You’d think it would be difficult to find an activity to satisfy 12 third-graders. But after Lisa Siegel hosted her daughter’s ninth birthday party, she says she became the most popular mom on the block.
// Click on image at left to view more images from this party.
Siegel was no stranger to beading – her 9-year-old, Rosie, sold bead bracelets for charity at school. But the Bead Bus, operated by Beading Dreams (214/366-1112, beadingdreams.com), was brand new territory. It brings the party – and the beads – to you.
“Beading is perfect for this age group,” says Siegel. “It’s fun and colorful, and they can do it on their own.” Still, she wasn’t completely sold on the idea; at Rosie’s birthday, she planned for her daughter and 11 friends to bead for a little while, get bored and then watch a movie. But it didn’t turn out that way.
“They enjoyed it so much! They just kept beading and beading. They asked each other, ‘What should I do next?’ They really fed off each other’s excitement,” she says.
As for what to bead next: Beading Dreams has lots to offer. Before the party, you can choose from a colorful array of beads and charms of all shapes, sizes and patterns. They’re not “just boring pink, red and blue,” according to Siegel.
And for moms scrambling to find appropriate party favors, one of the best things about hosting a Bead Bus party is that the event provides both an engaging activity and party favors.
Siegel’s group of girls were enthusiastic, making bracelets for themselves, their friends and even their American Girl dolls. Some were so proud of their creations they made ankle bracelets or necklaces with their initials. At the end of the night, they had mementos to take home.
“It was so sweet,” reports Siegel, “watching them look over everyone else’s shoulder, say how pretty their bracelet was.” And, “If someone dropped beads, they would scurry to pick them up,” she adds. Allyson Gieson, owner of Beading Dreams, also loves watching this interaction. She appreciates that each group is different, and enjoys observing the girls’ creativity with their designs. “Sometimes they make things I wouldn’t mind wearing!” avows Gieson.
Beading Dreams is located at 5629 W. Lovers Lane, Dallas. Store hours are Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Thurs 10am-8pm and Sun 1-6pm. In-store beading parties start at $15 per guest, and a Bead Bus party starts at $20 per guest. Recommended for ages 6 and older.
Updated 7/26/12
