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

 

French Fry Boxes and more...

Geeze, when I look back on the week, I really don't have much to say. Midweek I posted my new website which went live at Party Connection Events.  I love it,  have you checked it out?  And I finished a little Mini Catalog this week on Issuu.  I like how it came out, but now I am already looking to change it for next time, it's a little too plain, guess that's the creative side of me.  At least you can get an idea of some things I have created and the supplies I use. 

I did make a couple cute favors last week. I just love making these french fry boxes!!  They are just so cute in many different colors, prints and sizes.  I have even taken a piece of cardstock that's printed on one side and I printed on the opposite side...very cute!    I have a 12 x 12 Photo Printer that makes the process easy!  Makes nice liners.

This pink french fry box is sample for a gal who is getting married and her bridal party will be assembling the boxes for the bridal shower.  Now this is my FAVORITE type of  job...cutting favor boxes.  I design a favor box, cut them, create a instruction sheet on how to assemble, then I sit with the bridal party for 30 minutes or so and show them how to put it together!  My fee is VERY reasonable and everyone loves the quick and easy assembly. Everything is put together in a day and I have a VERY happy bride. I offer this to EVERYONE, not just brides.  You can either bring me your cardstock, or I will email you a color pallet that I will purchase, then you pick the party favor and I can cut everything for a fee, per sheet, and of course the cost of the paper.  It works out great for everyone. I have a couple ladies who also enjoy making favors and selling at craft shows but they do not have cutting machines, so it works out great for them too. Like I said, very reasonable.     

I start reading two books this week.  One is Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas which I LOVE!  I am only half way through, but so far...it's great and I have learned several new things.

Sweet Design by Amy Atlas...GREAT book!

The second book is CelebraTORI which I downloaded on my IPad.  I haven't started reading it yet but flipped through and I know I am going to LOVE it.  I love the way she breaks down each party.  Being an event planner, I like to keep up on the latest party planning books.  I hear my friend, Debi Lilly also has a book out called The Perfect Event so her book is on my list next!!! Maybe I will get it for Mother's Day!

Next week I will have 3 Pint Size Cake Pop Centerpieces to share, and a sport theme and a school theme Cake Pop Centerpiece to share with you as well.  Hoping to have some other favors as well.  I better get busy...

Have an EVENTful week!!

Margie

Fancy Favors

I made a few Favor Boxes last week I thought I would share.  I loved the way they came out.  A friend of mine owns a Candy Company that specializes in Candy Tablescapes for weddings and showers. (Her webpage is being redesigned so I will add a link when it is complete.) Anyway, she  uses my favors boxes to put her candy in...what a GREAT connection, hey?  She has been doing a lot of sales calls which is giving me a chance to really put my creative juices in gear and design some new things.  

I went a little crazy with these apple boxes.  The idea here was for a hospital, "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away."  I also made a few for a fall craft show...great for teachers gifts!

Don't you just love these adorable doctor bags?  I added a little tag that said, Doctor and Nurse Bag with a medical insignia on it. 

This wonderful little chair box serves more than one purpose.  I have since made one chair for each guest and write each name on the seating card along with the table number. Fill the box with a sweet or savory before dinner treat. Now for the back of the box...my favorite part!  Add a matching bow...cute, cute, cute!

So this next set of boxes are BRIDE and GROOM FAVORS.  Actually, these can be used for rehearsal dinners or even prom.  It's hard to see, but there is a silk bow tie on the tux box.  Again colors on box or ribbons can match the bridal party colors.  Very pretty! 

I have to say...this is really one of the prettiest boxes!!  I love the dry embossing paper I used on this box as well as the cute polka dot paper by Bo Bunny for the butterfly.  You'll notice I use a lot of this paper in all colors.  It really just jumps out at you!!  Watch for more embossed pieces coming soon. 

This is a BEAUTIFUL box.  I love how the bow actually looks like a part of the brides dress.  I think I would use wired ribbon next time so I could puff the dress more.  The box is big enough for many things.  The bow can be matched to the wedding colors and I would make a 3D flower for the bouquet as well.  I use Bazzil Dotted Swiss cardstock.  

I have another post this week, but I am going to hold off another couple days so I can complete something special....so I will post again MID Week!    Something fun and new in the SPOTLIGHT this next week.  

Thanks for stopping by friends!

Margie

  

Bouquets and Centerpieces

I was asked by a friend to design a few pieces for a Bridal Show she would be attending as a vendor this weekend. Of course, I jumped at the chance!!  She asked for a centerpiece and a bouquet and a few favor boxes.  So I got my thinking cap on again and decided that I REALLY like making these picks, which I call PRETTY POKES. Some may like the idea of poking the Pretty Pokes into a vase filled with coated or wrapped candy pieces (see 2/13th blog entry) such as M&M's, Gumballs, or Hershey's Kisses.  While others prefer a nice solid base as seen below in the SPRING FEVER BOUQUET.

     

So I thought this Spring Fever Bouquet would be a cheery piece for a bridal shower...all made with matching wedding colors.  As I was putting this together I began thinking how pretty this would be as a get well or a happy birthday bouquet!!  Wow...endless possibilities.  Just by adding a Doctor Bag, or a Birthday Cake this piece would change in an instant.  My mind was "racing with ideas." Looks like I will be adding Greetings and Holiday Pokes so you can purchase them separately if you need a themed bouquet or centerpiece.  

  

A few friends have asked, "what's the difference between a bouquet and a centerpiece"?  Well, I like to refer to a bouquet as one sided. The flowers in the Spring Fever Bouquet above are all facing toward you, the other side is plain and neatly made.  A centerpiece can be viewed from all sides.  Of course, a Pretty Poke Bouquet is a little less expensive  than a Pretty Poke Centerpiece. Both of these pieces have 7 pokes included with an option of an 8th poke to swap out for a themed gift, example... get well, congratulations, graduation, birthday, new baby,  you get the idea. 

So moving on to a Wedding/Bridal Pretty Poke Centerpiece. I have 7 Pretty Pokes included in this centerpiece all of which have a wedding theme.  I do have several more pokes to choose from...hearts, flowers, bells, glasses, verses even crosses...you choose.  I added a nice big table number to this piece as well, or you might consider a letter instead.  (I will get some samples in the next few days.)  Each poke can be seen from both sides of the table.  And of course some shiny BLING!!  

I can also personalize this for you...how about adding some of your own photos.  How pretty!!  The base on this Bridal Centerpiece looks plain but it can be dressed up...give me a few weeks and I think you will be  very excited when you see what happens to this piece...something new and different is joining Polka Dots and Parties!!  Stop in often to catch up!!!

Margie

  

I Do!!!

I wanted to post just a few wedding favors. These are just so simple and clean looking. I really didn't add much BLING, because I like to use pretty papers in my pieces. To me inked edging, glitter paints, bows and ribbons are as much BLING as I like to add to wedding favors. Of course, I love to match ribbons to the bridesmaid dresses.  Wired ribbon is pretty...but I am also partial to polka dots.  So without further ado ...here are just a few of my favor boxes. 

It's the lantern adorable?  I will be creating more centerpieces with this pattern...so check back often!

And last but not least, this sexy lingerie die cut can be used as a bunting at a bridal  shower, bachelorette  party or even a big girl birthday. I have also made this design into a party favor box with a ribbon handle...very sexy!!  

When ordering party favor boxes, please order in quantities of 12.  Banner/Buntings have 15 pieces (13 flags and 2 fillers). 

Happy Crafting!

~Margie

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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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!!

Family Showers

Last year we had many family events.  Both our oldest daughter and our middle daughter were married in 2010.  That made for a wonderful bridal shower and even a baby shower.  Oh...what fun, you know how I loved that!  So take a peak at our showers and get to know a little about the passion I LOVE...PLANNING SPECIAL EVENTS!

Do you LOVE these Balloon Twists as much as I do?  My good friend, Holly, will be joining us at Polka Dots and Parties as she WOW'S us with her wonderful talents!!