Puppy Party

I recently a had a call from a young mom to make 1st birthday centerpieces for her daughters' 1st birthday "puppy themed" party.  She sent me a party napkin so I could match the theme colors and a photo of her dogs which she somehow wanted to be built into each centerpiece. We agreed that my Pretty Pokes Stems would make the perfect centerpiece and would keep the cost down as well. One of her dogs were black and other white, which was pretty simple for me, so I visited a favorite shop to purchase two cute puppy SVG files. She also asked that I fill mason jars with gumballs, since the party was outside and she wanted it to be heavy and not blow off the table.  Normally, I just punched the lids of the mason jar, but this time I went ahead and purchased the whole mason jar and gumballs to make it a little easier on this young mom...I remember the days of running to the stores with a 1 year old...sheesh!!  I also delivered this to her home to make it a bit easier on her all around.  

This time I bought those COOL vintage blue mason jars.  Ohhhhh so pretty!!  Have you checked Pinterest to see how else they are using these light blue jars....cool stuff!
So, here we go...I started to cut, and cut.....AND CUT!!  I sorted all my pieces and edged each piece with ink.

OMG, the pieces!!  I only made 8 centerpieces with 4 Pretty Poke Stems in each.  It really wasn't as bad as it sounds, grouping your pieces together before assembling really helps.  I love building these little guys and the PRIZE at the end is so rewarding to me.  Honestly, I can only do 1 job per week so I just focus and move forward.  My favorites are actually building favors...I could do that all day long. 

I also added an intial and a number 1 to each centerpiece. Very simple, but I love the way they came out.

  

  

Irish Themed Bridal Shower

Last week I worked on a 60 piece bridal shower...30 favors and 30 flowers with an Irish theme.  So I set out in search of 4 leaf clover scrapbook paper...with NO luck!  So, what's a girl to do?  I printed my OWN paper!  I love that option, I didn't even have to leave the office.  I wanted something very simple, not too busy and more white than green.  I found the perfect kit at Nit Wit Collections.  I hold their commercial license so if you are looking for something special, you can check out the site, find your favorites and give me a call.  I probably have the kit and if I don't I will purchase it!  I love their stuff, MaryFran is an amazing artist.

So, I wanted to put a little twist on the bridal dresses...you know me, I can never just cut the darn box and be done with it.  Funny, I actually took a picture of a simple design so you could see exactly how I jazzed it up...you'll laugh at it's simplicity. As for my design...it's one of those...'why didn't I think of that' type boxes!  

The one in the middle is the simple favor box pattern.  I used one sided printed paper, very simple with tag attached.  The 4 leaf clover dress on the right, is the paper I printed.  I added a solid light green paper to the bodice area.  The first one your left, is just a plain white dress with a separate white overlay that is dry embossed and glued to the skirt area. (I turned the printed paper over to the non-printed, plain white side to make the skirt)  The bodice of the printed piece was also used as the ruffle...printed side facing toward the front.  Hope you got all that!  I confuse myself sometimes!

I really, really love the green plaid dress.  I used very inexpensive paper, and added the white embossed overlay to the front.  I jazzed it up with a little bling, added a simple tag with a pop-dot, and a ribbon to the midsection.  I can see so many possibilities with this pattern.  How about red and white checks, or a cherry print?  Maybe add an apron...great 50's party or BBQ favor!  Love, Love, Love that!

Those of you who know this pattern know it had a silly latch in the treat area.  I hated that piece, so I cut it off and tucked in the tabs to make the box a little sturdier.  I added two mini cupcake liners to the inside just so the treat won't slide all around. (they do make rectangular liners that might work as well)

So here's a close up....I just add a little bling to the flower centers.  Really pretty!  I made 59 of these and  1 single favor for the bride with a little bridal tulle attached to the back, as a veil.

Next, I made 6 Pretty Poke single stem bouquets adding a clear lolli to the center (it had a clear, pastel heart candy in center of the sucker) really pretty.  I used the 4 leaf clover paper as a flower, and a white flower layer with a couple cupcake liners to each stem.  I have to say, I get so many questions as to how these flower are assembled.  I wish I could tell you...but it's my own design.  A girl has to keep some secrets to herself.  I will say, it's not in the materials used, or even the layering process.  I use a tool to get it all to work as one.  BELIEVE me ...it took me a long time to come up with this piece.  Maybe Martha Stewart will have me on her show, THEN I can teach you all the How To's! Thanks for understanding.  

   

Ok just a few more pictures of all of the pieces as one party.  I like to set up my orders in my formal living room before I deliver them. 

Lastly, a preview of my next blog entry

Stay tuned.....

Thanks for stopping by!  

~Margie