DIY Party - DIYInspired.com
22nd Nov2011

Simple Place Card Settings

by Dinah Wulf

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Here are some simple place card settings that you can make in a jiffy.

This pear place card is perfect for a Fall party or for Thanksgiving and extremely easy to make. I bought inexpensive foam pears and pinned a black and white picture of each guest at their place setting. I embellished them with ribbon and scrapbook paper.  There’s no need to spend money on photo paper, as plain white paper works well. Additionally, your guests can take them home as a favor.

Tip: If you are lacking photos of your guests, look for recent photos of them on Facebook or other social media sites.

For all you winos, you can also use recycled wine corks and scrapbook paper.  I cut a slit on top and cut off the rounded bottom with a sharp knife so they will stand straight… super simple and inexpensive! I used them as food labels for a Wine Tasting Party, but they will also work nicely for place card settings.

Using natural elements makes a great table scape at this time of year.  Use fruit or vegetables from the refrigerator tied with twine or foliage or flowers from right your back yard.  Use a festive pretty ribbon from your craft or gift wrapping closet.  Also consider using a branch of berries.  For some pictured below, I used a craft punch for the tag.

 Repurpose Holiday ornaments like this one from Btter Homes and Gardens

Use cardboard and twine to make these adorable eco-friendly pumpkins

 

Photo Sources: BHG, Design Sponge, Providence LTD Designs

 

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2 Comm
10th Nov2011

Budget Butterfly Birthday

by Dinah Wulf

Having a party and hosting a party doesn’t have to break the bank.  There are always alternatives to spending a lot of money on party decorations.

One of my best friends had a butterfly themed party for her daughter’s first birthday.  On a strict budget, we had to get creative. Here are some creative party ideas for a budget butterfly birthday theme (or any theme for that matter) for less than fifty dollars.

Rule Number One: Use your resources.

It always helps to have fellow mommies as best friends.  We borrowed these butterflies from some of our best friends who also has a young daughter.  These wire butterflies were decorations that were in her daughter’s bedroom.

We also borrowed these lanterns and butterflies from another friend who recently threw a pink and purple baby shower.

Rule Number Two: Raid the dollar bin and the dollar store!

It’s amazing what you can find for parties in the dollar bin at major retail and craft stores.  These purple butterflies were perfect and only a dollar and doubled as party favors for the little guests!

Rule Number Three: Get Crafty on the Cheap (my motto)!

I made this DIY party banner from ribbon and scrapbook paper already in my craft closet.  I printed the butterfly pictures from Google Images.

The hostess spent half the budget on colorful party napkins.  We made over 60 napkin tissue paper flowers and dispersed them throughout the backyard; super cheap for such whimsical decorations.

Rule Number Four: Repurpose and recycle your party supplies.

The hostess had her treasures showcased in her China hutch, however it distracted from the party theme.  We used an inexpensive plastic table cloth to cover the glass windows and created a pretty butterfly and banner display.

For the cupcake dessert display, we used cardboard cupcake towers from two previous parties and added a topper to fit the theme.

Click here for a DIY tutorial on making your own butterfly wings!

 

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4 Comm
08th Nov2011

Easy Monkey Banana Treats – Free Printable!

by Dinah Wulf

One of the best parts of blogging, at least for me, is developing relationships.  Thanks to the World Wide Web, I am introduced daily to creative people with my same interests from across the globe. Recently, I was introduced to Anneke van de Langkruis from Holland.  She sells items at her Etsy Shop, Villa Figura, such as prints and gift tags with her whimsical illustrations, perfect for a nursery.

The tutorial and free printable below  is courtesy of Anneke van de Langkruis!  Follow her on Facebook here.  Thank you, Anneke!

 

Easy Monkey Banana Treats by Anneke van de Langkruis

 

 

Preparing fun birthday treats for one or two year old’s can be a real challenge. Forget about hard candy, chocolate and chips. Too sweet and hard to chew with no teeth! Don’t bother coming up with original and complex ideas those little ones won’t even understand. Think simple and healthy!

Here’s a fun, fast and easy idea I designed for my son’s first birthday. Banana Monkeys! Their tail curls all the way around.

 

 

How to:

1. Print this simple design on craft paper or brown paper.

2. Cut around the monkey and cut out the tail into a spiral.

3. Curl the tail around a banana.

4. Fasten the little feet with a staple or small piece of tape.

 

Looking for a jungle-theme? Present the group of monkeys in a cane basket
and cut some green jungle leaves to affix to the basket.

- Enjoy!

 

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16 Comm
02nd Nov2011

DIY Table Number Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

Making your own table numbers is a great way to personalize and add character and charm to your wedding or party tables.  With all the holiday festivities just right around the corner, let these DIY table number ideas add a little interest to your party table settings. You can use some of these ideas for table numbers, place card holders, or food labels as well.

Old Pictures

I saw these at a recent wedding I went to.  They are pictures of the bride and groom when they were the ages corresponding to the table number.

Embroidery Hoop

Make table numbers out of an embroidery hoop like this one from Charmingly Domestic

Make Table Numbers out of postcards for a Wedding

What a great idea!  Perfect for the couple that loves to travel; use postcards from different destinations instead of traditional numbers.

Shabby Chic Table Numbers

Making these adorable shabby chic table numbers are easy to do and inexpensive. With scrapbook paper, wooden numbers, and frames you can purchase these low cost items from a craft store.

Vintage Bottles

Stencil recycled vintage bottles… one of my favorites from Savvy City Farmer.

Candle Table Numbers

These beautiful candle table numbers from yourdiywedding.com are made by etching glass.

House Number Table Numbers

Check out these house number table numbers from Style me Pretty. They are attached to a recycled book.  So cute and eco-friendly!

Simple Frame

Thought this simple frame from The Pretty Blog was cute.

Martha’s Table Numbers

There was no way I could write a post about party table number ideas without including my favorites from Martha!  Check out these simple and cool do it yourself ideas. The last one is my favorite.  They are digital pictures of different addresses.

 

 

 

 

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1 Comm
20th Oct2011

Wine Tasting Party

by Dinah Wulf

I don’t know much about wine, but one of my best friends, and bride to be LOVES it.  Her mother, sister, and I decided to throw her a wine tasting bridal shower party. I have to say, it was one of the best showers I have been to.  Between the bridal shower games and the wine tasting itself we had such a great time that all the guests stayed for quite a while.  Here are a few easy DIY decorating ideas for a bridal shower wine tasting party theme.

Wine Tasting Score Cards

I made cards out of card stock and scrapbook paper that doubled as wine tasting score cards and an answer sheet to a “who knows the bride best” game. On the wine tasting score card I had instructions and a rating system for five different wines.  There were five categories including, appearance, aroma, body, taste, and finish. I supplied pencils with the letter “W” all over them, the initial for the bride’s new last name.

Wine Charms

I made personalized wine charms with each guest’s monogram.  For a complete tutorial on how to make wine charms click here.  Each guest took the glass and charm home as a party favor.

Wine Tasting

The wine tasting was so much fun.  I’ve never really done it before at a party.  I went to a local wine specialty store to help me choose the featured wines.  They were able to assist me and curtailed it to my budget.  I displayed the featured wines as part of a centerpiece as well as the wine tasting steps.

Bridal Shower Trivia Game

I wanted each guest to be able to mingle and meet one another, so I had a “who knows the bride best” game. Instead of the traditional ask and answer game, I displayed each question in a wine glass picture frame and placed them all around the room and outside on the patio.  It allowed each guest to walk around, talk, and look at the decorations. Some sample bridal shower trivia questions I used were:

  • What is the bride’s biggest pet peeve about the groom?
  • What is the bride’s most favorite feature of the groom?
  • What is the bride’s favorite sports team?
  • How many countries has the bride visited?
  • What is the bride’s favorite food?
  • Where did the bride and groom meet?
  • Where is the bride and groom going on their honeymoon?
  • Who asked whom out first?
  • Where was their first date?

If you are throwing a wine tasting party only, and not a bridal shower, consider using wine trivia questions instead.

Recycled Wine Bottle Centerpieces

Wine bottles come in so many sizes and colors and are so beautiful when they are grouped together.  I asked my friends to save their wine bottles and collected them to use as party decorations.  Click here to find out more on how to make wine bottle frames.

Hanging Tissue Paper Flowers

I made hanging tissue paper flowers out of cocktail napkins instead of tissue paper.  I decided to do this because it was cheaper than tissue paper, and the color scheme of the napkins fit the décor.  Click here for a full tutorial on how to make tissue paper flowers out of cocktail napkins.

Decorate Your Own Wine Glass

This party game was a hit!  I had a wine glass decorating station.  At the guest’s leisure, they were able to sit down and anonymously get creative.  The bride chose the winning glass. At the decorating station I had craft markers in all colors especially made for glass, gems in all sizes, shapes and colors, googly eyes, ribbon, and other embellishments. The winner received a prize and each guest took their glass home to remember the occasion.

Other Simple DIY Decorating Ideas

I framed the letters of the bride’s new last name, “Mrs. Walker”.

I used recycled wine corks to labeled the food by cutting a flat side and a slit on top with a sharp knife.

I made easy DIY cupcake decorations with the couples monogram.

I placed framed pictures of the happy couple everywhere.

I picked up recycled wine crates from a wine specialty shop to use in the décor.  Check your local wine shop.  They sell them for about $5.00 a piece, or give them away for free!

I used scrapbook paper, ribbon, and twine to embellish recycled wine bottles.

P.S. Today is the bride to be’s birthday! Happy birthday, Sara! I love you!! Thanks for always being an inspiration in my life!

 

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22 Comm
19th Oct2011

Pirate Wine Bottles

by Dinah Wulf

Here is a simple DIY Halloween craft that you can make quickly, easily, and cheaply. All you need is recycled wine bottles, scrapbook or construction paper, tape or a glue stick, and your computer. I thought of these when I wanted to create a Pirates of the Caribbean setting at Halloween one year. I was able to use them again for a child’s
pirate themed birthday party.

First, remove the labels from your wine bottles by soaking them in warm soapy water.  The type of wine and the type of label will determine the length of time to soak.  Some bottles need a few hours, and some need a full day.  As you notice the label coming off, use the rough side of a sponge to rub the label off.

In the meantime, use clipart, Google Images, or your own design to come up with pirate or Halloween themed labels.  Here are some ideas:

  • Pirate’s Rum
  • XXX
  • Witches Brew
  • Poison
  • Skull and cross bones
  • Ghostly clipper ship
  • Fallen Angel
  • Black Magic
  • Witch’s Blood
  • Deadman’s Rum
  • Time flies when you’re having rum
  • Bloody Rum
  • Devil’s Poison
  • Pirate’s Choice
  • Vampire’s Elixir
  • Ghostly Spirits

Next print out your labels, embellish them with colored scrapbook paper or construction paper to make a boarder, and tape them to you wine bottle. I glued red rhinestones in the eyes of a skull and cross bones.  Be as creative as you want!  There is no wrong way of doing this easy craft! Surround your pirate wine bottles with skulls, bones, plastic spiders, and Mardi Gras beads.

 

You May Also Like:

Halloween Costume Ideas:

DIY Halloween Decorations:

 

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1 Comm
07th Oct2011

How to Make Angel Wings

by Dinah Wulf

OK, I am admitting to the World Wide Web that I cheated. I committed DIY blasphemy… The pink butterfly wings pictured here, I didn’t make, I bought (sigh)… BUT they were free technically!!! That’s my excuse and I stand by it! Because of my mini extreme couponing and thriftiness, I got these wings absolutely free, so I couldn’t pass it up!

Being the DIY Diva that I am, that was really hard to admit because I think DIY costumes or homemade costumes are the way to go, but I felt better when I glammed them up a bit with glitter (of course, Martha Stewart glitter) to match my daughter’s dress for a butterfly themed birthday party for one of her besties.

I DO however, know how to make angel wings (or butterfly wings), so I thought I’d do a quick tutorial, especially since it’s so close to Halloween, my FAVORITE holiday.

Here is a quick tutorial for How to Make Angel Wings. You will need:

  • Four wire hangers
  • Wire cutters (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Two pairs of panty hose or tights (any color or pattern you wish)
  • Duct tape
  • Thick ribbon
  • Glue and embellishments such as gems, glitter, feathers (optional)

Note that if you want to make smaller wings, you can use a wire cutter to cut your hanger in half; you will only need two wire hangers for this project.  Each wing consists of four shaped hangers, two on each side.

Step one:

Straighten your hangers as best you can. If you are making small wings, cut the straightened hanger in half.

Step two:

Curve the wire to make a tear drop shape and twist the ends together. Repeat this step for all four pieces.

Step three:

Place the wires in the shape of wings (two on each side) and use duct tape to secure the center. At this point, the structure of your wings is shaped.

Step four:

Cut off one leg of the panty hose about twenty to thirty inches and pull over one of the four wire pieces.  If you are making small wings, use children’s tights. Tie the end over the taped wire closure in a knot. Repeat for all four pieces. An alternative option is to use four knee high socks.

Step five:

I find it easiest to shape or reshape your wings when the panty hose is already on, be careful not to tear a hole.

Step six:

Use thick decorative ribbon to wrap the center of your wings to cover the duct tape and wire.  Leave two long pieces of ribbon on both sides to create straps.

Step seven:

Ribbon can be tied in bows around your shoulders to attach.  Another option is to use two pieces of elastic. Consider embellishing your wings with artificial flowers, glitter, rhinestones, paint, or feathers.

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3 Comm
03rd Oct2011

No Cost Pirate Themed Party

by Dinah Wulf

Ever thought you could throw a no cost or VERY low cost pirate themed party?  Here is how I did it.

One of my best friends asked for some help with decorating for her 5 year old son’s pirate themed birthday party.  Try out these DIY Pirate props.  I gathered the skulls, bones, and netting from my Halloween decorations, some of her son’s toys, and old Mardi Gras beads. Also, another great friend, and fellow crafty mom Jennifer Hostetler, gathered some fabulous knick knacks from around her house and we came up with this. It cost us absolutely nothing.

We created a pirate’s treasure trove by displaying small vignettes around the house.  Each area had skulls and bones draped in plastic colorful beads, plastic gold coins, and red, black, and gold fabric.  Previously for Haloween one year, I had made poison bottles out of recycled wine bottles by creating my own XXX and skull images on scrapbook paper labels.

With Halloween right around the corner, this theme can also be used for an Adult party or for a Halloween party.  Items around the house to fit a Pirates of the Caribbean theme are globes, maps, candelabras, trunks, empty wine or liquor bottles, gold and silver trays and/or utensils, wine goblets, and mirrors. Gold and beaded costume jewelry intermixed with plastic beads add to it as well.  Don’t forget to look in your child’s toy chest.  In there I found rifles, plastic armor and plastic gold coins, snakes, and spiders.

There you have it! Homemade halloween ideas for a pirate themed party on the cheap! I am so excited that it’s October already.  I have some great Halloween projects to come!

 

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9 Comm
29th Sep2011

Napkin Tissue Paper Flowers

by Dinah Wulf

For some reason, my post on how to make tissue paper flowers is my most popular post. To put that into perspective, that particular page on my blog has been viewed well over 3000 times in the last 60 days!

I am always looking for ways to save money, even if it is a few cents. I mean, cut me some slack, I like to help my friends and family with parties and decorations and when you have two or three parties a month, the cost adds up!

I decided to experiment with making tissue paper flowers since it is so popular. Man I am such a nerd, but here are my calculations.  A package of 100 sheets of tissue paper is about $10.00.  You need 12 sheets to make one flower, so the final cost of one flower is about $1.25.  If you buy cocktail party napkins instead, which run about $1.00 for 16 napkins (when you can find them on sale), the cost is only 50 cents per flower because it takes only 8 napkins to make one flower because they are thicker.  That’s a savings of 75 cents a flower! See? I told you I was a nerd… a cheap nerd at that! Also, napkins come in a greater variety of colors, themes, and patterns. Using orange and black is perfect for Halloween.

So, here is the tutorial on making COCKTAIL NAPKIN tissue paper flowers.

Step One:

Stack 8 cocktail napkins on top of one another.

Step Two:

Make an accordion fold, approximately one inch in width and tie the end of a ribbon or string.

Step Three:

Gently separate each layer one by one.  If you accidently rip the paper, clear tape can be hidden easily in the ruffles (I learned that the hard way).

Step Four:

Fluff the tissue paper flower to your desired shape.  If you are hanging them and one side of the napkin is white, make sure the printed side of the napkin hangs down. Cut the ribbon or string in to your desired length.

Here are some after pictures.

 

 

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4 Comm
26th Sep2011

Boarding Pass Invitations

by Dinah Wulf

DIY Invitations add a personal and creative touch to any event.  These cute Boarding Pass invitations are perfect for a bachelorette party, birthday party, or destination wedding.

What I love about these, is that there are limitless fonts, colors, graphics, and free clip art that is available to fit any theme, destination, or travel plan.

I made these invites for a bachelorette party.  We are driving to Las Vegas; however a few personalized and altered touches made it work. For example, on the bottom I put “Full capacity.  Please one small carry on only.”  For the brides invite, I wrote “shotgun” as her seat number.

When designing these boarding pass invitations on your computer, consider adding the following information to make your boarding pass invitation look realistic.

  1. Name of the airline. I used “Lady Luck Airlines” because we are traveling to Las Vegas.
  2. The words “BOARDING PASS” in all caps and in a larger font.
  3. The passengers name is, of course, the invited guest.
  4. The date of the event, “boarding” time, flight number, gate number, and boarding “zone”.
  5. For the departure enter the place you are meeting.  For the arrival, enter the destination.
  6. I also added a perforated line to the right on the boarding pass and on the bottom of that section I wrote “Passenger Ticket and Baggage Claim” in a small font.
  7. Add a barcode.

I also added a free Las Vegas Sign clip art that I found on Google Images. I printed the invitations on cardstock and cut them out.

These actually didn’t cost me a dime because I already had the cardstock and black envelopes… super cute, easy, and free!

Check out my other DIY invitations with full tutorials including a Rocker themed VIP pass invite and a simple invite to fit any occasion!

Here are a few more pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

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4 Comm
19th Sep2011

Do It yourself Wine Charms

by Dinah Wulf

Did you know that September is California wine month? Me neither…

Since writing a DIY blog, I’m constantly looking for DIY projects both big and small.  One of my best friends is getting married and her family and I are hosting a wine tasting theme party for her for her bridal shower.  For the favors, I decided to give away the wine glass with a personalized wine charm with each guest’s initials.  Making custom-made do it yourself wine charms is an inexpensive way to personalize a wine tasting party.

These disposable do it yourself wine charms are very quick and easy to make. The materials needed are as follows:

  • Decorative paper and blank card stock
  • Craft punch in two sizes (I used a 1” diameter circle and a ½”
    diameter circle punch
  • Small hole punch
  • Decoupage medium
  • Paint brush
  • Wire earring hoops
  • Computer (optional)
  • Double sided tape (optional)

I have also made blank charms as well.  That way, your guests can write down or initial their own name.

Step One: Punch out desired amount of 1” circles.

Step Two: Punch out desired amount of ½” circles.  For this tutorial, I printed and punched guest initials for the front and a personalized message and date for the back.

Step Three: Use double sided tape or decoupage medium to adhere 1/2” Circles to 1” circles.  I find it easier and less messy to use double sided tape.

Step Four: Punch small hole in the top of each charm and fasten an earring hoop onto each charm.

Step Five: Use decoupage medium to seal each side.  Paint two coats on each side, allowing the glue to dry completely in between each coat (approximately 15 minutes).

Note: When applying the decoupage, the circle will curl, however after two coats are dried on both sides, the charm will flatten.

Tip: If you are making blank charms, skip step three. Then after you paint on your second coat, lay the ½” circle on top of the wet second coat and allow it to dry.

Click here to view the DIY tutorial for the matching invitations for this wine tasting party.

 

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7 Comm
05th Sep2011

Easy DIY Invitations

by Dinah Wulf

 Easy DIY Invitations

do it yourself DIY

I made these easy DIY invitations in a jiffy. If you are a fellow crafter, you probably already have these items in your craft closet.  These invitations are perfect for any party, and cost less than pre-packaged invites.

Do it yourself blog

Materials Needed:

  • Card stock and/or decorative scrapbook paper
  • Light weight Computer Paper
  • Hole punch
  • Ribbon
  • Double stick tape
  • Paper Cutter
  • Computer
  • Pre-packaged envelopes 4.75” X 6.5”

 

Step one:  Start by choosing the wording for your invites and type up the information in the desired font, style, and color on your computer.  Print on a lightweight paper and cut out.  The size of this information page should be 3.5” by 5.5”.  Another option is to use vellum paper.

Tip: There are several websites online with wording samples for any occasion if you get stuck!

Step two:  Prepare the rest of the paper by cutting out 4” X 6” base card stock for the bottom piece and 4” X 1” strips for the top strip.

Note: Three sheets of scrapbook paper will be needed for the bottom layer in order to make 24 invitations.  Less than one sheet of scrapbook paper will be needed for the top strip.

Step three: For 24 invites, cut 24 pieces of ribbon at 12” in length.

Tip: To save time, wrap your ribbon around a twelve inch ruler and snip each end.

Step four: Create an assembly line. Layer the 4X6 card, then 3.5X5.5 info sheet, then 4X1 strip in the desired position and adhere with double sided tape, on the top of the invite only.

Step five: Using a small hole punch, punch two holes approximately one inch apart in the top center of the invitation, thread a ribbon through the holes, and tie a bow.

 

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8 Comm
31st Aug2011

Carnival Theme or Circus Theme Party

by Dinah Wulf

Carnival Theme or Circus Theme Party

One of my best friends, Jennifer Hostetler, ALWAYS comes up with amazing ideas for a theme party.  This year, for her daughter’s first birthday, she decided to do a Circus theme.  With a little do it yourself creativity and a lot of imagination, Jennifer hosted a fabulous party on a budget.  Carnival theme or circus theme parties are great party theme ideas.

DIY Centerpieces

If you read this blog, you KNOW what a HUGE fan I am of dollar bin decorating, especially for a kid’s theme party.  Jennifer found these great circus themed pieces for the centerpieces. She took it one step further and glued popcorn and peanuts to give them a more realistic look. I love the way she made them all different.

Plastic Popcorn Tubs for Movie Night! – 1 Jumbo Tub and 4 Individual Tubs

Carnival Giant Decorating Kit
Carnival Game Ideas

Jennifer came up with these easy and inexpensive party game ideas to fit the carnival theme.  To keep the little guests busy, some of her party games included, a ring toss, baseball toss, and balloon dart throw.  For the ring toss she secured each empty beer bottle with glue onto a square wooden board.  I give it two thumbs up just for the beer bottle recycle factor!  Jennifer also recycled baby snack containers for the baseball toss by removing the label, painting the can, and weighing them down with pebbles.  She simply stacked three cans on a bar stool.

Candy Dessert Table

Big Top Carnival Treat Boxes – 12 per unit
I’ve posted before that a candy dessert table has a trifecta factor.  It is beautiful to look at, gives the guests something to do, and is tasty to eat.  Check out Jennifer’s gorgeous and colorful candy dessert table. She used a round table, which looked beautiful and yummy from all sides.  She created height with wrapped boxes and color and pattern with ribbon.

Do It Yourself Decorating

One thing about Jennifer is her attention to detail.  Check out these other great do it yourself decorating ideas for a circus theme party.

Jennifer is definitely someone who inspires me.  I didn’t even post half of the amazing details of this party.  Look out for her upcoming budget party blog to see the rest!!! I’ll be the first to let you know when it launches!  Thank you Jen for the inspiration! Love you!

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14 Comm
29th Aug2011

Baby Shower Dessert Table

by Dinah Wulf

Baby Shower Dessert Table

Dessert tables are becoming more common for baby showers, weddings, and birthday parties.  It’s a simple party idea that can spruce up your decorations and can also be affordable.  A set of various sized candy jars is a great investment for any Host or Hostess.  You can find inexpensive sets at discount stores, or buy unique pieces at thrift shops.  Hosting a party can be stressful and a dessert table adds triple duty as décor, food, and entertainment.

This particular dessert table is one I did for an Asian themed baby shower.  The guest of honor is having a baby boy, so I chose hues of blue and green.  To fit the party theme, I used an Asian style font for the labels, served almond cookies, wafers, and chocolate dipped fortune cookies. I also made blue and green Chinese take-out boxes stuffed with useful goodies for the baby and mommy to be.  Each box was embellished with ribbon, a charm, and wooden chopsticks. I printed a Chinese character on the front that stood for “family”, “baby boy”, “happiness”, etc.

To make the labels and “sweets” banner, I used coordinating scrapbook paper, cut slits on both sides, and inserted a matching ribbon. The candy I chose also coordinated with the theme and colors.  The candies included were chocolate, coconut, almond blue M&M’s, assorted blue and green lollipops, blue vanilla Tootsie Rolls, and blue cookies and cream Kisses.

To create height, I used boxes covered in wrapping paper and matted the top with black scrapbook paper cut to size. I used photo holders and frames for some of the labels and made sure to put out napkins, tongs and scoops for the guests to use.

 

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8 Comm
22nd Aug2011

Accordion Flowers How To

by Dinah Wulf

Accordion Flowers How To

Accordion flowers are a very inexpensive do it yourself party decoration that adds a little whimsy to your theme and decor.  Perfect for a spring, summer, or garden tea party, these accordion flowers are very simple to make. They would also look great mixed with paper pinwheels.

This particular tutorial is for an accordion flower about ten inches in diameter, however play with different sizes to achieve the desired look.

Materials Needed:

  • Paper (desired size)
  • Wooden Dowels or BBQ Skewers
  • Double Sided Tape
  • Scissors
  • Glue

Step one: Fold two pieces of paper like an accordion (approximately a one inch in width) and fold in half. If you are making a smaller sized accordion flower, then shorten the width size.

Step two: Use scissors to cut a scalloped edge, or use craft scissors.

Step three: Adhere both pieces together with double stick tape.

Step four: Glue to a wooden dowel and add a center embellishment if desired. I found that a glue gun works well for this size and the wooden dowel and glue remains hidden. Consider using a craft punch and decorative paper or a button for your center embellishment for both the front and back. Another option is to use string or ribbon to hang each accordion flower.

Tip: To make smaller ornament sized flowers, cut one inch strips of paper, fold like an accordion, adhere the end, lay flat and fasten the center with an embellishment. Hang each paper flower by a string on branches to create a cute centerpiece perfect for a wedding or bridal shower or baby shower.  Make several color variations and sizes to complete your party look.

You may also like these other Paper Flowers:

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8 Comm
15th Aug2011

Candy Dipped Fortune Cookies

by Dinah Wulf

I made these blue and green candy dipped fortune cookies for my cousin’s baby shower.  I had never done this before and found it quite easy. Here is what I did.

Materials Needed:

  • Candy Melts
  • Fortune Cookies
  • Spatula
  • Double broiler or Saucepan and glass bowl
  • Water
  • Vegetable Oil (optional)
  • Wax Paper or Parchment Paper
  • Baking Sheet

I didn’t have a double broiler so I used a small saucepan, glass bowl, and strainer.  Add enough water to simmer over medium heat, but make sure the water does not touch the glass bowl. Another option is to melt the candy in the microwave.  Heat and stir the candy at thirty second intervals at half the power.

When the water is simmering, add the candy melts.  Make sure the water does not boil. Gradually and gently stir with a rubber spatula as the candy melts. If desired, add vegetable oil a teaspoon at a time to achieve the desired consistency.  Adding vegetable oil will thin out the candy, make it easier to dip, and will not alter the taste. Another option is to use chocolate squares.

Dip each cookie one by one and gently rest them on a wax paper covered baking sheet.  Allow the candy to set by placing the baking sheets in the refrigerator.

After the candy hardens, place each cookie in a 4” by 8” treat bag and tie with a ribbon.  I added a personalized tag using colored card stock, my computer, and a heart shaped punch. These candy dipped fortune cookies made perfect favors for each guest to enjoy immediately or take home for later.

 

Check out these Sweet Treats, perfect for any party:

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14 Comm
29th Jul2011

DIY Centerpiece: Paper Cherry Blossom Display

by Dinah Wulf

DIY Centerpiece: Paper Cherry Blossom Display

Martha delivers yet once again! This Paper Cherry Blossom Display is a great DIY Centerpiece from Marthastewart.com. Something like this paper flower centerpiece would be perfect for a wedding or baby shower.  I actually had a cherry blossom theme for my baby shower, a pleasant whimsical theme and perfect for the summer or spring. These simple yet elegant paper flowers are embellished with wood branches and a vase.

Materials Needed:

  • Scissors
  • Vellum paper
  • Utility Knife

 

The complete steps from diagramed on Marthastewart.com are as follows.

To create five-petal blossoms, start by cutting pink or red glassine or vellum into 3 1/2-inch and 4 1/2-inch squares. Fold a square into a flat cone, following steps 1 to 4.

Using scissors, make four angled cuts to remove the top of the cone as in step 5.

With a utility knife, carve out a small rectangular sliver on each side of the cone. Snip off a tiny bit of the pointed tip of the cone, and unfold and shape the paper to yield a blossom. Collect branches from the yard, and poke their tips through the centers of the blossoms. Place the decorated branches in a tall vase filled with pebbles to anchor the display. For favor bags, fill colored-paper bags with token gifts of your choice, and fold down the closed tops of the bags twice. Punch a hole through one folded corner. Push colored brad through flower, then hole in bag to fasten.

Source: Marthastewart.com

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Also, check out these Sweet Treats, perfect for any party:

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1 Comm
28th Jul2011

DIY Crafts: Party Pinwheels How-To

by Dinah Wulf

DIY Crafts: Party Pinwheels How-To

These whimsical party pinwheels were found on non other than, (one of) my idol Martha Stewart’s, website. These are perfect inexpensive and easy to make party decorations.

Here is how you make them.

1. Cut four 2 1/2″ circles for each pinwheel from solid craftstock. Cut each circle in half.
2. Cut two 2″ circles from coordinating patterned paper. Cut each circle in half and adhere to the solid half-circles.
3. Arrange into pinwheel shape as shown and adhere to wooden skewer using tissue tape. Adhere candy sticker to the center of each pinwheel.

Cute and simple in three easy steps!

Also check out a post from Shindig Diva. She shared a how to on flower pinwheels by Gwynn Wasson. You get get the template needed to make this adorable pinwheel on her blog.

 

 

 

Use different colors and patterns to fit any themed party.  Here are the materials you will need:

-Pinwheel Template
-Xacto knife or scissors
-Cookie Stick or Drilled Dowel
-Wooden Beads
-Button
-Wire
-Small hole punch
-Ribbon
-Hot Glue

In eight easy steps, this cute pinwheel will add whimsy to your party decor.

Need More DIY Party Ideas? Try:

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4 Comm
25th Jul2011

Poker Party Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

Poker Party Ideas

A poker party or casino night is a fun theme party idea.  Need some Poker Party Ideas? With a little creativity, decorating for a party like this does not have to be expensive. One of my best friends hosted a poker tournament party for her husband’s 30th birthday and I helped her out with a few simple and inexpensive do it yourself party decorations.

Here are a few easy and budget-friendly poker party or casino night decoration ideas.

  1. Playing Card Centerpiece
  2. Poker Chip Favor
  3. Simple Drink Umbrellas
  4. Party Banner

Playing Card Centerpiece

Materials Needed:

  • Recycled Food Containers
  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Playing Cards
  • Ribbon

Begin by slightly bending each playing card.  Using hot glue, attach each card one by one in the desired pattern.  Embellish each can with coordinating ribbon.  I used them for pretzel rods and plastic utensils.

Poker Chip Favor

Materials Needed:

  • Poker Chips
  • Decoupage medium
  • Paint brush
  • Circle punch 1½ inch in diameter
  • Paper
  • 3” by 4” Transparent Archival Bags
  • Computer
  • Stapler

This project actually started by mistake.  My friend ordered personalized poker chips and they came in incorrect.  The company could not correct their mistake before the date of the party.

Using decoupage medium, paint on a 1½ inch paper circle with your custom design and let it dry completely.  One coat will suffice. Insert each chip into a transparent archival bag. Create a personalized tag on your computer and staple.

 

 

Simple Drink Umbrellas

These drink umbrellas are perfect for any party.  Simply cut the desired sized circle out of decorative paper.  I used circle shaped playing cards.  Using scissors cut one slit at the radius of the circle.  Fold over and attach with double sided tape.  Use a small dab of glue to attach a BBQ skewer.

Party Banners

This DIY craft is very simple and takes little time.  Just print out the message in any font and size you wish. Cut out the words and use double sided tape to adhere the words onto decorative scrapbook paper. Next, hot glue the words onto ribbon and hang. If you choose, add some pictures as shown.

Using the same instructions above, you can make this playing card banner.  I used it to embellish each cocktail table.


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14 Comm
13th Jul2011

Paul Frank Party Centerpieces

by Dinah Wulf

Paul Frank Party Centerpieces

I am having a Rock N Roll Paul Frank birthday party for my daughter because my husband loves music and I love Paul Frank, and well my daughter’s only turning one so she didn’t have much say. I knew it’d be a tough theme, so I had to get crafty and creative. I made these party centerpieces in purple, green, pink, and yellow. I went with colored plastic grass and paper flowers in “pots” because it is a summer birthday party.

Materials:

  • Square containers
  • Scrapbook paper
  • Wooden sticks from any craft store, or BBQ Skewers
  • Floral foam
  • Paul Frank stickers (optional)
  • Plastic Grass or colored candies
  • Hot Glue gun
  • Scissors
  • Craft punches (optional)

These are very simple to make, as the pictures speak for themselves.  Just cut out the desired shapes and glue or tape them to wooden skewers.  Insert them in decorative containers to make a decorative bouquet.

You can make these arrangements in any theme you choose.  Here are some tips.

  • Click here to find out how to make pinwheels
  • Use Google Images to look for your theme’s pictures to use in your arrangement
  • Use assorted craft punches or cut out flowers by hand
  • Click here to find out how to make paper flowers
  • Colored candies, like M&M’s can also be used to conceal the floral foam.
  • The dollar bins at major retailers like Target, always have cute containers in a variety of colors and patterns.
  • Use rocks or pebbles at the bottom of your arrangement to weigh it down if your party is outdoors.
  • Click here for ideas on making matching party favors.

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0 Comm
12th Jul2011

Creative Rocker Themed Party Invitation

by Dinah Wulf

Creative Rocker Themed Party Invitation

These do it yourself Rocker themed party invitations, using scrapbook paper, are SUPER easy to make.  I wanted them to look like VIP concert backstage passes, so I purchased lanyards to attach to each one.  You can purchase lanyards online for about $4.00 for a dozen.

The party details fit on the front and I made a medallion for the back encouraging “rocker attire”.  Each guest can wear them to the party as well if they choose.

Tip: Stuff temporary tattoos in the invitation envelope to get guests started on their Rock Star outfits.

 

Consider these other Rock Star themed ideas:

  • Make invitations that look like concert tickets or an ad looking for a new member of a band
  • Make a CD invitation and include the guest of honor’s favorite songs
  • Decorate with a VIP sign at the entrance of the party
  • Include a red carpet area with disposable cameras where the guests can be photographed by Paparazzi
  • Have a “Dressing Room” station with boa’s, sunglasses, hats, wigs, beads, ripped T-shirts, and face paint for guests to get creative
  • Include a “Hair and Makeup” station with glitter, mousse, mirrors, makeup, and colored hair spray
  • Have a “Tattoo Shop” with application instructions where guests can apply temporary tattoos of their choice
  • Set up a “Rehearsal Stage” and set up Guitar Hero
  • Give out favors like an autograph book or an inexpensive inflatable guitar

 

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5 Comm
11th Jul2011

First Birthday Party DIY Decoration Ideas

by Dinah Wulf

First Birthday Party DIY Decoration Ideas

Friend and fellow Crafty Chick (and may I add GORGEOUS), Tara Woelfer, did a fabulous job for an Elmo themed first birthday party.  Here are some Birthday Party DIY Decoration Ideas. She used bold primary and secondary colors coordinated with polka dot and checkered patterns. She covered boxes with colorful gift wrap, which is a great way to add height and dimension to any table scape.

Tip: A good investment for any party host or hostess is glass candy jars and glass bowls in various sizes and heights.  Add a ribbon and label to fit any party theme.

The dessert table was adorned with a “sweets” banner a topped with creatively labeled yummy treats like marshmallows, chocolate covered strawberries with sprinkles, colorful candies, cupcakes, and savory cheese popcorn.  Tara also added a special touch by personalizing some of the treats with the birthday boy’s name and age.

The centerpieces were assembled with checkered pinwheels in plastic pales, and pictures of the little man of honor.  Do it yourself Pinwheels are a creative and simple way to add whimsy to any party centerpiece. Use decorative scrapbook paper in any color or pattern to fit any occasion. Also, consider using pages of old novels, children’s books, or magazines depending on the party theme.

Thanks for the inspiration, Tara!! You are amazing!

The fabulous photography is by Carrie Sparks.

Need More DIY Party Ideas? Try:

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5 Comm
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