It's a Boy

I had an order from a Jenn C. in Oregon last week and I wanted to post some pictures, for all to view. I believe she is planning a baby shower...It's a Boy, for her sister-in-law.  

She ordered 7 Sm. Pretty Pokes and 7 Pedestal Table Tops. I am thinking she is going to use these Pretty Pokes with the "candy filled method" (see February blog entery).   Jenn had chosen her colors, but not patterns, so we worked it out that she would visit her local Archivers in Oregon to pick out a pattern she liked and I would run up to my local Archivers in Naperville, Il (which, by the way, is my FAVORITE store) and pick up her paper to be used on her projects.    

Jenn was surprised when I explained that my pieces were double sided.  All of my Pretty Pokes are double sided; I like for guests on the OTHER side of the table to view a DIFFERENT side of the same piece. (that's my event planning coming out).

So in this case, all of my little baby boys are dressed differently on the other side of the Pretty Pokes. I really love the way they came out.  I like to add BLING to my pieces...but no bling for boys! I did add "thread lines" on each of their outfits...I like alot of details. 
She also ordered 7 Lge Pedestal Tops.  I realized I never really explained how these work so I thought I would share with this post. 

These Pedestal Toppers are something I came up with when planning a shower for my daughter.  Sometimes those fancy pedestals are just so costly...but too darling not to have at your shower.  So I came up with this and it worked.  I can cut any size, square, round, or rectangle.  Ribbon is cute to thread through the piece, though, I really like to use matching paper as my ribbon.  I have even printed on the paper, then cut it into ribbon strips...nice to personalize pieces as well.  I think it really ties the pieces together, not to mention they are a true conversation piece, and they keep costs down, with that same darling look.  Weave each paper ribbon strip through in a continuous motion...you don't even have to glue it, it will just stay in place.  Really cute.  Three strips should be plenty to go around a 12x12 square.

Building the Pedestal...find a clear glass.  I like to use my water glasses.  But a wine glass will do, as well as, other stem style glasses with a nice base.  Just make sure you have a wide mouth on the glass with a firm base so it doesn't tip over.    

Now Take the glass and fill it with something...anything...candy works best, but don't limit yourself to just that. Something that ties into the theme...gumballs, ribbons, M&M's, salt water taffy, Kisses, grapes, buttons, strawberries...even something like diaper pins or clothes pins would be cute.  Use your imagination.  

Then take the glass and add a luncheon plate to the top, covering the mouth of the glass.  I like to place the bottom of the plate in the glass, so to speak.

This will help the plate from slipping off the glass.  Good china works great, because it has a nice deep rim on the base of the plate.  If you need a little something to hold it together use glue dots or double stick tape to the top of the glass and the bottom of the plate.  Honestly, I have never had an issue when I did this.  You just need to find the correct combination of plates and glasses and it will be fine. Normally a Large Pedestal Top is just about the size of a luncheon plate.  

Ok, then take the Pedestal Top and place it over the plate, completely covering the plate.  Please do remember, scrapbook paper IS NOT food safe, so use a doily before you place your food on the Pedestal Top. 

I have been told that I spend alot of time on my pieces...but you know what?  I enjoy it!!  Bottom Line....It's a labor of LOVE, kids!!   .

So what do you think? Isn't it stinkin' CUTE????  I can't wait to get pictures from the shower!!!  Don't forget to send them to me Jenn C.  Thanks again for the order!!


~Margie

   

DIY Candy Filled Method Centerpieces

Here are just a few DIY Pretty Poke Candy Filled Method centerpieces. Wow....that's a long title!!  Anyway, if you are looking to order a single Pretty Poke here is what they look like with just 3 pokes included!!  You will have to make your own base.  (see blog post  Candy Filled Method Feb. 12)  Still cute, but very simple...we all love simple don't we?  These don't not have BLING added to the container but I would sure add on a cute polka dot bow or message tag...something personalized for sure!!

This base is actually a Party Favor Cupcake Box.  The bottom is the lid to the box!!  Again, I can create something special to match the overall theme.  Choose from many wonderful Scrapbook Papers craft stores.  Links for my FAVORITE Papers are listed on my right sidebar!!  My most favorite locations for these papers are Archivers, Michaels, JoAnne Fabric and Hobby Lobby. I have so many ideas I am just BUSTING!!  

Pretty Pokes

I have to say...these pictures do not show the "cuteness" in these Pretty Pokes!!  Lots of dimension is  included on each poke....layering, buttons, brads or ribbons. I add a little craftiness to each piece.  Are you looking for a certain theme?  Just let me know; if I don't have it, I will create it. I am hoping to add at least 15 pokes per month to this collection.  I love to use SVG Files, as well as Cricut Files. If you're looking for a a design, check out my "Craftiness Sites" listed on the left side bar of my blog.  It's filled with SVG and digital files.  As a side note, I can create Favor Boxes of each of these same designs, so your Pretty Poke Centerpiece will MATCH your Favors, Goodie Bags, Cupcake Picks and Banners/Buntings.You can either order the pokes singly or as a whole centerpiece, base included.  As a single poke you can create your own base using the "DIY Candy Filled Method" as mentioned in my February 12th blog post. Either way makes a beautiful centerpiece!! Let's say YOU LOVE to add your OWN craftiness...and you LOVE to shop for your OWN decorative papers.  How about I cut your designs, sit down with you and your friends and teach YOU how to put a Pretty Poke together...YES, that will $ave you a bundle...It's a great way to set up your OWN CrafterNoon with friends and family! You will have to supply glues, ribbons, brads, buttons etc. I will provide cut files, and straws as well as one hour of my time.  

I can pretty much do any theme.  A WHOLE centerpiece includes 7 large Pretty Pokes set into a matching themed base.  Is this a gift, a Pretty Poke Bouquet...for maybe a New Baby,  Birthday or Graduation Celebration, Get Well Gift, how about a Wedding Reception or Baby Shower Centerpiece?  Within the next month Pretty Pokes will be adding Cake Pops and Candy Lolli's  to these centerpieces!!!! I can't wait to share those with you...they are sooooo adorable it will be love at first site!!! 

Ok let me show you the batch of Pretty Pokes  for this week.  Next Monday, more will be added.  Looking for a special theme, just send me an email with your suggestion and I will come up with something special for you and post it on my blog.  

~Margie~  

Candy Filled Method

Let's talk about Pretty Pokes tonight. I LOVE making Party Centerpieces! I usually add 7 Pretty Pokes to a themed base, creating an adorable centerpiece which can be seen from all sides, since each poke is double sided and very detailed.  They are a big hit!! I have orders for Baby Showers, Weddings, Birthdays...even Get Well Gifts!  I think they are replacing the flower arrangements!!   

I thought I would share with you some ideas to use as a base for these Pretty Pokes. In the picture above, I made the base to match the pokes. But, you can do a DIY base as well.  Simple, but cute!  I love to use different containers, clear jars, drinking glasses, and clear or colored vases.   Even a party favor box will do.  Just add some bright, color coated candy like M & M's, Gumballs, or Jelly Beans.  Plant the straw right into the candy filled glass and it will stand perfectly in the container.   Since the Pretty Pokes are two sided they can be seen from everywhere in the room. After the party, just snip off the straw on the Poke, string a ribbon through each Poke and you have a cute bunting or a banner with a fun theme.  Very cute to hang in a baby nursery or even frame in a toddlers room!  

I realize this votive cup is very small, but as you scroll through you will see that you really only need a small base to poke the straws into.  I love using Sixlet Candies in my jars.  They are sooo cute and colorful.  I think JoAnne Fabric carries them in assorted colors and because they're coated the straws just slide right between them, helping the Pokes stand perfectly without falling or slipping.  This votive will hold 3 double sided Pretty Pokes.  

The conversation hearts are chalky and it's really hard to poke the straw into them.  But, oh they are SOOOOO cute!!  So here's what you do....

Add the little votive to the inside of a water glass or a wide mouthed glass.  This will help you design your centerpiece with the "cuteness" of the candy conversation hearts as well!  Another fun idea I have done using stemmed glass is to make a personalized round tag, similar to a wine glass tag to be placed at the bottom of the stem on the glass, this gives a fun personalized look.  Believe me, your friends will notice the details, so have fun with it!  

I think I purchased this last container at Hobby Lobby.  It's really cute, holds a lot of candy but would be adorable if you made a decal to be placed on outside of container.

So that's it for containers tonight, but watch for more coming soon.  

~Margie~

Coming Soon...  CrafterNoon & CrafterMoon!!