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BLANKETS & CRIB SHEETS
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ONESIES®
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BIRTHDAY
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MUGS
Little boys love cowboys, but this twist on the party makes it perfect for a first birthday bash - because the guest of honor is on a rocking horse!
1. The Invitation
The invitation is shows a cowboy on a rocking horse - perfect for a first birthday! You can find the invitation on our website or at our etsy shop. We also have a version available with a cowboy on a horse for an older child's birthday.
2. The Bib
I found the perfect bib at Elizabeth Horton on etsy. It would be too cute to pull this out at cake time!
3. The Decor
For the cowboy theme, I would use denim and bandanas everywhere. I love the idea of using bandanas as napkins, like this one from All You.
4. Trail Mix Bar
I found this idea at Socially Circled and LOVED it! Cari was actually throwing a camping party, but the idea works perfectly here. Set up a trail mix bar with all sorts of goodies, let the kids fill their own mason jar, and you have the perfect party favor! The burlap tablecloth is a great touch, too.
5. Cookies
I bumped into these cookies on flickr a while back, and couldn't wait to share them with you. I love how the birthday boy's name is spelled out on sheriff's badges! These awesome cookies were made by Aileen at A Master Creation.
6. The Cake
I can't even describe how awesome this cake is! The rope is amazing, but so is the 3D detail on the belt buckle. The were made by Sugar Custom Cake Shop in Oklahoma - check them out on Facebook, too - you won't believe how big their following is.
7. Wall Vinyl as Decor
We've all seen parties with beautiful fabric hung behind the food or dessert table to create the scene. What I haven't seen, though, is someone use a custom wall vinyl on a wall to dress up the table! This rodeo vinyl is by Vinyl Wall Accents on etsy.
8. Favor Boxes
I love the detail on these western favor boxes by Wrap It Up on etsy. The bandana tissue paper and sheriff's badges are perfect.
9. First Cowboy Boots!
These cowboy boots make me melt. Sooooo cute! You can find them at Pod Shoes on etsy.
BONUS IDEAS:
*Hay Bales
*Stick Horses
*An autography pony (we did this for one of my kids and she still loves it years later)
*Root beer and lemonade served in mason jars
*Adorable "wanted" favor tags from Fairest LJ on etsy
* Make a cardboard box western town
A bubblegum birthday party is a fun, bright way to celebrate your little girl's special day. We've pulled together inspiration, shopping resources, two DIY tutorials, and a simply swanky recipe for bubblegum ice cream.
1. The Invitation
The invitation is bright yellow chevron stripes, showcasing a gumball machine filled with bright gum. You can find the invitation on our website or at our etsy shop.
2. The Tutu
I fell IN LOVE with this bubblegum tutu by Atutudes. I adore the simple elegance of it - the white skirt with the dots is perfection. You can find it at their etsy shop. The amazing photo was taken by Amy at Bella Bliss Photography.
3. Party Decor
Tammy at Tammy Mitchell Photography has developed a wonderful tutorial for gumball machine party decor. Can you believe it's made from a terra cotta pot? You can get all the details here.
4. Fabric Party Hats
I'm a big believer in having at least one handmade component at a party. None of us have time to do it all by hand, but if you take the time to create one piece, I really think it adds so much heart to your party.
I've created a tutorial for very simple fabric party hats. Check back here Wednesday for all the details. You can use it for this gumball party, but the same idea will work for all sorts of parties. If you don't have time to make this yourself, you can check out my favorite party hat designer at Stella and Livi on etsy.
5. For the Birthday Girl
Of course, all girls (young and old alike) love jewelry...and who could resist this sweet bracelet from The Lucky Elephant. It's sized especially for girls, and the elephant with the raised trunk is a symbol of good luck. (On a personal note, I'm a huge fan of The Lucky Elephant - I wear one of her designs almost daily!)
6. Gumball Machine Cake Pops
I am amazed at the detail on these cake pops. I've made cake pops so many times, but I have NO IDEA how Terri Williams at CraftyWorkinMommy made such exquisite gumball machines. It's safe to say, I'd be ordering these cake pops, not even attempting to try this at home!
7. Gumball Machine Cookies
These gumball machine cookies are too cute! I found them at The Cookie Jar on etsy. Check out their full shop - they have tons of great party theme cookies.
8. Cupcake Poms
These pom cupcake toppers are great because they get across the idea of the bubble gum party, but without being too literal. SixBitterSweets on etsy will make them in the color of your choice.
9. The Recipe for Homemade Bubblegum Ice Cream
Bubblegum ice cream was my fav as a child, and I thought it would be great to make some to go along with this party theme. I scoured the internet, and came up with two options:
Option A - If you are a classically trained French chef, with tons of experience (and perhaps a staff to clean up behind you), then I highly recommend you try this recipe by famed chef Alain Ducasse. (tutorial courtesy of fxcuisine.com)
Option B - If you're a mere mortal, do it the simply swanky way: Take some high quality strawberry ice cream and stir in some double bubble bubble gum.
BONUS PARTY IDEAS:
Sorry, this theme is just too wonderful to stop at the photos. Here are some other ideas to try...
* Bubblegum Cake - line the base of the birthday cake with bright gumballs in the party colors.
* Party Favor - Check out this great tutorial for necklaces made from gumballs from One Charming Party.
* Healthy Party Food - Use a melon baller to carve out watermelon, cantelope and other fruits for a bubblegum inspired snack.
* Bridal Shower - make bubblegum rings (using ring bases from Michaels and a touch of hot glue).
* Party Activity - Pin the Gumball Felt Party Game by Sella and Livi
I love garden gnomes. Every time I see one, it makes me smile. Gnomes are a fun, whimsical theme for so many types of parties: birthdays (boy or girl), bridal shower, or baby shower. There are endless ways to tweak this theme to work for so many party occasions.
1. The Invitation
The featured invitation is for a gnome birthday, but would work just as well with a boy and girl gnome holding hands for a bridal or couples shower. You can find the invitation on our website or at our etsy shop.
2. Gnome Cake Pops
Sweet Lauren Cakes in San Francisco makes the most ADORABLE gnome cake pops! Custom cake pops are their specialty - they haven't had a design challenge they couldn't meet. When I started reading through their blog, I was so inspired by some of the beautiful and delicious custom designs they've done.
3. Toadstool Wand
I believe this toadstool wand from Imagination Kids on Etsy would add the perfect "magical" touch to your gnome party. You could use it as part of the decor, or simply have it out for play.
4. Polka Dot Mary Janes
I fell in love with these sweet shoes the minute I saw them. If your party is for a birthday, they are perfect for the birthday girl to wear. If it's a baby shower...voila...the perfect gift! You can find them at Gracious May on Etsy.
5. Photo Props!!!
What would a great theme party be without a photo station and photo props? These awesome gnome hats (with removable beards) would be great props for the party -whether it's for kids OR adults! You can find the hats and beards at Mystsic Moor on etsy.
6. Healthy Snacks
I found this idea on a flickr photostream posted by Iron Orchid Photography. They used hardboiled eggs, tomato caps, and feta cheese to make a "growing food" snack for the party. Too clever!
7. Cupcake Toppers
These edible fondant toppers were made by Death by Cupcake on etsy. I've just found this shop, but I think they've got some really original ideas. (I've tagged at least 2 more of their designs already for upcoming features!) This up and coming shop is worth checking out.
8. Gnome Home Tshirt
This gnome home tshirt from the Bird and Elephant on etsy works perfectly for either a birthday boy or girl...and can even be made in a onsie if this is a baby shower.
BONUS PARTY IDEAS:
Sorry, this theme is just too wonderful to stop at the photos. Here are some other ideas to try!
* Gnome Hats - Cover regular party hats with red felt to make gnome party hats
* Decor - use red and white dotty balloons; use green moss everywhere; white daisies;
* Food - Carve dots out of the tops of radishes, and then carve stem in the bottom half for an edible and decorative centerpiece
* Wedding or Bridal Shower - check out these awesome cake toppers: here, here and here
* Favor Bags: Red dotty bags at Sweet Lulu - add a mushroom cookie and your're ready to go!
1. The Invitation
The invitation was custom (of course...it was for my daughter!), but Swanky Press does custom invitations all the time, and at no extra charge. I based this design on our Gumball Party with chevron stripes, which is available at Swanky Press and at our Etsy Shop.
2. The Giraffe Feeding
I'm not sure I can adequately describe how amazing the giraffe feeding was. When you are standing next to them, they really are so much bigger than you'd expect. Even as an adult, the experience was daunting.
The feeding took place at the Memphis Zoo. The giraffes were named Kofi, Abu, Mona, Glenda, and Zuri. We were greeting by a giraffe handler named Richard Meeks, and he was simply a joy. He gave the most educational information, but in a way that was fun for the kids (ages 4 to 10) to absorb. After we learned how and why the giraffes would behave in certain ways, he led us back to feed them. We were given buckets of bananas ("giraffe candy") and the minute the buckets came out the giraffes swarmed us.
After petting and feeding the giraffes, Mr. Meeks told the kids that anyone brave enough could put a banana in their mouth and let the giraffes take it. Most of the party goers had no interest in feeding the giraffes this way, but I think all of my family members (except the youngest) gave it a shot. The photo in picture #2 is the birthday girl feeding the baby giraffe, Kofi, with a banana in her mouth.
3. The Shirt
The birthday girl's Aunt Sydney surprised her with a handmade, appliqued shirt designed to match the entire party. It was the perfect touch, and couldn't have been cuter!
4. The Cake
The cake was a two tier creation by The Busy Bakery in Bartlett, Tennessee. I have used them for about 10 parties over the past few years, and they consistently provide creative, delicious, affordable cakes and cookies.
5. The Decor
We used brown and yellow dots throughout the party decor. Bowls of whoppers, lemon heads, and, of course, animal crackers, were featured.
6. The Party Favor
While at the zoo, it was Dad's job to get a photograph of each child during their interaction with the giraffes. As soon as the feeding was over, we edited and printed the photos, and put them in frames while the kids were busy playing. When the kids finished their lunch, the dessert buffet was decorated with a framed picture of each child interacting with a giraffe. Having a quality, framed photo to take home from this kind of event was the perfect party favor.
Bonus: Animal Adoption
In lieu of gifts, the birthday girl picked three endangered species. She wrote a paragraph describing why each needed protection, and these narratives were placed on large glass jars along with a photo of the endangered species. Each child in attendance got to "vote" on which needed help most by dropping their name into one of the glass jars. At the end of the party, all the children adopted the winning species, a tiger, through the World Wildlife Fund.
After posting earlier this week about a Super Hero Party, I decided to include a DIY tutorial showing how to make an easy, inexpensive superhero mask. I was able to make 3 masks for $1.50 in about 30 minutes. They may not be as elaborate as some that you can buy, but they are affordable, easy, and can be made in any color scheme to match your party.
You will need: felt, elastic, scissors, and a sewing machine or fabric glue.
That's it. You're done. Now give that mask to a 4 year old and go play!
It's a bird...it's a plane...It's ....Super Hero Party Inspiration! A superhero party doesn't have to be hard to pull off - but done right, it can make you look a little like Super Mom. Read on for party activities, shopping resources, TWO sets of free printables, and a DIY tutorial for making a simple superhero mask.
I had so much fun pulling these ideas together, I think I'll be using it for my daughter's 5th birthday next month (everything done in hot pink, of course)!
1. The Invitation
The superhero invitation can be found on our website or in our etsy shop - and the colors can be switched as needed to coordinate with your kid's favorite hero!
2. The Drinks
I made printable bottle labels with "Pop!", "Glug!" and "Fizz" on the front. You can download them for free here. Then just print them on regular paper and tape them on bottles of brightly colored soda. I used Jones Soda in Strawberry Lime flavor, but there are plenty of options.
3. The Capes
What would a superhero party be without capes? I fell in love with these capes from Super Kid Capes on etsy. I love the idea of having one for each kid with their initial, but she also has more affordable capes in solid colors. Make sure you check out the entire shop - there are so many options to choose from!
4. The Masks
Making superhero masks to match your party is way easier and more affordable than you think. I whipped up a template, bought 3 sheets of felt and some elastic at Michaels, and was able to make 3 masks for only $1.50. Granted, they aren't as pretty as the ones you can buy, but I love having a home-made touch at a party. You can read the entire tutorial and download a free template here.
5. Activity and Snacks
You can combine food AND an activity with a "Pick Your Superpower" food buffet. Each food can be labeled with a superpower that you receive after eating it. You can download the printables for free here. Just print them on cardstock, cut, and attach lollipop sticks if needed. Our favorite food and super power combos are
* Laser Vision - carrots
* Super Strength - cheese cubes
* Super Speed - blueberries (to be healthy) or chocolate (to be realistic!)
The printables also include tags for Flying, Mind Reading, and Shape Shifting. Personally, I'd probably use Jello for shape shifting. I'd love to hear your suggestions for Mind Reading and Flying.
(For an older group of kids, consider having an empty bowl. When they ask, tell them that one is for Invisibility!)
6. Cake Pops
Pia from Cake Pop Fusion is one my favorite party vendors. I told her I was doing a Super Hero theme, and she came up with these ADORABLE flying superman cake pops! You can find Cake Pop Fusion on etsy - and check out her blog, too!
7. Favor Bags
I fell in love with these cute favor bags by Paper Nook! They can be personalized with each child's name - and the first letter of their name can be put in the hero "symbol".
8. Fondant Cupcake Toppers
These "Pow" cupcake toppers from Two Sugar Babies will make your home-made or store-bought cupcakes look amazing. Order them in advance, and then just place them on your cupcakes right before the party. It's a simple step that really adds a great touch to the party.
9. Party Plates
It's easy to find plates with specific superheroes on them (Batman, Superman etc.), but I thought these comic-inspired plates were a great way to make this theme work for all superheroes. You can find them at Birthday Direct.
We had a wonderful response to our Real Party: Pink and Gray Elephant Birthday, so I am expanding the idea today with a full style board. This theme works great for a birthday or baby shower. They same ideas apply for a boy, just switch the pink to blue!
1. The invitation
We started with our pink and gray elephant invitation, which can be made for birthdays OR baby showers.
2. The Fabric Bunting
Aneta over at Stitchin'Netka custom designed this fabric banner just to coordinate with this party theme. It would be great hung near the dessert table, and would look just as cute in the birthday girl's room later on! You should definitely check Stitchen'Netka out on etsy and facebook - she's so flexible and can work with you to match your color scheme.
3. Personalized Favor Bags
I adore personalized goodies at a party. Yes, it takes a bit more planning on the front end to manage the guest list, but it really adds a layer of "wow" to the party. You can always order a few bags with the name blank in case there are last minute guest or siblings. I found these darling bags at Paper Nook on etsy. She has so many simple, cute designs - I'm sure you'll be seeing her work featured here again! Did I mention that the bags are only $2 each (non personalized) or $2.25 (personalized)???
4. Fabric Brooch
I love fabric brooches - this chiffon version by lemonring on etsy would look fabulous on Mom during the party!
5. Elephant Bib Shirt
There are many elephant shirts out there, but I think the cutest one ever can be found at Magpie Lovely! It's actually a bib tee, so if it's a first birthday, you can use the elephant ears to wipe up a little drool or mess!
6. Cake Stands
I have a weakness for beautiful cake stands, and when I saw this trio by Jeanette Zeis Ceramics on etsy, I melted!
7. Cupcake Toppers
These adorable elephant fondant cupcake toppers were made by Two Sugar Babies of etsy. I've featured their work before (check out my Bumblebee Party), and think they have so many cute designs!
8. Tissue Poms
Enough can't be said about the impact of a mass of tissue poms at a party! Check out these by Prost to the Host on etsy.
9. Pin Wheels
These sweet pink and grey pinwheels would be fun at the party, but also cute grouped in vases in the style of a floral centerpiece. You can find the pinwheels at Paper Polaroid on etsy.
1. The Cake
Monica is a cake baker and food stylist, and she did an amazing job on this cake. That pink fondant elephant is adorable. You can find her work at www.dolcecakedesign.com. To go with the elephant theme, the cake was chocolate caramel peanut crunch.
2. The Invitation
The invitation was Swanky Press' pink and grey elephant design. Monica used the invitations as well as coordinating thank you notes and dessert buffet cards.
3. The decor
Monica used simple tissue poms as a centerpiece in a vase. She also used them all throughout the house and tent in lieu of balloons. To learn how to make poms yourself, you can follow our DIY tutorial.
4. The Guest of Honor!
Luciana looks adorable as she samples her birthday cake. She is wearing a pink and gray tutu made by Monica's mother. She is wearing a custom onsie by MakMayDesigns on etsy.
5. Elephant Table Runner
Monica used elephant fabric from fabric.com to make a sweet table runner. This shows just how easy it is to use coordinating items to really pull a theme together. TIP: I always check for fabric.com coupon codes first here.
6. Pink Circus Peanuts
Monica offered pink circus peanuts at the dessert buffet. They were wrapped in clear cellophane bags. Each bag had a small elephant tag. I love how she incorporated this classic candy into the party - too fun!
7. Lollipops
Pink and white swirl lollipops were offered in the dessert buffet. Monica added party circles with an elephant and pink ribbon to each lollipop.
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Stay tuned for Wednesday's post, where I'll expand on the pink and gray elephant theme with additional party ideas and shopping resources.We are happy to announce that the winner of the bracelet from The Lucky Elephant AND 2 dozen cakepops from Cake Pop Fusion is Becky W! Becky, I will have Jutta from The Lucky Elephant and Pia from Cake Pop Fusion contact you directly so you can claim your prize. Our selection was made by random.org.
I’d like to give a big thank you to our sponsors for offering such awesome prizes!
When I was pregnant with my first child, I referred to him as my lil' peanut. I used this idea as inspiration to create an elephant and peanut themed baby shower. I've done the leg-work and shopping for you, so it should make it easy to throw together a swanky shower.
GIVEAWAY: We are giving away two of the items featured in this week's inspiration board - a gorgeous good-luck bracelet from the Lucky Elephant AND 2 dozen cake pops from Cake Pop Fusion. Use the link at the right to enter!
1. The Invitation
The invitations are a modern, simple elephant holding up a little peanut. The color combination of blue and orange can add a pop to the party decor. You can find the elephant invitations at Swanky Press.
2. "Peanut" Cake Pops
Pia of Cake Pop Fusion custom designed these adorable "peanut" cake pops. The are a double-ball Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Blast cake pop with light cocoa candy coating & dark cocoa accents. Pia has offered two dozen of her traditional cake pops as a giveaway, too! Click on the box to the right to enter.
3. Good Luck Bracelet
Every mom-to-be could use some luck, so why not give her the gift of luck with one of these fabulous good luck bracelets? An elephant with it’s trunk being raised up is considered to bring good luck and an excellent fortune and to have the magical power to take away troubles. This philosophy is behind The Lucky Elephant's gorgeous bracelet designs. You can find the Lucky Elephant on her website or etsy, AND you can click on the button to the right to enter to win one of your own!
4. Fabric Pennant
I love the bright colors in this fabric pennant from stitchin'netka. The colors are perfect for this party, but because it's fabric it would make great decor in the nursery or a playroom after the party! If you are interested, stitchin'netka has offered a discount coupon code good this week. Visit her etsy shop and enter SWANKYJUNE10 at checkout.
5. Candy Pacifiers
I found idea for these cute candy pacifiers on the blog Designer Mommy. The idea is so simple, and the result is just as tasty as it is cute. All you need are wintergreen lifesavers and blue jelly bellies. Check out the Designer Mommy blog for more details.
6. Fondant Elephants
These fondant cupcake toppers are made by Sweet and Edible. They are the owners own design (no cookie cutters) so you won't find them anywhere else.
7. Elephant Favor Bags
I was so excited when I found these darling muslin favor bags. They are stamped with an orange elephant and are a perfect way to send your guests off with something special to remember the day. You can find them at It Was Made with Luv on etsy.
8. Fabric Display Bins
Baffin Bags on etsy makes adorable fabric bins. I would use these scattered throughout the party (holding napkins, favors, etc.). When the party's over, they would look great holding diapers, wipes, or other tiny baby goods in the nursery.
9. Peanut Soap
What would a shower be without soap? This realistic looking soap is shaped like peanuts. You can find it at AJ Sweet Soap on etsy. It would be a great party favor, or just a fun way to stock the powder room during the party. Little touches like themed soap really take the party to the next level.
This week we have a double giveaway! To go along with our elephant and peanut theme, you can win a Lucky Elephant Bracelet and 2 dozen cakepops from Cake Pop Fusion! Thank you so much to Jutta of the Lucky Elephant and Pia of Cake Pop Fusion for offering these great giveaways.
Jutta of the Lucky Elephant has such a wonderful concept for her bracelets. Elephants with an upraised trunk are a symbol of good luck and fortune, and she has developed an amazing line of bracelets around this idea. They are stylish, and range from wedding formal to bohemian chic...definitely check out her website! I bought a bracelet from her about 3 months ago, and I wear it almost daily.
Pia of Cake Pop Fusion is a new member of Martha Stewart's Dreamers into Doers (to which both Jutta and I belong), and I have been very inspired by her creativity. She has had several really clever takes on the traditional cake pop that I haven't seen elsewhere.
How to Enter:
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment below letting me know what you think about our two great sponsors. You can earn extra entries by "liking" the Lucky Elephant and Cake Pop Fusion on facebook. You can get another entry for reposting or tweeting the giveaway or following our sponsers on twitter. Actually - get creative. The more you spread the word the more entries I'll give you. :) Make sure you leave comments below stating all the ways you entered.
Open to US residents only. Winner will be announced Friday, June 17th.
As you know, it's the little touches that really make your party stand out from the rest. This simple tutorial will show you how to make drink umbrellas to coordinate with your party. I designed the patterns to coordinate with our Blue Baby Shower, but you can apply the same steps using any patterned paper.
You will need: toothpicks, patterned paper OR a printer to print out our template, glue, scissors, and a cold drink.
Simply Swanky Suggestions:
1. If you are using your own patterned paper, you can just trace a can or glass to make your circle templates. Make sure they are at least 3 inches in diameter or the umbrellas will be too small.
2. If you are using photoshop and like my patterns, you can color adjust the entire page (command-u) to switch the blue to any color you like.
3. Consider blowing up the templates larger on a copier and making big umbrellas for centerpieces around a baby or bridal shower. You can use a chopstick instead of the toothpick.
