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Sleep overs 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.
Abigail Beal © 2004
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