| The Crafty Angle |
| (And It's Not Just For Kids :-) |
Pirate Treasure Chest and Mermaid Jewelry Chest Party Craft Project
Everyone owns some sort of treasure. It may not be a pile of
gold coins or precious gemstones, but we all have certain
things that are very special to us. And we all need a special
place to put those things. For kids, a treasure chest is the
perfect home for prized possessions.
Making a pirate treasure chest or mermaid jewelry chest is a
fun activity that's sure to be a hit at any child's birthday party.
These projects are quick and easy for kids to make if you're
willing to do a little prep work ahead of time.
Supplies
* Old shoe boxes
* Acrylic paint and brushes
* Construction paper
* Felt
* Scissors
* Pencil
* Glue
* Rubber stamps and ink
* Stickers
* Stick-on jewels
* Glitter or glitter glue
Instructions
1. Paint each shoebox and its lid a solid color with acrylic paint. Gold and silver are great for boys and girls alike.
Pirate chests also look nice in black or brown, and jewelry chests are stunning in pink or purple. Let dry. (This is the
most important part to do ahead of time.)
2. Cut felt to cover the inside of the box. Glue on and let dry. (This is best done ahead of time as well.)
3. Cut inch-wide strips out of construction paper and glue them on the shoeboxes and lids so that they look like
straps on a treasure chest. This may be done ahead of time, or the kids can do it themselves.
4. Let kids decorate the chest with appropriate embellishments. For a mermaid jewelry chest, glitter and stick-on
jewels are perfect. For a pirate treasure chest, try glow-in-the-dark skull and crossbones stickers. Provide letter
stickers and a variety of rubber stamps for kids to use as well.
5. Paint on a keyhole for a finishing touch. Add other details if desired. Let dry.
Tips
* Cover the kids' workspace with newspapers to help prevent
mess.
* For a hinged lid, cut the back flap of the lid loose at the
edges. Glue the flap to the back of the box and let dry.
* Make one of these ahead of time, fill it with goodies, and
hide it. Then set up a treasure hunt so that a lucky partygoer
can find it.
* Have kids make their boxes early in the party. While they're
occupied with something else, put plastic or chocolate coins,
costume jewelry and other trinkets in them.
* For older kids, have a contest to see who can decorate his
box in the most creative way.
Assign judges or have everyone vote by secret ballot, and give the winner a special prize.
Everyone owns some sort of treasure. It may not be a pile of
gold coins or precious gemstones, but we all have certain
things that are very special to us. And we all need a special
place to put those things. For kids, a treasure chest is the
perfect home for prized possessions.
Making a pirate treasure chest or mermaid jewelry chest is a
fun activity that's sure to be a hit at any child's birthday party.
These projects are quick and easy for kids to make if you're
willing to do a little prep work ahead of time.
Supplies
* Old shoe boxes
* Acrylic paint and brushes
* Construction paper
* Felt
* Scissors
* Pencil
* Glue
* Rubber stamps and ink
* Stickers
* Stick-on jewels
* Glitter or glitter glue
Instructions
1. Paint each shoebox and its lid a solid color with acrylic paint. Gold and silver are great for boys and girls alike.
Pirate chests also look nice in black or brown, and jewelry chests are stunning in pink or purple. Let dry. (This is the
most important part to do ahead of time.)
2. Cut felt to cover the inside of the box. Glue on and let dry. (This is best done ahead of time as well.)
3. Cut inch-wide strips out of construction paper and glue them on the shoeboxes and lids so that they look like
straps on a treasure chest. This may be done ahead of time, or the kids can do it themselves.
4. Let kids decorate the chest with appropriate embellishments. For a mermaid jewelry chest, glitter and stick-on
jewels are perfect. For a pirate treasure chest, try glow-in-the-dark skull and crossbones stickers. Provide letter
stickers and a variety of rubber stamps for kids to use as well.
5. Paint on a keyhole for a finishing touch. Add other details if desired. Let dry.
Tips
* Cover the kids' workspace with newspapers to help prevent
mess.
* For a hinged lid, cut the back flap of the lid loose at the
edges. Glue the flap to the back of the box and let dry.
* Make one of these ahead of time, fill it with goodies, and
hide it. Then set up a treasure hunt so that a lucky partygoer
can find it.
* Have kids make their boxes early in the party. While they're
occupied with something else, put plastic or chocolate coins,
costume jewelry and other trinkets in them.
* For older kids, have a contest to see who can decorate his
box in the most creative way.
Assign judges or have everyone vote by secret ballot, and give the winner a special prize.
