Quick and Easy Crafts: Water Balloon Target

Summer is almost over and in many backyards and parks the tossing of water balloons is quickly coming to end. Luckily, out here in California, we have decent weather all year round, so the water balloons can stay out a bit longer. When it starts getting colder, but your kids still want to play with these wet beauties, making a homemade target is the best thing to do.

One day my 9-year-old son wanted to practice tossing water balloons, but I didn't want to get wet. The result was one very disappointed kid. (At his last birthday party, we had a rather large water balloon fight, and most of his shots missed their targets.) He quickly volunteered to throw them at the side of the house or the fence as to not get anyone wet. I smiled and said neither was the proper target for his balloons. He smiled back at me and asked if we could build a target. Being the crafting Mom I am, I quickly said yes!

To make this simple craft, you will need the following supplies:

1-24"x24" square board
3 circles of different sizes (see below for descriptions)
1 pencil
1 bottle CraftSmart Brick Red paint
1-bottle CraftSmart White paint
1 bottle CraftSmart Black paint
1 black Sharpie or permanent marker
Spray varnish
1 thin/fine paintbrush
1 1" wide paint brush (see photo)
Paper plate or paint pallet
Newspapers

Just like many other craft projects, the first thing to do is lie out your newspapers to protect your furniture, or even the ground, from messy paint spills. The next is to have a scavenger hunt for the right size circles. When my son asked me for 3 circles, I could have easily gone into the kitchen and gotten plates or bowls for him. Instead, I asked him what he thought would make great circles on his board. We went into his room and he immediately found a sand bucket for the middle circle. Then, smiling, lead me to the kitchen and rummaged in the cupboard for a large plastic bowl for the larger circle. I didn't even have to ask about the third because he was already in the clean dishwasher grabbing for a small Tupperware cup for the center. He looked up at me, holding his treasures, and smiled proudly.

After the papers are down, it is time to shape the target. Start with the larger circle and, using the pencil, trace the circle. Repeat this with the other two until you have a target. Do not worry if the circles are not even, it will give the project character.

Next, take out the paints and the brushes. Use the red paint on the outer and inner circles, and the white in the middle. Since we are using a larger brush than normal, you will need to wash it good with soap and water before the next color. After all three circles are done, set aside to dry. (Check paint bottle for drying details). If needed, add a second coat.

When the paint is dry, it is time to detail the target. My son chose 10, 25, 50 and 500 for his amounts. The 10-point area was the area outside the largest ring of the target. Take the black paint and thin brush and trace the circles. Let the child have fun and get creative. Show them that is it great to follow the simple steps, but also let their creativity shine. When the paint is dry, use the black permanent marker to have them write in their point amounts. Instead of the standard 100, my son chose 500. This is your child's project, let them choose whatever amount they would like and have fun.

When the project is dry, it is time to spray varnish it. Follow the directions on the can to ensure a good and even coat. **Remember to always use the spray varnish in a well-ventilated room or, preferably, outdoors. Let dry.

While the project is drying, it is time to fill up all those water balloons! This project is serving a dual purpose for my son and I. He really wants to play catch with a baseball but he can't get his aim down. This project will help him get not only his aim down, but will also keep him from getting discouraged when he misses. All I need to do is remind him that he gets to throw as many water balloons as he likes to practice for the next water balloon fight we have.

This target can be nailed to a fence, propped in an old chair or have it lean on a large rock or tree stump. Enjoy!

Sources:
Personal Experience
Michaels.com and Michael's Craft Store