Something Good from Martha!

Last week I sent Martha Stewart Crafts an email suggestion.  I did get a response back from Plaid-Martha Stewart Paint Crafts.  Not only did i get a response but I got a HUGE box of goodies...WOW...thanks Martha!! Can't wait to try them!!

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!! 

Wedding Expo

This past weekend, I shared a table with Arbor Vitae Cafe and NIU Satillite Campus at the Bridal Show in Naper Settlement.  The crowds were steady and the traffic to our table was pretty good. I actually made a couple of fabulous connections with other vendors. 2012 is looking pretty good down the road.  I spoke with quite a few new bride to-be's, and very excited moms.  Boy do I remember those days, looking for venues, searching for the perfect sweet treats, accessories and especially finding the most unique wedding reception and shower favors.  Did someone say Party Favors????? We all know where to find those... Polka Dots and Parties  of COURSE!!  LOL  I remember when planning my daughters bridal parties, we searched for that perfect favor...I wish I would have had  Polka Dots and Parties  back then!! 

I wanted to include the flier information I handed out.  It really explains how the  Polka Dots and Parties -DIY Wedding actually works. I will actually do this same cutting service for ANYONE, not just Bride-to-Be's.  I really prefer this to selling you a complete, already-made favor.  At that point, I am selling, not only my cutting service, but also building and accessorizing that favor...so remember if you want to keep your cost down, I don't mind sitting with your group and teaching you how to put your favors together, and adding the "bling".  Let face it, assembling is so much fun!  If you are having a party, selling at small craft show, or are you a party planner and you want the PERFECT FAVOR for your PERFECT EVENT...call me, let me help you.  I cut for $1.00 a sheet!!  OMG...so reasonable!!  Call me!

Polka Dots and Parties

Planning, Party Favors, Polka Dots & More...

Congratulations! You’re getting married!!

How exciting to be planning your own wedding!  I know how important it is for everything to be just perfect on your special day.  Polka Dots and Parties is here to guide you, as you create and decorate your own party favors for bridal showers, wedding receptions, and dinner parties.

Polka Dots and Parties will die-cut your choice of patterns, schedule an hour of instruction, and make design suggestions to help you create that perfect favor box.  Please provide me with your own color pallet of 12x12 cardstock sheets in choices that coordinate with your wedding shades and theme. Your favorite scrapbook store has an array of colors and themes for you to choose from. I will precisely cut each piece in a pattern of your choice.  The cost for cutting is $1.00 per sheet.  Give yourself plenty of time to create your favors while enlisting the help from your bridesmaids, family, and friends in favor making get-together.s. Add your own ribbons, buttons, bows, and charms to create a one of a kind, personalized look.  Very rewarding when you’ve done it yourself.  This is the perfect opportunity for event planners, coordinators and caterers, as well. 

I look forward to hearing from you and helping you create the perfect party favors for your special celebrations.

 Margie Klodnicki –Event Specialist

polkadotsandparties@gmail.com

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