Minecraft Birthday Party: Food, and Favors

What do little boys like to do at a party?  Play and EAT fun food!  So, I shopped around for Minecraft themed food items and set the table.  We offered hot dogs as the main dish, and we did our best to encourage some healthier options instead of JUST sugar!  But..... boys will be boys.

Setting the Minecraft food table was so much fun!  I used the food tent cards provided in the digital file pack I purchased HERE.

SWEET

The vanilla cupcakes with grass frosting were easy to make and so delicious.  I used THIS frosting recipe and kelly green Wilton food dye.  These dyes are wonderful and darken up a bit after initial mixing so wait a few minutes when the color is just a tad too light.  It often darkens up perfectly without adding more dye.  To get the grass texture the trick is using Wilton icing tip #233 found HERE.

Good ol' fashioned chocolate chip cookies were snatched up by little hands and eaten rapidly that day.

Using Coco Krispies made the Rice Krispie dirt blocks easy and yummy!

 It was a bit tricky to find gold wrapped candies at local stores here.  I managed to find some caramels at the last minute and they worked very well.

Red licorice was the perfect TNT!  I had these clear plastic canisters that fit 1/3 of a section of licorice inside quite nicely.  1 bag of Twizzlers per canister was just enough.

I don't know what these local candies are called, but they were snatched up as Red Stones, and according to the boys, they were yummy!

SALTY

I am almost embarrassed to admit to how much I paid for these imported Pepperidge Farm fish crackers. Shhh!  Almost $7 USD for the small bag.

Cheese and "trapdoor" pretzel sandwiches worked nicely.

And I was able to find the elusive (here) pretzel sticks.  When living abroad it is always interesting to discover what I can and can't find.  Refer to the ridiculously overpriced Rainbow Fish for an example.

FUN

When I found the box of imported blue Jello (from Australia) and the absolutely perfect reusable plastic containers I HAD to buy them.  The Jello was lemonade flavored, and actually quite tasty.

FRUIT

Obviously we went a bit overboard in the food department.  My husband took a lot of sugary leftovers into work the day after the party.  But, I don't regret going all out for the food table.  It was fun for all involved.

Minecraft Birthday Party: Supplies and Decorations

Do you have a Minecraft obsessed child in your life?  If you do, then THIS is the post for you!

Several weeks ago, my son asked for a Minecraft themed birthday party.  I had just a little over 2 weeks to pull something together.  The FIRST thing I did was start searching on Pinterest.  You can see my Minecraft board HERE!

Living overseas creates a bit of a sourcing dilemma for this American Working Mom when crafting.  It is often tricky to find even simple things like colored plastic dinner plates.  And, who has TIME to go to 15 stores in search of something to then spend MORE TIME to craft it into a neat looking party favor? Not me!

I did have time (and the luxury) to order two cardboard Minecraft heads via Amazon for Steve and a creeper.  It was a risk because I wasn't sure if they would arrive on time.  They did.  Barely.  And they were AWESOME!  You can order them HERE.  It was the best splurge for cardboard heads imaginable.

VIA

Over the years I have become convinced that our Epson color printer has been a fabulous investment.  It saved the day for invitations again this year.  I ordered an Etsy digital file from HERE for $8.  My son chose Option #1 and we emailed the seller our specific event details.  2 days later I was able to print them out on photo paper and my son delivered them to his friends at school.

VIA

Next, I searched for a printable party pack for decorations, food cards, and favor bag tags etc.  I found exactly what I wanted HERE for $20.  That is a bit more than I usually like to pay for printable party packs, but I have to say it was excellent quality and printed well on white cardstock.

VIA

I didn't use everything provided in the file pack but I think it turned out great!

I lucked out and found the fake grass squares for about 30 cents each at a local store.  I wrapped empty shoe boxes in some interesting brown kraft paper I found a the same store to add height and interest to the food table.

Awhile ago I hosted a baby shower, and the white tissue paper poms were still hanging from our ceiling.  A little hot glue and some black pom poms and BAM! they became Minecraft skeletons.

For any Minecraft font needs I found a free font without a bunch of nasty bugs associated with the download HERE.

I think it worked nicely for our Nether Portal sign.

The creation of the Nether Portal was an essential part of the party according to my son (and my husband).  I have found that adjustable curtain rods are the best way to hang doorway decorations.  We managed to find the purple tinsel door curtain and the black crepe paper streamer rolls at a local party store.  My husband lent his patience to this part of the decorating.

I was told the short black fringe across the top was essential for game accuracy.  I have no idea.  I believe the boys though.  They know what they are talking about.

A square green plastic tablecloth and some cardstock became a Minecraft Slime/Blob.  All the kids thought it was great.  How easy is that?

 Stay tuned for my next post which will include sources, links, and ideas for favor bags, party activities and games, and themed food.

What is "Working Mom: Crafter's Edition?"

First off, ALL moms work!  Whether we work in or out of the home we are busy women.  Right? Finding time to stretch our creative muscles often takes creativity in and of itself.  How can we find the time? Where can we work without interruption?  Do we even have the emotional and physical energy available when there is room in our busy day to sew, scrapbook, write, draw.....CREATE?

Is there anyone out there nodding her head in agreement?  Anyone shaking her crafty fist in the air with angst and frustration and dreaming of TIME?  Just. A. Little.  Bit.  Of.  Time.

Well, if you can relate to any of this:  Welcome.  Take a seat, and stay for a minute or two.  I know that's all you have anyway.  Same here.

This blog is not about "doing it all,"  making those adorable school lunches with 30 types of cookie cutters, or being a Pinterest Queen of Creativity.  Those endeavors are not realistic for most of us.  Let's just say it: We don't have TIME for all THAT!  And, that is OK.  Limited time doesn't diminish our value as crafters, creators, and dreamers.  There will be NO competitions or shaming going on here.

This space is where I hope to create a dialogue between working moms (remember, we ALL work!) who enjoy crafting in those stolen moments of free time.  Let's share ideas, tutorials, links, and projects.

Ready?  Me too!

Oh, you might be curious about THIS working mom.  I am a mid-30s American currently living overseas with my husband and elementary school aged son.  I recently went back to work after taking 3 years off. One of the biggest adjustments I have faced in my return to the "work force" has been the mental exhaustion that sucks my creative energy.  Can you relate?  I walk past my sewing machine and I hear it whispering my name.  Every couple weeks I find a way to cut some cloth, maybe sew a little something, but it just barely ever feels like enough.  I love my life and am content in many ways.  However, I really miss my crafting time.

Let's chat.  Let's get to know each other.

A Question For You:

How do you make time to be creative?