Recycle.. recycle..

We are continuously on a recycling mode. Ever notice that children can never have enough toys, and their attention paid to the latest never lasted more than 2 weeks? What other better ways, in addition to saving a couple of bucks now and then, than to encourage them to come up with something new from a pile of "old"?!

Over the years, Calafant had been producing cardboard-based toys. We found it absolutely cool, and had been using them in various occasions. It was proven to be very popular for children birthday parties and we had been using them as very engaging distraction during large adults gathering (imagine garden party with 20 adults and 6 energetic tots). So one of our many recycling attempts was producing absolutely colorful, fun-filled (dare I say gorgeous?!) new toys out of cartons.

A castle fit for Fillys, Fairies and Fawns
(and other creatures of the enchanted Forest)

A pirate ship for the brave and adventurous

The children and I spend at least 2 weeks cutting, glueing, arguing, and finally assembling all the bits and pieces together. Today these "works of art" are centerpieces of their rooms. And because they're handmade, future upgrades are always possible! :-)

The Om Nom Craft Party

Welcome to the Om Nom Craft Party

When Baby A turned 7, she wished for an Om Nom party. I was momentarily loss for words as I scrambled my brain to come up with something practical. Both being sort of creative freaks, Baby A and I quickly came to the decision to turn it into a craft party with the hungry green guy as the center theme. So that was it!

Lemony magical muffins

We had "hand crafted" Om Nom invitation cards, an Om Nom chocolate Birthday cake, Om Nom lemon muffins topped with magic mushrooms, an Om Nom pinata, and had every possible surface covered with smiling Om Noms! The party was a rolling success, and for Baby A.. her BEST EVER !!!

Birthday Om Nom

Colorful edible crafts - giant cookies with food coloring

Under the Sea Birthday Party

Yummy fish baits (party favors)!

When Baby M turned 4, we decided to throw an under the sea Birthday Party. Fortunately we had a rather mild Spring in Germany this year, so we could actually let the children run free in the garden. We played the regular favorites like fishing and catch. A great idea I picked up from the Birthday in a Box - and it's played like musical chairs, caused a lot of tumbling around and laughters. Instead of fighting for chairs, children were fighting to crawl through this cute little killer whale, and who ever is caught in it wins a prize. (Naturally we made sure everyone wins. ;-))

Hungry baby orca

And what is a party without the obligatory chocolate munchies. The children were especially taken in by the little sharks on the Muffins, and just couldn't get enough of the smiling Octopus I placed on the birthday cake. I made a "Maulwurfkuchen", loosely translated as a "Mole Cake". It's a delicious German torte - imagine a giant Oreo, only this is a chocolate cake with a creamy Banana centered surprise.  

What a catch!

Party room...

Octopus on a "Mole Hill"