Throwback: DIY Matchbox Monster Mouth Favors

Nothing says, "last-minute Halloween craft for preschoolers" quite like these super quick, inexpensive, fun matchbox monster mouth favors. I whipped them up a couple of years ago for kiddo, but now that she's practically grown (in elementary school), her little sister's preschool class can reap the rewards of this old school spooky treat box.

Swing by my Momtastic post to see the entire DIY tutorial.

DIY Abstract Art Heart Valentine's Day Favors

It's finally candy month! Er, um I mean the month of love. Yes, Valentine's Day is almost upon us, and the kids and I spent a snow day crafting our little hearts out (pun totally intended). We recently were invited to see The Children's Theatre production of The Frog Bride, and the vibrant, abstract backdrops in the play inspired our Valentine's favors.

The play was unlike any children's play we'd ever seen before. Instead of elaborate sets and a whole cast of characters, The Frog Bride features only writer/director David Gonzalez, pianist Sergei Prokofiev, and violinist Daniel Kelly set against a multi-media backdrop. The story all comes alive in Gonzalez's colorful narrations, which are partnered with abstract, watercolor splashes on the screen. This uncluttered performance really allowed the kids to use their imagination to envision the characters, the scenario, and the story's clever plot twists. The jazz music kept everything lively and engaging.

These DIY Abstract Art Hearts are perfectly unique and wonderfully inexpensive. Even my youngest was able to get fully involved in this project to create watercolor Valentine's cards for lots of friends and family. They're impossible to mess up, and that's a full-on win in my book. Because, ain't nobody got time for frustrated kids. Check out the entire how-to below.

The Biggest Little House Favor Printables

Last week, we were treated to an advance performance of The Children's Theatre's The Biggest Little House. The story is based on the book by Djemma Bider, and it's full of sweetness and laughs. We've seen several plays in the large theater at CTC, but none in the intimate Cargill Stage theater. We like to really get into plays, which you already know because of this and this. We read the book, watch the movie, then watch the play if all of those options are available. Then, we discuss which format we liked better and why. I really think plays bring books and movies to life in a way that uniquely interests kids.

During The Biggest Little House, which is perfect for kids between two and five years old, kids sit on low benches right at the edge of the stage. They're free to laugh, pop bubbles, and enjoy the various characters who live together in a tiny house that is bursting with love. Our girls liked it so much, that I cooked up this little DIY project just in time for Valentine's Day. Just like the holiday, this little play is full of love, love, love.  

Since the play focuses on a variety of woodland animals living in harmony together, I thought it'd be nice for several different candies to reside peacefully in this favor bag (right before taking residency in my mouth!).

Check out the quick and easy tutorial below. If you haven't already made plans to see The Children's Theater's The Biggest Little House  definitely add it to your to-do list. It's running now through March 15th, and it's perfectly tailored to tykes. Even the adults giggled a time or two. Seriously, what better way to get the kids excited about their upcoming theater date, than by reading the book and crafting up a cute little favor bag or two?

Supplies
this favor template
2.5" x 4" white envelopes
8.5" x 11" paper
washi tape
scissors
candy, candy, candy

Instructions
Download and print this favor bag template in black and white onto a sheet of 8.5" x 11" paper. Tape each envelope into position using washi tape. Unlike transparent tape, washi is less sticky and won't rip your envelopes when you remove them from the paper.

Print the template, this time in color, to transfer the images onto each favor bag. Gently remove each envelope from the paper.

Cut the tops of the envelopes into roof shapes, if you wish, and fill with a variety of small candies.

Last-Minute Halloween Idea: DIY Monster Mouth Favors Pt II

It's two days until it's time to hit up the neighbors for sacks full of candy. That's right, friends, Halloween is almost here! You know I'm jazzed about that. Even if you haven't crafted a single Halloween project with your kids, it's not too late to get in on in some spooky fun. I made these DIY Monster Mouth Favors for Momtastic, and they're a breeze.

Make them with your kids, or surprise them by slipping one in their lunchbox on Friday. They take 5 mins, I promise! Swing by Momtastic to check out the tutorial. You can also see this bad boy in action on my Instagram feed.

And, I know you're thinking, "Why is this project labeled as Part II?" Well, because you might want to check out the DIY Monster Mouth Favors I whipped up last year.

DIY Frosty the Snowman Favor

I love how easy it is to make a kid's day. Both of my girls would squeal if they saw these little snowman favors next to their plate on Christmas day. My older one would definitely say, "Oh my gosh! These are fab-u-loooooous!" My little one would just shovel all the candy in her mouth, you know, because she's a mini-me.

I made this little guy for Day 16 of Confetti Pop's Craftsmas. Swing by to get the how-to for him and all of the other 2013 holiday projects.

images: Todd Hafermann

DIY Mini Christmas Tree Piñatas

Sometimes, pretty things are made to be broken. These little pinatas are lovely, and once you rip them to shreds, their insides are delish!

They're featured today on Confetti Pop as part of our Craftsmas series. Swing by, download the template, and get to making.

images: Todd Hafermann
candy: Candy Warehouse

DIY Funny Bone Skull Favors

I'm always trying to come up with affordable, quick DIYs to celebrate the holidays with the kids. When they're little, it's pretty easy to get them excited. This year, I came up with these funny (and delish) skull favors for Halloween. A little thought bubble asks a joke, while a chain of candy and a little card inside the cranium reveal the joke's answer.

I think these would be great sitting next to a kid's breakfast plate on Halloween morning, or as a special treat when they come home from a night of cruising the neighborhood for candy. I'm sharing the tutorial on Confetti Pop, so swing by and check it out!

Sweet Idea: DIY Creepy Eyeball Favors

I starting to think Halloween is my holiday of choice. Not because I like scary stuff, but because I love how many creative candy crafts seem to pop up around the web this time of year. Yesterday, I shared these DIY Monster Mouth Favors with you, and today I'm back with these creepy eyeball party favors that Amelia of The Homebook made for You Are My Fave.

 You know you want the tutorial for these. Swing by You Are My Fave to get the details.

Sweet Idea: DIY Monster Mouth Halloween Candy Favors

It's always hard to come up with creative Halloween treats that are school-approved. I designed these DIY Monster Mouth Halloween Candy Favors for kiddo to take to her school party this year. Just peel back the spooky greeting to reveal the kid's name. Cool, right?

They're even big enough to fit wrapped mini chocolate bars. Bam! Take that school rules!

Of course, the tutorial is on Confetti Pop. Check it out! 

DIY Divided Nautical Favor Box

You probably already know the always-fabulous Mrs. Lilien. Well, she's expecting baby #3, and we were thrilled to create these favor boxes for her nautical baby shower. We teamed up with the Candy Warehouse crew to fill each DIY favor box with four color-coded sweet treats.

I love this bright, unexpected palette! Aqua and orange is so fun. 

Swing by Confetti Pop to check out the tutorial, and hook your guests up with a variety of sweets.

Sweet Idea: Vellum Dot Favors

Today was another full day on set to shoot some Confetti Pop projects. If you aren't following me on Instagram, swing over and check out some of the behind-the-scenes pics. It's a mad house with my two kids and Maddy's kid on set. I figured I'd end the day with a little bit of prettiness that didn't involve babies stealing macarons or kids "helping" style the cupcakes. Enjoy!

Hello, huge vellum polka dots! I'm loving both of these favor boxes, but I think the pink is my favorite. What's yours?

image: Martha Stewart Weddings

DIY Handlettered Favor Box

I love this latest Confetti Pop project. It's just in time for the beginning of wedding season, but it's also perfect for birthday or graduation goodies.

Love these colors, don't you? Swing on by Confetti Pop to get the full tutorial.

DIY Easter Treat Box Printable

I'm always looking for ways to add unique touches to kid-centric holidays without going broke in the aisles of Target. These printable treat boxes by Funkytime are perfect for hiding candy in the yard this weekend. The bright, triangle-adorned design is fresh.

Grab the how-to and template to print your own Easter treat boxes here.

Sweet Idea: Bow & Bear Printable Favors

These twine-tied favors are so simple and cute! My little one would squeal about them, and I'm sure her little friends would love to find them in their mailbox. Who am I kidding? If they were filled with cinnamon rolls like these, even I'd squeal if a neighbor tucked one inside my mailbox. Lia of ellinee designed and is sharing free these printables, which makes them even easier to recreate.

images via ellinee

Dessert Table: Plenty of Pink

This is definitely giving me Valentine's visions.

pic via MSW

Sweet & Spooky: Zombie Boogers

I know, the title really doesn't sound that appetizing, but a kid would love it. These Halloween treat bags by Paper & Parcel are the perfect bag for green popcorn.

Want the recipe for the green candy coated popcorn? Check out Parcel & Post's directions here.

Dessert Table: Airy Affair

Soft pinks bathed in beautiful sunlight? Yes, please! This inspiration shoot photographed by nbarrett photography is so light, bright, and airy that I melted a little when I saw the dessert spread.

pics via Ruffled

Candy Favor Box Printable

This bonbon favor box at Eat Drink Chic is sort of fabulous, don't you think? Stripes in happy, Summer-y hues designed to conceal sweets. What more could you ask for?

images by Amy Moss of EDC

Easter Treat-ster: DIY Bunny Favor Bags

Seriously, this little felt favor bag by Mer Mag is irresistably cute.

Since felt doesn't unravel, this makes ab easy no-sew project. Save even more time and hot glue the two sections of your bag together, and draw the bunny;s face with a fine-tipped marker.

Easter Treat-ster: Bunny & Chick Favors

I tend to procrastinate on crafty things for kiddo (and this Easter is no different), because I always figure, "Oh, I'll just stay up late the night before and get X, Y, and Z done." Since I know this about myself, I tend to seek out simple, quick projects that pack a cuteness punch. This clever idea from Simply Simple Stamping fits the bill quite nicely.

Wanna give these cuties a try? Check out the tutorial here.