Ok, isn’t she the cutest?!

For Part II of my Circus Birthday Party I wanted to share some of the details. As a backdrop for the party space, I created a flag banner which read “Taylor” and was accented by animals and the number “1″. Each piece was trimmed to a triangle shape and then strung together with coordinating ribbon. The rest of the decorations included cupcake toppers and small food signs.

At the “kids” table, there were party hats for them to wear and favor bags for each to take home. Initially I tried to make my own cone hats, but it turned out to be more challenging than expected… As a quick solution I purchased colored hats at my local party supply store, then attached paper circles with animals to the fronts. HUGE time saver! I kept the favor bags simple by filling clear acetate bags with animal crackers and attaching a custom label with ribbon.

It was so much fun creating all of these pieces! I am looking forward to next year’s birthday party!

Etsy featured the most wonderful store last Friday! To say that owner William Dohman is prolific would be a gross understatement. From graphic prints and photos to heart melting toys, there is something for everyone. My absolute favorite are these wooden signs, they look like they could cheer up any room! He has a ton of pre-done signs but if you don’t find what you’re looking for a custom option is also available.

I know it’s a bit early for all these Valentine’s Day posts but I can’t resist! I had so much fun creating this new bag for all of you that I just couldn’t wait to share! Plus, I wanted you to be able to have time to get bags, print, make goodies and fill with time to spare.

Inspired by all things sweet and love related, I created this little pattern and printed onto the bag directly from my Ink Jet printer. If you don’t have an Ink Jet or if your printer doesn’t allow you to print odd formats, you could always print the label onto sticker paper (found at office supply stores) and post apply it to the bag. Fill with cookies, muffins, a handmade card, or whatever it is that your special someone will enjoy. Download the file here and enjoy! xoxo

Perfect for projects like these or for other crafts and gifts the White and craft paper bags are available through my Etsy shop here in bundles of 25.

Gina emailed me over the weekend to tell me about Land Rich, the shop that she and her partner just started. I love the concept: each quarter they’ll feature a single edition of select product. If the first set is any indication I think we’re in for something special! These holiday bulbs are just exquisite. I love how each globe makes me appreciate the beauty that lies in the smallest leaf, berry and twig. I can’t wait to see what Land Rich has in store next!

Oh and I spoke with Gina and all orders placed by the 20th are guaranteed to be delivered by the 25th!

ALSO: Check back later today for the results of the Pom Pom Giveaway!

Ever since my experiment with felt I’ve been enamored with all you can do with it. How freakishly cute is this little sandwich by Myrtle & Eunice? I can’t really figure out what I’ll do with this once I make it, but that’s beside the point! I can imagine that this furry treat would bring a smile to my face every time I looked at it, and to me, that’s priceless. I’m heading to the fabric store shortly so I can whip up one of these swiss, lettuce and tomato sandwiches. Nom, nom, nom… See more pictures and get the complete felt sandwich recipe here.

Found via: WhipUp.

*Sad update to my Felt Rosette Pillow: Apparently a handmade, time consuming, 100% wool felt pillow is dog for chewtoy. See my precious little pups path of destruction here

I finally had some time over the weekend to work on this pillow project by Anne Kyrrö Quinn. I’d been wanting to do this since I spotted it back in September. I’m thrilled that I stumbled upon Etsy’s How-To section and it’s my new go-to place for fun projects. I just love how this turned out and I highly recommend giving this pattern a go.

I’d say the project was fairly easy to execute but a bit time consuming. A majority of the time went to cutting and stitching the rossetts and probably took me about 6 hours total to finish. I’m still a fairly novice sewer so that could have slowed me up but it was the perfect task for a rainy weekend! I made my pillow a little smaller so that it would fit an insert that I’d already had and I’m thrilled with the finished look. I kept it simple with an off-white color and I think it contrasts with our chairs and other pillows well.

Today is my birthday (Woo Hoo!) and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than finding out that I was a finalist in the DIY Wedding Crafts Contest with Etsy and Martha Stewart Weddings. The Sparkler Cards that I entered are one of 19 other finalists and one winner selected. It’s a huge honor to be a part of this fabulous collection and I couldn’t be more thrilled! The winner and finalists are featured in a slideshow on Martha Stewart Weddings. A BIG ol’ Thank You to Etsy and Martha Stewart Weddings for making this one of the most exciting birthday’s ever! You can see the adorable winning Cake Topper here and the rest of the finalists here.

If any of you are curious, I am now selling a downloadable PDF template for the Sparkler Cards along with coordinating Coat Check Tags in my Etsy shop. I’ll be sharing more details soon but feel free to check it out in the mean time. I’m taking the evening off from blogging to spend some computer free time with my husband so I’ll see you all back here Monday. Have a great weekend everyone! xoxo

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about these Menu Wheels by Anna Bond since I spotted them on Design Sponge earlier this week. What a lovely and personal touch to add to a wedding dinner or special event. I’m all for the extra touches so these are right up my alley. To see the full post and to get complete how-to instructions check out Design Sponge here.

The menus coordinate perfectly with Anna’s other recent DIY project for Once Wed. Her Pom Pom Vines are equally as charming and lovely. Stop by Once Wed for all the how-to deets and of course check out Anna’s blog, Rifle, for updates on her incredible work. I can hardly wait to see her feature in the next Martha Stewart Weddings!

Happy Monday to you all! Hope you had a nice and restful weekend. My husband an I were in search of some new plants and spent the better part of the weekend driving around and comparing prices. We ultimetly found some that will work so now is the diffucult part of actually planting them…. humph! This pillow is looking mighty fine right about now.

I spotted this Rosette Cluster Felt Pillow tutorial in Etsy’s How-To section featuring instructions from Anne Kyrrö Quinn’s book, Felt Furnishings

I’m in need of some new throw pillows and these might be the perfect fit for our living room. I’m loving that bright color and the rosette detail! Be sure to check out the full article here for complete directions.

Via: Craftzine blog

I get so much joy from reading all of your comments and it gives me an opportunity to discover new blogs each and everyday. I find myself so enthrawred and litterally unable to keep up! It’s so exciting to know that there is so much to be discovered each time I sit down to my computer.

My latest find is the delightful Grate Full Day blog. Lindsey stole my heart with her recent post about Anthropologie’s summer Dip Dyed Windows. As most of you know by now I have a thing for Anthropologie, a crush as it were. Their collective genius is endless and this seasons merchandising is no exception. From the Anthropologie’s Facebook Page:

“ Each is a joyful tribute to summer color—from pineapple gold and purple basil to crustacean red and saltwater teal. Each, too, is a testament to the passion and drive of our visual team—from scouring thrift stores for fabric scraps to dip-dying and drying, it was quite a process.”

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a project with all of you and the coming holiday seemed like the perfect opportunity to get crafty. Hopefully this set will make your 4th of July just a bit more festive! This downloadable PDF includes sparkler cards, matchbook wrappers and straw tags. Simply print, cut, tape and voila – instant party!

What You’ll Need:

8.5 x 11″ 80lb white card stock (like this from Paper-Source)
8.5 x 11″ 80lb white text paper (like this from Paper-Source)
Color Printer
Paper Cutter
Double Sided Tape
Ruler
Standard Hole Punch
Sparklers
Straws
Matchbooks (found at my local grocery store)

Instructions:

1. Download the Matchbook and Straw Tags Template and print onto white text paper. Download the Sparkler Card Template and print onto white card stock. Print using the highest quality settings on your color printer to ensure that the patterns and text are clear.

2. Trim out all the shapes using scissors or a sharp blade and making sure to trim off all the black edges. Use a standard hole punch and punch where indicated to allow the straws to be thread through. Carefully trim out the small rectangles in the Sparkler Holders to weave the sparklers through.

3. Secure the wrap around the matchbooks with double sided tape, making sure not to cover up the striker strip. Crease the edges with your fingers or using a bone folder so that they are crisp. Thread the straw through the holes and position towards the top of the straw. Thread the sparklers through the slots.

I hope you all have a fantastic and joyful holiday! Cheers!

*For personal use only (non-commercial use). Thank you.

I just love the simplicity of this wedding and all the little details! Also, I’m dying over the life-size initials that were designed and created by a friend as a gift! What a fantastic and unique idea!

Sundance has to be one of the most picturesque places for a wedding! The paper globes hanging from the ceiling provide the perfect lighting to an already splendid evening.

Custom labeled jars of homemade jam double as favors and seating cards. The gorgeous flowers adorning each of the tables were created by the brilliant Barney & Clark Designs.

Back in a little bit with more details from their day!

As promised, I’m back with a few more pics from the Stache Bash we celebrated last week in my office. These 3 gentlemen are the winners! Each took home a prize ribbon and a moustache key chain – never to be without some face fuzz again! I found the adorable keychains on Etsy by Majesty Inc. As for the prize ribbons I’ve included a tutorial!

1) Cut out two 1.5″ x 10″ strips of paper and score every half inch on each.

2) Accordion fold the strips at the score marks.

3) Connect the two strips into one with double-sided tape. Then connect the two ends so you have a continuous loop.

4) Cut out two 1″ circles

5) Flatten the loop and squeeze inward so there is no space in the center, next hot glue a paper circle onto the center of the flattened loop. It helps to have a second pair of hands for this step. Repeat for other side.

6) Glue ribbon onto the back side, these can be paper or fabric, whatever strikes your fancy.

To make the Moustache Sticks from above simply print out the template below onto brown paper, cut and glue to a wood skewer! No need to wait until next May, Moustache parties are guarenteed fun year round! Enjoy!

Click here to see even more pics from the HADW Stache Bash 2009.

On the morning of the event each person in the office was greeted by a ballot and personal moustache at their desk. No reason we couldn’t ALL join in the fun!

This turned out to be such a fun event to plan and celebrate. Stay tuned for more details from the day, the winners and a few DIY tutorials.

I spotted and fell in love with this charming DIY Shoe bag tutorial by Betz White seen on Creature Comforts earlier this week. Such a simple and useful idea that happens to be completely charming as well. These lovelies are made with thrifted sheets and would make  a fantastic gift, especially if you’re on a budget.