Bow and Babes~Once Upon a Time

Hi Everyone,

What a beautiful weekend in Chicago.  We went from the dead of Winter to a beautiful Summer afternoon...I even have the air conditioner on, can you believe it?  This is nuts, but I am not complaining...just lovin' it!  

I am so excited about my Polka Dots and Parties Blog.  Not only am I having a GREAT time making all these centerpieces and favor boxes, but I love sharing it with you too. I have even starting Tweeting a bit!   So far, I am only blogging 1 day a week...Sunday, but hope to add on another day midweek.  I just need to find a extra time...who doesn't need more time, right?  So without further ado let's move to some of last weeks projects.  

I have one Event Designer and 2 brick and mortar stores who are purchasing my pieces so far...hoping for a few more. I will tag them on my blog and post pictures of the pieces they have chosen.     Check out their links...one never knows when you might need something special that they might be able to provide to you.

Last week I created a couple centerpieces for for Bows & Babes in Naperville, IL. Owner, Anne Miller has a beautiful little shop right in downtown Naperville with everything little girls love, lots of pink bows, hair bling, tutu's, dress up clothes...a little girls dream.  Bows and Babes also plan fun birthday and dress up parties for little girls.   So my Pretty Pokes Cake Pop Centerpieces will be a adorable addition to their parties. Cake Pops?  Next week I will have a place for you to purchase those cool new CAKE POPS too!
I thought you might like to see the details on each Pretty Poke.  Now, I am NOT a photographer, so my pictures are NOT great, but promise to work on this too.  I don't think you can really see the dimension of each piece in these photos.  Each are layered 3 or 4 times and are double sided. More details show up in the final centerpiece.  

This Pretty Poke Flower reflects the child's age. 

I wish I would have added a polka dot bow to tie the slippers together.

After adding stitch lines on the green checked fan I added a brad to the center

7 Piece Princess Bunting (missing ladybug)

Ok, drum roll please...My favorite Pretty Poke Centerpieces.  Pretty Poke Ballerina Centerpiece:

You are probably wondering why the wooden cake pops?  Not having yummy cake pops on hand everyday, I made these cake pop props to add to my centerpieces...I actually painted them since I took these pictures and they really do look yummy!!

Lastly I wanted to show you a second centerpiece called Once Upon a Time.

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!

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

   

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!

  

Guess who I met today?

You will never believe who I met tonight...the very famous Debi Lilly, Event Planner to Oprah Winfrey at C.O. Bigelow in Woodfield Mall!!  We had a wonderful conversation and I am honored to say, she asked me to help her with two events she has coming up in early 2012.  You can not imagine how excited I am right now.  What a night...I am still on cloud 9!  Thanks Debi...can't wait to get started on those party favors!

Here we go ...

Just a few years ago, I partnered with Party Connection Events to help plan their corporate and special events.  This year, I am adding my own special touch as I launch... 

POLKA DOTS AND PARTIES 

Most of our events are corporate picnics and country club parties for more than 1,000+ guests. POLKA DOTS AND PARTIES will add the "old fashion", backyard feel to your events. The feel that brings us closer together as a family or community. I am now coordinating family picnics & backyard parties, country club & church gatherings, birthday & block parties, as well as special holiday events.   POLKA DOTS & PARTIES will provide you with creative hand cut party favors, themed centerpieces,  and fun goodie bags, just to name a few.  Something different and unique for everyone. 

Watch for POLKA DOTS PARTY PACKAGES complete with ice cream carts, moon jumps, fabulous fun food carts, crafts, and more for your memorable events. Tips, tricks, party printables coming soon!  

Enjoy the holidays and stop by anytime to see what's new.  

Margie