Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
For some time, I’ve been wanting to come up with a birthday present that was cute, original and useful to give as my token gift for the oodles of parties that the kids have. Something I could make ahead of time and personalize. Something that cost under 15 bucks. Something that the kids would enjoy and would invoke parental whispers about just how creative I am, and where on earth do I find the time? (Because, you know, it’s all about me.)
I figure all kids can use more art supplies; I know we can never have enough. So, last night I put together my first (er, Cannon’s) signature birthday bucket. It’s filled with finger paints, watercolors, play-doh, paper, home-made crayons (remember those?) fabric balls and stickers. I repackaged some of the junky looking supplies in cellophane and raffia. I put a vintage “C” sticker on the front of the bucket along with some ribbon and decoupaged over it. Stuffed the bottom with bright tissue paper, went a little ribbon crazy, wrapped it up and voila! (Next time I’m going to make a personalized “Blank’s Rainy Day Bucket” or “Blank’s Art Bucket” label instead. Live and learn.)
Anyway, I had fun making it last night and and plan on perfecting them over the next few months. Next up: “Bath Time Bucket” complete with rubber ducky, bath paint and toys, bubble bath, wash cloth and duck soap. Stay tuned.
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
In my next life, I’m coming back with Angelina’s looks, Celine’s singing voice, Bill Gate’s business sense, and your creative abilities.
-Dawn
Jill was creative and beautiful from the day she was born, and although she can’t sing, she does have good business sense. For now, she has only buckets of crayons and not money. Just wait.
Dad
*bowing down to the creative one*
This is WONDERFUL… My nieces birthday is coming up and I’ve been trying to come up with something original… My niece is all about art supplies (she’s turning 6!)… I’m SO doing this… Thanks for the idea… Scary Mommy, You ROCK!
It’s really adorable! All kids would love this…what kind of bucket is that?
I would totally invite your kid to my kid’s birthday party. Just to get one of those. For my child. I’m all about the family.
It looks beautiful- in the picture and in real life!
Very cool that Cannon was the first to get one of your famous buckets!!! After his nap, I’m going to let him dig in…
Awww, thanks! I’m blushing :)
Dawn, That’s a mighty good combo. I think I’m the weak link though!
EmBee, Glad to help, good luck! (And Target $1 spot had lots of really cute, bright art supplies)
Noble, It’s just a big enamel one with a wood handle…
And CityStreams, I totally made this more for his mom than him. (Is he impressed bu the French clip art? I think not.) All about the family… yup.
Hi – I popped over from the SITS blog roll and I love the bucket. I’ve got oodles of kids and countless birthday parties to go to in the course of a year. This great idea can take me all the way from parties for the one in kindergarten to the one in eighth grade. Brilliant!
Seriously, Jill, what Mommy wouldn’t pay to order that?! I know I would! Yet another fantastic and creative business idea. SO cute.
AP
That is a great idea.
I’m still dying laughing from “Your Proudest Parenting Moment” on your sidebar!! My 4 year old did something similar (although not a vulgar) and slapped his hand on the bed when he didn’t get his way and said “damn it!”
Oh… they say the darndest things!!
… and you can drool over my hubby… it’s ok… lol
Jill – this is even better than I thought it would be. You never fail to amaze.
Can I have one for my birthday? they look fun for all ages…even 34 year olds want one!
oh…and I was so sad reading about Lily stuck in the elevator. That happened to me when I was her age. But the elevator got stuck in between floors and I was alone for what seemed like hours. And just to make you feel better…I did not require therapy because of it :)
Colby
That is so adorable. You are so creative and I love the sticker! Where did you print that???
I have this signature way to wrap baby gifts.. involves some twine and clothespins.. super cute.
Colby, I will totally make you a basket!!!
And, that is one of my big elevator fears to this day.
Mrs. R, It was part of some wrapping paper that I had. I scanned it and printed it out on sticker paper.
That wrapping of your s sounds really cute! I love embellishing with clothespins :)
I am SO pinching that idea.
That will go down an absolute storm over here in England.
I am cutting and pasting this page as I type . . .
You are so creative! Where do you find the time?
Yor buckets are seriously cute! Where do you find the buckets and what are those Mickey heads? Are they buttons? I’m Mickey/Disney obsessed so I’d love to know!
Thanks, ladies!
You are all so good for my ego :)
Karlise, the stickers are from Target, I just took them out of the plastic. The buckets are from a wholesale site, http://www.buhiimports.com.