The girls' top tips
Here the girls share some of the best tips and advice that they picked up in their first year at Silver Spires.
Scroll down for Katy's fashion party tips, Georgie's film night tips and Grace's giggly games. Naomi has cool fundraising ideas, Jess has tips for taking brilliant photos and Mia gives top tips for a star performance.
Katy's Fashion Party
So now you've met me and all my friends at Silver Spires, why not have a "dorm party" with your own friends? There's nothing better than a good girly sleepover, and I've got some great ideas to make it even more fun – and you'll get a fab new look into the bargain!
How to hold a fashion party
It's always cool having something new to wear – and it's even better when it's something fab and original that you've created yourself! It's not as hard as you might think. Just set the party scene with some great music, and plenty of drinks and snacks, then get your friends together and try out these ideas...
- Give each other makeovers!
Put everyone's clothes and accessories in a big pile and let your friends put an outfit together for you. Don't be afraid to try something new. Even if it's something you never would have chosen yourself, just try it – you might like it! - Customize your own T-shirts!
Add some buttons, feathers, ribbon, patches or sequins...you could even go mad with fabric paint. (Just make sure you check with your parents first!) The only other things you'll need are a needle and thread, or some fabric glue. Hit the shops for more ideas, and unleash the designer in you. And the best bit is that you'll never see anyone wearing the same top as yours! - Make friendship bracelets – it's really easy!
All you need is some coloured embroidery thread from a craft shop. You can find instructions for different patterns online, or even create your own. You and your friends could all make matching bracelets to show you're a team like us! Or maybe you could make a special personalized bracelet to give to your very best friend.
Read more about Katy in First Term at Silver Spires or in her biog.
Georgie's Film Night
It's great going to school at Silver Spires, because I get to be with my friends all the time! Why not organize a special night for all your friends to get together too? I've got some fab ideas for fun stuff you can try, and they're all to do with my favourite thing...acting!
How to hold a film night
Even if you don't like acting yourself, I bet you like watching other people do it, so a film theme night is great fun for everyone! Apart from watching your favourite movies, there are brilliant games you can play that will definitely give you all the giggles. Just pick a theme, grab some DVDs...and don't forget the popcorn!
- Choose a theme
The theme for your film night could be anything – comedies, musicals, or maybe your favourite actress or actor. Once you've picked one, you can stock up with DVDs, decorations, and even get your friends to dress up, all according to your theme. So ballgowns all round for Hollywood night! - Play the Who Am I? game!
Put the name of an actor on a Post-It note and stick it on your friend's forehead so they can't see it. Then they have to ask yes or no questions (like “Have I ever won an Oscar? Was I in a film with Keira Knightley?”) to work out who they are. How many questions will it take them? - Entertain your friends with your best impression!
Do a famous line, or even act out a whole scene from a film and see who's first to guess the title. Whoever gets it right gets the next turn! - Have a competition
See how many films each person can think of that feature a particular actor – whoever gets the most wins. (And I always think chocolate's a great prize!) You can try other themes too, e.g., how many films can you think of with a colour in the title?
Read more about Georgie in Drama at Silver Spires or in her biog.
Grace's Giggly Games
One of the best things about being at Silver Spires is the chance to spend time playing different sports and games with my friends. When I'm competing I'm deadly serious, but now you're going to see that I've got a fun side too!
How to get active!
Not everyone likes the idea of serious competitive sports (including most of my friends!), but there are loads of fun games you can play instead. Some are so silly, they're bound to get you laughing as well as moving! So why not get out there and try something new? Here are a few ideas to get you started…
- Cereal packet game
This is great for stretching – and giving you the giggles! Place an empty cereal box upright on the ground, and each take a turn to lean over and pick it up, using only your mouth and without bending your legs. Then rip off the top part of the box so it's shorter and all have another turn…then rip off another chunk, and so on. See how low you can go without falling over! - Have a piggyback relay race!
Split into even numbered teams and decide where you're racing to. On “go!”, the first pairs should piggyback to that point, then switch so that the person carrying is carried on the way back. When you are carried, no part of your body can touch the ground – otherwise you start your turn again. Don't forget to tag the next pair! On your marks… - Messy games
If you don't mind getting messy or wearing old clothes, play silly-string tag – it's so much fun! It's just the same as normal tag, except that whoever is “it” is armed with a can of silly string (which you can buy in party shops). They must hit you with the silly string in order for you to be “it”, and then they pass the can to you. It's great to play at parties too!
Read more about Grace in Rivalry at Silver Spires or in her biog.
Naomi's Fundraising Fun
Although I was nervous about strutting my stuff on the catwalk, modelling in the fashion show was not only exciting, but, more importantly, it helped raise money for a great cause! There are so many ways to get involved with deserving charities and have tons of fun with your friends at the same time – here are a few ideas to inspire you!
How to make fund-raising fun!
School is a great place to hold fab fund-raisers, because there are lots of people to support your event. Getting your whole school involved means getting your teachers on board first, but it's worth it! Here's what to do:
- Choose your charity
Think about issues that are important to you, and do your research. Most charities will have their own website – you'll be able to find out if they're running any events you can join in with, and where you should send any money you raise. - Have a non-school-uniform day
Ask everyone to pay to wear their own clothes to school. Not only will you raise money for charity, but you'll also get a day off from wearing school uniform! If you're really brave, you could even have a fancy-dress day. Just make sure your teachers approve the idea first. - Hold a bring-and-buy sale!
It's ideal for getting rid of your old clothes, books and CDs, whilst also giving you the chance to bag some bargains of your own! You could even cook up some yummy cakes and treats to sell on the day – shopping always works up an appetite. - Why not run a cool quiz, or even a talent contest?
You can charge everyone a small entry fee to raise money, and discover your friends' weird and wonderful abilities into the bargain. Let the entertainment begin!
Read more about Naomi in Princess at Silver Spires or in her biog.
Jess's Snapshots
I love being at Silver Spires – not only are my best friends here, but with all the activity and excitement it's the perfect place for capturing cool arty images, which look fab on my pinboard. Why not try snapping pics of your friends to decorate your room too?
Getting snap happy!
I carry my camera everywhere I go to make sure I never miss that perfect photo opportunity. Sometimes the most interesting images come from the most unexpected places – half the fun is finding them! Here are my top tips for stunning photos.
- Try taking pics at the eye level of your subject
If it's your pet, get on the ground with them. Making a connection with your subject means your shot will be more direct and have greater impact. - Compose your pic
Check the area around your subject before you snap your perfect pic, or you might get unexpected results, like trees sprouting from heads! - Fed up with cheesy grins?
Then make like the paparazzi and catch your friends unawares for natural, relaxed shots. Catch them reading, chatting or enjoying their fave hobby – but know when to stop. Nobody likes pictures of themselves snoring or stuffing their faces... - Memorable moments
Cameras are fab for capturing memorable moments at parties...but if it's your party, you may be too busy enjoying yourself to take photos. Ask your friends to snap all the little details you may have missed, from decorations to clearing up...the results can be surprisingly funny! - Take control!
Remember, you're in charge of the camera. Pose your subjects, add props, and experiment. Snap pictures from above and below, and at crazy angles. Take control over the way you want your pictures to look. After all, you're the artist!
Read more about Jess in Secrets at Silver Spires or in her biog.
Mia's Tips for a Perfect Performance
Performing in the Silver Spires Star Contest was something I thought I'd never be able to do! But with the help of my lovely friends, I actually learned to enjoy singing in front of people. And you can too!
How to give a star performance!
Stage fright can creep up on everyone, even superstars. And it doesn't matter what sort of performance you're giving, a little confidence boost can make all the difference. So, if you've got your eyes on singing stardom, like me, here's some fun ideas to try out with your friends!
- Get your sound spot on
Whether you're going solo or forming a band it's important to get your sound spot-on. Spend time listening to different types of music before settling on a song that suits your voice and ability. Don't be afraid to experiment and swap tunes with your friends for inspiration. - Record yourself
Grab a video camera and record each other's performances. Watching yourself on tape can be cringe-worthy, but you'll be able to see what you're doing right, and where you need a bit more practice. - Get your friends together for a pop party!
Dress up like your fave pop princess or girl group, perfect those dance moves and practise singing like divas. Even the top pop stars started out by practising in front of the mirror with a hairbrush... - Have a make-over
Katy's cool makeover really boosted my confidence, so why not do the same with your friends? Borrow each other's clothes or try a funky hairstyle for a totally fresh look. Just remember, you'll feel more confident if your new style still expresses who you are, so don't do anything too drastic!
Read more about Mia in Star of Silver Spires or in her biog.