Oh buoy, he's one! {whales and sails birthday party}

Despite my objections to the contrary, my baby boy turned one, friends. I wanted his first birthday to be special and memorable, but still relatively simple. So I employed the help of some clip art, a trusty printer and some very basic party supplies, to whip up a sweet, printable, personalized first birthday party with a whales and sails theme.

Basic supplies:

Polka dot plates, napkins and blow-outs from Dollar Tree

Cups, balloons and colored plastic utensils from Wal-mart.

As I mentioned, I chose an ocean/nautical themed party.  I originally began looking on party supply web sites for decorations, plates, cups, etc. with that theme.  They can be found, but I wasn't in love with any of them and there is a hollow feeling that comes from spending more on paper plates and disposable tablecloths than say, your utility bill...or shoes. So I opted to make my own party supplies to get the look I wanted and be able to personalize the items.  

I started hunting for clip art I could use to design and print party decorations.  I discovered that Etsy is a great source for clip art-who knew?   I found this sweet little nautical clip art set from Pink or Blue Designs and purchased it for $5.

Jana from Pink or Blue Designs was so great to work with and so fast and accommodating.  I had my clip art files almost instantly after paying for them. If the thought of using Illustrator or Photoshop or doing any DIY projects on the computer terrifies you, DO NOT DESPAIR! You can find a myriad of pre-made printable parties online. Pink or Blue Designs has some darling options and there are many to choose from on Etsy as well. In addition to convenience and cost savings, printable parties are great because you own the files and can re-print them for another party or other use.

Getting back on track, I started by making the party invitations.  I made them using Adobe Photoshop.  The design is pretty basic with some stripes in the background, circles to look like portholes and the clip art...oh and a photo of my sweet little guy. 

I liked the stripes and port holes look, so I incorporated those elements along with the number one in with the clip art to make the designs for the rest of the party.

I made birthday bouquets by simply printing out the designs, cutting them and taping them to bamboo skewers. I tucked them into patterned containers ( baby formula cans covered in patterned paper that I also made from the clip art).  I used the formula cans for a few different purposes.  It seemed fitting since we are celebrating the end to buying formula!

I framed a very simple little welcome sign with a few nautical puns...

  

I found some blow-outs at Dollar Tree that were the right colors, so I taped some of my clip art circles over them too.

I taped another happy little whale to the front of this clear plastic napkin holder from Dollar Tree and used it to hold the plates.

Let's talk about cakes.  In short, my talents lay elsewhere, but I still wanted to make a cute cake.  So I cheated.  Really, who made the rule that everything on a cake has to be edible? I wrapped the base in 1/2 yard of ribbon (the frosting held it in place) and made a quick birthday sign printed on card stock and taped to a bamboo skewer to top the cake. With a classic number candle, the deal was done. Fast, cute and removable for when my son destroyed the entire cake, per first birthday tradition.

Once upon a time I made this little dessert stand.

Once upon another time, I broke the top layer off.  It turned out to be a happy accident.  I needed two stands for the party, so I stacked my severed stands on some simple red platters from a very exclusive store called Wal-Mart. Done and done.

I forgot to get a good photo, but in the bottom left, you can see the star-covered formula can that I filled with napkins and utensils.

I added personalized cupcake toppers as well.  Clearly, I went overboard with the clip art circles on bamboo sticks idea, but I like it anyway.  We served strawberry cream cheese cupcakes with cake batter ice cream and grasshopper cupcakes with mint chocolate chip ice cream.

  Speaking of ice cream, here is a cool trick that I discovered: Dreyer's round ice cream containers....

...fit perfectly inside decorated formula cans- who knew?  It was a fun way to serve the ice cream in a decorative but simple container.

To dress up the plain paper cups, I made and printed little drink wrappers that are very basic, then cut and taped it to the paper cups.

The birthday banner was my favorite part.  I originally planned to make a pennant banner but two things stopped me: 

1) It's been done (by me and thousands of other DIY aficionados).

2) I ran out of time.  The though of cutting, gluing layering and stringing more shapes together was more than I wanted to tackle.  I am lucky to have access to a big printer, so I used essentially the same design as the invitation with a few changes and made it approximately one billion times larger. The banner was 26 in by 30 in.

Whether it was the decor or the unrestricted access to his own cake that won him over, Asher was impressed with the party.

I am linking up to Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style and these great blogs.

Grasshopper Cupcakes

I have a few fun and simple birthday party ideas to share with you very soon! In the mean time, here is a tip to make plain cupcakes a little more exciting.

I poured my devil's food cake batter in a cupcake tin and then added a grasshopper cookie to each baking cup and baked the cupcakes.  I crushed the remaining grasshopper cookies in a re-sealable bag, frosted the cupcakes with chocolate frosting and sprinkled crushed cookie on top.  They were a hit and a very quick to throw together.  I served them with mint chocolate chip ice cream. Three cheers for the fabulous combo of chocolate and mint!

Strawberry-Cream Cheese Cupcakes Revisited

Hello friends!  I feel like I haven't done a proper DIY project in ages.  I have many started, a few ruined, and none finished. I'm attributing it to holidays, birthdays, dance recitals, graduations and all of the fun late-spring/end-of-school activities that seem to fill the calendar this time of year.

I am working on my baby's first birthday party today, so I should have pictures to share soon.  I am making strawberry cream cheese cupcakes for the party with a slightly revised recipe from the last cupcake party, so I thought I would share.

My friend, Birgitta, made strawberry cream cheese cupcakes for a party we had at our church months ago and they were fabulous- a party in your mouth! I even saved a few cupcakes for breakfast the next morning which, by the way, is a fabulous way to start the day.

She used the Betty Crocker recipe for the cupcakes. Birgitta improvised with her simple and fabulous frosting recipe, which was better than any store-bought frosting in a plastic tub (sorry, Betty).

Frosting

Small package of instant pudding (cheesecake or cream cheese flavor)

1 cup milk

1 tub of whipped topping (Cool-Whip)

Combine milk and pudding as directed on the package. Once set, fold in whipped topping. Frost cupcakes and put them in the fridge to set. Garnish cupcakes with strawberry slices. Save some for breakfast ;)

Recipe for off white spray paint

Marshmallow, ivory, bone, vanilla, shell, milk, there are more shades of white than there are reruns of Sponge Bob on Nick Jr.  I favor a warm white, as I like to call it.  It's not as stark a pure white, it's brighter than ivory, but with less color than cream (too say that I am picky about color would be an understatement).  Unfortunately, my favorite paint medium, spray paint, is not readily available in cloud or almond any variation other than bright white or ivory.  I dream of a world where people can one day walk up to paint counter, hand over a paint sample, and say "I need Cherries in the Snow, satin-finish, in a spray paint can, and make it a double, please!" Until my dream comes true, here is my solution to achieve a warm white color with the smooth finish of spray paint.  Are you ready for an intense tutorial?

Materials

• One can of white spray paint
• One can of ivory spray paint
• Something to paint

1.  Completely cover your object in white spray paint, filling in all of the nooks and crannies ( this will take a few coats).

2.  When dry, spray one light but even coat of ivory spray paint over the top.

3. That's it.

(it's hard to illustrate the color difference in a photo, but believe me fellow color snobs, there is a difference!)

I know it sounds weird to mix colors but since spray paint is such a fine mist, and the colors are so similar, it is hardly noticeable. This works best on flat surfaces like picture frames. Items with a lot of detail and nooks and crannies make it harder to coat evenly.  I have not tried this on a big object, like a piece of furniture, the difference may be too noticeable, but having used it only on frames and little knick-knacks, that hang far from a scrutinizing eye,  I've been happy with the results.

Have you ever mixed spray paint?  How did it turn out?

Organic Bloom Frame Giveaway at Heather Taylor Photography Blog!

Friends, this is your chance to get your hands on one of these sweet frames from Organic Bloom that I mentioned previously.  The wonderful and talented Heather of Heather Taylor Photography is giving one  5x 7 frame away so go check it out!  You get to choose the style and color too. You have until Monday to enter.

Coffee Table Book Entry No. 3 {free printable}

Hello, friends! Things are looking up here.  The sun is out and I've taken advantage of one of the advances in modern medicine known as antibiotics.  Life is much better.

Here is my latest installment in my Coffee Table Quote Book.  The inspiration for this one may or may not have something to do with the fact that Kung Fu Panda was on continuous loop at our house this week.  It is one of my very favorite movies and this is one of my favorite lines from the movie.

You can print if for personal use if you like.  Happy Friday!

A New Winner of the Burlap Pillow Cover!

Hi friends!

I never heard back from the winner of the burlap pillow cover from the BeiFIORI Embellish giveaway- darn it! So I have drawn a new winner.  Drum roll please....

Congrats to Jessica from My World- Made by Hand!

4th of July Favorites for Boys

Hi friends!  I hope you had a great weekend and a great holiday if you celebrated Memorial Day.  I am going on day 20 of being sick- is that ridiculous?  I am more than ready for blue skies and an end to the sniffles!

In other news, I've found some fun Americana clothes for the boys.  When one is ill, one has a lot of time to shop online ;)  Here are some of my finds for the patriotic little gentlemen.

Americana Clothing for Girls

I know, I know, some kids aren't even finished with school yet and here I am talking about the 4th of July. But if you want your little ones to don red white and blue on Independence Day, now is the time to shop.  I admit, I am a sucker for stars and stripes on my kids and I am very proud of my forefathers for choosing such a great color palette with which we can show our allegiance. There are so many patriotic options for children to wear this summer, so many that I am just showing you my favorites for girls.  The boys' Americana clothing deserves it's own post.

Here are some of my favorites for the girlies

Wheat Grass in the Garden?

I've reached the age and stage in my life when I've arrived at the strange realization: I'm turning into my mother.  In other words, I get excited about plants.  Here is my current obsession: Dwarf Sweet Flag, aka Acorous Gramineus.  

Isn't it fun? I love the vibrant lime green color.  When my friend, Jessica, saw it she told me, "It looks like wheat grass." That's when the light came on and I realized why I loved it so.  So my flower beds will now be filled with my wheat grass knock-off.  If you want to do the same, you can find it at Home Depot.

Burlap Pillow Cover Winner!

Hi friends! I am excited to announce the winner of the burlap pillow cover from BeiFIORI Embellish!

The winner is ....

Congratulations, Ashlee! You have until Sunday, May 29, 2011 to contact me.  

Thank you to everyone who participated and hank you to beiFIORI Embellish for sponsoring this giveaway!

Fast and Fabulous Teacher Gift

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but my dear friend thought of this one.  She needed a gift for each of her sons' teachers.  She thought it would be fun to make text art, like my Mothers' Day Text Art project, from the names of the students in the class to frame and give to the teacher.  Brilliant! So I begged her to let me do it and had a lot of fun.

You can do this for your child's teacher too, faster than you can say "summer break".  Just use Microsoft Word, Photoshop, or whatever word processing program your child uses to write her papers or book reports to create the text art.

Type the name of each student, change the color of the text, use a fun font, print it on card stock, frame it and you're done!  You can also involve your child in this.  He can type the names, choose the colors, or maybe put the whole thing together, depending upon his age.  I think it is a fun idea to have your child sign their name in the bottom corner of the photo mat so that the teacher remembers who it came from and so the artist signs his work.

For the first text art project, I used the font Walkway (available for free download at dafont.com) I rotated some of the names, and changed the font size and color on each of the names.  I used Photoshop to make this project.

For the second project, I just used a regular word processing program (mine is called Neo Office for Mac, but it is the same as Microsoft Word.) I simply typed the names with a period and a space between each, changed the font colors, and then changed the font to Payday (also available for free download at dafont.com).

If you need some more ideas, you can check out my Mothers' Day Text Art project.

Happy typing!

I'm linking to these awe-inspiring blogs.

A Few More Shoe Party Ideas

We used paper shoes for everything for the shoe-themed party that I mentioned here and here.  The shoes also made great favors.  We filled ours with Hershey Kisses because we needed something pre-wrapped that we could quickly fill 60 shoes with. You could also fill little mini cellophane bags with any treat and tie it whit a pretty ribbon and a note, or try nail polish or lip gloss. There are a lot of possibilities to tuck in these tiny shoes. 

For another decoration at the party, I gathered up our shoe boxes, wrapped them in pretty paper and put them in stacks on the tables with paper shoes on the top (I used children's shoe boxes since the smaller sizes are less to wrap and are closer in scale to the paper shoes). I also added mini wallflowers to the toes of the paper shoes.

So there you go. 

2 packages of napkins + 1 stack of scrapbook paper  + A lot of resourcefulness= A fabulous shoe-themed party!

Discounts and giveaways from Heather Taylor Photography!

Warning: The images you are about to see will make you very baby hungry.

The wonderful and talented Heather of Heather Taylor Photography has some fun promotions going on right now.  While she works in Northern Utah, anyone can participate in her Organic Bloom frame giveaway.  

Folks, have you seen Organic Bloom frames?  When you do, you will gladly give your first born for one...but then you'll put a photo of that first born in the frame and the guilt will get to you eventually so find another form of currency, but get one of those frames!  Luckily, Heather is a supplier of Organic Bloom, so she's got you covered!

Sleevless Onesies

Did you think this was going to be a tutorial?  Sorry.  I did try once to make sleeveless onesies by cutting the sleeves off my daughter's onesies...and then never got around to hemming them- very Joe Dirt. This is approach is much quicker and cuter.  It's called shopping.

Is it just me, or are sleeveless onesies hard to find?  We've been on the lookout for them for my little niece and my son to go under summer dresses and rompers.  I finally found them so I thought I would share.

Paper shoe garland (with or without a digital cutter)

Hi friends! I am really excited about this project, more excited over paper and napkins than I ever thought possible.  I mentioned previously a shoe-themed party I put together.  This began my crush on paper shoes.  One item used for decoration at our shoe-themed party were these paper shoe garlands that I dreamed up.

Coffee Table Book Entry No. 2

Happy Friday, friends! I have many half-finished projects currently taking over my house and garage. My family is thrilled. I would like to believe I'll finish them all this weekend, but I'm not holding my breath. Besides, what fun would life be if my baby wasn't crawling through my pile of fabric scraps, if there wasn't hot glue stuck to my kitchen counter tops, if there weren't cans of spray paint rolling along the garage floor, or if we could find a pair of scissors?

Here is another installment in my coffee table quote book. The quote comes from the lyrics of Elton John's, Your Song, ( lyrics by Bernie Taupin).  Do you love Elton too? I am grateful my parents thought to raise us on great music that was older than us. Don't get me wrong, we listened to then current Janet, Whitney, Tiffany, Madonna and were all jammin' out in the '89 Honda Accord when my Aunt Barbabra got the new Michael Jackson Bad album, but I'm glad they thought to share some of their favorite music with us too.

You can print this for personal use if you like.

 I am linking up with Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style and these awe-inspiring blogs.  

My favorite party trick

Wallflowers have become my go-to party decor for many events and let me tell you why:

• They're colorful and whimsical
• They provide a big impact
• They are ridiculously cheap and easy to make ( you may have what you need already on-hand)

For a grand total of $3 or less, you can have a giant boquet of two-toned napkin flower magic. Of course you can buy napkins at dollar stores, but I've found the Wal-Mart party section has a better selection of napkin colors, they are a little stiffer and easier to work with and the quantites are larger ( packages of 24 are $1.50 each.) Target and Ikea are also great places to find fun napkin colors and patterns.  I use about 1.5 napkins for each flower.

I found the idea for wallflowers from the amazing Dana of the blog, Made. So visit her blog for the Wallflower tutorial and then go cover your next party or even your house in cheery napkin flowers!

*One tip: My petals don't stay together as nicely as Dana's, and the gaps drive me nuts, so I've enlisted the help of glue dots or double-stick tape to join the petals together.

Hey, sole sister! (shoe-themed party invitations)

Hello, friends! It's a party week for me.  I've mentioned before that I'm on a committee that plans activities for the women in my church.  Well, we are hosting a shoe-themed event this week- so fun!  Our activities are always done on a budget, so I was thrilled to find some great free graphics to use for our invitations from the always fabulous, Graphics Fairy.  What would I do without her?  She has the most amazing images.  I've always loved ephemera, and vintage artwork so her blog is one my favorite resources for inspiration.

I made a few different versions, but this is my favorite.  I used these shoe images and this frame  from the Graphics Fairy and changed the colors in Photoshop.  I made the shoes into a patterned background, added the frame on top and used the free fonts Lobster and Walkway Bold for the text.

Here is a mostly blank version that you are welcome to use for shoe-themed parties, etc. (personal use, only, please).  Have  a great day, friends!

I am linking up to Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style and these great blogs.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for a burlap pillow cover!

Hello, friends!  I am just reminding everyone to enter the burlap pillow cover giveaway from beiFIORI Embellish.  When they reach 100 likes on Facebook, I will draw a winner ( she's almost halfway there)!  The crafty Marilyn from beiFIORI has been busy lately, you should see all of the fun new things in her etsy shop.

Click here to enter the giveaway.


 

Motherhood Matters

Motherhood matters.  What a poignant and beautiful statement.  We have a fabulous local lifestyle show called Studio 5. They have launched the Motherhood Matters campaign and I am in love with the concept.  I think it is easy for moms to fall into the trap of thinking their role is anything but important, so I was grateful they chose to champion the cause of motherhood. I also love that they've expanded the definition of a mother as any woman who " teaches, inspires, nurtures and loves those she comes into contact with."  Please check out their campaign, and try their Ten day challenge.  Studio 5 has also provided this sweet printable that is free for download and the quote it contains is amazing and inspiring.

So visit their site, print a card for yourself and the mothers in your life and remember that you matter.

Happy Mothers' Day!