollar store that I was going to use as a table runner, but it kept blowing up and knocking over cupcakes.  Also, I had planned on buying 4 balloons (2 blue, 2 orange) and weighting two of them down on each box, but again, the wind would have had them all over the place, and that idea had to go.

So, for any of you out there that find yourself in my position (of not having a clue how to throw a soccer party, or needing to put something together FAST), I am including a link for the FREE cupcake toppers and banner printables.  If you have any great ideas for after-season sports parties, please post them in Comments!

Resources: Soccer Cupcake Toppers and Banner - Free Printables
Skills required: easy papercrafting
Approximate time to craft*: 1 hour for a banner and 40 cupcake toppers
Approximate cost for supplies*: $1
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

PIXIE PLACE

Let your child escape to a world where flowers grow as big as their head, where grass is big enough to look like a forest, and where their best friends are fairies full of magic. The best part? This fantastic world is as close as their living room, and sets up in seconds over a standard card table. The front door flap makes it easy to get in and out, and side windows let you peak in on their delightful adventures.

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 25 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $40
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

CHRISTMAS FELTIES - FREE EPATTERN

Every year I like to have my son make a few gifts to give away for Christmas.  I like to think that it reminds him the holiday is not just about getting presents (whether this is successful is up for debate).  So I am always on the lookout for cute little ornaments my son can make, but that I wouldn't mind hanging on my tree (I'm sorry, maybe I'm a snob, but construction paper doesn't really do it for me).  This year I came up with this idea we could make together!  I did the sewing, and he did the decorating (the ornaments pictured are actual ornaments he made - I think they turned out really cute, especially for a 5-year-old).  They went together quickly, he had a blast, and they didn't cost anything - we just used stuff we already had.  In fact, this is the perfect craft to use up those odds and ends from previous projects that you have no idea what to do with, but can't bear to throw away.  Best of all, we're giving away the pattern and instructions for 8 ornament shapes for FREE.  Just click on the link below! 

Resources: Christmas Felties - Free ePattern
Skills required: easy sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 20 minutes for each ornament
Approximate cost for supplies*: free
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

E-I-E-I-O

You just have to love baby's first words.  There is just something about that sound that might, possibly, if you really listen hard, be "mama." Among these first words are usually animals sounds - and this is the perfect quiet book to inspire baby's budding vocabulary.  Pretty soon they'll be saying "woof," "baa," and something that might, possibly, if you really listen hard, be "you're the best mommy ever!"

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 20 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

CASTLEFORT

What little prince or princess is complete without their very own castle?

With a drawbridge to enter through on the front, windows on both sides to peer out from, and a very friendly dragon in the back, this fortress is perfect for the smallest of royalty. And when “their highness” is done playing, this stronghold can be taken off the card table, folded up and stored away until the next royal adventure!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 25 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $40
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

FUNNY MONEY

That’s right – print your own money! Piles and piles of warm fuzzy cash.

Play money is great for learning math skills, and all kinds of creative play. This Print and Play Felt Money set includes: $1 bills (fronts and backs), $5 bills (fronts and backs), $10 bills (fronts and backs), $20 bills (fronts and backs), pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters.

Each figure is drawn by hand, and is colorless – so you can make them any color you want by ironing onto different colors of felt. Just print the figures out onto iron-on transfer paper, iron onto felt, and cut out. It’s so easy, you might just decide to make a set for every kid you know!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: ironing and cutting
Approximate time to craft*: 1 hour
Approximate cost for supplies*: $2+ (depending on how many you make)
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HIT THE ROAD

Beep! Beep! Clear the road! Underage drivers coming through!

This Print and Play Felt Figure set has everything they need to feel like the King of the Road! Of course, while they enjoy their new wheels, you can sneak in some lessons about road signs and safety. Print an unlimited number of straight road pieces for those kids who are really going somewhere. This set includes: 3 cars, 1 pickup truck, 1 delivery truck, 1 police car, 1 fire engine, 1 stop sign, 1 yield sign, 1 crosswalk sign, 1 crosswalk, 3 stoplights, 5 straight roads, and 4 corner roads.

Each figure is drawn by hand, and then digitally colored for vibrant colors. Just print the figures out onto iron-on transfer paper, iron onto felt, and cut out. It’s so easy, you might just decide to make a set for every kid you know!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: ironing and cutting
Approximate time to craft*: 1 hour
Approximate cost for supplies*: $12
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

SAFARI ADVENTURE

Children just love exploring and adventures! In fact, every day our son begs us to do something “new” – I guess we’re not exciting enough for him! But what is more exciting than an African Safari?!

Treat your child to a Safari Adventure that can be enjoyed again and again. This Print and Play Felt Figure set includes: 1 explorer boy, 1 explorer girl, 1 canteen, 1 camera, 1 pair of binoculars, 1 jeep, 2 crocodiles, 2 hippos, 2 giraffes, 2 zebras, 2 elephants, 2 tortoises, 2 flamingos, 2 monkeys, 2 meerkats, 3 birds, 2 ostriches, 2 rhinos, 2 gazelles, 2 snakes, 2 lions, 2 cheetahs, and 1 tree.

Each figure is drawn by hand, and then digitally colored for vibrant colors. Just print the figures out onto iron-on transfer paper, iron onto felt, and cut out. It’s so easy, you might just decide to make a set for every kid you know!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: ironing and cutting
Approximate time to craft*: 1 hour
Approximate cost for supplies*: $10
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

A PIRATE'S LIFE

Ahoy! Avast! And ARGHHHHH!

This Print and Play Felt Figure set has everything they need to set out on the high seas for the adventure of a life time! Follow the map to dig for treasure, do some swashbuckling, maybe even get stranded on a desert island. . . This set includes: a pirate ship, 1 deserted island, 1 row boat, 1 treasure chest, 3 waves, 4 pirates, 1 treasure map, 1 apple barrel, 1 canon, 1 set of canon balls, 2 shovels, and 4 swords .

Each figure is drawn by hand, and then digitally colored for vibrant colors. Just print the figures out onto iron-on transfer paper, iron onto felt, and cut out. It’s so easy, you might just decide to make a set for every kid you know!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: ironing and cutting
Approximate time to craft*: 1 hour
Approximate cost for supplies*: $8
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

FUN FELT BOARDS

The perfect learning tool for play time, preschool, or home school!

Includes the pattern for both travel and full size felt boards. The travel size is perfect for individual play, long car rides, doctor’s offices, or church. Just Velcro the sides closed, slip the felt pieces inside, and you’re ready to roam. The full size is large enough for at least two children to play together. Perfect for play time at home, or preschools. It folds flat for easy storage.

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: easy machine & hand sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 3 hours each
Approximate cost for supplies*: $10 each
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

FISH TOWELS

Hooded bath towels are a great way for keeping babies and toddlers warm after a bath. With this pattern you can transform any bath towel into either a fish or shark to wrap up in. This pattern is designed to be very quick and easy, and you'll have a really cute towel to wrap up your little swimmer in no time!
Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: easy machine and hand sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 2 hours each
Approximate cost for supplies*: $10 each
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

FISH CLOTHS

Who wouldn’t want to take a bath or wash a pile of dishes with these fun and “fishy” wash cloths? Their texture makes them perfect for scrubbing even the dirtiest of the dirty. And being made of 100% cotton they are gentle on the skin.

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: easy knitting
Approximate time to craft*: 1-2 hours each
Approximate cost for supplies*: less than $2 each
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

CAMP WANNACRAFT

Welcome to “Camp Wannacraft!” - where every day is a perfect day to go camping. The weather is always cooperative, only pretty bugs are allowed, and furry friends NEVER steal you food.

This card table fort is great for living room campouts (for times when outdoor campouts are not a possibility), creative play, and even makes a great place for quiet time. Front zipper opening makes getting in and out easy, and star shaped windows let in lots of light. The whole thing just slips over a standard size card table, so taking it down is a snap! 

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 25 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $40
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

DAISY LANE DOLLS

Why should your little one have to leave their dollies and all that fun to had behind when it's time to go somewhere.? Let them take it with them with this "Daisy Lane Doll" quiet book. All the fun of a dollhouse - including two dolls with changeable clothes, a fully stocked kitchen, cozy bedroom, functional bathroom, and so many fun toys to play with in the living room. They'll never have to leave their favorite dolls again!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 20 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

TO THE ZOO

If you've got some little monkeys, you know they'll love this quiet book about going to the zoo! Petting pandas, watching snoozing snakes, and playing peek-a-boo with a giraffe are just some of the fun activities that await them in "To the Zoo."

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 20 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HOW I FEEL

Toddlerhood can be exasperating. For them, and for their parents. Add to this the fact that most toddlers lack the vocabulary and understanding to appropriately express how they are feeling, and you've got a real recipe for frustration. "How I Feel" is designed to teach toddlers emotion vocabulary, helping them to better understand and express their emotions - hopefully making life a little better for everyone. But of course, the learning is kept fun with bright colors and fun peek-a-boo flaps, so they'll never suspect you're actually trying to teach them something.

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 20 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

THINGS THAT GO

If you have little one who just can't get enough of anything on wheels - this is the quiet book for them! Cars, trucks, airplanes, boats, and many more . . . for the transportation enthusiast, that's all they'll need to know to love it.

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 20 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

SING MY ABC'S

This quiet book has everything you need to make it a "red letter" day. After discovering that nearly every child will spend twice as long playing with Velcro pieces than any other page, we made a whole book of Velcro, with - you guessed it - RED letters. This is a great book to help children learn their ABC's and the sounds each letter makes. A perfect gift for kids from toddlers to kindergartners!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 20 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15 
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

"CHRIST"MAS TREE

With cookies to bake, presents to wrap, and decorations to go up, it is easy to lose sight of the reason why we celebrate Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ. The"CHRISTmas Tree" advent calendar is designed to be a daily reminder of that very special reason.
On the back of each ornament is a verse from the King James version of the Bible about the life of Jesus Christ or one of His teachings. These scriptures are organized on the tree to go backwards chronologically. They start with verses remembering His resurrection on Ornament 1, and end with verses celebrating His birth on Ornament 24.
Once you have read the scripture for the day, the ornament then gets turned over. The front side of each ornament acts as a reminder of what you have read that day. By December 25th the tree will be beautifully decorated with ornaments in time for that special day. This CHRISTmas Tree is a wonderful homemade gift that will keep the busy holiday season more meaningful.

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: easy paper crafting
Approximate time to craft*: 5 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $5 plus the cost of the frame
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

GAMES TO GO

This quiet book has five fun games inside. Tic-Tac-Toe, Checkers, Squares, Othello, and Memory. All of these games are great for promoting memory, strategy, reasoning, and thinking ahead skills. They are easy games to learn, but even adults can enjoy playing them. This quiet book is one that the whole family can enjoy!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: intermediate machine sewing, easy embroidery
Approximate time to craft*: 20 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.