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10/07/2015

Dollar Store Kids Activities | Starry Flashlight

While you’re picking up your Halloween flashlights at the dollar store this year, grab an extra one so that you can make this fast and fun project at home anytime you’re looking for great kids activities.  This project is an oldie but goodie from a few years back (when I had like nine readers?  maybe?  haha.) and with Halloween right around the corner, I’m dusting it off from the archives and sharing it with you guys again today because it’s festive without being too spooky for the little ones!
Easy Dollar Store Kids Activites | Starry Flashlight at www.happyhourprojects.com

I picked up a flashlight and batteries at the dollar store for a whopping $2.  If you have a flashlight you’re not using at home already, this isn’t a permanent modification, so you can use that, and just peel the vinyl back off when you’re done!  You just need a scrap of non-permanent craft vinyl (you can even use contact paper, in any color, as long as it’s not clear) and a way to punch or cut holes in it.  I used my Silhouette machine to size and cut it precisely, but you can easily cut a 2″ circle (the size of my dollar store flashlight) and use a star-shaped hole punch to make a starry night!

Easy Dollar Store Kids Activites | Starry Flashlight at www.happyhourprojects.com

Here’s what you will need:

  • Any size flashlight (and don’t forget the batteries)
  • Craft vinyl (I’m using black)
  • Electronic Cutting Machine
  • (Optional: If using the Silhouette, you’ll need to borrow or create a Cut File – you can download it here. Just size it to fit your flashlight’s lens!)
  • Alternately: Scissors and a star-shaped punch

Easy Dollar Store Kids Activites | Starry Flashlight at www.happyhourprojects.com

It’s as simple as sticking the vinyl cutout onto the flashlight.  Switch it on, and let the magic begin!  Kids will love to make their own stars everywhere.  My daughter was a blur in all the photos I tried to take with her, haha.  That’s one way to know it’s a hit, and on a budget, too!

Easy Dollar Store Kids Activites | Starry Flashlight at www.happyhourprojects.com

Because inexpensive flashlights use reflected/refracted light (I could probably Google it and learn exactly how flashlights work, but I stick to the crafts and leave the science to someone else) your image WILL be a little bit blurry as the light bounces around behind the lens.  Like think about when you aim a cheap flashlight – you can see rings in the light it makes, and brighter light right in the center.  That will still happen, to a degree.  So it worked really well with random stars, but if you’re planning a more intricate pattern, then you’ll want to test it out on other, higher quality lighting implements.  Here’s what our star pattern looks like in the dark (this is a ceiling shot):

Easy Dollar Store Kids Activites | Starry Flashlight at www.happyhourprojects.com

I hope you enjoy this easy kids activity and even get creative with what else you can make!  Thanks for joining me today and I’ll catch you guys again soon!

Adrianne Surian

Filed Under: Featured, Halloween, Kid Crafts, Paper Crafts, Parenting, Silhouette, Tutorials Tagged With: 10-minute project, cheap, Dollar Store Crafts, easy, flashlight, free download, Halloween, kids activites, stars, vinyl

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I love it when you love my work! All tutorials and photos published at Happy Hour Projects are copyrighted. If you would like to feature my tutorial on your website or share it on your social media you may use one photo to feature, as long as you provide a link back to the original post.

If you feature a photo, it may not be accompanied by the project tutorial or recipe, whether in my own words as it originally appears or paraphrased by you. This also includes personal sharing on social media and Pinterest. Publishing multiple photos from a project, or including instructions with an accompanying photo are not permitted and you will be asked to remove them.

I love to share my projects, and my tutorials, recipes, and e-books are ALL free for your personal use. However, photos and ideas that are published to this site are my protected intellectual property. You may print them at home, but please do not copy or distribute them. I also allow all designs to be made and sold at fundraisers, craft fairs, etc. If you are selling a piece made from one or more of my free tutorials in your online shop, I require that you use your own, original photography, and include a link back to my website to credit me as the designer.

I hope you enjoy what you read here, and please be fair when you share!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. artelixir says

    07/05/2022 at 4:07 am

    Very nice!

    Reply
  2. carpet cannot says

    06/17/2019 at 12:20 pm

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    but I actually believed you would have something useful to say.
    All I hear is a bunch of moaning about something
    you can fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.

    Reply
    • Cherris Alcus says

      11/19/2021 at 10:32 am

      Can I buy one of those from you?

      Reply
  3. deerpark123-cqhj.envatosites.com says

    03/07/2019 at 5:51 am

    At this time it looks like Movable Type is the best blogging
    platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

    Reply
  4. Mahalia says

    02/22/2019 at 9:59 pm

    Very good information. Lucky me I discovered your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
    I’ve bookmarked it for later!

    Reply
  5. shop online says

    12/26/2018 at 8:56 pm

    Very rapidly this web page will be famous among all blogging viewers, due to it’s nice articles or reviews

    Reply
  6. kanchipuram sarees says

    09/17/2018 at 2:01 am

    wow nice post

    Reply
  7. kanchipuram sarees says

    09/17/2018 at 2:00 am

    looking good

    Reply
  8. gearvita says

    07/25/2018 at 11:28 pm

    Gearvita offers a wide range of brand flashlights including Nitecore, Olight or Fenix for you, all of them are at a very affordable price.

    Reply
  9. Julia Snyder says

    10/14/2015 at 3:04 pm

    This a a great stocking stuffer idea! I put things like this is stocking I send to the Nieces and Nephews. This year I added a book Inspector Dewey by Kristen Heimerl, inspectordewey.com is her site. A really cute read about a clever cat. I don’t think you can go wrong with a clever cat!

    Reply
  10. Lisa says

    10/10/2014 at 4:29 pm

    Just came across this on Pinterest! It would be a great camping craft!

    Reply
  11. www.hotellit-tukholma.org says

    04/08/2014 at 11:21 am

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    Reply
  12. Carmella says

    09/13/2012 at 1:27 pm

    Okay…I was way out of the loop and I missed this….oh my goodness, my kids are going to think I am the coolest mom ever because of you! haha! I might just have to surprise them this weekend with one tucked under their pillows :) Thank you for helping me create some fun memories!

    Reply
  13. Heidi says

    09/05/2012 at 5:57 am

    I'll be pinning this and sharing the pin on Facebook at OneCreativeMommydotcom. Feel free to stop by OneCreativeMommy.com and grab a featured button.

    Reply
  14. Confessions of a Stay at Home Mommy says

    09/03/2012 at 5:06 pm

    Thank you so much for linking up to last week's Tuesday Confessional. You've been featured and Pinned so come on over and grab a brag button!
    http://www.craftyconfessions.com/2012/09/tuesday-confessional-features.html
    ~Macy

    Reply
  15. Amanda says

    09/03/2012 at 4:01 am

    Thanks so much for linking up to last week’s Martha Mondays! I do hope you’ll drop by again this week and share another post : )

    http://www.watchoutmartha.net/2012/09/martha-mondays-link-up-party-features-93.html

    ~Amanda
    http://www.watchoutmartha.net

    Reply
  16. Shasta Farrar says

    09/01/2012 at 11:31 pm

    Hi Adrianne, I'm finally posting some of my favorite projects from our 8/21 All Star Block Party and your homemade starry night light is one of them! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!

    Shasta @InTheOldRoad
    http://intheoldroad.blogspot.com/2012/09/all-star-block-party-12-features-late.html

    Reply
  17. Alyssa says

    09/01/2012 at 7:00 pm

    Love this idea! I'm thinking this will be a great stocking stuffer!

    Reply
  18. Erin says

    08/30/2012 at 11:09 pm

    What a great idea! This would be so much fun around the campfire. My little guy loves flashlights, so what a great way to make them even more fun!

    Reply
  19. We-Made-That.com says

    08/29/2012 at 7:40 pm

    I LOVE THIS!! We are going camping this weekend and this would be so much for for the girls to play with in the tent!
    I would love for you to share this on our made for or by kids linky http://wemadethat.blogspot.com/2012/08/we-made-that-linky-2.html

    Reply
  20. theresa candeloro says

    08/28/2012 at 6:06 pm

    Oh I LUV this! Can't you just see this with animal sillouettes, and at least 2 kids? Imagine the fun!! ~lol~

    Teri C

    Reply
  21. Agus :) says

    08/28/2012 at 4:16 pm

    So cute!! love the idea!

    Reply
  22. Nicole says

    08/27/2012 at 7:14 pm

    That is such a cool idea!

    Reply
  23. Hubba says

    08/27/2012 at 7:09 pm

    That is so easy! I want to try this, what a great idea thanks for sharing this.
    http://www.iheartpears.blogspot.com

    Reply
  24. Sarah says

    08/27/2012 at 4:06 pm

    This will be featured tomorrow at my link party! Make sure to grab a feature button!
    http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  25. Katherines Corner says

    08/26/2012 at 7:32 pm

    What a creative idea! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Hop xo

    Reply
  26. Michelle says

    08/25/2012 at 9:59 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing with us at Someday Crafts! I will be featuring your project tonight on our blog. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  27. missmacymay says

    08/25/2012 at 4:36 pm

    I had no problem downloading your file to my cameo, awesome in every way that you shared your out of this world creation. I now have a great toy in my arsenal for kids.

    Reply
  28. Craftmom says

    08/25/2012 at 1:43 pm

    Thanks for the great idea. I downloaded the design now off to the dollar store to get flashlights. I am having 3 of my grandkids spend the night. They will love this.

    Reply
  29. Meredith says

    08/25/2012 at 2:53 am

    I love this idea! Next time I'm at the dollar store I'm definitely buying a couple of flashlights :o)

    Thanks for linking up @ Keep Calm & Link Up! Can't wait to see what you come up with next week friend!

    Reply
  30. Angie Ramirez says

    08/25/2012 at 1:27 am

    So cute!! I want to do this.. my little girl loves flashlights

    Reply
  31. Eva {Tales of the Scotts} says

    08/25/2012 at 1:04 am

    This is such a great idea. I know my son would love this for his room as he's going to bed at night. Gonna try and get something similar done tomorrow. Thanks for the idea!!

    Reply
  32. Jen Temcio says

    08/24/2012 at 11:11 pm

    I love her cute little pigtails! This is a really good idea – thanks for sharing! I dont have the nifty machine that you have, but I will improvise with contact paper and stamps as you suggested. This is so cheap but cool – I could use it as a prize in a birthday goodie bag. THX!

    jenny at dapperhouse

    Reply
  33. nicolette {momnivores dilemma} says

    08/24/2012 at 5:59 pm

    Love this, Adrienne!

    I could seriously feature you every week.

    So I will again. Thanks for sharing at Creative Juice last week…

    :)
    Nicolette

    Reply
  34. Jen says

    08/24/2012 at 5:19 pm

    Saw this via My Turn for Us… but I also saw on silhouette blog! CONGRATS!
    New Follower!
    hugs, jen

    Reply
  35. Jessi Wohlwend says

    08/24/2012 at 5:02 pm

    I love this! I remember “camping” under tables with blankets over them as a kid and this would have been awesome to have :-)

    Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!

    Reply
  36. Jill says

    08/24/2012 at 5:01 pm

    Thanks for linking up! Pinning!! =)

    Reply
  37. Heidi Fowler says

    08/24/2012 at 3:39 pm

    I think you are going to be my kids' new best friend! I’m so glad you linked this up at One Creative Weekend! I love it! Hope your weekend is fantastic.

    Reply
  38. Kristin says

    08/24/2012 at 12:07 pm

    How neat! Definitely need to try this with my little one! She'd be in awe =)

    Reply
  39. Jess from Coxs Corner says

    08/23/2012 at 10:54 pm

    I am so trying this!

    Reply
  40. Marilyn Clark says

    08/23/2012 at 4:12 pm

    What a fun idea! :D

    Reply
  41. Julie E says

    08/23/2012 at 2:51 pm

    My oldest is pointing at the screen freaking out right now. I think that's a “mom you should make this asap.” I'd love to have your share at my link party. :) http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2012/08/wednesday-whatsits-23.html

    Reply
  42. Gail Purath says

    08/23/2012 at 1:06 pm

    Great idea and something so simple. I definitely need to make some of these for my grandkids when they sleep over. they would think it's great fun as a “night light.”
    Bless you, Gail (BibleLoveNotes.com)

    Reply
  43. AD+SH DIY Fashion Blog says

    08/23/2012 at 5:25 am

    Aww what a cute idea!

    Reply
  44. Maureen Hayes says

    08/23/2012 at 4:18 am

    Sorry but I had to pop by and leave a comment because I think Raya may just be the cutest little girl I have ever seen!!! I love these photos of her looking at the flashlight, and I think this was such a terrific idea you had. You are such a cool mommy and Raya is lucky to have you!

    Reply
  45. Full Circle Creations says

    08/23/2012 at 2:18 am

    So fun! Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party!

    Holly

    Reply
  46. Tami Marie says

    08/23/2012 at 12:01 am

    Love this idea! I need to share it with my kids…I'm sure they would love it.

    Thanks

    Reply
  47. Nicole {WonkyWonderful} says

    08/22/2012 at 10:16 pm

    This is such a cute idea – I would've loved this when I was a kiddo!

    Reply
  48. Tami Von Zalez says

    08/22/2012 at 6:19 pm

    So sweet ~

    Stopped in from Southern Lovely's Show and Tell.

    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

    Reply
  49. Tutus & Tea Parties says

    08/22/2012 at 5:13 pm

    I love this! We are actually camping in the yard this weekend so I have to make this asap! I'd love for you to come share this at our Pinteresting Party!

    Reply
  50. Kadie says

    08/22/2012 at 4:31 pm

    What a fun idea!! I know a few kiddos that would love it!

    Reply
  51. Kara says

    08/22/2012 at 3:54 pm

    Very fun project! My son would love it :)

    Reply
  52. happy-little-feet says

    08/22/2012 at 2:27 pm

    Great idea. What a lot of fun
    Happy Little Feet

    Reply
  53. Sarah says

    08/22/2012 at 1:37 pm

    This is so cute my kids would love this! I would love for you to share this at my link party http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/08/share-it-link-party-25.html

    Reply
  54. Pam says

    08/22/2012 at 1:18 pm

    What a cool idea. Kids would LOVE it!!!

    Reply
  55. Jill says

    08/22/2012 at 12:35 pm

    Super fun idea! Reed loves playing with flashlights but I never thought of doing this! Can't wait to try it tonight!

    Reply
  56. Milynn {Love + Whimsy} says

    08/22/2012 at 11:12 am

    What a great idea! Kids would go crazy for that!

    Reply
  57. Danni Baird says

    08/22/2012 at 11:07 am

    Well that's just awesome good fun! Kids do love flashlights and I put one in my grandchildren's stockings every year! Cute pics of Raya…she's growing up fast!

    Reply

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Hello, and welcome! I'm Adrianne, an artist, author, designer, and blogger in mid Michigan. I work from home, chase my two kids, and this once-city-girl is learning how to care for chickens and adjusting to life out in the country. I have a compulsion for daily creativity... sometimes it's jewelry-making, paper crafting, metal stamping, mixing and baking, or giving new life to recycled items. But with 2 young kids, time is short! My goal here at Happy Hour Projects is to share projects and tips that you can do in an hour or less. The ideas you find here are designed to add a little creativity in your day, no matter how much (or how little) time you have!

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