Hello, hello! My name is Sky and I’m a Mom to two boys, ages six and four, and the coolest Stepmom ever to two more, ages 13 and 15. 🙂 It’s a boy’s world around our house! They keep me lighthearted and laughing (and, ya, sometimes wanting to pull my hair out!) The creative outlet that is my blog is called Capital B. A few of my favorite and most popular posts include my fun Summer Pinwheel Wreath, a really fun Tree Mail Camping Idea, and the Perfect Potluck Pasta Salad.
Today I’m sharing a seriously simple idea that has been really fun around our house this summer… water fight shields! See, here’s the thing: I love playing with my boys in our yard, but I don’t always like being on the receiving end of their water fights. Or hearing them fight while they are trying to have fun with each other, either. My six year old declared he needed a shield for water fighting and this is what we came up with!
Supplies:
A lightweight round pizza pan (I got ours at Dollar Tree)
Waterproof silicone and basic silicone gun
Cutest ever 1 1/2″ ribbon from The Ribbon Retreat 🙂
First, measure your ribbon to create your shield handles. I cut strips of ribbon 9 1/2″ long for my youngest’s (who is barely four) handles, and 10 1/2″ strips for my six year old. I also made larger ones for myself and my stepsons, which I cut 12″ long strips for. Remember to cut two of each length.
Quickly melt both ends of each strip of ribbon to avoid fraying later. Then, lay one end on top of the other and stitch over and back again to create a loop. I used a zig zag stitch- seemed like it’d be more secure.
With all of your sets of ribbon sewn and ready, now we can attach your shield handles. I debated what to use to keep these handles really attached to the metal of the pizza pan. (Otherwise known as: asked my husband what would be best.) 🙂 I originally tried gel super glue and it didn’t work very well at all! I’ve worked with silicone before and it worked great, so I knew I could trust it again for this. My boys have had these totally submerged in our blow-up pool and they’ve survived it no problem.
Before I put any silicone on the ribbon, I eyeballed where I wanted my handles to go. It is smart to put your handles toward the outside of the pizza pan- that way there will be enough room to slide an arm through and use the opposite handle to hold on to. It also seemed to work better with the handles on the back of the pan.
I got this silicone tube and the $3 gun to use it with at Walmart. Both you’ll be able to use many more times beyond this project too- bonus!
With the silicone tube inside the gun, squeeze a bead of it back and forth across the stitched side of your ribbon loop. This is easiest if you put your hand inside and spread it tight. Be careful not to put silicone on an entire half of the loop so that you’ll still have room for your kiddo’s arms inside. 🙂
Then just press your ribbon loop, silicone side down, against the metal. This takes a bit of pressing and smoothing, but isn’t hard at all.
Then begins the waiting game. The silicone will stick great, but it needs to dry for 24 hours before you use them or get them wet- that was the hardest part for sure! Waiting and little boys don’t go too well together!
But once they’re dry, the fun begins! Have your kids loop their arm through, grab onto the opposite loop handle, and they’re set to defend themselves in a good water fight! We were able to hold the shield in one hand and still pump our water guns with the other- they worked great!
Super simple project, but one that will help you make memories and have fun with your kiddos! Not to mention maybe keep you from hearing more fighting than laughing while they play with each other. 🙂
Thanks for having me, Michelle and all of you awesome ladies at The Ribbon Retreat!
Thank you Sky and WELCOME! These water fight shields look so fun and so easy! Water fights in the summer are a must and these shields have just been added to the summer must have list. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent and creativity with us today!
Sky is a wonderful person and her innovation is amazing. She has so many great projects, just like these water fight shields, that you are sure to love. Sky would love for you to visit her at Capital B.
to see all the wonderful projects and crafts by Sky.
Happy Water Fighting & Happy Creating!
10 Comments
Very cool! I’m thinking these would be great for any young “knights” with play swords, etc. as well 🙂 .
Hi Sharon! What a fabulous idea! You are brilliant! Thank you for your comment and creativity! Have a wonderful day! 🙂
Such a fabulous idea! So simple and so creative and a great way to keep the kids happy and entertained!! Thanks for sharing, Sky!
What a cool idea! They look great and are sure to create lots of fun!
Very cool! I can see this being a great part of play throughout the entire year! 🙂
Hi Tara! I agree, these would be perfect year round! Great idea! Thanks for your comment!! Have a great rest of your day! 🙂
Awesome idea! (And cute ribbon, too!)
Hi Kirsten! Thank you for your comment! These shields are super fun huh! Thank you!
This is such a fun idea! My guys would so love this!
Hi Marilyn! Thank you for your comment. We are so glad you love them!! They are so fun! Have a wonderful day!!