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Saturday, October 12, 2013

Pumpkin Patch Dart Board







































Someday I'll host a Halloween carnival for the grandkiddies. Not this year, though. They're still too young to fully enjoy what I've got planned for them! Oooooooo! Are they scared? They better be!

But next week I'll be co-hosting a party with my oldest daughter for her five year old twin sons and a handful of their friends. Most of the guests are boys....a species who loves to throw things! Balls, sticks, pillows....and hopefully the sticky darts that go with the game board I've just completed.

I've used sticky darts before. Love them. They offer the same fun challenge that pointed, sharp projectiles do, but without all of the safety concerns. And I've found that, despite being a low cost item (about 10 cents each), they really do last the 20 or so tosses claimed.

Each child will be given unlimited turns at the board. We're not going to add up the numbers they hit, but that's an option for kids who are older and can keep track of their own math. This year, we'll just hand out those darts and "let boys be boys!"

I made the board on a 32" x 40" sheet of Crescent (matting) board. To make it sturdy, I backed it up with a same-sized foam board (both from Hobby Lobby). Cut friendly paper designs, glue on, and finish with a random flourish of stick-on numbers. We'll just lean the board against a wall to play, but attaching it to a heavy box is an option that will make it freestanding. If you'll play outside, you can tape a pair of wood stakes to the reverse and pound them into the ground like I did for my summer carnival version. Firmly clipping the mat board alone (without foam board backing) to a sturdy clothesline is another option.

You might appreciate the way this game sneaks some mental calculating into a classroom party or school carnival if you're an elementary teacher or a "teacher's-pet-room-mother" (like I was!).

If you can't find sticky darts locally, look online. I found mine at Windy City Novelties and was very pleased with their prompt, friendly service.

This design, like all blog content, is intended for personal use only. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. Thank you!

27 comments:

  1. THROWING THINGS AT THINGS ! ! YEAH ! That's what boys like ! :) This is so cute, too...not your typical bulls eye sort of thing.

    Oh wait, YOU are not typical !!! :) XXOO

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  2. Oh my gosh, how cute and fun is THIS? Of course, I always think that when I come over here....but it's always TRUE! :D I love that it's not only educational, but can help with coordination, too. Thanks for the tip about where to order sticky darts!

    Happy Weekend,

    Love, Joy
    Yesterfood

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  3. Thank you for starting my day off with a chuckle. I love this idea and know those boys are going to have a great time. My grands have moved on to bow and arrows. Yes, the real thing - the stuff of Hunger Games. When they use them outside, we set up the target, and then stand back hoping all the arrows go straight. We have everyone stand behind the shooter and the adult in charge has to monitor all shots. My granddaughter can hit it dead center. My grandson has a little challenge with the pull and sometimes turns to talk to you while he's pulling and it sends us all running. We laugh but take it deadly seriously. I know you'll be more relaxed and have way more fun in your setting. :-)

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  4. Those boys are going to love this - who wouldn't! I am so glad you are going to be there to celebrate with them! You will make it a huge success for them and they will make it wonderful for you!

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  5. What a fun game - I think even my grandsons ( 8 1/2 and 12) would enjoy tossing some darts at a skeleton. This is a great idea. Your grandkids and their friends are so lucky.

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  6. How clever! The boys will Love it! Gosh, I have a couple girlys around here that would probably love throwing those darts.
    I really like your board you made. So cute and fun!

    ~Diane

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  7. If that isn't the coolest thing! I can just picture a gruesome version for teenagers, with scary images and bulging eyeballs. I'm inspired. Thank you!

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  8. Super cute, as usual! (I just have girls, and they would love this, too!)

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  9. You will have so much fun at this party...great game.

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  10. Your designs are so creative, bright and fun. I'm hoping to "party" like little kids in the near future too. Thanks for looking on For what it's worth and leaving your comments. I appreciate it. ♥

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  11. What fun! My grandkids and I made a "dart" board out of a world map last year and they had a blast with it AND kept learning more geography. Even this hyar grandma had a ton of fun. Great way to stay younger and happier :) :) :) Thanks for a lovely visit via the Grand Social.

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  12. Nice idea. All my grands are grown and no time to play with me anymore. I miss them. Try to attend some of their sports venues these days.

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  13. That is so great! My little grandson would love that. I just don't know about him throwing anything. It usually intentionally goes at someone.

    Thanks for linking up with us at Four Seasons Blog Hop this week.

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  14. I love this idea. I have little granddaughters, they need the hand eye coordination to get things on the board. Thanks for the idea for their visit.
    I came from Meet and Greet Blog Hop
    www.frogslop.com

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  15. I love this! It would be a great addition to a fall party! If you get a chance you can enter it into the Perfectly pumpkin contest http://piwiprincess.blogspot.com/2013/10/kitchen-geography-teaching-landforms.html

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  16. Fun idea and I know kids will really enjoy this! Thanks for linking up to TTF!

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  17. This is such a cute idea! I will have to try this with my little cousins!

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  18. What a fun dart board! The jelly beans down the borders are making me crave jelly bellys.

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  19. This is very cute indeed. Almost too cute to throw darts at! Visiting via CharlieBeth's blog hop from over at www.ritewhileucan.com

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  20. I LOVE your ideas! I pinned this one to my "children" Pinterest board--cute idea!

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  21. Seriously adorable! & what fun! Thanks for sharing at the party. Theresa @DearCreatives

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  22. Hi, Joyce. May I have permission to include this idea in a roundup of Halloween party games on One Creative Mommy? (It goes live on Friday.)

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  23. What a great idea! We love it and thanks for linking it up in our Crafty Showcase! Our newest showcase is here and we hope you stop in and share again! ---> http://bowdabra.com/?p=413

    Susie @Bowdabra

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  24. I've said it before and I'll say it again -- YOU ROCK!! This is such a cute dart board. Much better than the typical, boring one.

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