Crash Box - Make Some Noise

Crash. Bam. There is an often used theatrical prop that the audience doesn't see, but is more likely to hear. For those who have ever sat in the theater and wondered about the crash heard offstage. More than likely its a Crash Box, an easy to create box that contains objects to make the crash sounds without shards of glass going everywhere.

Collect discarded or broken dishes and/or knick knack type things. (I had a couple broken dishes and a few broken Christmas ornaments to use.) Whatever it is make sure it IS NOT something that is good beause it will get broken and beat up. I added the broken dishes and ornaments with a couple empty and cleans cans from my recycling bin.

Place the broken dishes and whatever else you have to make noise inside a sturdy cardboard box. (Easy, right?) You want enough to make noise inside, more or less can be used depending on what you are doing.

Secure the ends of the box and sides with a sturdy tape like duct tape. Don't be stingy as you don;t want little shards of glass to escape. Secure and wrap to make sure all the seams and openings are taped well. (Then tape again to make sure.)

Once everything is secured drop. (I always writer "Crash Box" on the side to make it clear what it is) Eventually after enough dropping and crashing the bits will get so broken up that it will be tie to discard and start all over as needed  Usually you can get at least a show run or so out of the without any problems.

Make some noise.

God's Eye

I learned to make God's Eyes with sticks and yarn many many years ago as a Girl Scout. It's one of the ultimate camp crafts and also a great Cinco de Mayo project and decoration. Over the years I have made them with yarn, craft sticks, Popsicle sticks, sticks from outside, and even toothpicks with embroidery floss for little ones. You can use any mix of colors you like and add tassels or a string to make it easier to hand.

All you need is some yarn or string and a couple of sticks.

And, because I can't resist: Don't forget to take a moment to look at the other side. We don't remember that often enough.

Tissue Paper Carnation

April Showers Bring May Flowers - and I'm going to get those flowers even if i have to make them out of tissue paper.

(My mom taught me how to make these years ago in Girl Scouts.)

Simple supplies: Tissue paper (any color) and something to secure (string, yarn, wire, twisty ties, floral wire, pipe cleaners, even a stapler will work). I used twisty ties in this simple tutorial

April is National Poetry Month

In honor of April being National Poetry Month I wanted to share this video. It's just something fun. (Create anyway you can.)

Paper Box - How To

I love making paper boxes of all different sizes as they make great gift boxes, the smaller ones for trinkets, worry dolls, or homemade jewelry and larger ones for cookies, cupcakes, or other bits. I've been making them for so long, I don't even remember learning. They might have been something my mom taught me and/or something from my Girl Scout days (my mom was my leader for a long time). When working & loving at camp it was something I often taught kids, especially to store worry dolls, jewelry, or just for fun.

They can be made from plain, colored, or decorated paper and are a great way to recycle & reuse newsprint, comics, brown paper bags, doodles, or old wrapping paper. Versatile and can be made in all sorts of sizes.

St. Patty's Table and Dinner

Cheers! Another St. Patty's Day passed. Check out the table settings all put together and the menu served on it. (The boys were a little late for dinner, but everything held and it ended up just as yummy and just as nice as they devoured the feast in their typical record time.)

The Table Settings

Menu
An Irish Inspired Stew
Peas (we have to make the separate since not all of my brothers like them)
Pot of Gold (or Cheddar Beer Soup) (with some alterations since I am vegetarian and have no interest in a meaty stew, including using vegetable broth instead of chicken)
Deep Fried Battered Pickle Chips (not b/c they are Irish, but I like them & they are green)
Traditional Soda Bread
Apple Cider
Beer
Shamrock Cut Out Cookies (from a favorite local bakery)
Rainbow Cupcakes
Brownies

Bottle of Irish Spirit - Video How To

Check out my video for the complete how-to, from just en empty bottle start to finish project.