VBS Crafts: Suncatchers

VBS Crafts: Suncatchers

If you've followed this blog for long, you know that I DIY as many VBS projects as possible!  I am very frugal, plus I love the non-commercial look of a good ole homemade item.  Today's project is not at all DIY, but it IS fun and a great opportunity to share Jesus in your community! This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS Station Signs (Free Printables!)

Shipwrecked VBS Station Signs (Free Printables!)

Every year, I make station sign so that kids (and crew guides) know where they should be.  Feel free to use or share the station signs (just link back here if you're sharing)! This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits…Read more …
VBS Crafts: How to Dye Rice

VBS Crafts: How to Dye Rice

Many VBS crafts and activities use dyed rice.  It's an easy and inexpensive project that is SO fun for all ages!  Here is a super quick way to dye rice for your next craft project or activity. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. There are two methods below to dye rice based on how…Read more …
Shipwrecked Imagination Station: Day 1 – Lost & Found Flyer Alternative

Shipwrecked Imagination Station: Day 1 – Lost & Found Flyer Alternative

During the Imagination Station rotation, students participate in an object lesson using a small toy, or what Group calls a "gizmo".  These gizmos can be taken home by the kids each day to reinforce the lesson.  In this Imagination Station Alternative series, I'll track down similar gizmos that can be used in place of Group's gizmos.  I'll also design/find craft ideas that could be used instead of the gizmos.  Which Imagination Station activity you choose (gizmo or craft) should be dependent on the interests of your VBS kids and how you prefer to…Read more …
DIY Large Bead Decoder Bracelets (Shipwrecked Imagination Station Alternative: Day 3)

DIY Large Bead Decoder Bracelets (Shipwrecked Imagination Station Alternative: Day 3)

During the Imagination Station rotation, students participate in an object lesson using a small toy, or what Group calls a "gizmo".  These gizmos can be taken home by the kids each day to reinforce the lesson.  In this Imagination Station Alternative series, I'll track down similar gizmos that can be used in place of Group's gizmos.  I'll also design/find craft ideas that could be used instead of the gizmos.  Which Imagination Station activity you choose (gizmo or craft) should be dependent on the interests of your VBS kids and how you prefer to…Read more …
VBS Director Series: Where to Buy Imagination Station Gizmos at a Discount!

VBS Director Series: Where to Buy Imagination Station Gizmos at a Discount!

There are so many VBS retailer options... Where is the best place to buy Imagination Station gizmos?  We talked a few weeks ago about where to purchase your VBS starter kit.  Today, let's talk gizmos! This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. Welcome to the VBS Director Series!  This is a series of blogs where…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS TShirts

Shipwrecked VBS TShirts

Years ago, our church purchased the Group t-shirt transfers and made our own shirts.  However, the size and quality of those transfers declined over time to the point that we just quit making shirts.  A few years ago, I decided to start making shirts again, but to make them shirts we'd be happy to wear over and over again. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits are available now.  All of our VBS resources are designed to be used alongside any of the Group starter…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS Deals from Oriental Trading

Shipwrecked VBS Deals from Oriental Trading

This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits are available now!  All of our VBS resources are designed to be used alongside any of the Group starter kits, although I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the ultimate version with digital. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. You can get…Read more …
Shipwrecked VBS Bible Buddies (Free Templates!)

Shipwrecked VBS Bible Buddies (Free Templates!)

Group sells Bible Buddies, but I would rather spend our money elsewhere, so I designed DIY Bible Buddies!  They're cost-effective and super easy to make. This year's VBS theme is Shipwrecked {learn more about the theme here}.  The VBS kits are available now.  All of our VBS resources are designed to be used alongside any of the Group starter kits, although I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the ultimate version with digital. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything…Read more …
VBS Director Series: Name Tags

VBS Director Series: Name Tags

Welcome to the VBS Director Series!  This is a series of blogs where I'll share tips and resources for VBS directors & organizers. One of the questions that comes up every year is what to do for name tags.  For the last several years, we’ve printed our own name tags and put them in ID sleeves attached to lanyards.  These are affordable and have lasted really well!  We’ve had to throw away a few lanyards, but most of them can be re-used multiple years.  The materials & instructions below are what we use…Read more …
Where to Find Ideas & Inspiration for Shipwrecked VBS

Where to Find Ideas & Inspiration for Shipwrecked VBS

I used to get the Vacation Bible School material in the Spring, then I would brainstorm as many new and innovative ideas as I could to relate to the theme.  As someone once told me, "work smarter, not harder".  Don't get me wrong -- I still love the fun, innovative VBS ideas (and I try to share them with you all!).  I also take advantage of modern technology (hello, Pinterest) to help come up with ideas our VBS kids have never seen.  Here are some of the ways I've already found TONS of…Read more …
Paper Plate Cutout Gears – Maker Fun Factory

Paper Plate Cutout Gears – Maker Fun Factory

We made A LOT of gears this year... like, a lot.  I felt like Bubba Gump's million kinds of shrimp... we have gears cut out of tablecloths, gear posters, gear toys, gears that look metallic, gears that actually work... One of the types of gears we made were paper plate cutout gears.  These were one of the projects we used during our volunteer work day.  They're a great project to send home with someone, too! This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for helping support Borrowed Blessings! Supplies: Paper plates Scissors Permanent marker…Read more …
Bible Verse Coloring Sheets – Maker Fun Factory

Bible Verse Coloring Sheets – Maker Fun Factory

If you're looking for an advertising activity before VBS, something for younger kids during VBS or just a time filler if a station finishes early, bible verse coloring sheets are a great option!  These Maker Fun Factory coloring sheets can easily fill time between stations or even go home with students in an activity pack before or after bible school. Download the coloring sheets individually below!  They are all in the NLT, except Monday's verse which is in both NIV and NLT. Day 1 -Psalm 139-14 outline (NLT) -Psalm 139-14 outline (NIV) Day 2 -Romans…Read more …
Gear Floor Decals – Maker Fun Factory VBS

Gear Floor Decals – Maker Fun Factory VBS

Did you see the Giant Gear Decorations post earlier?  I've had some great feedback and ideas from other VBS leaders and have another table cover-based gear idea to share.  Get excited - this is another decorating for a dollar idea!  We are going to use the table cover method to make floor decals {think stepping stones, except obviously not made of stone}. This post may contain affiliate links (I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase but you don’t pay anything extra).  Thanks for helping support Borrowed Blessings! Supplies Table covers Plastic carpet…Read more …
GIANT Gear Decorations – Maker Fun Factory

GIANT Gear Decorations – Maker Fun Factory

I love decorating for a dollar!  My last decorating for a dollar project was the blue paper decorated as blueprints.  These giant gear decorations are even faster and easier... and each one is a whopping SEVEN FOOT gear! This is a great way to decorate large spaces without investing a lot of time or energy.  I'm planning to use these in our snack area and possibly crafts or bible verse stations. This post may contain affiliate links (I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase but you don’t pay anything extra).  Thanks for…Read more …
Wooden Cross Craft – Vacation Bible School Ideas

Wooden Cross Craft – Vacation Bible School Ideas

Our church typically uses the vacation bible school curriculum created by Group Publishing.  Every Group curriculum, regardless of theme, uses night 4 (Thursday night for us) to tell the story of Jesus' life and death (and offers kids the chance to accept Jesus).  I like doing a cross craft at Imagination Station for the Jesus story.  My goal is always to keep crafts under $1 per child per night, but if I'm going to splurge on a craft I want it to be a keepsake... so I will occasionally spend over $1 if…Read more …
Indoor Advertising Banner for less than $1! – Maker Fun Factory VBS

Indoor Advertising Banner for less than $1! – Maker Fun Factory VBS

Our church has an outdoor vinyl banner that we display with the VBS dates and times every year.  To advertise indoors, we typically order a lower quality indoor banner customized with the theme each year.  This year, I made a HUGE indoor banner for under a buck.  The banner is 4.5 feet wide by 9 feet tall - wowzers! This post may contain affiliate links (I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase but you don’t pay anything extra).  Thanks for helping support Borrowed Blessings! Supplies for this project: -Blank banner (table…Read more …
Budget-Friendly VBS T-Shirts: Maker Fun Factory

Budget-Friendly VBS T-Shirts: Maker Fun Factory

We have used the Group iron-ons in the past to make VBS t-shirts, but haven't been very happy with the quality {You know how you can see the white square around the logo?  Yeah, we'd like to not have that.}.  We also like having the freedom to buy different colored shirts for each crew. This year, I decided to delve into custom t-shirts.  I've designed t-shirts for years for various organizations {everything from a band fundraising concert to church ministries to collegiate events}.  I created two t-shirt designs for Maker Fun Factory VBS.…Read more …
Name Tag Templates – Maker Fun Factory VBS

Name Tag Templates – Maker Fun Factory VBS

For the last few years, we've printed our own name tags and put them in ID sleeves attached to lanyards.  These are affordable and have lasted really well!  We've had to throw away a few lanyards, but most of them can be re-used multiple years. This post may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small percentage of anything you purchase through these links but you don’t pay anything extra.  Thanks for helping to support Borrowed Blessings!  The prices referenced here are current as of publishing, but retailers change pricing often. Materials Cardstock Paper…Read more …