So there's this show on Nick Jr. that my now 4 year old simply adores. And I have to admit, I like it too. It's the Fresh Beat Band. If you have a little one that likes music and dancing, you should give it a try. I'm guessing you will be hooked. Sure, the acting is overdone, but the songs are catchy, the colors are bright and fun, and the characters are likable. It's a welcome break from the likes of Barney (which used to be a hit in our house, I must admit). This show is more current than it's competition, which is a big draw. I've even found my 12 year old watching it!
My main frustration with the show is the marketing. Or, should I say, the LACK of marketing. I know, I know, usually us parents get upset at the OVER marketing these companies display, just to make a buck. However, when you are trying to shop for Christmas and can't find a single thing (other than overpriced, homemade items on ebay & etsy), it becomes quite a pain in the $#%@!
One of the newest episodes of the show involves a "Rock Star Jacket". The band members, in song, tell the kids to "put your rock star jacket on..." Well it would be really nice if they would market thus said jacket, so that the kids could do just that! So imagine my delight when I see a post on the
Fresh Beat Band's Facebook page, by a mom just like me, showing the FBB
community that she made her child a Rock Star jacket on her own! She was nice enough to share pictures and instructions.
"I can do that!", I think to myself. Then the hysteria sets in. I HAVE TO FIND THIS JACKET. It's available at Kmart. I search online. Nothing. I call my husband, who conveniently has a store near work, to check there. I, myself, drive to our local Kmart to search myself. To make a long story short, I find one. Not the size I wanted, but a Small will have to do (needed an XS). but considering these things are selling like hotcakes, and are on clearance, I cut my losses, and buy the small. Next up, the STAR...
Now to figure out how to put a star on the back, and front of the jacket. I'd like it if it resembled the ones on the show, and not like I actually made it. I end up buying the following supplies:
Tulip brand Iron on Transfer Sheets (I bought the one in the middle)
Tulip brand Fabric Glitter & Fabric Glitter glue (I bought the multi pack, for it was the only way I could get the color glitter I needed.. a minty green)
Next, I searched the web for a picture/graphic of a Star. Printed out the appropriate size for the front and back, traced it on the transfer paper, cut it out, and ironed it on the back of the jacket (each step is repeated for the front, as well). Took a while to get the transfer to actually stick, but a little patience goes a long way. Then I applied the glitter as a border around the star, and let dry for the 2 hours, as recommended. After repeating for the front, I had created our very own ROCK STAR JACKET!
My older two daughters gave the jacket to my now 4 year old, for her birthday. It was her favorite present of the lot. Here's a picture of her modeling her Rock Star Jacket, which she will happily wear when we see the Fresh Beat Band in concert in a few months. I just hope my craftiness was good enough, and the jacket holds up!
