Desiree Chocolates-Play Ball

Last week, I had an call for a baseball themed, Pint Size Centerpiece for Desiree Chocolates in Vernon Hills, IL.   The Pint Size Centerpiece holds 8 Cake Pops, Chocolate Truffles or just about anything on a stick. The base of the container also holds one themed Pretty Poke right in the center.  Some choose a unique, double sided poke, where others may ask for a name or company logo on the center Pretty Poke.  Desiree filled my centerpieces with the most adorable baseball theme chocolate designs. Doesn't her candy bar look scrumptious?   

The day Desiree and I met she gave me a beautiful plate of goodies to take home and share with my husband, needless to say, I devoured them on the ride home...not ALL of them, I swear!!  Funny, she called me on my drive home and said, "Margie some of those treats should be refrigerated"...I wanted to say, 'oh no worries, I took care of that before I hit the expressway'!!  I didn't even get to take a picture of them!!  But, believe me, they were YUMMY!!!  I swear I didn't eat them ALL...or did I!!  Wink, wink!! 

Desi sent me pictures to share with you...doesn't her candy bar look AMAZING?   I love it!!

Next week, I will be sharing more pictures from a bridal shower that Desiree is displaying my Watering Can Centerpiece, "It's a Shower". Stayed tuned and be sure to check out Desiree Chocolates, and tell her Margie sent you!!

~Margie

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Poppy Bouquet

Oh My Gosh.....I am so proud of my Poppy Bouquet. I have been working on this for a couple weeks, cutting, measuring, redesigning, gluing, more redesigning...and now I am happy to say that my flowers are just perfect; just the way I dreamed they would be.  This bouquet is great addition to my Pretty Poke Cake Pop Centerpiece.   As you look through the photos you will realize why the name Poppy Bouquet is appropriate for this piece....it's filled with all shapes and sizes of POPS, anything on a stick is considered a POP in my book! In these first couple photos, please be aware that these Cake Pops are PROPS...made from wood beads on sticks!  It's just easier for me to use props in my centerpieces when I am creating and designing, but they are the same size as regular Cake Pops and look good enough to eat, right?
  

  
So I thought I would give you some tips and tricks I used when coming up with this piece.  At first I started thinking this bouquet was going to be JUST for Cake Pops...but guess what?  You can use so many different candies, mini cupcakes, cookies and of course the famous Cake Pops in this centerpiece!!  I had some wonderful large, sugar coated, Gum Drops from Whole Foods, left over from Easter.  I just poked a toothpick into the bottom of them and added them to the center of the flower.  In some flowers I used 2 cupcake liners of different, coordinating patterns.  The sugar coating on the gumdrops remind me of glitter. (Yeah, already coated with BLING)!

I also tried Tootsie Pops and Blow Pops by TOOTSI ROLL. (did I mention that Tootsi Pop called me last month because they saw a centerpiece I made using Blow Pops on Pinterst? They loved them...whew...I thought I was in trouble!) Use bright colored flowers for a childerens' party. One stem for each child, so everyone gets a treat and they can take home a flower too.  

The next thing I tried was Fanny May Candy as the center in a Martha Stewart Mini Cup Cake Liner! Who doesn't love the Martha Stewart Craft line?   I love, Love, LOVE everything Martha!! (As a matter of fact, my son-in-law calls me Margie Stewart...<grin>!!) Check out her line of cupcake liners.  They are sooooo pretty.  They really make this centerpiece pop!!  Her colors are just "DELICIOUS"!  They mix and match perfectly and the scalloped edging is a nice touch for the floral center.

I have to say, it always takes me a while to come up with my designs.  I see something in my head, but building can be a task for me...I guess that's half the fun, right?  I like a clean look, meaning lots of white and a pop of color.  Sturdiness is another important part of my building. I once took a centerpiece to a client and it collapsed, I had a quick remedy, but it could have been very embarrassing, lesson learned!   So even though these look pretty simple, the engineering part is a tough task for me.  Hahaha...I now wear an "engineering hat"!!
These last two flowers do not have anything edible in the center...just a button, but even that is cute!!  

Lastly, to answer a few of the questions I received last week.  "Do you sell your party pieces?"  YES, I DO sell my pieces.  I am an event planner so I love when I can add party pieces into my special events, birthday parties, and bridal/baby showers.  But you too can order anytime. Another question, "Do you use Cricut Cartridges?"  The answer...sometimes yes, but I have a TON of SVG files too and also cut my own patterns. This particular design was created using my Cricut Flower Shoppe Cartridge.  
So friends, it's time to call it a day.  I hope to blog a bit more mid week, I am working on something VERY EXCITING that happened over the weekend, and I can't wait to share it with you! Until then... Thanks for stopping by!!  Leave a comment...would love to hear from you!!


Happy Crafting!!
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.  

Cute Kids Lunches

As I was reading through some of the Blogs I follow I came across this on It's Written On The Wall. These amazing kids lunches and brilliant fun ideas came from a blog call Hawai' i's Bento Box Cookbook, Bentos and More for Kids.  Wow this is amazing to me!!  What kids won't want to take a bite out of these adorable lunches?  I know this doesn't have anything to do with parties or favors but it was just too cute to pass up!! Maybe one of my favorite caterers will make one of these for a baby shower or kids party?  Hmmmm....good idea!! 

 

 Fish Sammies on a whole wheat bun and some yummy strawberries.  

This ones my favorite...adorable!!

Cute for a kids party!

Do you know someone who loves Pandas? 

 Adorable Hello Kitty sandwich (once again,use your cookie cutter) I have some cute favors to match this one!

It's Candace from Phineas and Ferb.  Cheese anyone?   

Ferb peanut and butter sandwiches. Love the parsley hair! 

 Isn't this a cute Phineas sandwich? 

Turkey sandwich on whole wheat with a "Cheese monkey"  

 Save this cute bunny sandwich for Easter time.

 

 Or you could make up this bunny for Easter....wait maybe this is my favorite!

 Check out these "pumpkin twins" So adorable..Love the googly eyes!

 Frankenstein can make an appearance anytime of the year!

 Strawberry and cream cheese bagel owl. Fun!!

As you look at these sandwiches you will see that a lot of the shapes are cut out with cookie cutters, and that makes it easy. If you feel like this is too much work in the morning, you could make them up the night before. I would love to be sitting next to your child when they open up their lunchbox! Smiles all around......

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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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. 

   

Holiday Christmas Party at The Country Club

For the past 8 years Party Connection Events and I have planned a Holiday Party for 250 families at a country club in a suburb of  Chicago.  It's been so much fun bringing in live reindeer, horse drawn sleighs, Santa, Mrs. Claus and of course refreshments to these families on this very special day. This year was no different, well Santa's reindeer were getting ready for their Christmas Eve flight and didn't attend, but two beautiful horse drawn carriages took our guests on a "jingle all the way" ride through the community.  Holly, one of our favorite balloon twisters brought a fellow twister and they made some fabulous balloon characters for each child.  She also created holiday balloon critters as centerpieces for each table at the Gingerbread Bakery...I can't begin to tell you how cute these little guys are, take a look for yourself!

After visiting with Santa, each family stopped at the Gingerbread Bakery for a Christmas Cupcake and a Hot Chocolate.  The entrance way to our Bakery this year was something new.  It was a sure hit as everyone used it for an opportunity to mingle and visit with old friends.  Many neighbors were seen taking pictures around it.  Lots of smiles and laughter were shared that afternoon.  Even Santa strolled through the bakery chatting with families along the way.  

After refreshments, the kids ran downstairs to the craft area where they met Holly and her sidekick in their festive, but crazy hats!!  Lines were long, but well appreciated as each child was able to have their own balloon favor made right before their very eyes!  Holly is always a hit at our special events!  Three new stations were added to our workshop this year. At the Spin Art Station, the kids created their own colorful picture by squirting streams of paint onto a spinning piece of art. The kids loved it and Elf Scarlet was able to help more than 175 kids create their masterpieces.

Then there was Elf Nicole, who helped the kids make a Pucker Powder tube of crazy holiday colors.  Of course this was a HUGE hit with the little ones...the more sugar the better!!  Watch the blog for more ideas using Pucker Powder Straws as we turn them into GREAT party favors at Party Connection Events Polka Dots and Parties. Lastly, the kids made a craft ornament  of Santa's face each piece was carefully cut so all the kids had to do was glue it together. 

   

The day was a huge success and everyone had a GREAT time.  The Holiday Event is already in the works for next year, complete with Santa's Workshop and many more pieces to add to the Gingerbread Bakery.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!  

  

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!