Make your own grass skirts for a Polynesian party.
A Hawaiian luau theme is an entertaining choice for a kids' summer party. It works well at the pool or the beach, and boys and girls alike have fun wearing leis, drinking pineapple and coconut smoothies, dancing to island music and eating grilled Polynesian chicken. Make sure to have some bongo drums and ukuleles on hand for the musically inclined, and get the kids to help make some grass skirt decorative crafts before the festivities begin.
Hawaiian Grass Skirt
There are several easy ways to make a Hawaiian grass skirt. For this craft, you'll need rolls of differently colored crepe paper, scissors, sturdy rope and a stapler. Measure a length of rope around each child's waist, then cut it to fit. Make sure to leave about 5 inches extra on each side to tie on the skirt. Have the children cut crepe paper into 1-inch-wide strips are about 1 inch longer than the distance between the child' waist and knees. Each child can staple the crepe "grass" to her string until it is covered, then tie it around her waist. Use the same technique with raffia for a more realistic look and for a sturdier skirt.
Tropical Luau Tablecloth
Set the mood at the food table by making a tablecloth that looks like a grass skirt. Green butcher paper is a sturdy covering and works best for this craft, but you can also use one made from plastic or thinner paper. Affix the covering so that it hangs down evenly on all sides of the table, preferably until it almost touches the ground. Have the kids cut the edges so that it resembles a grass skirt.
Decorative Drink Tub
Another festive grass skirt craft that adds flair to your party's decor is decorating the drink tub. This works best with two galvanized tubs that have handles. You'll also need foam tape, scissors and two to three hula skirts per tub. Kids can use the grass skirts they made with raffia ribbon. On each tub, tie a grass skirt from one handle to the other. Use the foam tape to secure the tops of the skirts to the tub's rim. Place the tubs on low tables or stools so that the skirts hang down.
Tags: grass skirt, child waist, crepe paper, foam tape, grass skirt, grass skirts