How to Make a Piñata
Piñatas add such fun to birthday parties and other celebrations and they are fun to make too! Make this into a learning experience by taking the time to discuss the cultural background of this craft. Plan a trip to your local library to view pictures in their cultural context or do some internet research. The craft will have so much more meaning as a result.
Materials needed: - gather all these at least two days prior to the big event.
-a round balloon
-old newspapers torn into strips 1 inch wide and 6 inches long
-school glue poured into a plastic bowl
- scissors
-tape
-crayons or markers
-tissue paper or construction paper
-string or yarn
-a craft knife
-plenty of candy and small prizes to fill the piñata.
You might want to do this project outdoors or in the garage as it’s very messy. Whether indoors or out, clean-up is made easier by working on old newspapers spread around the workspace. A little advance preparation will definitely save you clean-up time later. Children should wear aprons or old large shirts over their clothes.
Here comes the fun part – blow up the balloon and secure it with a knot. Dip the newspaper strips into the bowl of glue and put them all over the balloon in one layer. Let dry. Repeat this process twice. It takes time for it to dry to be patient! If you are doing this with young children you might want to have them cut up or tear more strips of newspaper while they wait. It’s easiest just to make a simple round shape that they can decorate as their imaginations inspire them!
Cut a hole on the top of the oval and save the cut out piece. Pop the balloon and take it out. Cut two small holes on either side of the opening. Thread a string through them and tie a knot in the end and you’ll be able to hang your creation from the ceiling later.
Decorate with pieces of colorful tissue paper, construction paper and paint. You can also try adding other things like buttons, paper egg cartons cut up, streamers. The possibilities are limited only to what is able to be glued securely onto the form.
Fill the piñata with goodies and tape the saved piece back over the hole. You’re ready to play the piñata game!
See It Through
An American traveler in Italy stood watching a lumberman who, as the logs floated down a swift mountain stream, jabbed his hook in an occasional one and drew it carefully aside.
“Why do you pick out those few?” the traveler asked.
“They all look alike.”
“But they are not alike, seignior. The logs I let pass have grown on the side of a mountain, where they have been protected all their lives. Their grain is coarse; they are good only for lumber. But these logs, seignior, grew on the top of the mountain. From the time they were sprouts and saplings they were lashed and buffeted by the winds, and so they grew strong with fine grain. We save them for choice work; they are not ‘lumber,’ seignior.”
When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worse is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!
Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
By Edgar A. Guest
How to Find the Perfect Gift for a Child
(ARA) - Whether you have little ones of your own, or haven’t spent much time around kids since you were one of them, shopping for the perfect present for a special child on your list can be a challenge. Children today have a variety of interests, influenced by a more defined sense of style than five or ten years ago. Nevertheless, when it comes to holiday shopping, there are several ideas to keep in mind that will help narrow the selection process.
For the Sports Enthusiast
“Kids’ interests and hobbies are no longer as gender specific as they used to be. Sports themes are popular with both boys and girls,” says Peter Fowler, director of merchandising for Pier 1 Kids. Items like piggy banks that are shaped like basketballs, baseballs and soccer balls serve a dual purpose - they help teach children good lessons about saving money and provide a fun, whimsical touch to a child’s room. You can even carry the themed decor into the bathroom with sports-inspired toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and tissue holders. “By using accessory pieces to integrate a décor theme into a room, it will be easier to switch out the pieces later when the kids decide they want a more mature, grown-up look in their rooms,” continues Fowler.
For the Girly Girl
Although gender-neutral style and décor is increasingly popular, pink and purple remain favorite selections among little girls. “Pastels will probably always be trendy, and butterflies and flowers will never go out of style,” says Fowler. Girly girls will love the sequin butterfly coin purses and keepsake boxes available at Pier 1 Kids. Flower-shaped bath confetti, bath sponges and soaps make great stocking stuffers that let little girls pretend they’re having a grown-up spa experience just like mommy.
For the Young Chef
Trying to find something for a little chef who always has something cooking at home? “Kids frequently want to participate in kitchen duties - whether it’s banging on Mom’s pots and pans, helping Dad grill or coming up with their own special recipes,” Fowler states. For a less messy route than mud pies, try classic wooden kitchen toys. Pier 1 Kids has a toy wooden toaster, microwave, blender and mixer that will let your little helper whip up a make believe feast fit for a king. Plus the toys are sturdy enough to take a beating so your own grown-up kitchen tools won’t have to!
For the Creative Types
Everyone knows that children’s imaginations are limitless. Whether you’re shopping for a future Picasso, up-and-coming Hemingway or budding Susie Homemaker, you can help give them an outlet for their creativity. “Setting up a work table and chairs, art easel or do-it-yourself arts and crafts kit will give your little genius just the tools they need to create their very own works of art,” explains Fowler. From wooden jewelry making sets to chalk art tables and easels, you can find durable and affordable pieces to help set up a miniature creative studio in your child’s room or playroom.
Classic Ideas for All Ages
“Some gifts are popular no matter the age or individual personality of the gift recipient,” says Fowler. If you’re not sure what new trend or hot holiday toy a certain kid wants this holiday season, try a traditional favorite like a rocking horse, jump rope or kaleidoscope. These classic stand-bys are sure to please and provide hours of enjoyment for kids and adults alike.
“Old-fashioned toys are some of the best-sellers at Pier 1 Kids during the holidays,” says Fowler. “A classic is always a surefire crowd pleaser.” For more gift ideas, or to find the Pier 1 store nearest you, log on to www.pier1.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content
