Here at Pinwheel Crafts, we know that a family unit's interests are as varied and different as the spectrum of colors in a rainbow. So, if you have a sports fan under your roof, then you probably know that things are really heating up in the NFL. The Divisional playoffs just wrapped up last weekend, which means there is only one more week of post-season games before the ultimate showdown. As we reach the final stretch to the big game, houses are buzzing with Super Bowl party planning of snacks, beverages, and seating.

But what about the kids? 

Sure, the little ones might love to watch the game for the silly commercials and the star-studded halftime show. But for the rest of the hours-long stretch, a disinterested kid is more likely to cause distractions or interfere with the adults ability to focus on the game. Nobody wants to be fighting with the kids and guests with so much on the line. For all of these reasons and more, experienced parents know that activities for the kids are a MUST for any successful football party. 

This week we are bringing you a variety of football-themed arts and crafts projects to keep the kids occupied while also still feeling involved in the festivities. So, without further adieu, let's get into the projects! 

Paper Football and Origami

At one time or another, we’ve all seen the classic image of someone flicking a paper football across the table through a friend’s finger field goal. Help you kids have fun while putting down their devices by showing them this simple folding technique and fun game. If you need a refresher, or don’t have the time to teach them, there is a great tutorial outlining all the rules for tabletop football that can be found here.

You will need:

• Letter size paper (in any color your children prefer)
• Craft supplies to decorate with like markers, glitter, and stickers (optional)
• A friend or two to play with!

Directions:

1. Fold the sheet of printer paper in half on the long side and then cut it in half along the folded line. You should now have two pieces of paper that are 4.25 inches wide and 11 inches long. 
2. Take one of the thin pieces of paper and fold it in half along the long side. This should leave you with a folded piece of paper measuring 2.125 inches wide and 11 inches long.
3. Take the top right corner and fold it down and to the left so that the edges of paper line off on the left.
4. Take the triangle you’ve just folded and fold it downward along the bottom edge of paper on the folded corner.
5. Now fold that same triangle down again, this time to the right along the new bottom edge.
6. Continue this folding pattern down the strip of paper until you are left with a thick triangular shape and a small bit of paper left sticking out of the bottom.
7. Fold the small flap up and over the edge of the triangle to create a crease, then tuck it into the triangle folds.
8. Decorate your flick footballs and get ready to have some fun!
9. If you have trouble following the verbal directions, the Carolina Panthers website has a very easy to follow graphic that can walk you through every step.

Football Fridge Magnet

If you are expecting guests, then it’s important to set the mood as everyone shuffles in and out of the kitchen. An easy way to keep the mood fun and football focused is by decorating your fridge (the centerpiece of any Super Bowl gathering) with NFL themed fridge magnets. This is a super easy task to knock out, but if you are pressed for time and can’t get the craft store, you can save yourself a trip to the store because you’ll find everything you need in the Pinwheel Crafts Fun Fridge Magnet Kit.

You will need:

• Small square ceramic tiles (2 inches by 2 inches works well)
• Paint in brown, black, and white
• Paint brushes (at least one small to medium flathead, and one thin round brush for details)
• Magnetic strips with adhesive backing
• All of the above supplies can be found in the Pinwheel Crafts Fun Fridge Magnet Kit
• White craft twine or Paracord and glue (optional)

Directions:

1. Turn the square tile diagonally so that it is a diamond shape.
2. Paint the entire tile a light, warm brown. (You may need to mix a bit of orange into the brown to lighten and warm up the hue.)
3. Using the black paint and a fine line paint brush, paint the outline of a rectangle in the middle of the magnet (where the laces will go), and the seam running from that rectangle out to the side corners. 
4. Use the white paint to add the football laces as well as the stripes on either end of the ball. (You can also cut your craft twine/paracord into small, equal sections and glue them on to look like real 3D laces.)

Design Your Own Mascot/Helmet

For the kids with more of a focus on the fine arts, this is the activity for them. It has next to no limitations and allows kids to be as creative or traditional as they want. Below you will find a simple template to print and use for this project. Print as many as you like and see what your kids will create!

You will need:

• Football helmet template (provided below)
• Printer access
• Art supplies like crayons, colored pencils, markers, glitter, etc.
• Pinwheel Craft Fairy Tale Light-Up Tracing Pad (optional) 

Directions:

1. Print the blank template provided below.
2. Using arts and craft supplies, design and decorate your own team helmet.
3. For more traditional fans, print out your favorite team’s mascot or logo and use a tracing pad like the Pinwheel Craft Fairy Tale Light-Up Tracing Pad to trace it onto your helmet template. 

Conclusion

We hope that this weeks activities have provided you with enough entertainment to keep the rug rats out of your hair for a few precious hours. Let us know if there are any amazing projects ideas we might have missed and share your kids creation with us on social media. You can find us Instagram (@Pinwheel.Crafts) and Facebook!

Until next time, happy crafting!