2nd Birthday Party: It's Done!

I had so much fun planning my daughter's second birthday, but I am glad it is finally over! I ordered and made a lot of things to make this day extra special and wanted to take the time to highlight a few items...

No Minnie Party is complete without Minnie Ears and cake!:-)  Credit for this beautiful cake and cupcakes goes to "My Two Sweetie Pies"

After searching for creative ideas on pinterest, I had to create a Minnie Coupe for my daughter .  There are tons of sites with tutorials and different methods.  My favorties were Megan Kunkel's and The Hunted Interior.

The main thing I wanted to do differently from most sites was the ears.  I didn't want to use the wooden version (although I have seen some extremely cute versions).   I re-purposed an old toy that my daughter no longer played with to make my lightweight, plastic Minnie Ears (Playskool Elephant Ball Popper).  I also used pink polka dot fabric (I found in Joann's fabric) and made a stuffed bow to place on top.  The ball popper ears have a small hole on the left but it was easily covered from the front with my big bow.  I sewed my bow to the ears using the small holes that were already in the ears, so there was no need to use any glue for attachment.

As mentioned in previous posts, I made topiaries, invitations, tutus, centerpieces, party chairs, banners...you name it and I probably made it!  LOL!

Party Invitations

I made ears with bows for my daughter and her two older cousins

Tutu for Birthday Photo Session

I love these topiaries!

Favors: Personalized Minnie/Mickey Pail with Shirt and Ears Inside

Banner #1

Banner #2

Close Up of My Minnie ;-)

Another idea I found on The hunted Interior site was the idea for my party menu.  We had hotdogs, baked beans, pasta salad, cheese puffs (my daughter's favorite) and pink lemonade.

Now off to plan the next birthday party! Actually I am planning a few mini parties in between.  Since I love hosting I thought it would be great to host a few play dates throughout the year.  I'm collecting items for a Music Mania Play Date now ;-)

Also check out pictures from my parties on "Catch My Party"!

Party #1

My daughter has some amazing teachers.  They informed me on Thursday, they wanted to throw a birthday party for Gabby.  Her teachers made banners and birthday crowns, purchased cupcakes and cheese puffs for snack, and just made my baby girl feel special all around.  I do not take the acts of kindness from others lightly and thank God for such caring people being placed in my daughter's life.  I made her classmates little party favors.  Each gift cost a total of $1.45.  I purchased small $1 buckets and bulk bubbles.  I then used craft supplies I already had to make the gifts extra special.

Personalized Pails

 Birthday Banner From Her Class

 Class Banner #2

I Love Nurseries

I have always been excited for expecting moms and found great joy in helping mommies prepare a room especially for their little one.  Events over the past few years and pure exhaustion have taken away some of that excitement for me, and that news doesn't hit me in the same way anymore.  However, I refuse to allow misfortunes in life to prevent me from blessing others.  Looking back at some of the paintings and murals I have done for friends reminds me of how great my God truly is (because it wouldn't be possible without Him). 

My Very 1st Mural

 

I created a painting for that room as well 

 My 2nd Mural

 A painting for my friend's son

Mouseketeer Treats

This weekend I managed to find some time to work on the designs for some party favors.  Customizing things is great...as long as you have lots of patience :-) Although these gifts may look expensive they are actually the result of some $1 items, craft store coupons, a little hard work, and some trial-and-error experiences.  I usually start planning the theme for my daughter's next birthday the day after her party, so I collect items little by little.

The Makings of the Perfect Mouseketeer: Mickey shirt & Ears!

 Wrapped & Ready To Go!

A Little Special Touch

Tutu to Topiary

From tutu to topiary, I am gearing up for my daughter's 2nd birthday.  I'm trying to keep my craft projects simple, but it is way too much fun!  Here are few items I have been working on for her big celebration...

I am learning and over time perfecting my tutu making skills. 

I love the ribbon topiary tutorials from Michaels and find these to be simple to make.  They are great decorations for the party venue!  These little things require a lot of ribbon though!

Monogramming and embellishments are awesome!  Although I promised myself I will not make my two year old walk around her party in a tulle tutu, I wanted this ensemble for a photography session I have scheduled.  

Goodnight Moon Basket

One of my friends is having triplets!  Yes!  Triplets!!!  Two little girls and one boy.  I am super excited for her and her husband.  They are one of my favorite couples, and I wanted to make sure I created a gift that was practical yet personal.  My friend gave my daughter one of her favorite books-"Pat the Bunny", so I thought I would use a similar theme for her gift.  With my daughter's birthday coming up and some other unexpected expenses I had to be really clever with my purchases (and extremely tight budget).  I finally decided on a "Goodnight Moon" themed gift basket.  I found a Goodnight moon snuggle pillow at a great price, also purchased of course the book, and made these onesies for the little ones.  I pray my friend loves her gift!  I wish I could give her the moon (and more) but hopefully she will enjoy my "Goodnight Moon" gift just as much!

Baby Girl!

Someone very special to me is having a little girl this spring, and so it was important to find time to make the little one a few items.  I tried to coordinate the color of all items with the nursery, which will be purple and brown.  I always try to convince myself to do a couple of items and stop going overboard, but one of the most rewarding things in life is to see the smile on a mommy's face when she opens a gift made especially for her little one.  I pray my friend loves her gift!  It was definitely a gift basket made with love.

 Quilt, Personalized Onesies, Monogrammed Items, & Bears

 Monogramming is great!

 Designed by Me!

 Onesies to Match!

All Packaged to Go!!!