Archives for May 2015

Floral Notepad | Free Printable Friday

May 29, 2015

Good morning! I’m so happy it’s Friday! Firstly, because Malissa just got here last night (YAY!), secondly because Stella’s birthday party is now only 2 days away, thirdly because we are planning a cute one year photo shoot with her tonight and lastly because I get to share these useful and pretty notepad printables with you today!

Are you guys list keepers like me? Seriously, there is something therapeutic about writing a list (and especially about checking it off!) so I can never have enough list-keeping pads. Now with this printable, I’ll never run out! Grab the free printable below and check out some weekly links to love. Happy weekend folks! Hope you get to do something extra fun too :)

I love polka dot cakes and this one’s way easier than most I’ve seen
Krispie Kremes in the waffle iron, need I say more?
These plates are beyond amazing *lovey eyes*
Sweet and woodsy hanging night stands.
Nifty collection of free party sticker printables
Must. Make. Pinata. Lamp.
In love with these abstract wrapping papers.

DIY Kenny Scharf Inspired Donut Trays

May 28, 2015

This one’s for the art lovers!

This Spring semester I took 20th Century Art History and LOVED it! My teacher made it one of the most challenging classes I’ve had so far in my degree but also created a beautifully curated course that required a lot of interaction and work (and therefore learning!).

One of my favorite parts of the class was the Post-Modernism unit where I was introduced to the work of Kenny Scharf. He creates colorful and vivid pieces in many different mediums, often featuring fantastic creatures. He’s known for his street art as well as a series of paintings he has done of donuts set against landscapes and sky scenes. Look at this wonderfulness:

They’re all given obvious and great names too like, “Old Fashioned Donut Hovering On A Lovely Day.” Isn’t that perfection?

So for me, as a party-planning DIYer, the obvious thing to do to pay homage to my love of art history was throw a donut party and hand paint these food trays in Kenny Scharf fashion, obviously.

I love the contrast these trays set against a table full of donuts. Even for guests who have no idea who Kenny Scharf is and have never been introduced to his donut-scapes, will have to appreciate these painterly trays. They create such a happy setting! I’ve already been using them all around my kitchen and I don’t expect to ever have to explain them, they’re just like-able!

And don’t worry if you don’t feel confident in your painting skills. #1, I am NOT a painter. Seriously, I do not consider myself talented with a brush at all. So if I could do it, I promise you can too! But, more importantly, #2, I created these landscapes in a digital file for you to print out for free if you prefer to go the decoupage route. So there’s no excuses to not get your art-geek on! Click through to get the how-to for painting or decoupaging (and the free printable landscapes!) And if you want to learn more about Scharf, visit this fabulous page on Artsy.

Straw Flower Place Cards

May 27, 2015

As I am sure we’ve mentioned here before, Machelle and I are obsessed with paper straws and have amassed quite a large collection of them! As a result, I am trying to make good use of them beyond using them as just straws. Turns out they make great place cards! And all you have to do is use any straw flags (I’ve provided some here for download as well) and write your guest’s name on the flag!

In other news, I am heading out to Utah tomorrow and could. not. be. more. excited!! We will be celebrating Stella’s one year birthday and it will be a fantastic, celebration-filled weekend. I cannot wait!!

Paper straws //
Scissors //
Marker //
Flowers //
Flags

1. Download the drink flags below:

2. Cut out the flags and wrap them around your straws. You may have to trim the flag depending on how long you want them to be.

3. Write your guest’s name on the flag using any color marker or pen.

4. Cut the straw your desired length (I made them just a little shorter than the napkins)

5. Cut a single flower shorter than the straw and slip it inside!

Place them on top of your plates and you are ready for your guests!

Hanging Copper Vases

May 25, 2015

Flowers make the prettiest party backdrops and in general are the best party asset out there. Paired with copper, they make party decor that can’t be beat! I originally thought I would post this closer to Mother’s Day but just the other day I found peonies and ranunculus still at Whole Foods and even if you can’t find those gorgeous blossoms, any flowers will do!

1/2 copper pipe //
copper pipe cutter //
rope or twine //
Nail and hammer for hanging //
Tiny vases //
Flowers

1. Use a pipe cutter to cut the pipe the length you want it. I would measure the length of the table you are using and cut the pipe just the same length if you want to have a backdrop.

2. Take your rope or twine and tie a knot at the end, then do the same on the other side. This will be what you use to hang it from so leave a few feet in between the knots.

3. Cut your rope or twine any desired length and tie it to the pipe. Then, tie the bottom of the rope around your little vase. Repeat until you have done all the vases you want. I did all of these slightly varying heights so it just depends on the look you are going for!

4. Hang the rope up using a nail in the middle.

5. Fill your vases with your favorite flowers!

Sprinkle Party Hats | Free Printable Friday + The 9 things I Didn’t Know About Becoming a Mom

May 22, 2015

So my daughter somehow turned one on Wednesday?! I have mixed feelings about this timeline because part of me wants to say “what in the world happened to that year!?” whereas part of me feels like it was definitely the longest year of my life.

I have a few things I wanted to say and share about my first year as a Mom but before I delve into that I want you all to grab these adorable party hats!

Stella and I wore them all day on her birthday and I plan on making everyone wear them at her party next Sunday.

For the purpose of our party, these are covered in sprinkles but you can call it confetti and no one will be the wiser! :)

They’re easy to whip up and can be decorated in a number of ways or simply left as is, but I share how I made them up below. Click through for instructions!