Pop-up party!

THEMED SHOP PAST! SODA RETRO KIDS A THE YOUR FROM GIVE BLAST FOR A SOIREE

Give your kids a soda shop-themed soiree for a blast from the retro past!

Are you looking for kids’ party inspo? Australia used to have old-fashioned soda fountains from the late 1800s! And, while most of them were in hospitality establishments, we did also have the classic drugstore – or chemist – fountains, a la America. So tap into this slice of sodalicious history to create a ‘pop party’ for your kids. Check out these ideas for a fab and fizzy fun fest!

2 YOU’RE INVITED TO A PARTY!

Send out the details for your kid’s party on a themed invitation featuring a multicoloured border of soda bo les. Photocopy the template in colour, then glue it onto cardstock cut to fit, and mat it on striped cardstock. Choose a brighttoned envelope and you’re done. Template on page 175

3 SEW A SODA POP PILLOW

Make a super-cute ‘Sodalicious’ pillow. It’s loaded with retro fun – the jumbo rickrack mimics a bo le cap edge – and will make a keepsake for your kid’s bed a er the party is over. The appliqué is easy to do using fusible web and blanket stitch, but you’ll need a sewing machine, too. Instructions on page 177

A soda fountain party needs classic milkshakes, too!

4 HAVE THE KIDS LOOK THE PART Soda jerks of the ’50s were known for their distinctive hats, and you can make your own cheery version using brightly pa erned cardstock and folded tissue paper. Serve up even more fun by giving bo les soda labels featuring old-fashioned so drink names. You can photocopy the label templates, cut them out and use hot glue or spray adhesive to a ach. Instructions and templates on page 179

5 CAN’T GO PAST CUPCAKES

Turn a basic cake mix into mini treats for your soda pop party. Give the cupcakes fruity flavour – think berry, lime or orange – and a creamy frosting. Garnish with a straw for an ice-cream-soda effect. Recipe on page 179

6 STRING UP STRIPY STRAWS

It’s not a party without decorations! Team with your party theme by using stripy straws and stranded embroidery co on to make bright bunting. Instructions on page 178„

The secret to party success is good company, yummy food and fun games to play!

8 DIY PARTY FAVOURS

Let the kids get cra y and cut stripy paper straws into various lengths and glue them in repeating pa erns to picture frames. You can pick up MDF frames in a range of shapes – square, round, oval or rectangular – at cra stores. Then they just need kid-safe scissors, foam brushes and cra glue.

9 POP GO THE BOTTLE TOPS! Kids can also make soda-themed magnets to take home and use on the fridge. Find le ers online to print, or photocopy the templates, cut out with a circle punch, glue to blank bo le caps and stick a magnet on the back. Templates on page 174

7 THANKING YOU!

Send your guests away happy with a thank-you gi they can hang up at home. Here, a picture frame is decorated with stripy straws, a cute rick rack border and pre y hanging ribbon. You can make them ahead of time or set up a cra table so your party guests can create their own – see DIY party favours (below, le ). Template on page 175

Soda fountains were super popular in Australia during the 1940s and ’50s!

1 POP-UP SODA STAND Step right up and let kids get their fill of fizzy fun at this striped soda stand. To make, sew a scalloped awning to fit a PVC pipe framework, and outfit a table with a matching skirt. You can use it for parties for years to come. Instructions on page 172

CHECK OUT EBAY FOR REUSABLE STRIPED PARTY STRAWS IN A RANGE OF COLOURS.

DON’T DESTROY YOUR VINTAGE VINYL STASH! YOU CAN BUY FAUX RECORDS ONLINE FOR DECORATION, TRY AMAZON AND PARTYSAVERS. COM.AU.

CRAFT PROJECTS ARE A FUN PARTY ACTIVITY AND KIDS CAN TAKE THEIR CREATIONS HOME.

for shopping details, see OUR stockists page