Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Ribbon Topiary


I wanted to share with you how I made the above Ribbon Topiary (I actually made two) for Catherine's party since I had so many compliments on them!
The tutorial I am going to share with you is one I got from

Items needed:

-scissors

-metal bucket, or other base of your choice-spray paint, if desired

-green floral foam

-thick wooden dowel
(I used the second thickest dowel from Hobby Lobby-
-I believe it was 7/8 of an inch)

-styrofoam ball, size of your choice, depending on how big you want your topiary to be
(I used a 6 inch ball)

-metal straight pins
-ribbon! I used 5 different types of ribbon, and about 20 total yards.
-moss, or some other filler for base


Instructions:
-paint your bucket if desired. I got mine (black metal bucket) for $2.99 at Hobby Lobby. You could paint it any color, or keep it metal if you like.

-paint your dowel. This color really depends on the color of your base, and which color combinations you are using in your ribbon.

-cut and insert foam into bucket. I found that a cutting board and sharp knife worked well. Make sure the foam is tight, and won't move inside the base.

-insert dowel in the center of your base, securely into the foam. -Place your styrofoam ball on the dowel, making sure it is centered. This is a lot harder than I thought it would be, so I would suggest a measuring tape and a marker to help guide you. If you mess up, don't worry. The ribbon will totally cover any holes. I know, because I had at least 10 of them, lol!

-Time for ribbon! Cut a piece of ribbon about 3 inches or so in length. Bring the two ends together, overlapping a bit, to make a loop. Stick a straight pin through the place where the ends meet, and stick it into the styrofoam ball. I started at the top, and moved my way down, although you could really start anyplace you wanted to. Make sure you vary sizes, textures, widths, and ribbons as you're placing them on the ball, and also the direction they are facing. You can also add some texture by letting the ends of some of the ends of your loops stick out (when you overlap the ends, just let one of the ends extend out past the loop) when you place them on. Continue until the whole ball is covered, making sure none of the ball shows through.

-Fill your base with moss, or whatever you desire. (I used red shredded paper that I got in the wrapping paper section at Hobby Lobby)


-If you'd like, tie a ribbon in a knot or bow around your base. Voila!


Sunday, June 20, 2010

Catherine's 3rd Birthday Ladybug Party

Well after months and months of planning, Catherine's Ladybug party finally arrived and was a HUGE success!!!!

Here is Catherine's adorable invitation designed by none other than my dear friends at PaperandPigtails Thank you Kori and Lindsey for all the adorable touches you put on this party!!!

Fortunatly, sometime back I was in Hobby Lobby and came across a TON of ladybug garden items/decor on sale for 60% off...unfortunately I forgot to use about half of I purchased!!!

These super cute polka dot balloons were ordered from Polka Dot Market


These bottle labels (as well as the cupcake toppers and snack cups) were also designed by PaperandPigtails


Yeah, I forgot to add the cupcake toppers in the pic above this one
(hey, I am only human!)



I purchased these cute little tumblers from my local Party City for only $1.99/each

Here are the boys and girls making their own ladybugs that I ordered from Oriental Trading (the dots on the ladybugs are stamped on using their fingerprints)!! cute huh??
These "Thank You's" consisted of these adorable cookies that I order from Decandent Delights Cakes plus, the goody bags also included ladybug bubbles from Oriental Trading (tried to post the link, but they must be out of stock) and plush ladybugs from Party City

.....and these would be all the kids WILD on all the sugar consumed during this party!!

here was an attempt to take a family photo...but of course the lighting in my house in not so great so this is what we got!!!

and last but not least Catherine dancing in her costume after the party (again, not a great pic....but you get the picture!!)

It was fun (and stressful!) planning this party, but would do it again in a heartbeat....especially for my two adorable girls :)

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The most Amazing Pink Party EVER!!!

I am just delighted to share this adorable and beautiful pink party that was put together by one of my favorite party bloggers http://bellagracepartydesigns.blogspot.com/ (Bella Grace Party Designs) for her sweet little girl. The detail and time that was put into this party is just amazing as well as inspiring.







And here is the precious little birthday girl Alyssa!!!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

How to:-Paper Treat Cones & Display

I got this Paper Treat Cones & Display tuturial from http://creativehostess.co.uk/ and wanted to share it with you!!!!



Paper cones are super easy & inexpensive to make, and they’re adaptable to any theme. You can simply choose decorative paper or even gift paper to co-ordinate with your theme or colour scheme, and create a stunning display. You can fill up the cones with all kinds of yummy treats. What a lovely way to dress up plain old popcorn, as in the display above, created by Amy Atlas





You can fill them up with lovely candy, as in this Martha Stewart display



Or caramel popcorn as in this display by Hostess with the Mostess. The possibilities are endless!

What You Need To Make Them
decorative paper / gift paper of your choice
clear tape
glue stick
scissors
Method

Cut a circle out of your paper (using a compass or any circular object to draw the shape)
Cut out a triangle about 1/4 of the circle, as shown in the diagram above
Fold the circle, overlapping the edges. Make sure to leave a small hole in the bottom of the cone
Tape the edges together on the inside & use a bit of glue on the outside to get the edges to lie flat
Or you can download a template from Hostess With The Mostess & omit steps 1 & 2.
For The Display
You Need
lollipop sticks
craft styrofoam sheets (1 inch thick)
treats to fill your cones
shallow tray / vase / container
candy / treats to cover styrofoam
To Create Display
Cut a piece of styrofoam sheet to fit securely in the bottom of your tray / vase / container.
Place the styrofoam sheet in the tray, then insert the lollipop sticks into the foam, leaving a few inches in between the sticks to fit the cones.
Pour candy, popcorn, or your chosen treat over the styrofoam until it is completely covered.
Fill your paper cones with your chosen treat, then slide them over the lollipop sticks through the hole in the bottom.



Hope these are a big hit at your next party!!!