June 3, 2020 by Krista

Active Jenga for Kids

Oh, the boundless energy of the young. Running with the wind in your face. Leaping through the air. Jumping off the couch. Err, wait. Maybe that’s just at my house? No? Well, if you’ve ever needed a way to channel all that pent up energy, here is the game you’ve been looking for. You can play this Active Jenga for Kids Game over and over, anytime you need an energetic indoor activity for kids!

ENERGETIC INDOOR ACTIVITY: ACTIVE JENGA FOR KIDS

ACTIVE JENGA FOR KIDS – AN INDOOR GAME THAT HELPS KIDS BURN ENERGY WITHOUT DESTROYING THE HOUSE

Kids are crazy. A good, active, energetic kind of crazy. I love my kids, but sometimes they are just… A LOT. My zombie mom, sleep deprived self just can’t keep up with all that boundless bouncing energy.

But, if I can’t help them channel that energy, more often than not, the above jumping off the furniture scenario is just a matter of time. Or maybe it will be wrestling match this time. Or possibly a game that includes throwing a ball at my glass picture frame riddled walls.

But this Active Jenga for kids game is the perfect way to harness that energy and use it up – safely. Without destroying the house.

THIS ACTIVE JENGA GAME FOR KIDS IS THE PERFECT KIDS GAME FOR ALL OCCASIONS

I love a good kids activity, but a lot of them are ‘one and done’. We do ‘one and done’ activities all the time, but there is a certain appeal to knowing that after spending 30-60 minutes on making this game, it will be ready to play over and over again. This game is perfect when:

it’s too cold outside.
it is too hot outside.
it’s raining or snowing or hailing
you have lots of kids
you only have one kid
the kids need to play alone for a few minutes

It’s easy to take with you. It easy to play and still fun for a variety of ages. Set up is easy. Clean up is easy. And it’s still fun when you go back to play again. This game is definitely not ‘one and done’.

3 SUPER EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR ACTIVE JENGA GAME FOR KIDS

Truth bomb. Ready? The hardest part of this project is coming up with ideas of what to write on each block. But, there is a silver lining.

Silver lining: I made a set of 60 questions and activities that are ready to print. If you want an easy peasy project, you can find those in my Etsy Shop. There’s even an editable PDF file to help you customize your game as simply as possible.

Extra Shiny Silver Lining: If you have a cutting machine, you get the SVG files included in the game files! Use your print and cut feature to literally open it in your cutting software, print the page with registration marks and then cut it with your machine. Then, it’ll be as easy as slapping stickers on blocks.Kids Active Jenga Game Template Page

One last insider tip –> Print on sticker paper and it will cut your prep time in half or more! As quick as you can say peel and stick, your stickers will be adhered to your Jenga game blocks and you’ll be ready to play with zero drying time needed.

Okay, let’s do this!

ACTIVE JENGA GAME FOR KIDS MATERIALS:

Jenga Block Template – Download this from the button below. This is simply the blank colored labels you’ll put on the wooden blocks. If you want to quickly and easily customize your game with a professional look, get the Editable PDF template or the Ready-to-Print labels in my Etsy shop.
Jenga Game – Get it on Amazon. You can find knock off versions and they will work (I used a knock off version), but the quality isn’t as good, some of the blocks were misshapen and the blocks were not all the same size. Knock offs work, actual Jenga blocks look better.
Paper and Printer – I recommend sticker paper to make this project even easier! But standard printing paper is sufficient too. If possible, I also recommend a laser printer to help with longevity, but ink jet will work too.
Paper Cutter or Scissors – love my Swingline SmartCut. I used both it and a pair of scissors. (Only need if you aren’t using a cutting machine)
Glue – wood, white glue or tacky glue will work best. I used white glue. (Only need if you aren’t using sticker paper)
Pen or Marker or image editing software – If you’re going to write the questions and activities by hand, I recommend Sharpie Art Pens. The ink is smooth, doesn’t bleed and won’t smear if it gets wet. You can also open the Jenga Block Templates in an image editor and type out your questions and activities before you print.

STEP #1: DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR JENGA BLOCK TEMPLATES

Download the free printable templates with the green button below. Save the file to your computer and print with the “actual size” setting. This file is designed to fit a name brand Jenga block, but will work on other blocks too. You will need 2 copies of the template to cover an entire set of Jenga blocks.

* PRO TIP: If you’re going to fill in your block template digitally (on the computer), do it BEFORE you print your template.

* PRO TIP: Check your game for a count of how many blocks you’ll need to cover. Name brand Jenga has 54 blocks. My knock-off set had fewer. Each template page has 30 rectangle labels. You’ll need 2 pages (give or take a few) to cover an entire game set.

STEP #2: FILL OUT AND CUT OUT THE BLOCK TEMPLATES

If you are writing your game prompts out by hand, write one question or activity on each rectangle. You can make these a mix of questions and activities – or do all questions for a get-to-know-you style game OR do all active challenges for a real energy buster. I did a combination and even through in some math practice!
Cut out enough labels to cover every block. I used my Silhouette Cameo and printed on sticker paper – it made this a million times easier. If you want the cut files already to go, they are included in the files in my Etsy shop.

STEP #3: ADHERE THE ACTIVE JENGA GAME PROMPTS ON THE BLOCKS

If you used sticker paper, just peel and stick one label on each block. Easy Peasy.

If you used standard paper, glue one game prompt label on each block. A thin strip of glue on all 4 edges of the blank side of each label will give the best results. Smooth out the label with your fingers and let the glue dry completely. This part isn’t hard, but it does take a little time.

* PRO TIP: You just need a thin strip of glue. Don’t use a lot or your labels will wrinkle.

* PRO TIP: Clean up any glue that seeps from under the edges of the labels with a damp cloth or paper towel before it dries.

* PRO TIP: If any of your corners come unglued, secure them back down with a little bit of glue stick or white glue.

ACTIVE JENGA GAME FOR KIDS: A GAME FOR ALL AGES!

In just 3 steps and an afternoon, you’ll be ready to whip out an awesome activity the whole family will love. Use it when you need a minute, when the kids are getting a bit too crazy, or for family game night! Active Jenga for Kids is the PERFECT simple, inexpensive, fun and easy way to help the kids channel all that energy into some fun memories. So, what are you waiting for? Put this together in a snap and get those kids who are jumping on the beds to come play this fun game!

MAKE THIS PROJECT EASIER WITH MY READY-TO-PRINT ACTIVE JENGA GAME BLOCK LABELS IN MY ETSY SHOP!

Like this idea? Want to spice things up for your next date night? Check out my Couple’s Jenga bedroom game for a more adult version of this game.

March 24, 2020 by Krista

Online Educational Resources for Families

How crazy is the world right now?! I know this social distancing thing has been hard for a lot of people. Less so for me because I’m a major introvert and having a legit reason to stay home in my pajamas all day is my idea of a good time. Luckily, I had the idea to compile a list of resources for families and we’ve been able to stave off the boredom with some fun activities – most are even educational too!

However, my very extrovert husband misses walking out the front door on a regular basis. I know many, many people can relate. He is thankful for this list because it helps keep his boredom at bay and the kids from climbing the walls. This is pretty accurate to how things are going over here. Also, I’m watching a lot of Frozen lately, so it seems extra appropriate:

THERE IS GOOD IN THE WORLD. AND THEY ARE SHARING THEIR RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES.

I have absolutely loved how humanity has stepped up to help, encourage and support each other. As companies have been extending discounts, free trials, and even giving opening their services to the rest of us for free so many of my amazing friends have been sharing and posting links to these wonderful things. I have been hoarding these things we can do during this crazy, uncharted time worse than toilet paper. Thank you, thank you, thank you, my friends. Please don’t stop!!

(Also, we aren’t really hoarding toilet paper. We just have a lot of bums to clean around here.)

I want to share all these wonderful resources for families that I’ve collected all in one place with every single person who could use them. Because I know that every time I’ve seen a new one, I feel a small wave of relief that my kids won’t have to play plants vs zombies all day for entertainment, a wave of hope that I won’t go crazy with nothing to do in our house with the same 7 people for … however long this lasts. A wave of gratitude and pride for all the awesome humans on Earth.

I hope it makes it easier to find something that can help you and your family navigate this uncertain time a little more easily. I know I don’t have a lot of extra time to sit combing through Facebook posts, searching for “that link I saw”.

I’ve tried to verify most of these for quality, but things are changing fast. I will be updating this list as I can. If you have any problems, you can let me know and I’ll update it.

CLICK TO FIND THE FULL LIST HERE AS A PRINTABLE GOOGLE DOC FILE.

If you would like to share the link, I’d love for you to share the link to this post. I appreciate your support. ♥ But, if you’re more comfortable sharing the link directly to the Google Doc, I’m okay with that too. I just want to help get the resources to those who need them.

THESE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES ARE PERFECT FOR NEWLY HOMESCHOOLING, WORKING FROM HOME, OVERWHELMED PARENTS

With 5 young kids, limited space, inconvenient weather, and my tech support husband trying to manage a workload that has doubled as he’s moved to supporting a large number of online meetings all from our home, I know how frustrating, daunting and stressful this time can be. And I know I’m not the only one feeling overwhelmed with this new “normal” we are now living.

Thankfully, blessedly, we are mostly healthy. But, that leaves me to entertain – or, at least, contain – our large number of children (what were we thinking?! ) who have never-ending explosive energy and emotions and are mostly stuck indoors while I’m also trying to maintain a semi-unchaotic environment their father can complete his work duties in.

I’m vastly outnumbered: physically, mentally, emotionally. As many of you can relate, I’m sure, it’s been an adjustment we are still trying to manage. There is good in every day, even when that good is bed time; but, I’m tired. I know a lot of you are in similar situations. So, hopefully this list of resources for families can help ease your burden a little.

SHARE THE GOODNESS. HELP SHARE THESE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

While we may all be separated physically, the coming together, reaching out and sharing of helpful information that has filled my inboxes and news feeds have made me so proud and grateful. Despite the bickering, hostility and malcontent that has been so prevalent, there is so much good in the world.

Help me spread that goodness by sharing these resources for families – both this post and the list – with any of your newly homeschooling, working from home, overwhelmed, frustrated or bored friends and family too!

Stay strong, stay healthy and, as I tell my children all day long, wash your hands with soap and water, my friends. ♥

February 7, 2019 by Krista

Couples Jenga: The Perfect At Home Date Night Game

This Couple’s Jenga Game idea was originally published in 2015. This article has been republished to maintain relevancy and usability.

Oh, date night. Having date night is the best. Planning date night, not so much. But, relationships take work and skipping date night isn’t the best long game solution. Cue up the at home date! Add a fun game and date night is exciting again. And this Couples Jenga Game is PERFECT. Simple, inexpensive, fun and intimate. Just what date night should be!

AT HOME DATE: COUPLE’S JENGA GAME

COUPLE’S JENGA – AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT GAME THAT WILL HELP YOU DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Life gets busy. Date nights and alone time are often sporadic. I love my kids and they make our family complete; but, I also treasure the relationship I have with their dad, my husband.

The young adults from years ago who were still discovering the world, themselves and each other are still here. It can be hard to find that woman sometimes in the mess of responsibilities and obligations she has now.

This Couples Jenga Game is perfect for rediscovering the excitement in your relationship. Reminisce and even learn new things about your sweetie while having fun together!

COUPLES JENGA IS THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT GAME FOR COUPLES LOOKING TO GET AWAY FOR A BIT

As nice as it would be to run off for the weekend, that’s not really an option, right? If you’re looking for a way to escape all the responsibilities and stress for a little while, this Couples Jenga date night is perfect! Are you:

stressed out?
tired of people wanting things from you all day?
looking to relax a bit?
a board or card game enthusiast?
on a budget?
wanting a different kind of date night?

If any of those were yes answers, you need a Couples Jenga Date Night!

3 SUPER EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR COUPLES JENGA GAME

Truth bomb. Ready? The hardest part of this project is coming up with ideas of what to write on each block. But, there is a silver lining. Two, actually.

One: I made a set of 60 questions and activities that are ready to print. If you want an easy peasy project, you can find those in my Etsy Shop. There’s even an editable PDF file to help you customize your game as simply as possible.

Two: You can make this game as sweet or saucy as you want. I included a mix of naughty and nice, but you can do whatever would benefit your relationship most.

Okay, let’s do this!

COUPLES JENGA GAME MATERIALS:

Jenga Block Template – Download this from the button below. If you want the Editable PDF template or the Ready-to-Print labels, get them in my Etsy shop.
Jenga Game – Get it on Amazon. You can find knock off versions and they will work (I used a knock off version), but the quality isn’t as good and the blocks may not line well.
Paper and Printer – I recommend standard printing paper* and a laser printer. Ink jet will work too.
Paper Cutter or Scissors – love my Swingline SmartCut. I used both it and a pair of scissors.
Glue – wood, white glue or tacky glue will work best. I used white glue.
Pen or Marker or image editing software – If you’re going to write the questions and activities by hand, I recommend Sharpie Art Pens. The ink is smooth, doesn’t bleed and won’t smear if it gets wet. You can also open the Jenga Block Templates in an image editor and type out your questions and activities before you print.

* Make this project even easier by printing on sticker paper instead. Forget the glue, just peel and stick!

STEP #1: DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR JENGA BLOCK TEMPLATES

Download the free printable templates with the green button below. Save the file to your computer and print with the “actual size” setting. This file is designed to fit a name brand Jenga block, but will work on other blocks too. You will need 2 copies of the template to cover an entire set of Jenga blocks.

* PRO TIP: If you’re going to fill in your block template digitally (on the computer), do it BEFORE you print your template.

STEP #2: FILL OUT AND CUT OUT THE BLOCK TEMPLATES

If you are writing your game prompts out by hand, write one question or activity on each rectangle. You can make these questions and activities as sweet and sentimental or as saucy and sexy as you would like. I did a combination of both sweet and saucy.
Cut out enough labels to cover every block. I used both my paper cutter and a pair of scissors.

STEP #3: GLUE THE COUPLES JENGA GAME PROMPTS ON THE BLOCKS

Glue one game prompt label on each block. A thin strip of glue on all 4 edges of the blank side of each label will give the best results. Smooth out the label with your fingers and let the glue dry completely. This part isn’t hard, but it does take a little time.

* PRO TIP: You just need a thin strip of glue. Don’t use a lot or your labels will wrinkle.

* PRO TIP: Clean up any glue that seeps from under the edges of the labels with a damp cloth or paper towel before it dries.

* PRO TIP: If any of your corners come unglued, secure them back down with a little bit of glue stick or white glue.

COUPLES JENGA: AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT THAT WILL REKINDLE YOUR FIRE!

In just 3 steps and an afternoon, you’ll be ready to light some fireworks on your next date night. Couples Jenga is the PERFECT simple, inexpensive, fun and intimate night you’ve been wanting. So, what are you waiting for? Light those fires, check out of reality for a couple hours and enjoy an evening with your favorite sweetie!

MAKE THIS PROJECT EASIER WITH READY-TO-PRINT COUPLES JENGA BLOCK LABELS!

February 4, 2019 by Krista

Kids Love Coupons are a DIY Gift That Will Last Forever

Hey there, do you have a favorite kid – or two or three – in your life? Do you know any kids that are hard to get gifts for? Maybe you’re struggling with giving meaningful gifts versus gifting more stuff? These cute Kids Love Coupons are perfect for kids that don’t need more toys.

Give those kids something they really want and that will last forever – and you’ll love it too! Give them some of your time and make some fun memories with them. Because, what kid wouldn’t want a special date or activity and to be the center of your attention? Carve out some special time for your favorite activities together with these printable Kids Love Coupons.

KIDS LOVE COUPONS: A MORE MEANINGFUL GIFT

As a mom of 4, I know all too well what it’s like when kids have plenty of stuff. Mine definitely don’t need more toys and things to leave on the floor. Because of this, I try to give my kids meaningful and worthwhile gifts. And, as a busy mom, time is one of the most precious things. I would much rather spend more time doing fun things with my kids than picking up more toys.

And I love that these kids coupons are perfect for every budget. The actual coupons cost some ink and paper. The outing redeemed with the coupon can be as expensive or frugal as you want or need it to be. My kids get just as excited about going to the park as they do about going to the movies.

They don’t need fancy, they just need you.

Things come and go. Toys break. Fun and memories can last forever.

KIDS LOVE COUPONS: THE PERFECT GIFT ANYONE CAN GIVE ANYTIME

These Kids Love Coupons are a perfect gift to receive from anyone. What kid wouldn’t love to get some fun dates and special activities from one of their favorite people? Anyone can give someone their time: Parents to children, grandparents to grandchildren, favorite aunt or uncle to niece or nephew, even friend to friend.

And Kids Love Coupons are great for lots of occasions:

holidays
birthdays
big life events
as rewards for accomplishments and exceptional behavior

It can be hard to juggle life’s demands. Love coupons are one way we help ensure our kids get some quality one-on-one time. If they need some extra attention, they redeem a coupon. It’s a great non-confrontational or mom-guilt-inducing way for them to say “hey, I need a little extra right now.”

MAKING YOUR OWN KIDS LOVE COUPONS BOOK IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3

A good homemade gift is the best. But life is busy and there aren’t always hours to spend putting together something for every gift that comes along. This kids love coupons book is simple, quick and will look great when you’re finished.

With just a handful of materials you probably have already and a half an hour, you will be ready to hand your favorite kid some memory-making magic in the form of 9 awesome things to do with you.

KIDS LOVE COUPONS SUPPLIES:

Kids Love Coupons – free download below. There is a full set of 28 ready-to-print coupons, plus editable files to easily create your own custom coupons in my Etsy shop, if you want a larger set of coupons.
Printer and Paper – I recommend cardstock
Paper Cutter or Scissors
Washi Tape or Ribbon and Hole Punch
Craft Knife (optional)

KIDS LOVE COUPONS DIRECTIONS:

1. DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR COUPONS

Step #1a: Download your free printable coupons by clicking on the green “Click to Download” button below. Save the file to your computer.

Step #1b: *If you upgraded to the full set of coupons in my Etsy shop, make sure you personalize the cover and fill in any of your own special coupons before you print! Follow the directions on the Printing Guide.*

Print your coupons. This file is designed to print at “actual size” on 8.5″x11″ paper. I recommend printing on cardstock for added durability. Personally, I use THIS CARDSTOCK for most of my projects. I prefer a 110 lb weight and a brightness of at least 90.

This file is intended to be printed on a single piece of paper. If your printer has the option to print double sided, use it and flip on the long edge. If your printer does not print double sided, you will have to manually flip the page and put in back in the printer before printing the 2nd page.

PRO TIP: When manually printing double sided, I put a little ‘x’ in pencil at the bottom left corner of the page before I print anything so I know how to put the page back in the printer when I print on the back side. The ‘x’ will need to be at the same end of the printer, facing down when you put the page back in.

2. CUT APART YOUR KIDS LOVE COUPONS

Step #2a: Cut the coupons apart. I love my Swingline SmartCut paper cutter for this stuff. Makes cutting straight lines a breeze and so, so fast. And I love that the blade is fully enclosed with all the little fingers around my house.

PRO TIP: Your coupons may not have printed perfectly straight on the page. Make sure you check the edges of the coupons on your cutting line before you cut so your coupons don’t get cut crooked.

You could also use a ruler and craft knife or scissors to cut the coupons apart.

3. BIND YOUR KIDS LOVE COUPONS BOOK TOGETHER

Step #3a: Gather your coupons together and arrange them in the order you want them. Line up all the edges on the side you’re going to bind. The easiest way to do this is to hold the coupons loosely in your hand and knock the side you’re going to bind against the table a few times.

Step #3b: Cut a piece of washi tape a little longer than the length of the edge you’re going to bind. It doesn’t need to be precise, the tape just needs to cover the entire length of the edge. Place the tape on the edges of the coupons, pressing firmly. Wrap the excess tape around the front and back of the coupon book. Press each coupon firmly into the washi tape binding. Use your craft knife or scissors to trim the ends.

PRO TIP: If your coupons aren’t sticking to the washi tape and staying in the book, put a thin zigzag of white glue across the full length of your washi tape. Because washi tape isn’t a permanent tape, some kinds won’t be sticky enough to hold the coupons in place. A small line of white glue should help with that, without making the coupons hard to remove from the book.

That’s it! You’re ready to wrap and give those love coupons to your favorite kid. And get ready for some awesome good times and memory making!

GIVE YOUR FAVORITE KIDS A GIFT THAT WILL LAST THROUGH THE YEARS: KIDS LOVE COUPONS

Theodor Seuss Geisel, maybe you know him better as Dr. Seuss, said “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

It might seem like building a fort or going to the library isn’t a big deal, but when your kids look back on their childhoods they will remember the people and the fun. They will remember the forts and the story times. They won’t remember the things.

Go make your favorite kids their very own Kid’s Love Coupons Book and give them something to remember.

Want to expand your Kids Love Coupons collection? Check out my Etsy Shop for the full set of 28 ready-to-print coupons and an editable file that will help you make your own personalized, custom coupons in just minutes!

January 28, 2019 by Krista

DIY Scratch Off Cards that will Spice Up Date Night

Hi there! Are you looking for a fun way to spice up your love life that won’t break the bank? Or maybe you’re searching for a fun DIY gift? Do you ever play the “Well, whatcha wanna do?” game on date night? Do you love scratch off cards – or maybe know someone who does? Then these DIY scratch off cards are just what you are looking for!

In just 8 super easy steps and an afternoon, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind set of DIY scratch off cards that will add a little fun and mystery to date night. They are perfect for romantic gifts or just for a little change of pace.

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS: SPICE UP DATE NIGHT WITH A LITTLE FUN AND MYSTERY

The best part about these DIY scratch off cards are that you can customize them to fit your needs. If date night has become predictable and lost it’s excitement, then something like a Date Night Lotto card would liven things up! Scratch off a square and you have a great date idea without adding a ton of stress or prep to date nights!

Or maybe you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your sweetie or to spice things up in the bedroom a bit? Then a set of Lover’s Lotto or Spicy Lover’s Lotto cards might fill your needs best. Scratch off one of those squares and forget your boring, old routine! Right at your finger tips is a great new romantic idea to fill your evening!

And I’ll give you the blank templates in just a minute! Doesn’t get much easier than that!

(But, if you do want it to get easier, I have pre-filled, ready-to-print cards as well as an editable PDF you can just plug your own ideas into in my Etsy Shop.)

ARE DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS YOUR KIND OF PROJECT?

This project is pretty simple, but it’s not for everyone. So, how do you know if it’s the kind of thing you’re looking for? Who is this post written for? What demographics will benefit from this information? Make an emotional connection and hit a pain point.

Do you enjoy a good, simple DIY project?
Are you looking for a way to liven up your love life?
Do you need a romantic gift idea that doesn’t cost a lot, doesn’t take a ton of time to put together and is something your gift receiver will love?
Are you trying to stick to a budget?

If you said yes to those – or any combination of those – then this project is exactly what you’re looking for.

However, if you’re looking for something RIGHT NOW or don’t like DIY projects this might not be what you’re looking for. (My printable Date Night Jar or printable Truth or Dare: Couple’s Edition bedroom card game might fit your needs better right now. They are literally print and cut and done.)

HOW TO MAKE DIY SCRATCH OFF LOTTO CARDS

With just a few simple supplies and an afternoon, you’ll have custom DIY scratch off cards perfect for your needs. A quick print job, some trimming and laminating, and a splash of paint is all you need to get one step closer to a spicier love life.

And don’t worry, most of the project time is waiting for the paint to dry. While it will take a few hours for your DIY scratch off cards to be all ready to go, you don’t need to carve out a whole afternoon to spend slaving away.

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD SUPPLIES:

Blank scratch off card templates – Print your free blank templates HERE or you can grab all the pre-filled, ready-to-print cards and the editable PDF files to fill in yourself RIGHT HERE)
Printer and Paper
Scissors or paper cutter
Clear contact paper, cold laminating pouches or a thermal laminator and thermal pouches (I absolutely LOVE this thermal laminator starter kit – works great and totally affordable. I have the older model and it still works like a charm.)
Acrylic paint and paintbrush – any color will work, but a metallic paint will look most like a typical scratch off card. Follow your colorful heart, there is no wrong choice.
Paint palette or something to mix your paint on
Dish soap – the kind you hand wash dishes with, not the kind you put in the dishwasher.
Skinny 3mm washi tape – optional

PRINT & FILL IN YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF TEMPLATES

Step #1: Download and print your blank lotto card templates. I recommend printing with a laser printer and on card stock for durability. Ink jet and regular paper will work just fine though.

*If you choose to grab my editable PDF files from my Etsy shop, you’ll want to fill those in before you print them.

Step #2: Fill in the blank templates with a pen or marker. Leave some space around your writing to make sure it won’t stick out from under the paint when you cover them up. You don’t need to leave a lot of space, but try not to write all the way to the borders of the boxes.

COVER AND CUT YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

*If you use laminating pouches or a thermal laminator, you will want to switch steps #3 and #4. Cut the cards apart first and then laminate each individual card. After each card is laminated, cut it apart and trim the cards, if desired.*

Step #3: Cover the front of your lotto card templates with the clear contact paper. You can cover the back too, if you want, but it’s not necessary. This cover will help protect the cards and is how the paint will scratch off your DIY scratch off cards.

Step #4: After the contact paper is on the cards, cut the cards apart. The files are formatted to cut an 8.5″x11″ paper into quarters. You absolutely can cut the cards smaller though. I did trim mine smaller for neater edges and smaller margins.

PREPARE YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS FOR PAINTING

Step #5: If you choose, mask off the edges of the cards. 3mm washi tape is perfect for this! Just put a line of tape on all the grid lines on the card. It’ll keep your paint lines nicer. Repeat with each card.

Step #6: Mix your acrylic paint and dish soap with an approximate 2:1 ratio – 2 parts paint, 1 part dish soap. It’s not rocket science and you don’t have to have precise measurements for this to work, so don’t stress over it.

PAINTING YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

Step #7: Apply a thin layer of paint over the words on your card. Let the paint dry thoroughly.

Step #8: Repeat step #7 until you can no longer see the text through the paint. Depending on what color paint you use, you may need 3-5 coats. Let dry overnight once you can no longer see text through the paint layers.

That’s it, your ready to spice things up!

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD TIPS & TRICKS

** A laser printer will keep your ink from smudging, should the cards get wet. Using laminating pouches will also accomplish this. An ink jet printer will work just fine, just be cautious not to get the cards wet if you don’t laminate them with pouches.

** Skinny 3mm washi tape is perfect for masking off your grid lines while you paint, however it is NOT a necessity. It will keep your paint lines neater, make painting easier, and make your cards look better overall, but free-handing the painting process is definitely an option and will save some time if you don’t have to mask off your grid lines. You could also cut down and use masking tape or scotch tape, if you prefer.

** Use fresh paint. By that, I mean not paint you’ve had in a cupboard for a few years… As you can see in that last photo, I started using silver paint. But it was old. It was clumpy and kept separating and didn’t mix well with the dish soap, so I ditched it for the red and pink paints. Newer, non-clumpy paint will give you a much better result with far fewer coats of paint.

** The painting and waiting to dry process is the longest part of this project, but it will turn out so much better if you do thin layers rather than a thick, globby one. You can use a blow dryer on low heat, low air flow to speed this process up.

** If all this masking off and painting thing is more than you want to deal with, you can use scratch off stickers to cover your date ideas instead. Take this cute idea and simplify! Find scratch off stickers on Etsy or on Amazon.

Got more questions? You’re always welcome to leave a comment or shoot me a message!

READY TO MAKE SOME DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS AND SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE?

In just an afternoon you can spice up date night and add some fun and mystery to your romantic life. This project is simple and fun. It’s a great romantic gift idea that is customizable to fit your exact needs. And who wouldn’t love to get some DIY Scratch Off Cards like these?!

Turn on some mood music, grab a coin and start scratching off those fun ideas!

ENERGETIC INDOOR ACTIVITY: ACTIVE JENGA FOR KIDS

ACTIVE JENGA FOR KIDS – AN INDOOR GAME THAT HELPS KIDS BURN ENERGY WITHOUT DESTROYING THE HOUSE

THIS ACTIVE JENGA GAME FOR KIDS IS THE PERFECT KIDS GAME FOR ALL OCCASIONS

3 SUPER EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR ACTIVE JENGA GAME FOR KIDS

ACTIVE JENGA GAME FOR KIDS MATERIALS:

STEP #1: DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR JENGA BLOCK TEMPLATES

STEP #2: FILL OUT AND CUT OUT THE BLOCK TEMPLATES

STEP #3: ADHERE THE ACTIVE JENGA GAME PROMPTS ON THE BLOCKS

ACTIVE JENGA GAME FOR KIDS: A GAME FOR ALL AGES!

MAKE THIS PROJECT EASIER WITH MY READY-TO-PRINT ACTIVE JENGA GAME BLOCK LABELS IN MY ETSY SHOP!

THERE IS GOOD IN THE WORLD. AND THEY ARE SHARING THEIR RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES.

CLICK TO FIND THE FULL LIST HERE AS A PRINTABLE GOOGLE DOC FILE.

THESE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES ARE PERFECT FOR NEWLY HOMESCHOOLING, WORKING FROM HOME, OVERWHELMED PARENTS

SHARE THE GOODNESS. HELP SHARE THESE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

AT HOME DATE: COUPLE’S JENGA GAME

COUPLE’S JENGA – AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT GAME THAT WILL HELP YOU DEEPEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

COUPLES JENGA IS THE PERFECT DATE NIGHT GAME FOR COUPLES LOOKING TO GET AWAY FOR A BIT

3 SUPER EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR COUPLES JENGA GAME

COUPLES JENGA GAME MATERIALS:

STEP #1: DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR JENGA BLOCK TEMPLATES

STEP #2: FILL OUT AND CUT OUT THE BLOCK TEMPLATES

STEP #3: GLUE THE COUPLES JENGA GAME PROMPTS ON THE BLOCKS

COUPLES JENGA: AN AT HOME DATE NIGHT THAT WILL REKINDLE YOUR FIRE!

MAKE THIS PROJECT EASIER WITH READY-TO-PRINT COUPLES JENGA BLOCK LABELS!

KIDS LOVE COUPONS: A MORE MEANINGFUL GIFT

KIDS LOVE COUPONS: THE PERFECT GIFT ANYONE CAN GIVE ANYTIME

MAKING YOUR OWN KIDS LOVE COUPONS BOOK IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3

KIDS LOVE COUPONS SUPPLIES:

KIDS LOVE COUPONS DIRECTIONS:

1. DOWNLOAD AND PRINT YOUR COUPONS

2. CUT APART YOUR KIDS LOVE COUPONS

3. BIND YOUR KIDS LOVE COUPONS BOOK TOGETHER

GIVE YOUR FAVORITE KIDS A GIFT THAT WILL LAST THROUGH THE YEARS: KIDS LOVE COUPONS

Want to expand your Kids Love Coupons collection? Check out my Etsy Shop for the full set of 28 ready-to-print coupons and an editable file that will help you make your own personalized, custom coupons in just minutes!

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS: SPICE UP DATE NIGHT WITH A LITTLE FUN AND MYSTERY

ARE DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS YOUR KIND OF PROJECT?

HOW TO MAKE DIY SCRATCH OFF LOTTO CARDS

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD SUPPLIES:

PRINT & FILL IN YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF TEMPLATES

COVER AND CUT YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

PREPARE YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS FOR PAINTING

PAINTING YOUR DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS

DIY SCRATCH OFF CARD TIPS & TRICKS

READY TO MAKE SOME DIY SCRATCH OFF CARDS AND SPICE UP YOUR LOVE LIFE?

If you want more romantic gift and date night ideas, check out the Date Night Jar (or HERE is a printable version!)

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