I took so many pictures of my preparations for Liam's birthday(s). Even though it's weeks later, I can't waste them! So first up in our five part series of Excruciatingly Painstakingly Detailed Steps to your very own Star Wars birthday party will be... Pool Noodle Lightsabers Step 1: Measure one pool noodle and mark the middle. In this case, I already had one lightsaber completed, so I used it as a guide. This is not a science. It does not need to be exact. Hopefully no one will be comparing length... they're little kids after all. Using a sharpie or similar works well. The end will be covered by tape when all is said and done. Step 2: Cut. Use a serrated knife to cut the pool noodles in half. The cut surprising easily. Like buttah. Step 3: Admire your work. Step 4: Assemble your supplies. In additions to you pool noodles, you will need: duct tape (silver, grey or both), black electricians tape, scissors. Step 5: The end. Cover the end of the of the pool noodle first. They are a bit of an awkward size in that one piece will not cover the end completely, and doing a simple 'x' will leave little corners exposed. We found this to be the most effective way to cover the end of your lightsaber 'hilt'. Step 6: Cover your hilt. Using the duct tape and electrical tape, wrap the bottom eight or so inches of the pool noodle to form the base of your hilt. You can chose to use all black, all grey, all silver, or a combination of all three. Step 7: Spend hours and hours and hours detailing the hilts. Cut lines and pieces, impossibly tiny square and thin strips of your various tapes in order to create the lightsaber hilt detail. Stay up until midnight several nights in a row in order to complete a dozen unique, one-of-a-kind pool noodle lightsaber. Yes, THEY ARE EACH DIFFERENT. Have I mentioned that I can be a little neurotic? Cost break down - pool noodles from Walmart $1.97/2 = $.98 each - 2x duct tape, 1x electrical tape ~$11.00, used approx half so $5.50/12 = $.46 each TOTAL $.98 + $.46 = $1.44 each Since these made up the majority of the "loot bag", it was a very frugal parting gift for all of the kids who attended. The kids beat each other silly played with these lightsabers for the entire three hour party. When it was time to leave, Liam also gave each child a Clone Wars kite that we found for $2.93 each, bringing our total to $4.41 per child. They each took home two things that they can actually play with, not a little bag full of junk. Any questions? Links to how we did it: pre-party planning and ideas the invitation how-to pool noodle lightsabers marshmallow fondant the cake (in less than 100 pictures) the big day * * * * * * * * * * Need some party supplies? Want to make your own pool noodle lightsabers? Check these links below and have it all delivered to your door. If you find any of these links are broken or sold out, let me know and I'll find some new sources. Wouldn't the minifigure ice cube trays be fun? They could be used for ice (obviously), chocolate, or even to make Lego man crayons! Disclosure: I'm a member of the Amazon Affiliates programs. This means that if you purchase an item from a link from this blog to those shops, I will receive an affiliate commission. However, I only share products and services that I would personally use and that I hope will be a good fit for you.