Ringing in a New Year, Artsy-Family Style

We had some really great plans for New Year’s Eve.  Hubby and I were going to get all dressed up for going out to dinner and then dancing with some of our good friends.  But then, the day after Christmas, we all got sick.  Fortunately, Little Crafter and I are doing considerably better.  But hubby, not so much.  So, we decided to keep our germs to ourselves and play it low-key instead.  We didn’t want to be party poopers {tell me I’m not the only one who hears Arnold in my head saying “Don’t be a pah-ty poop-ah!”}, so I decided to throw together some things to make our evening at home festive and fun.

The silver lining is that Little Crafter is beyond excited about having an at-home celebration with us…and I have to admit, now that everything is coming together for our little party, I am too.

Here’s a little sneak peek at how we’re going to ring in the New Year, Artsy-style!  Let me first say, thank goodness for Pinterest, other blogs, and of course, Cammie {my Silhouette Cameo} which made it possible for me to pull this all together in 48 hours.

THE PLAN:
Our party will run from 5-9 PM.  Every half hour, Little Crafter gets to open one of these bags and we’ll do the activity described inside!

Huge kudos here to KC from The Real Thing with the Coake Family; she linked up this idea {link #1} at this week’s Shine on Fridays party, and I just adapted the specific activities to fit our family.  THANK YOU, KC!!  Stop by and give her some love for such a great idea!

5:00
Activity – Follow the leader {Little Crafter} to the table and Eat Dinner
In the bag – Noisemaker/blowers
On the table – Cracker Placecards

These are made with toilet paper/paper towel rolls.  Little Crafter helped me put a beaded necklace and a deflated balloon inside each one, then wrap them up with silver wrapping paper.  We secured the ends with wired garland, and I cut out our names and the year on adhesive gray vinyl {with Cammie’s help, of course}!

5:30
Activity – Make paper plate noisemakers
In the bag – stickers, dried macaroni, jingle bells

This pic is from two years ago, but gives you an idea of what we’re going to be making!

6:00
Activity – Write goals and resolutions for 2013 and share them
In the bag – Resolution printables

6:30
Activity – Make resolution bracelets
In the bag – Waxed linen, jute, assorted small beads
{Idea from room 6}

These simple bracelets are made by knotting your linen or jute, stringing on as many beads as you like, knotting it again, and tying it off.  If you tie each end in a knot around the other string, it will even be adjustable.  The idea is that when you wear the bracelet, every time you see it, you’ll be reminded of your resolutions, instead of forgetting them like we all tend to do.  For example, if you resolve not to gossip, every time you’re tempted to talk about someone, your bracelet will be a reminder.  Or if you resolve to eat healthy or to exercise, each time you see the bracelet, you’ll be reminded not to eat that candy bar or to make time for your workout.  We’ll see how effective they are…!

7:00
Activity – Play games!  Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Angry Bird UNO, and eat cookies!
In the bag – Card game
{Idea from the Coake family}

7:30
Activity – Make festive streamer wands
In the bag – Craft sticks and curly ribbon
*This would also be a great time to make wishing wands, if we hadn’t done it already!

8:00
Activity – Funny Photo Booth with props
In the bag – Silly hat
{Idea from the Silhouette blog}

I downloaded these designs from the Silhouette online store and Cammie cut them out on black cardstock for me.  Little Crafter helped me glitter them and we put them on craft sticks when dry! {Thanks to Craftprojectideas.com for the fun glitter shakers and the craft sticks we used!}
Stay tuned to see how our pictures turn out!!  We had fun testing the props ahead of time…

8:30
Activity – Dancing in the dark: dance with flashlights and glowsticks to “Firework”
In the bag – Glowstick
{Idea from the Coake family}

9:00
Activity – Ring in the New Year by watching You Tube videos from other countries where it’s already midnight, drop our own “New Year’s ball,” and toast with sparkling cider
In the bag – Wine glass charms
{Ideas: YouTube video from the Coake Family, Sequin ball from the 3 R’s blog}

I also included bonus activity suggestions in each bag in case we finish early and need to waste a little time before opening the next bag.  Some of those include: Play a round of “Pop the Pig,” play a round of “Don’t Break the Ice,” play “Bop the Balloon,” talk about our favorite 2012 memories, etc.

What do you think?  I think we’re going to have one fabulous party!  What about you?  How will you be ringing in the new year?  Best wishes and blessings for a Happy New Year!

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