Monday, June 7, 2010

Make This: Monster Slime (and about Beeper's Birthday)

So, no reptiles this year for Beeper's birthday--just monsters.  Which I could totally deal with because I love monsters and always have since I was a little girl (insight into my geeky 12-year-old self: I created a wall-sized monster mural as my 6th grade project).  And I daresay monsters have really found their place in pop culture, between UglyDolls and Percy Jackson and the movie Monsters, so inspiration is not so hard to find if you just do a bit of searching.  Here's what we came up with...
...made these monster cupcakes that look like the lovechild of Cousin It and Cookie Monster--they were largely copied from a cupcake design in this book, but I really only looked at the photo in the bookstore and tried to do something like it at home...
...monster totes made from the tutorial Courtney made for Bloesem Kids, found here (the little monster books inside are from Dover Publications)...
...because it rained and our plans to be outside at the playground for the party were thwarted, alternate indoor activities that would keep the herd of wild 6-year-olds subdued were employed--like the creation of a monster gallery, made using these ready-framed drawing pads that work like sticky notes for you tto slap up on the wall at will (find them here)...
...a homemade monster pinata (made it myself--first one ever--will totally do this again since it was a fun and messy family project, was able to make one much bigger than those found commercially, and it broke open without adult assistance or use of power tools)--got some pointers from Martha here, but here are the 3 lessons I would share: 1) Use the combo of elmer's glue and water (instead of flour and water--which is what is commonly used) as your paper mache paste--we encountered splitting problems due to humidity and I think the glue would have cured this from what I read elsewhere, 2)Make sure you lay your newspaper strips in all directions on the balloon--we did not do this and I think it contributed to the splitting we had to repair later on, 3) and by all means, lay down a tarp when you make the pinata or do it outside because it is messy like you would not believe (but so fun for 6-year-olds).  And the goodies inside?  All from Oriental Trading Company (and yes, all corn-syrupy and likely made in China, but let me tell you finding super balls that look like eyeballs, Sweet-Tarts shaped like skeleton bones, and stacks of plastic vampire teeth in May is not easy, I tell you)...
And finally, the favorite activity of the afternoon--the creation of pots of monster slime.  The kiddos loved this--boys and girls alike.  How could they not love something this un-naturally colored and gloppy with a little rubbery monster sticking out of it?

And now, dear Chez Beeper Bebe readers, you too can create your very own pots of monster slime.  Because a good batch of monster slime is guaranteed to make any old day better.  Like puppies and rainbows and sacks of candy, I am pretty sure there are few things kids love more than this slime.  Inclement weather foil your plans to go to the beach?  Make some slime.  Drop the ice cream from your cone into the gutter?  Make some slime.  Grandma die?  Make some slime (but be sure to add a monster to it as you will need a little something extra for emotional distraction). Slime is, quite possibly, the antidote to almost anything that ails you and your crabby/crying/despondent child...and here is tutorial for you, complete with ready-made labels for you to print...


And you are welcome.  Enjoy it--just keep it out of hair and the carpet and you are golden.  

12 comments:

m. bloom said...

Wow! 'Tis the week for little boy birthdays! My own little monster-lover will turn 7 on Wednes. We have a party planned for this coming weekend with activities involving things that fly: rocket balloons, helio-props and paper airplanes (and maybe some bug-catching activities, too...) The cupcake baking starts tomorrow!

Congratulations on this this 6-year milestone and happy birthday to your little guy!
MB

Anonymous said...

Beeper is one truly lucky boy. Love the ideas, esp the monster slime. Thanks for your awesome updates!

Rhiannon said...

Wow! Great party. I am currently planning a princess party,and you make want to convince my soon to be 4 year old daughter, to change it to a monster party.

Maiz Connolly said...

YES! I love the monster party, slime and all. Now if I can only convince the little guy that he doesn't really want a "Sword and Gun" party for his sixth birthday!

I just started my blog a few days ago... will you stop by and check it out? Thanks!

Vanessa said...

What an adorable pinata and party!

Natalie said...

This is exactly what I'm looking for! Thank you SOOOO much!

NatSprat.blogspot.com

Nicole Hayes said...

Just found your blog as I'm planning a monster party for my soon to be 3 year old! To get the "slime" (we call it flubber) out of carpet or clothes, rub some white vinegar on it and use some elbow grease. Should work like a charm ;)

Kim M. said...

Love the little monsters in the slime! I've been trying to find some for my daughter's class Halloween party. Can you tell me where you found them?

Holly said...

I ordered them from Oriental Trading Company. I am sure they still sell them.

Unknown said...

Am I the only person in the world who doesn't know where to find those PERFECT plastic containers with lids for the monster slime?! LoL! Please let me know where I could get some :) thanks!

Holly said...

Bri, I would suggest looking at Nashville Wraps or Oriental Trading Company for containers that would work for this project. Both have great options and have online shops.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Holly! :)