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Friday, January 18, 2013

"Family Reunion" Bingo!

I love these people! That's why the bingo game I designed for my grandsons is really just a set of oversized Valentine's Day cards. When mommy and daddy join the boys to play, they'll all be reminded of how much they are loved by so many of us, including multiple pets whose furry little faces also appear among those of loving human relatives.







































We have 14 in our immediate family. When paternal grandparents and some pets are included, that's more than enough to fill 19 squares on the 25 space board. For now, we'll leave a few empty spots for later as future grandkids and additional animals arrive.

Besides the "everybody-on-this-card-loves-me" factor that is so perfect for this time of year, there are other benefits that come with playing this game. Advanced numbers don't need to be recognized, so kids as young as two can not only play, but also handle a turn at being game caller.

"Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal" will easily become part of everyone's vocabulary.

And then there's the prizes! I am going to evenly divide them by wrapping in individual colors for each child (and adult). Winners select only their own until they are gone, so no one has to fret about being an "unloved loser" on Valentine's Day! (A crime, by the way, that NEVER occurs on any day at grandma's house!)

Here's basic instructions for making a similar set of boards to enjoy playing with your family:

1.) Print head shots on your computer using the "contact sheet" option (that's what HP Pictures calls it), creating individual 1" x 1.5" photos.
Print one head of each person per card with an extra for the set of "calling cards."
Making 4 cards? Print 5 photos of each family member.
2.) Trim the photos. Glue them to a background sheet of paper (optional). Trim again.



3.) Use rubber cement to glue the photos to a sheet of 8.5" x 11" solid color cardstock. Arrange them in 5 rows of 5 photos each with a "free square" in the center. Be sure each card has a different arrangement! Allow about 2" for the header on top of the page. Fill in any empty spaces without pictures with a rectangle of scrapbook paper.
4.) Cut a 22" x 28" piece of lightweight cardboard into fourths and glue the playing cards to them, allowing room at the top for decorating.
5.) Use scrapbook paper and craft supplies to decorate the tops of each card. Trim outside edges.
6.) Mount the extra "calling card" photos on cardstock scraps.
7.) Collect buttons or use candy "conversation hearts" for markers.

35 comments:

  1. What a wonderful game! They are just going to love it!And I love that you included the pets -- they are part of the family!

    And I love your new header, too!

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  2. Thank you J, glad to find a Michigander and someone with like interst's. I'll be watching for all your ideas and family adventures.

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  3. That sounds like a wonderful idea...so creative and fun. It is a joy to find your blog through the Grow Your Own Blog party.

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  4. What a great idea. Like I've said before...and will probably say again...you are the BEST grandma!

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  5. you have to be the most creative person in blogland, the internet, and then entire world! :)

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  6. I think Debra is right! And thanks for the other party link, too! You probably knew I would go look at Terry's blog!

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  7. What a cute idea and a great way to reflect on the importance of family.

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  8. Love your design! I will stop back for a visit again soon!

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  9. Joyce, you are so creative - this is just awesome! You should share this at Inspire Me Monday!

    Have a fabulous weekend and thanks for joining us for Friendship Friday!

    Create With Joy
    http://create-with-joy.com

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  10. I think why I like your projects is that they are unique and personal. This is a great idea.

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  11. Thanks so much for sharing your creative project with us! Visit us again next showcase next week!

    Have a good week,
    Susie@Bowdabra
    http://bowdabrablog.com

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  12. I like the falling hearts on screen. My son just walked in (which means I have to get up ;) ) and he likes the kitties on your project. :)

    This looks great! I'm your latest follower, here from the Social Sunday hop.

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  13. Joyce, What a wonderful and creative project! I have five beautiful grandchildren of my own and love the name of your blog. I found you through GYB party and I am now following.
    xx, Sherry

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  14. Oh my stars, how creative! I wanna do something like this for our family! BTW, the Jelly Bellies are giving me the munchies! *LOL*

    Following from the Let's Get Social Sunday link-up.

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  15. What a cute and ingenius idea!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  16. That is really fun! very nice Joyce, a game I am sure everyone loves to play. I'll have to see if I can pull this one off for my gang.

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  17. YES! Another fun game! This is a craft even I could do.

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  18. So cute! I'm a new follower from the Sunday Social link-up. If you would like to share this, pop in to my blog, we have the Creative Corner link-up on-going this week. We love to see you there!

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

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  19. Very cute bingo card:):) Lovely blog!! Its funny you said you are following a quilter who's her pets...That's me too!! ..and I love paper arts also!! Hugs

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  20. I love this, so fun and creative J! Thanks for sharing it at my party. I hope you have a great week.
    Hugs,
    Marcie

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  21. I love this idea. Will get a family game made before the kiddos arrive for their next visit!

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  22. A lovely idea. Thank you for sharing this in the GRAND Social. Love the hearts! ♥

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  23. You have a lovely blog. I'm new follower and 'Grow Your Blog' participant. Have fun in at the party!
    Evalina, This and that...

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  24. First of all let me say how much in awe I am of you. What a beautiful fun-filled family you have created and how blessed those beautiful children are to have you as their grandmother!!!!! Gosh. I feel better just reading about it. Imagine living it!

    My own adult children have been slow to marry and give me grandkids. But my son got married in 2012 and I know they plan on children so my time is coming. And I have decided to follow you because I can see I have a lot to learn about being a grandmother - and who best to learn from than someone who has done it so successfully!

    So very glad to have found youl

    Elaine
    Retiredknitter@gmail.com
    http://mynext20yearsofliving.blogspot.com

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  25. What an adorable idea for grandparents and grandkids. Thank you! :) (Love the falling hearts too!)

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  26. I bet everyone loved this game! All those cute pictures! Great for young kids to see family member faces. Thanks for linking up to One Creative Weekend!

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  27. It is so nice to meet you. Your blog is lovely. I'm still making my way through visiting everyone from Vicki's Grow Your Blog party. I hope you will stop by to say hello.

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  28. What a great idea and so cute! Thanks so much for the inspiration and for sharing at A Bouquet of Talent.
    xo
    Kathy

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  29. Love your blog. Family Reunion bingo! How clever!

    It is great to meet you through Vicki's GYB party.

    If you have a chance, please drop by nonniescedarchest.wordpress.com

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  30. Thanks so much for stopping by and the good wishes for my brother. He's having trouble with his right hand, but we're hoping for lots of improvement.

    With cats, you're wise to give up birds. I think they might be too much temptation for the cats. I love cats, too, but am allergic. I had a white cat for 15 years and, after he passed, I developed the allergies. I think I just miss him.

    I love your game! Brilliant idea!

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  31. Waving hi from the blog party! I'm slowly working my way through he list! Looking forward to reading more of your blog.

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  32. WOOT!!!!! Congrats in being in our Feature Friday Post! We loved it and these is such a FUN idea!
    xoxo Susie @Bowdabra
    http://bowdabrablog.com/2013/01/25/feature-friday-bowdabra-top-crafty-showcase-picks-32/

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  33. Very cute idea! I need one for my husbands family; I can't remember all his great aunts! Thanks for linking to Mom's Library!

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  34. Love this idea. I might use it to teach my children their relatives' names that we are visiting this summer. Thanks for sharing at Mom's Library. Pinned!

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  35. You are so creative and have a fun blog! It's nice to see what you enjoy making! Sweet hugs!

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