Minions is in theaters. Woot! We are so excited to see it tomorrow! We all thought the Dispicable Me films were hysterical, so the first time we saw the Minions trailer in the theater we all did a double-take, and have been eagerly anticipating it ever since. Ronin is quite the banana-aholic so of course he relates to them. Just wish he lived to serve like they do. Ha. 

With summer break in full swing, the kids and I decided to do a little craft project and we’ve had a blast. We created a Minions Bowling Game using recycled plastic bottles. 

How to Make Minions Bowling Pins

What you’ll need:

Construction paper (in colors yellow, blue, white, black and possibly others if you get fancy like we did below.)

Scissors

6 (or more) empty plastic soda or water bottles

Permanent double sided tape

Black marker

One quarter coin and one larger coin (half dollar or equivalent)

Step 1: Prepare soda bottles.

Remove labels from soda bottles, rinse out and then fill one half to three quarters full of water. Screw on cap as tightly as possible. The water is used to weigh down your bowling pins to make the game more fun and challenging. So feel free to change the amount of water you use based on the age of your children. We tested the pins out at several weights, and at 5 and 7-years-old, my kids wanted a bit of weight. No water is recommended for toddlers. 

Step 2: Wrap bottles in yellow construction paper. 

Measure and cut your yellow construction paper to approximately the top line of the bottle and cut. Use your first sheet to measure the remaining sheets you will need. Then using double sided tape, wrap the paper round the bottle. You’ll want to do a full strip of tape at the start and end of the wrap to make sure the paper is really secure. Your kids will be hitting these with balls!

Step 3: Cut, decorate and wrap the blue overalls.

Take a piece of 9 x 12-inch blue construction paper, fold in half and then fold in half again. Cut the four strips (one piece of construction paper will make overalls for four minions.) Cut your overalls as show above. You’ll want the front of your overalls to measure approximately two inches across. Then using a black marker, draw the design of the overalls, buttons on top, pockets on bottom and Minions symbol in the middle. Then wrap using double sided tape. But sure they are very secure. 

Step 4: Create the Eyes and Mouth

 

Using your quarter, pencil and white paper, draw a circle an cut it out. Then do the same with black paper and your larger coin but be sure with this one to cut the sides of your Minions glasses as shown. You can do an combination of one eye and two eye Minions. Then draw the eye balls. (See below for several examples.) Use your double sided tape to secure.

Step 5: Hair

Cutting strips of black paper, create a variety of hair for your Minions. You really can’t go wrong here with whatever you decide to do because there are a million types of Minions. Use your double sided tape to secure. When you’re finished, you’ll have some awesome Minions inspired bowling pins (or decor if you choose.)

Up the Ante

After we created the basic game, the kids really got into it and wanted to created “extra point pins.” These special bowling pins earn three points versus one. 

You can really get creative and have fun! They’ve been using a slightly deflated small soccer ball as their bowling ball and playing down the hall. The kids have been bowling with them all week and they’ve been standing up pretty nicely. We’ve lost a few strands of hair here and there but otherwise they’re still looking pretty good. In this pic the right and left pins had been used for a few days and you can see a couple minor creases but with the double sided tape, the design is really holding up nicely. 

Yesterday, Ronin and Ellie even created their own score sheets and took the game over to their cousins house to play! The kids had a blast. If you’ve got Minions fans in your home, I highly recommend this fun party or everyday game as one of your summer craft projects and activities.

I’ve also compiled links of some other great Minions inspired party ideas below!

 

Minions Cupcakes and other party ideas > About a Mom

Minions Banana Chocolate Popcorn Recipe and backyard party ideas > A Sparkle of Genius

No Churn Minion Ice Cream Recipe > Homemaking Hacks

Minions Snack Mix > This Mama Loves

Minions Clothespins Craft > Wife Mom Geek

Minions Peanut Butter Banana Bar > Confessions of an Overworked Mom

Make-a-Minion Lip Balm Craft > Mom Always Finds Out

Minions Treat Printable/DIY Snack Bag > Baby Loving Mama

Minions Cupcakes > Tammilee Tips

Minions Stick Puppets > Musings from a Stay at Home Mom

Minions Birthday Cake > Momma Told Me

Juicebox Minions Craft > J-Man and Miller Bug

Minions Tote Bag Tutorial > Gluesticks

Minions Spoon Puppets > The Tip Toe Fairy

Minions Party Cups & Favors > DIY Inspired

Do you have Minions fans in your house? Let me know if you try out our fun craft activity!