Homemade Hula Hoops - Writer's Workshop

This is one of the most successful projects that we have ever done.  It was easy, it was inexpensive, it was and continues to be fun for everyone. 
I am linking up for Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop.  Welcome to another fun filled week of inspiration!! Pick your poison...


This Week's Prompts:

1.) A moment you realized your child was growing up.
2.) Amy Winehouse died. Another name amidst a growing list of talented celebrities lost to addiction. Your reaction.
3.) What do you miss most about the school year?
4.) Share a favorite craft or game that will keep your kids busy for at least 20 minutes.
5.) Write a post where the first and last sentence contain any form of the word "boss."

I picked number 4.  Share a favorite craft or game that will keep your kids busy for at least 20 minutes.  I found this idea from my friend Launi, over at Gracious Rain.  She had really good directions, and the project looked like so much fun that I really wanted to try it with my girls. So, we waited for the grand-daughters to come visit and decided to have a project day.  I had no idea it was going to be as successful as it was.
We made the 60 minute ride down the mountain to Home Depot for supplies.

We had to get this poly tubing.  It comes in 100 foot rolls for $7.98 per roll. 

Then I had to find connectors.  They came in a package of 15 for $4.95.

You need to use a tube cutter to cut the tubing in 10 foot increments.  My husband did it for us, so it was not as difficult as it would have been with only a knife (my tool of choice).  We cut 4 lengths for our project.  Twist the connector most of the way into one side.

Then twist the other side of the tubing onto the connector.  Make sure that you untwist the tubing so that it doesn't kink in the middle.  

Now, take duct tape (We loved to colors!) and wrap at an angle around the tubing.  You are going to go all the way around.  The tape was $3.97 a roll, and each roll did three hula hoops.  

We bought several colors and all the girls had their own hula hoop.  It only took me an hour to make four of them.  They were a huge hit and I had to make more for the neighbors!  I figured that it was under $3.00 each, they helped make them themselves, and they are still playing with them today.  All in all, a very worthy project!  I have a feeling that we will be making more of these next year.  I really hope that you enjoy them too.  

And because I do try and end my blog on a spiritual note, I just want to remind you that Heavenly Father loves each of you.  He wants you to have joy in your life.  The joy of simple things and simple moments.  The joy of wonder and delight.  The joy of family.  May you always be able to see through the trials to the joy.  

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Thomas S. Monson, “Be of Good Cheer,” Ensign, May 2009, 89

“How might we have joy in our lives, despite all that we may face? Again from the scriptures: ‘Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you.’ ”