me party

This project caught my eye a few days ago, especially because it involves cutting and painting cardboard, which--and I don't mean to brag--happens to be one of my family's specialties (see here, and here). But coming off a less-than-satisfying interlude decorating the Christmas tree with my children on Sunday, I determined to dive into this simple holiday project with nary an expectation of my kids. Whether or not I had cheerful and willing co-crafters, I was going to make a Christmas tree garland. And I'd like it.

I began by cutting cardboard trees from one of the many Amazon boxes that have been arriving at our door this month, and waited for someone to notice. (Okay, I suppose I secretly did hope for helpers...but I wasn't going to advertise it). My dear son took the bait. Hey, could we paint those trees, Mama? Why...what a good idea, Gabriel!



It was also a good idea to cut out another shark, glue on a sequin eye, and give him a bloody red mouth since he had recently taken part in a cardboard shark battle. (Give and take, people). But mostly we stayed with the tree theme, mixing in glitter and gluing on lots of sequins. We never hooked Frances, but that's okay. These past two days she's had homework to do after school, plus she had to dance to the Muppets soundtrack all over the playroom.

For those of you who've seen the movie, you might have recognized the title of this post: we love the disco beat of 'Me Party,' an anthem sung by a determined Amy Adams and Miss Piggy about having a grand old time all by your lonesome. The kids and I danced around like crazy people today to that song, and to all the others that we love while dinner simmered upstairs (Tex Richman's hip hop turn remains Frances's favorite).

I was ready for that garland to be a me party sort of project, which might be why Gabriel easily joined me in pursuing it. I didn't announce to the kids that they were going to make something special, and as far as I know I didn't lay on subtle pressure to have a good time holiday crafting with me or else. So in the end it all came together naturally, and the four of us really like our new garland. Even though my skills begin and end with painting cardboard, it's freeing to recognize that I like crafting. It's not all about the kids, though I have them to thank for the abundant crafting opportunities in my life. Whether or not you have a three year old by your side, making stuff is fun.

What are you making at your house today?