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January 18, 2012

Pirate Party Part 3: Decorations



Arrrgg, Decorations .... Honestly, I think they were more for me than for the kids.  lol.  I mean, what kid cares what the signs say, or how the table was set?  And as many of you know, decorations can take FOREVER if you let them!

But still, decorations can make a party great, and add to the ambiance - and some decorations can be quick and inexpensive...and even if they aren't quick, they are still fun!

First of all, I went to town with maps as part of the pirate decor.  I LOVE how the maps looked around the room. 


I picked up giant old atlas from a pile of books that someone was getting rid of - with the intention that I would use the pages for crafts.  It worked perfectly!  The pages were thick, and the colors were bright! 
Even if you don't have an atlas though - any old maps will do!!

Those signs at the top of the page, I ran through my printer.  EASY and so festive!!

The boxes I wrapped in maps to use for the treasure hunt (more on that later)...

And below, I made little scull and crossbones 3D map cutouts to set all over the tables.  They looked SO COOL!!!

Here's how I made the 3D scull and crossbones:

I used my Silhouette to cut a bunch of scull and crossbones shapes - but you can use ANY shape you want - as long as it is symmetrical.

Below you can see the steps to make them:
1st) Fold 2 of the shapes in half
2nd) Set them one on top of the other and sew a line down the middle (where the crease is).
3rd) Fold open the shape along the sewn line.

4th step - If you want to make a 3D garland) Sew through as many shapes as you want, down the middle, without cutting your thread.  Fold open each when you are done. 


Seriously, you can do this with any shape!  Hearts, stars, superhero logos, animal faces, whatever fits your theme!!

Here is one of the garlands hanging...



In addition to maps, I made these Jolly Roger Flags and stuck them in mason jars I had filled with dried beans. 

I also took glass bottles and stuck Pirate Grog Labels on them - you can see some in the picture above. 


Here's how I made the Jolly Roger Flags:

1) Cut pieces of muslin fabric about 4" x 12" - or whatever size you want! (as long as it is a rectangle)
2) Using freezer paper, cut out jolly roger shapes.  In the picture below, you can see the shapes I cut with my Silhouette (with the shiny side of the freezer paper down). 
3) Iron the freezer paper shapes to the fabric.  See the picture below for placement.  Since the piece of fabric will be folded in half to form a flag, and I wanted a Jolly Roger symbol on both sides, I ironed 2 Jolly Roger shapes per piece - one on the left, one on the right. 

4) Spray paint the fabric black.  You only need to spray the side with the freezer paper on it.  The spray paint is great too because it makes the fabric more stiff. 
5) Peel off the freezer paper.
6) Hot glue a chopstick in the middle of the fabric.  Fold over the fabric to line up and form a flag, and hot glue the two sides together - particularly around the edges.  (Again, the chopsticks were free from the local Chinese Restaurant!)

I used big pieces of fabric from my stash to line the tables...Here is a picture of a table part way through its decoration...

I also pinned fabric up on the walls behind "dress like a pirate" table - and it looked a lot like sails...

Here is my sweet little pirate, blowing up black balloon "Cannon Balls."  We had about 75 of these around the room, and the kids loved kicking them around, and hitting them with their swords.  At the end, we let the kids "fire" the cannon balls, and pop them all.  They had so much fun!

Cupcakes are the way to go at a party - I have decided :)

I got the recipe from my sister - and I can absolutely testify to their amazing-ness....wonderful-ness....drool-worthy-ness....yah, they are THAT GOOD
And the wonderful Cupcake Printables can be found here at Cottage Industrialist

I used a ton of things that I could find around the house.  Mason Jars, beaded necklaces, anything gold colored, ropes, even some Halloween decor worked :)
And everybody seemed to love it!

Thanks for stopping by!
There will be more on games and activities to come.

And if you missed it, be sure to check out:

Have you thrown a party??  Come enter our Party Ideas Linkup!


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2 comments:

  1. I love the use of maps in your Pirate party! I love maps and they work perfectly here. I love all of the DIY projects you did.
    I would LOVE it if you would share your party (and any other ideas) at my "It's a Celebration" link party.
    http://www.inspirationforcelebration.com/2011/12/its-celebration-link-party-december.html

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  2. How fun! So many great ideas!

    Melissa
    www.lovebugliving.com

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