Let it Glow: 9 Glow-in-the Dark Ideas You Won’t Believe Are Real

February 10, 2015 by FaveCrafts

Glow in the dark crafts are not just for Halloween. There are so many possibilities for your projects to glow – and we’ve rounded up our favorites.

These glow in the dark ideas will allow you to have the best glowstick party ever. Plus, glow in the dark crafts for kids are always fun and sometimes educational. I love to see the look on a child’s face after playing with glow in the dark play dough and watching them enjoy the little things in life. Glow crafts can be so mesmerizing and now I just want to know all of the things that glow in blacklight so I can throw a party myself! Because I’m totally hip and cool, right?

Glow in the dark ideas don’t have to be for parties. You can make your own glow in the dark flowers (WHAT) and even a table?! The possibilities are endless for us crafters – both young and old.

First, our Facebook fans fell in love with this glow in the dark table. Seems too good to be true, but this table has full instructions for how to make your own. For free.

With the help of a blacklight, you man make your own glow-in-the dark play dough which looks like so much fun!

Glowing Homemade Play Dough Recipe via AllFreeKidsCrafts

Yes, these glow in the dark flowers are real. And yes, you can make them yourself.

Flower Science Experiment for Kids: DIY Glowing Flowers via Fun at Home with Kids

Make your trendy terrarium a glowing dinosaur exhibit.

Glow in the Dark Terrarium Craft via AllFreeKidsCrafts.com

No paint or glow sticks involved, these balloons are still the most glow-tastic balloons we’ve ever seen.

Light Up Your Party with LED Balloons via Brit + Co

Snow globes aren’t just for snow anymore my friends. Glowing snowmen are the best! Let it glow.

DIY Glow-in-the-Dark Snow Globes via AllFreeHolidaycrafts.com

Want a totally awesome bike and feel like a superhero? This bike makeover is for you.

Night Bike! via Instructables

These bouncy balls are the epitome of fun.

Glow-in-the-Dark Bouncy Ball via AllFreeKidsCrafts.com

You can’t go wrong with mason jars. These would make the best centerpieces at your next party.

Glowing Mason Jars via AllFreeholidayCrafts.com

Which glow in the dark idea do you want to try first?

Bam! Plan a Superhero Bachelorette Party

June 24, 2014 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts

Your best friend has found that “Bam!” “Pow!” “Wow!” romance and she’s getting married. With great power, comes great responsibility; you’d better throw her a zinger of a bachelorette party.

She’s into superheroes –those muscular people who wear spandex and fight evil–so you already have the perfect theme. Here are some unique bachelorette party ideas gathered by your friends at AllFreeHolidayCrafts for a truly stupendous superhero-themed party! We’ll be your party planning heroes.

Superhero Decorations

First, start making your superhero-themed DIY party decorations as early as possible. Go with a retro superhero comic book theme for punchy DIY party decorations. Paper party decorations will save you lots of time. When possible, try to decorate with logos and colors from superwomen like Wonder Woman and Batgirl. After all, this party is all about the girls.

Comic Word Bubble Printables: It’s easy to make paper word bubbles with fun fighting words. Then, just tape them over everything from condiment containers to cups.
Superhero Comic Book Banner: This banner stands up against boredom with each unique pennant made from the pages of Batman, Superman, or Spider-Man.
Comic-Wrapped Balls: Just substitute pages from a Wonder Woman comic book, and these would make great decorations to hang from the ceiling.
Superhero Fan-ciful Garland: Get some fabric printed with superhero logos and make this garland faster than Superman can fly across the world.

Superhero Recipes

Next, it’s time to make some delicious desserts and cocktails. With just a swish of your cape, you can be a Super-Cook when you make these fun caped-crusader recipes for the bachelorette. Mmm, victory is sweet!

Spider-Man Cake: Are your spidey senses tingling at the sight of this easy cake? We feel the same way.
Wonder Woman Cake: The bachelorette caught the love of her life in her golden lasso. Make her this Wonder Woman Cake from Bronnie Bakes before the engaged couple flies off in her invisible jet.
Caped Crusader Cupcakes: Holy cupcakes, Batman! Pay homage to all the major heroes with these little cakes of justice.
Avengers Cake Pops: You’ll be a cake pop hero when your bachelorette broads see these works of art.
Hero Punch: It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a super-cocktail! It’s a bachelorette, after all. Try this tasty red champagne punch.
See more superhero-themed cocktail recipes at Comics Alliance.

Superhero Party Activities

Plan your party activities to get the girls into your superhero theme. Here are some fun bachelorette ideas to keep everyone entertained. Soon, it will be time to fly into action with these superhero party games and activities.

X-Women Masks: Pass out craft felt masks, ribbon, and markers and let your League of Extraordinary Ladies decorate their own superhero disguise! See a more detailed mask, the Captain America Mask on FaveCrafts.
Superhero Telephone Box: Fly in the face of the camera and save memories of the superhero bachelorette party by taking some amazing photos. Making a Superhero Telephone Box, like this one by DIY on the Cheap, is a popular superhero party idea.
Superhero for a Day Pictures: This photo idea for kids that could definitely be updated for adults. Just add some hilarious, props to this flying-over-the-city scene and this idea is bachelorette-ready!
Bleached Bachelorette Tank Top: The party girls will have fun making these cool bleached tees. Stick to the theme by making the bride a “Super-Bride” tank, and the rest of the ladies’ tanks can say, “Super-Sidekick.”

Using all your superpowers of craftiness, creativity, and cooking, you will triumph over all others to give your BFF the best bachelorette ever!

Which superhero would you marry?

Make Your Own Party Decor with New eBook from Fiskars!

June 25, 2013 by FaveCrafts

Fiskars has teamed up with FaveCrafts to bring you an eBook filled to the brim with quick and easy projects that can all be made with the Fiskars Fuse Creativity System! From beautiful handmade cards to party decor that looks professionally made, the 25 easy and fun projects that you’ll find in the Fuse Creativity System Project Guide: Fun Party Themes, Ideas for Handmade Cards, and More Paper Crafts from Fiskars eBook will motivate and inspire you to create all your own party supplies, decorations, and invitations!

Handmade Card Designs

In a day and age when email and ecards have taken over the way we communicate to one another, it’s sometimes easy to forget how nice it is to receive a card in the mail, and not just any card…a handmade one! If you’re looking for ideas for handmade cards and a fun and clever way to send someone you love a little greeting or two, look no further than the handmade card designs in the Fuse Creativity System Project Guide. Great for any and every occasion, the cards in this eBook are easy and fun to make with the help of your Fuse system. Create beautiful letterpressed designs, create custom cutouts, and create cards that come to life when they’re opened, like this Butterfly Card. Made using the Butterfly Design Set, this 3D style card is suitable for almost any occasion.

DIY Party Decorations

Weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays are easy to celebrate and decorate for with the help of the Fuse Creativity System Project Guide. Filled with great ideas on how to throw the perfect themed party, and complete with instructions on how to make everything from the invitation to the decorations, this free eBook is a great go-to guide for the hostess with the mostess!

Kids of all ages will simply adore this Owl Themed Party Décor. Great for birthdays and graduation parties, fun party themes like this make entertaining easy and fun. Use your Fiskars Fuse to create these DIY paper decorations, cards, and more…and watch your party quickly come to life! Whoooo’s the best party planner around? You are now, thanks to your Fiskars Fuse Creativity System and the free printable paper crafts in this eBook!

Home Decor

The Fuse is also a great tool for cutting other items, such as craft foam and wood veneer. This Chalkboard Calendar is a great project for busy families. With parents and kids going in a million different direction, this large erasable calendar is a great way to keep track of everyone’s schedule. You could also use this calendar to help organize a work team, a study group, or keep track of your college courses and work schedules.

So whether you’re looking for clever ideas for handmade cards, simple scrapbook layouts, DIY paper decorations, how to make paper decorations for your home, or just some clever and creative ways to give a little glitz and glam to your gift wrap, the projects you’ll find in the Fuse Creativity System Project Guide: Fun Party Themes, Idea for Handmade Cards, and More Paper Crafts from Fiskars eBook are great for all your crafting needs. Let the Fiskars Fuse to do the work for you and help you create a variety of paper crafts and decorations that will look professional and fun!

This Week on Cool2Craft TV – EcoCool Cardboard Tube Crafts

July 30, 2012 by Tiffany

This week, the Cool2Craft design team is sharing eco-cool cardboard tube crafts! Watch your favorite crafters create super cool projects and join in the live on-line chat. Join EcoHeidi Borchers, Tiffany Windsor, Candace Jedrowicz, Ann Butler, and Savannah Starr for this week’s online episode.

EcoHeidi Borchers is crafting a Bumble Bee Noisemaker Wand, Tiffany Windsor is creating Paper Towel Roll Floral Earrings, Candace Jedrowicz is transforming a cardboard tube into Baby Shower Party Favors, Savannah Starr is crafting a Cheetah Collage Cuff Bracelet and Ann Butler is making Paper Towel Roll Napkin Rings.

It’s easy to watch the Cool2Craft TV Channel right from your computer. Monday July 30, 2012 at 9 am Pacific/ 10 am Mountain/ 11 am Central/ noon Eastern. Watch craft demos and join in the live chat at showtime at Cool2Craft.com. See you Monday!

Watch live streaming video from cool2craft at livestream.com

Put Some Pizzazz into Your Parties with these DIY Party Crafts

July 22, 2012 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts

I’m someone who loves to decorate for a party of any kind, but with a small budget, I can’t always find what I’m looking for at party stores. If you’re like me, then you know there’s an easy solution; crafting! The editors here at AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com want to help you throw the best party possible, so we’ve put together some of our favorite crafts that we’re sure will have everyone celebrating.

Our party crafts cover everything from decorations to party favors so your guests are sure to have a good time from start to finish.

Bright and Colorful Gumdrop Wreath – Get your guests in good spirits before they even walk in the door by greeting them with this delicious-looking candy wreath. Though it’s not edible, it’s a creative alternative to ribbons and balloons. This sweet design is something that party-goers of all ages can enjoy.

Confetti Vases and Jars – While waiting for everyone to arrive, show your guests these artistic glass crafts made from recyclable goods. The vibrant colors inspire the right energy while the size makes them easy to fit in with your other party decorations. They’re also a versatile craft that you can use for a lovely bouquet of flowers or as a festive holder for utensils.

Chic DIY Centerpiece – This retro-inspired craft is a hit on our page, so we’re bringing it to you. If you’re looking for a way to keep your guests conversing around the food table, all you’ll need is one of these stylish centerpieces. Each centerpiece is made entirely of old material that you can redesign with your own personal artistic touches. No matter what theme you’re going for, your guests are sure to eat this centerpiece up!

Colorful Beaded Napkin Rings – Wow your guests with the detail in your crafting with intricately decorated napkin rings. They’re a sturdy, yet chic way to keep your table settings organized, and you’ll be able to paint them according to any theme you can think of. Whether it’s Halloween or Christmas, these beaded napkins will brighten up your table.

Lovely Lace Gift Bags – Don’t let your guests leave without one final crafty treat! It’s impossible for them to forget their gift bags when they look as elegant as these. Using only a few cheap dollar store materials, you’ll have made personalized gift bags that show your guests how much you appreciate them coming. They’re big enough to hold food and gifts, and they’re simple enough to use at a number of events.

This is just the beginning of your party craft adventure, because the staff at AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com is always looking for more new and exciting ways to add DIY elements to every party situation. If you’re looking for more free party ideas, just head over to our site.

What’s the biggest must-have at your parties? We’re looking for ideas, so please comment below.

It’s Party Time! 3 Summer Bash Ideas

May 4, 2012 by FaveCrafts

Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and though I’m not especially fond of pinatas and sombreros, I am a huge fan of parties. In my mind you don’t need to have a specific reason to throw a party for your friends and family. Just getting together to have some food and drinks, some laughs and some good times is reason enough!

So, with that being said, I decided to do some “research” (it was so much fun, I’d hardly call it work!) and find a bunch of fun and festive party themes for summer to share with you all today. Keep reading if you love to celebrate good times (come on!)…

Ice Cream Social:

If you’re planning a summer bash, why not make it ice-cream themed? Everyone loves an ice cold cone on a hot day (“I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” right?!) so indulge your sweet tooth with a sugar-coma inducing party. Here are some ideas to get the party started:

Get free, downloadable ice-cream themed invitations and thank you cards from One Charming Party.

Create a cute decorative tray to serve up your cool treats! This tutorial from Plaid shows you how.

Make each of your guests their own Ice Cream Cone Headband so you can all celebrate in style!

Movie Night Party:

I love going to the movies, but there are two things I can’t stand. One is the sticky floors, and the other is the crazy expensive tickets! That’s why I love the idea of creating your own movie night as a party at your home! Keep reading to find out how to put together a “Night at the Cinema” soiree:

It wouldn’t be the movies without a concession stand, so find out how to create your own with this guide from The TomKat Studio.

Here’s a fun idea to fit into your movie night theme: Have guests create their own movie poster pillows using images from their favorite films!
You can find the tutorial here.

Send your guests home with these adorable party favors so they can continue the movie watching at home! Get the details from Jacolyn Murphy.

Over the Rainbow Party

Rainbows are hot right now, and they make a great party theme too! Celebrate all the colors of the rainbow at a brightly-colored themed bash! You could plan a rainbow party any time of the year, but they’re really great for summer, especially if you’re looking to host an outdoor soiree. Here are a few DIY ideas to help you send your party over the rainbow:

Welcome your guests with a colorful tissue wreath that has all the colors of the rainbow! This easy-to-make door decoration is just the thing to get the party started!

Dress up your snack table with a fun and ruffly rainbow table skirt! This one from Backless Shirt can be made for under ten bucks!

Don’t forget your guests are going to want to “taste the rainbow” at your rainbow-themed bash, so serve up these cute cupcakes to make the theme complete!

These are just a few of the awesome party themes I found while searching online. You can find tons more on our website or on Pinterest. Happy planning and happy celebrating!

Also don’t forget about Crafty Fiesta week! Today we’re celebrating with another tutorial and giveaway from our friends at I Love to Create! Read our blog post here to find out how you can win a fabulous prize!

Now tell me: What kinds of parties do YOU have planned this summer?

Crafty Fiesta: Festive Chip and Dip Bowl

May 4, 2012 by FaveCrafts

It’s a Crafty Fiesta all week long here on the FaveCrafts blog, and we’re joined by I Love to Create to get you geared up for Cinco de Mayo with some fun and festive craft projects! Be sure to keep tuning in every day through May 6th for all our amazing Cinco de Mayo craft ideas, DIY inspiration, and a giveaway each day. Check out today’s colorful chip and dip bowl tutorial, and then be sure to scroll down to enter our giveaway below!

Fiesta Chip and Dip Bowl

It wouldn’t be a fiesta without some tortilla chips and salsa! Spice up your snack table with this easy chili-pepper-painted Fiesta Chip and Dip Bowl project from I Love to Create! In bold reds, yellows, and greens, this bright and beautiful bowl is a simple way to turn up the volume on your party decor. You’ll actually want your snacks to run out so that you can show off your handiwork to all your fiesta guests!

Materials:

Duncan® Concepts® Underglazes for Bisque and Majolica

-CN 182 Bright Kiwi
-CN 253 Dark Black
-CN 501 Neon Yellow
-CN 504 Neon Orange
-CN 505 Neon Green
-CN 507 Neon Red

Dinnerware Bisque Designs

-1-piece Chip & Dip 12″ x 12″ x 2″

Signature Brushes

-SB 802 No. 1 Liner
-SB 807 No. 6 Fan Glaze
-SB 811 No. 8 Round
-SB 812 No. 10 Round

Brush Cleaner
Mask ‘n Peel™
Clear Glazes

-IN 1001 Envision Clear Glaze

Sponge
Pencil
Clay carbon
Pattern

Instructions:

Wipe ware with damp sponge to remove any dust.
Trace design on plate with clay carbon and pencil.
Dampen No. 8 Round brush with water; then condition with Brush Cleaner and press out excess. Load brush with Mask ‘n Peel and apply one good coat to chili peppers. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Use No. 10 Round brush to create vertical stripes with three coats of Neon Red, Neon Yellow, and Neon Green. Let dry between coats. While the last coat is still slightly damp, lift corner of each masked area with a straight pin and gently pull mask off. Check for and remove any remaining particles.
Use No. 8 Round brush to apply three coats of Neon Orange, Neon Yellow, and Neon Green to chili peppers. Also apply three coats of Bright Kiwi to stems. Create highlights with opposite colors. Let dry after each coat.
Use No. 6 Fan Glaze to apply three coats of Neon Yellow to dip center of bowl. Let dry after each coat.
Use No. 10 Round brush to apply three coats of Dark Black to rim of dip center and around rim of bowl. Use No. 6 Fan Glaze brush to apply three coats to back of bowl. Let dry after each coat.
Use No. 1 Liner brush to outline peppers and stripes with Dark Black. Also add light detail lines on each pepper. Let dry.
Apply one coat of Clear glaze completely on bowl with No. 6 Fan Glaze brush. Let dry.
Stilt and glaze fire to shelf cone 06.

It wouldn’t be a celebration without a chance to win something! We’re giving away a Crafty Chica Charm Bracelet Kit from iLovetoCreate! Charm bracelets are great because you can have a reminder of all your favorite things with you in one place at all times! This kit makes it easy to put together a special and fun charm bracelet, so answer the question below to be entered for a chance to win!

Charm Bracelet Kit

Contest Rules:

Contest open to US and Canada residents 18+
One comment/entry per person.
Contest closes May 4, 2012 at 11:59p CST.
Please answer the question below in order to be entered.
Winners will be posted on this blog and notified by email

What is your favorite holiday to celebrate?

Link Love: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

May 3, 2012 by FaveCrafts

I can never seem to get enough Mexican food in my diet (and by “food” I mean “margaritas”). I’m also obsessed with colorful crafts, streamers, fringey banners, and everything else that just screams Cinco de Mayo. Luckily for me, and anyone else who shares my love of guacamole and fiesta crafts, Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner. Will you be celebrating this year? If you’re throwing a fiesta, check out some of these colorful, cheerful crafts for Cinco de Mayo.

Ombre Dyed Streamers from Lil Blue Boo
Festive Sombrero from Paint Me Plaid
Mini Party Hat Pinatas from One Charming Party
Mini Pinatas from Oh Happy Day
Egg and Spoon Maracas from Made
Cinco de Mayo Centerpiece from Oh My! Creative
Pinata Cookies from SheKnows
Crepe Paper Flowers from Honestly WTF
Fiesta Invitations from Martha Stewart

Don’t miss our Giveaway today from iLovetoCreate! Just check out today’s Crafty Fiesta Project Tutorial and comment on that post (not this one) for a chance to win!

How to Throw a Fabulous Fiesta

May 2, 2012 by AllFreeHolidayCrafts

Put on your sombreros and get out the maracas because Cinco de Mayo is this weekend! If nothing else this holiday is a great excuse to throw a fantastic party, complete with themed food, drinks and of course crafts! And because it falls on a Saturday this year, that’s just one more way of the universe telling you to throw a fiesta for your friends!

Never planned a fiesta before? Not to worry! I’ve rounded up everything you need to know below:

Cinco de Mayo Party Foods:

Since I’m a girl who loves to eat, I thought I’d start by sharing what I consider to be the star of any party: the food! For a Cinco de Mayo themed fiesta there are some standards you should definitely serve, like chips and guacamole, cheesy nachos, and a variety of salsas (I like to make them ranging from mild to flaming hot to suit my guests’ differing taste buds!). Oh, and the drinks! How could I forget the margaritas! Serve up any one of these delicious concoctions (adults only, of course!) and your guests are guaranteed to have a blast at your fiesta!

But if you want to go a bit more outside the box with your party foods, here are some cute ideas I found thanks to my new best friend Pinterest! Try these and your party is sure to be a hit!

Sombrero Cookies, via Random Thoughts of a Supermom

Margarita Cupcakes, via Brown Eyed Baker

Chips and Salsa Cookies (yes, they’re actually cookies, not chips!) via The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta Decorations:

Now that we’re all squared away on the menu, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to decorate for your fiesta! Streamers and pinatas seem like a given, but there are some other unexpected party decorations I wanted to share with you. And if you remember only one thing from this post it should be this: Go colorful or go home!

Tissue Paper Flowers, via 33 Shades of Green

Dyed Streamers, via Lil Blue Boo

Printable Drink Tags, via The TomKat Studio

Now that you have ideas for decorations, snacks and drinks, you’re pretty much set to get your fiesta started! May 5th can’t get here soon enough, if you ask me!

Did I miss anything? What would you make for a fiesta?

Don’t miss our Giveaway today from iLovetoCreate! Just check out today’s Crafty Fiesta Project Tutorial and comment on that post (not this one) for a chance to win!

Coming Soon: Twitter Contest with AllFreeChristmasCrafts

March 19, 2012 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts

You’re invited to our very first Twitter-only contest with AllFreeChristmasCrafts!

Join us Tuesday March 20 at , at 11 a.m. EST for a chance to connect with tons of other Christmas crafters and win an awesome prize!
We’ll get to the prize in a moment, first let’s go over the simple way you can win.

Here’s what you have to do:

Follow @FreeXmasCrafts on Twitter. If you don’t already have a Twitter account, you can easily create one for free!
Log on between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST.
We’ll post a question on our Twitter feed and provide our special hashtag for the giveaway – #XmasWin. Click reply, answer the question and don’t forget to include the hashtag! Only tweets that include #XmasWin will be considered for the giveaway.
Check back at 2 p.m. and find out if you’re the winner!

And that’s it. Does it get any easier? Didn’t think so.

GIVEAWAY

And now for the good part. We’re giving away a Martha Steward Craft Station! This all-in-one system is idea for paper crafters, scrapbookers, and card makers. Use the LED light box to illuminate your crafting space and get the best possible view of your work. The moveable arm helps you create straight lines with ease. The embossing stylus and and cutting knife with create smooth, precise designs that look anything but ordinary. Oh and don’t worry about cutting yourself – the Craft Station comes with two extra blades and replacement is hands-free. You’ll also receive more than 100 templates for cutting and tracing. Basically, this is a one-stop shop for anyone who love to create.

Giveaway rules:

Contest open to US and Canada residents 18+
Contest closes March 20, 2012 at 1:59 p.m. EST.
You must use the hashtag #XmasWin
Winners will be posted on this blog and on Twitter.