The Tin Can Man

I love making clever packaging.  This cute little "Tin Can Man" was made from a can of creamed corn I had in my pantry. I used a CLEAN CUT can opener to cut the lid open, so it wouldn't have any sharp or jagged edges. Next, I measured and cut papers for both the lid and around the can itself. Then find a cute, simple design to apply as a scene to this background paper. Mine designs came from My Scrap Chick, Snowman Gift Card Holder and O Christmas Tree. To the lid, I added the Puffy Star, snowflakes and a little bit of bling. At this point, you can add a handle, if you would like.  It took me all of 30 minutes to complete this piece. Makes a great gift box for a pair of socks, a tie or a scarf, or even a candle would be darling!! 
Thanks for stopping by friends!  

~Margie 

Franken-Tastic Little Goodie Bag

I wanted to share a goodie bag I made with one of My Scrap Chick Sets.  This one is from Franken-tastic!! It was truly an afterthought I made from some scraps, but I think it came out pretty cute after all!   I layered my images on the top half of the label as a "bag apron and tucked the other half inside the bag leaving plenty of room for goodies.  Hope it gives you a little INSPIRATION! Don't throw away your scraps or mistakes; use them to create something different and unique!
Thanks for stopping friends!
~Margie  

More Favors...

I periodically design boxes for a friend who owns Indigo Rain Eventworks here near Chicago.  She sets up Candy Tablescapes and I create candy boxes for her. Each week she gives me several suggestions for favor boxes and I create them.  It's really been fun, and it gives me a chance to step "out of the box" and put together something different each week. Thanks Julie!!

Last week I made a cute pillow box with a zoo theme.  A couple of wedding cake slices.  A simple square with a fancy flower, and a Purse Favor Box. Like I said, it's really been fun just being creative and building something new and different.  

Spring Break 2012

My daughter Katie is in a sorority and asked me to make a Spring Break Basket to be auctioned off at their Annual Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction.  I was at a loss of what to make, but I came up with an adorable idea.  Of course, I wanted to design something around their mascot...cute little penguins.  I found a couple  SVG's that I had in my collection.

So here is what I decided on.  I found a beach bag at Target and filled it up with suntan lotion, beach towel, coconut lotion, sunscreen, ohhhh just a ton of fun spring-summer goodies I thought would be nice to use on a warm summer vacation that any girl would love.

These little guys couldn't be any cuter!!! They took on a personality of their own when I add them to the bag.  The bag went for $45 and I was glad to help raise a little cash!! 

 

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~  

Baby Shoe Favors

Aren't these the cutest little baby shoe shower favors?  Who could resist this?  These little ones are just about the size of a newborn shoe, complete with bling, bows and baubles. Place at each place setting or play a game with them.  Everyone loves taking one of these home.   

I have also made them for baby's first birthday Christmas, Halloween, Valentines or special holidays.   How about adding them to the top of a baby gift...I'm sure this cute little favor won't be sent to the trash!  I recently had a friend who's baby was in the hospital.  Mom and Dad tied the little shoes to the hospital bassinet....oh so cute!  Both a baby girl and boy shoe versions are available, so if you are unsure of what you are having, mix them up!  Use them as ice breakers or as a game at your shower..diaper pin  one booty to each guest when the walk in the door ...have them find their matched pair and learn a little about their new friend.  Maybe you just found out your expecting ... have your husband or your parents unwrap their special gift...SURPRISE!! Many ideas Contact me for pricing.  Must have a few weeks to complete larger orders.  

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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Theme Parties

Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Graduations, Birthday Parties, Cheerleading, Sporting Events, Girl Scouting, Boy Scouting, Picnics, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, Dinosaurs, Pirates,  Zoo Animals, Camping, Ballerina, Princess, Sports, Holiday Parties, Farm Animals,BBQ, Once Upon a Time 

I will add to this list weekly!

Happy New Year...2012!

Wow...the holidays flew by!  I can't believe they are over already.  Now, on to 2012!  Did you make your new years resolutions?  I made a couple, but I never tell; though I will say that the resolutions I made last year, I was able to keep throughout the year!  I will leave it at that, and spare you the details.  :)

This year, will be the year of the small details for me.  I have many party ideas of my own.  After planning events with Neumann Homes,  Chicago Fun and Party Connection Events over years, I learned so much from each of them. I follow many wonderful blogs, find great parties on  Pinterest, and have learned so much on my own, that I now need to put them in motion for POLKA DOTS AND PARTIES.   While working with many companies along the way,  I want to step it up a notch and add in some of my own special creative touches.  Sometimes in planning an event for 2,000 guests, the small details get lost in the shuffle. This year, I will make those details pop!  I added the POLKA DOTS AND PARTIES line to my last couple of events of 2011, and had so many nice comments. Guests were actually noticing each detail, taking more pictures and commenting that these were the BEST events ever!!  YEAH!!

I am kicking 2012 off with a Bridal Expo this weekend at Naper Settlement.  I was invited to join a Catering Company, whom I will share with you soon.  I will be adding a few of my favors  and centerpieces to the table, kicking off the DIY Polka Dots and Party Favors line.  Hoping the brides-to-be love this line so they can create and design their own favors for their bridal celebrations.  Of course, this service is open to all...so if you would like special favors for your events, you can contact me for details.    

A friend came to me to say she wanted to learn from me. That's sweet, so the first thing I am going to say to her is ..."Jump in with two feet and hit the ground running ..don't look back!" I wish I would have taken my own advice several years ago.  But it's no time like the present!

As I watch the Tournament of Roses Parade I will leave you with their theme... 

....................JUST IMAGINE!!

Zoo Babies Baby Shower

Zoo Animals Baby Shower

Used in This Package:

*15 Pce. Flag Banner with Polka Dot Ribbon

*Party Favor Baby Shoes

*Baby Zoo Animal Centerpiece Pokes
*Party Favor Bags

Sugar and Spice Baby Shower

Sugar and Spice Baby Shower #1

Used in This Package:

*Flag Banner with Polka Dot Ribbon

*Pedestal Tops with Matching Paper Ribbon

*Party Favor Baby Shoes

*Party Favor Baby Blocks 

*Centerpiece Pokes

   

Let's Get Started

I am kicking off 2012 with a new and wonderful event concept.  For years, I have been planning events for corporate clients. Company picnics, ice cream socials, covered wagons for Western themed events, 500 pumpkins for a portable pumpkin patch brought directly to you...even a good size haunted house for Halloween and  live reindeer during Christmas with the arrival of Santa in a horsedrawn sleigh for holiday parties!  I will continue to plan these wonderful events throughout the year, but I am now adding something new, and I am SOOO excited to share it with you!!   

Polka Dots and Parties Sweet Treats & Party Favors! 

All event planners look for unique and fun favors to add to their events.  I can provide exactly what you are looking for and personalize with your information or a company logo.  I use good quality papers in a beautiful array of colors and themes.  A pallet is chosen for you, then emailed or text directly to you for your approval prior to designing your party package.  If you prefer to shop for you own paper quantities and color pallets, your pricing will reflect that choice.  Themed Party Packages will be added  to my blog each week. Go through each party, pick out the pieces that most interest you and create your own 

Polka Dots & Party  Package!! 

 Contact me  for information and pricing. 

   

Fill it up!!

This is a GREAT gift box.  I even made one with kissable, embossed lips.  I love using Archivers papers on most of my projects.  The selection is fabulous...not to mention that the girls in the Naperville, Illinois store are so helpful and friendly!! This pattered paper actually has embossed reindeer and snowflakes  scattered all over it..they ran out early in the season, too many of us crafters eat this stuff up! Stuff these little babies up with candy or cookies.  Remember it's all about the presentation!!!  Enjoy!!

Cute Favors and Picks

As I play catch up, I wanted to post a few of my favorite creations I made this year for special events and personal things too!!  It's just too much fun to not share them.

Just a little something for a private holiday party

Maggie's 1st Birthday

Guess whoooo's turning 1

Great for gift cards

Birthday Ballerina Goodie Bag

Boo...it's Halloween treat boxes!  These were a HUGE hit...thanks My Scrap Chick for sharing this great pattern!

  

Snack Wand

Hey check this out...it's my newest creation!  A Walk Away Snack Straw!! It's made using a long straw and threading the goodies right through a couple donuts and add a sugared candy to the top.  Kids can walk away with it, eat the gum drop and drop the straw right in the milk and drink!! Make them for all seasons.    Oh yes, I did make the little bear too.  It's fun digital art...my other passion. Enjoy! 

Lollipop Jungle

So this week, I am playing catch up.  I have been so busy with my special events that I haven't been able to keep up with my blog.  After the holidays, I will try to add new things on a weekly basis.  Ok, getting back to the Lollipop Jungle.... 

My friend gave birth to adorable twin girls back in September, so I helped both Grandmothers with the baby shower; cutting and building favor bags, tags, welcome banners, and centerpieces wands. The theme was Lollipop Jungle to match their bedroom decor.  The Dotted Swiss Cardstock was the perfect "girly" choice for the favors.  The quality of that cardstock is gorgeous and the colors are vibrant and fun. I love to search for digital art that matches  my cutting files and creates a nice themed package for my events. A high end photo printer does a beautiful job on the tags too, making them crystal clear and high gloss.  Each bag was filled with hand cream and body spray from Bath and Body Works.  

Simple touches... like filling a stemmed water or wine glass with colorful candies  create a festive look  to the tables.  Add a scalloped table topper to the piece or by poking a few double sided  themed wands into the candy filled glasses creates really cute centerpieces. I looked everywhere for pink candies with no luck.  Personalized candies can be ordered online...or grab a few extra bags in February, for Valentines Day.  Lastly, I add a colorful, sugared gumdrop to the top of a long straw which gives a fun, festive look to each wand.  

  

Cute little monkeys hung from the welcome banner and off the pedestal table toppers.

I like to explain to the Moms to Be, that the centerpiece wands can be disassembled and added to their scrapbooks.  As a matter of fact, my gift was  a cute, Doodle Bug Scrapbook!  They come in a few different sizes and the colors are gorgeous and bright.  Another idea is to personalize the first page of the book using the same digital art used for the shower favors....just a nice added touch.  

Now don't throw away that banner!! Most of my Mom's to Be, use them in the nursery.  I try to keep them small, though this one is a med size, but how could you not love those cute little monkeys hanging off the polka dot ribbon? POLKA DOT RIBBON?  YES!!   I try to use polka dot ribbon in all my creations... Polka Dots always make me smile!!  I have to say, this was really a fun baby shower to build.  Can't wait to hold those "little monkeys"!