For the first day of school I wanted to send a note in my daughter's lunch that would really make her smile. I wanted something more than just a little slip of paper that said "I love you". I was going for the AWESOME FACTOR. :) So, when I stumbled upon this concept I was pretty darn excited. (Things like this make me feel like a kid on Christmas morning) The idea is a scratch off love note.
You've probably seen those "scratch and win" game cards or recieved a coupon in the mail where you could scratch off the little metallic circle with a penny to reveal how much you will save at the sale. When I get these things in the mail I always scratch every single one of the sections off even though I have no intention of using the game/coupon. Why do I do this? Because it's so irresistable. You just want to find out what's hiding behind that little circle and it's so satisfying to scratch it off and find out. OK, maybe you don't feel the same enthusiasm about scratch off coupons as I do. But, I guarantee your kids will.
And here's all you have to do to create that excitement combined with a love note in their lunchbox.
STEP 1:
Print off the card.
Here's a blank one if you want to write in your own fortunes or add them in a photo editing program.
STEP 2:
Laminate it (you can use self sticking laminate sheets from your Local Target or Wal-Mart if you don't have access to a laminating machine)
STEP 3:
Mix up your paint solution (2 parts gray paint + 1 part dish soap)
NOTE: I tried this without the dish soap and it didn't work nearly as well. Tempera paint and dish soap= greatness!
I just used CRAYOLA washable tempera paints (a little black mixed with white) that I had on hand
Paint over the little circles.
STEP 4:
Include a popsicle stick if you like for scratching off and you're ready to treat your little kiddo with a super special love note
Once the paint is dry your card is done. Send it in thier lunchbox, leave it on their bed, mail it to them, whatever you please.
Wasn't that fun!?
And since it's just so much fun I made a few other templates too. I included some with blank circles so you can put it in your photo editing program, add your own words, and print! If you don't have a photo editing program ( I just use PICASA, it's a free download) you can also just write in the words before you laminate and that will work just as well.
Click below for the printable version of:
Click below for the printable version of:
P.S.- When my kids saw me making these I got the "AWESOME!" reaction I was hoping for. It was really hard for them to resist the scratching until they got the notes in their lunches :)
That is amazing! I would love to do that for my kids and even my husband! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAdorable!!
ReplyDeleteMy high-school freshman (daughter) is having a party at our house this weekend. One of her friends who RSVP'd told her she can't wait to come and meet me, because she thinks I must be really cool to send fun things in her lunch. Thanks for sharing ideas that make me look like a rock star! :) P.S. The paint is currently drying on my scratch-off circles. I can't wait to pack them in my kids' lunches!
ReplyDeleteI could totally see using this idea (or the secret decoder cookies you posted) for my daughter to ask someone to a reverse dance or accept an invite when the time comes. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to hear that you're freshman daughter still thinks it's cool to get fun surprises from you! I always worry that someday my kids will grow out of loving this stuff. But, I guess you're never too old for fun and love notes. Good work!
ReplyDelete