Indiana Jones Birthday Party (Part I)

I'm going to break down the party into two posts because I have too many photos to process, my computer is slow, it's late, and I can stretch this out and force you to look at my photos. The party was a success; no one got hurt, there was lots of laughter, and the weather was perfect. I went a little overboard with this party and I always say that I won't do it again, but I will. I love planning parties and I would do it for a living if someone would pay me. I don't like the frantic last minute moping of the floor or shoving dirty dishes in the stove, but I enjoy the days before; the day my kids and I were shopping at Goodwill for "artifacts" and were planning what color wax candy bottles we could buy for "antidote." Those are the times I want to remember. I think Visty summed it up best in her comment on my last post, "...you will find yourself addicted to the rush of the potential failure and humiliation of a bad party, and every year there you'll be again." I'm addicted.

The invitations:

 

  

I bought scrapbook map paper from Joanne Fabrics, glued them together, cut them to 5x7, and used Word for the directions and my useless picture processing software to print the little picture of Indiana Jones on the outside. I found the idea from Sippycups are for Chardonnay. Then I spent hours standing in the garage burning the edges. Perhaps when Martha tells us that burning the edges for effect is simple, she is talking about making 4 invitations, not 12. Even though there was a lot of effort in these, I'm happy with how they turned out. I rolled them up and tied them with twine and stuck a vintage stamp on some card stock and put their names on each one. The kids loved their invitations; one mom told me her son yelled at his brother for not rolling his map the right way with Indy on the front. Always glad to help out with family harmony. Tips: an eraser will remove some of the excess burn marks if you get a little carried away with the burning, when it comes to fire-less is more-don't let it flame up, just start it on fire and put it out with your fingers (if you are tough) or use a spoon or something hard and non-flammable.

The Treat Boxes:

 

 

 

 

 

I found these plain wood boxes for $1.99 at Michael's and used a stamp pad to personalize them. Then I filled them with some shredded brown paper, chocolate gold coins, nugget bubble gum, and a compass. For the book, I bought blank Moleskins and put their names on each one. I added some travel stickers later, but I forgot to take a picture. Everything was tied together with twine and an Indiana Jones "whip" to annoy their parents with. Kids love it when their name is put on something, especially if "top secret" is also there. My kids carry their little moleskin books around all day and have me write their stories in them ($7.99 for 3). Putting these together was easy and I spent a little more than I usually do on take home treat bag/box, but I think the kids really liked them.

Tomorrow: cake and the $40 snake pit.

If you were wondering from my last post who changed the garbage bag, my husband did, but he used the passive aggressive move of not putting a new bag in...so I guess that makes it a draw.

Comments

[rebecca]

You did *not* make all of those awesome favors for each kid! I'm very impressed not to mention intensely curious about the snake pit.

[Tracy]

man, you are hard core. This looks awesome!

ah, the passive aggressive tactic of not actually finishing a chore. I know that one.

[Wendy]

That is some seriously attentive party planning, you go girl! I've never put on a theme party, don't know if I would have your creativity or not!!

[stephanie]

This is amazing. I wish I could have come. :) Can't wait to see the rest.

Love the garbage struggle. classic.

[Kathy]

You are amazing - what fabulous party favors and invitations! LOVE them!

At our house the passive aggressive chore half-done thing has recently been passed on to our 13 year old - not so fabulous! Ever seen the Everybody loves Raymond episode with the suitcase on the stairs? Yep - that's how we live.

[The 6 O'Clock Stitch]

Ok, Sweetpea's birthday is MONTHS away and you've already got my wheels spinning. I just have one question. Are you totally and completely exhausted? I can not imagine!

I linked to this post in my post today. Your invitations are too yummy not to share!

http://the6oclockstitch.blogspot.com/2009/03/goodmorning-vintage.html

Can't wait to see the rest.

[Tilly]

Wow, that was some party planning. I don't think we've ever been to a party THAT good! Can't wait to see the rest.

[Paper Dolls for Boys]

Looks GREAT! The favors are perfect, the kids will actually use them instead of just piling up the plastic junk!

I am very familiar with the trash out but no new bag in it's place. I'm glad to find out this game is being played in other arena besides my house.

Looking forward to part 2, you sure can tell a story!

[lina]

SUPERB! Especially the giveaways - I can't bear plastic rubbish ones. I can't wait for part two!

PS My husband have the same issue over the garbage!

[Envelope Printing]

Wow, such amazing items! The invitations were very inspired. Really gets the recipients excited about attending the theme party. And what about those treat boxes eh? Wonderful stuff! Very imaginative and inspiring. Thanks!

[Suzanne Guffey]

This is great!! I am in the process of planning a Indiana Jones party for my 6 year old. Came across this site by mistake, but love it and would love to find the $40 snake pit idea. How can I find it? Thanks so much!!

Suzanne

[Jordan Flipsyde]

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[chanel bags]

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[Gretchen]

Where did you find the journals? Great ideas! Borrowing some for my son's 5th birthday coming up!