Treasures of the forest elves

Update: Anamaria is offering to post a tutorial for her fabulous elf/Peter Pan hats!

"Last night, someone saw a bunch of elves in the woods around here. They heard them say that they knew there was a birthday party here today, and they were going to hide some presents in the woods for everyone to find. And they left us some clues, here's the first one..."

The birthday party yesterday was a lot of fun! (I can say that now after a good night's sleep.) We went on a treasure hunt as a group. Thanks to your suggestions, I had thought about various ways to keep the group together, such as cutting the picture clues up into pieces and having the kids put them together to figure out the clues, but after a last-minute surge in planned attendance, it seemed like there were just too many kids to do that with. Cutting an 8x10 picture into 26 pieces? Well, it could be done, but the image of 26 kids trying to put together a puzzle at the same time, that seemed like a bad idea. So instead, I just instructed the group that we were going to stay together, and that I was going to read out all the clues. This mostly worked, toward the end it got a little chaotic, but at least no one jumped ahead to the next clues. It was a bit frustrating for some of the kids because the two older kids kept on finding the treasures, so finally I had to ask them to hang back and let the other kids find the treasures.

Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a group photo of all the little elves. But here are a few photos of my little elf. First, the elf hat, idea and directions courtesy of the wonderful Anamaria.

I made them in heathered blue and forest green. In a variety of sizes, including a mama elf size. I added a ribbon loop to the top and pockets on the side flip-ups. And now, the post-treasure-hunt version. (My elf is playing with grandma right now, so I had to settle for just a flat-hat picture.)

To the hats we added long flowing ribbons, little bells on ribbon loops, bird pins, a feather, safety pins with beaded names, skeleton keys, and a necklace with a little dragonfly charm and a small bell.

This was followed by carrot cake cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, made by Dad and frosted by Max and Grandma.

Today is Max's actual birthday, we'll celebrate again, much more quietly and much smaller scale. And tomorrow is his birthday party at school, so today we'll be making dairy-free, refined-sugar-free cupcakes. I hope they turn out ok, I've never made these kinds before, but these restrictions were requested by his teacher. I think I'm going to try this vegan chocolate cake recipe, but I might add an egg. Although it seems that it worked well for people without the egg, so maybe I'll just leave it out...

Comments

[Jen M]

I love that you have a blog! Jacob loved the party - your hats were such a hit. He slept with the skeleton key in his hand last night.

When are more bags going in the store? Those are too cute!!!

[myra]

The hats are too cool. The hunt sounds like it was a lot of fun, you always plan the best parties. Happy Birthday Max!

[Macoco]

Those hats are darling! I'm sure the kids will be talking about this party for a long while. Happy birthday Max!

[debbie]

i love how the hats turned out and ended with treasures! sounds like a fun-filled birthday celebration - wish i were a kid again....

[Anamaria]

I'm so glad the hats worked out, and I love the ribbon loop and brim pocket. Plus, look at all that treasure the kids found! Wonderful stuff. Hope the cake tastes great! and thank you for thanking me.

[Bettsi]

Amanda- that hat is terrific! Thanks for sharing the link to the directions. I just love all the treasures.

[Sarah]

Your hats are very fun. I recently found your blog via "The Fairy Mum". You've had some great projects!