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BLANKETS & CRIB SHEETS
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ONESIES®
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BIRTHDAY
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MUGS
Blue or pink color themes are simple and flexible ways to coordinate a baby shower. I've pulled together some ideas for a Blue Baby Shower, using all sorts of shades of blues. I also pulled in umbrellas and raindrops to complete the "shower" theme.
(Hint: There's a great diy tutorial and free printable, so read on!) 
1. The Invitation
I chose our Oh Baby! Shower Invitations to set the tone. I love all the different shades of blue incorporated. Because they vary here so much, you can use all sorts of blues in the party and make it feel intentional. That's much easier than trying to match on perfect shade.
2. Party Decor
Since this is a shower, I love the idea of playing around with rain and umbrellas. I found this clever raindrop garland at Kate Greiner on etsy. It is made of paper raindrops sewn together. To continue with the raindrop theme, I would make the table placards and favor bag tags in the shape of raindrops. Again, I'd use all the shades of blue when creating them.
3. Pinwheels
Pinwheels always add a fun, whimsical touch to a party. I thought that these Tiffany Blue Pinwheels from aubabi78 on etsy would make a great touch.
4. Paper Flowers
Since we have paper raindrops and umbrellas (I'll get to them in a minute), what better to use for a centerpiece than paper flowers! These beautiful origami flowers are a perfect example of how varying shades of blue can work together perfectly. You can find the flowers at My Bohemian Summer on etsy.
5. Paper Drink Umbrellas
Of course, everybody loves drink umbrellas. Turns out, it is SO simple to make you own - and you can make them match the color scheme of your party. Please check back here Wednesday for a full tutorial on DIY drink umbrellas. I'll even include a free printable template with some fun patters.
6. Cake Pops
Blue food is hard to pull off (besides the obvious blueberry or candy bar themes). However, I thought these elegant cake balls by Bees Knees Creative on etsy would be as pretty to look at as they are tasty to eat!
7. Blue Flower Cupcakes
Blue cupcakes often look smurfish - but when I found these on flickr, I thought that the baker, Jen Angel, had done such an amazing job of making a blue cupcake look both fun and sophisiticated.
8. Printable Favor Boxes
It's always nice to send your guests off with a small favor, but sometimes the boxes or bags can cost more than the goody. I found these sweet boxes on The Posh Event at etsy - and guess what? They are a printable file! After you order, .. will email you a digital file and you can print out and assemble as many boxes as you need for only $3.50. Fill them with a simple token (blue candy would be my choice). It's simple and affordable way to provide something for each guest when you are having a larger shower.
9. Baby Washcloth Cupcakes
These sweet washcloth cupcakes are too cute pass up! I would put a small tray of them out as decor. Yes, they are a present for the new mommy, but they'll get some oohs and aahs from the guests, too. You can find the washcloth cupcakes at FavorsforU on etsy for only $5. If you enter the code SWANKY at checkout, you can get an extra 20% discount, too!
We are happy to announce that the winner of the Bee Happy Necklace from Elena Grace is Nikki! Our selection was made by random.org. Nikki, we will have Tracy, the owner of Elena Grace, contact you directly so you can claim your prize.
To everyone that wanted to win, but didn't, you can buy the Bee Happy necklace at Elena Grace's Etsy Shop for only $35.
I'd like to give a big thank you to Tracy for providing such an awesome prize!
Simply Swanky loves freebies! We have a free (for personal use) printable wine label to match our Bee Birthday Party Style Board. These are great for bee parties (for the grownups!) or just a fun night out with the girls. Feel free to download and print out as many as you need. To download, just click on the photo below.
To use the labels, download them from the server by clicking on the photo above on on this link. Print on 8.5x11 inch paper OR sticker paper. If you print on regular paper, just glue or tape onto a wine bottle. Warning: If you print on cardstock, it will make it much harder to adhere to the glass.
1. The Invitation
We set the tone for the party with a modern, bright bee invitation from Swanky Press. It's backed with honeycombs, which is a fun shape to pick up throughout your party design. It's also available at our etsy shop.
2. Beehive Piñata
This beehive piñata is the cutest thing! I found a DIY tutorial for it in Country Living Magazine. The tutorial is very easy to follow, and the piñata costs almost nothing to make. Now that I found the tutorial, I can't imagine having a bee party without one!
3. Honeycomb and Bee Cupcake Toppers
Two Sugar Babies make adorable cupcake fondant toppers, and these are no exception. You can find them in their etsy shop. Just order, pop them on homemade or store-bought cupcakes, and you are ready to go!
4. Bee Party Tshirt Idea
Megan of Megan Russel Photography hosted an amazing bumblebee party for her 3 year old daughter. The whole party was adorable, but I fell in love with her idea of providing a bee costume for each child! She used $2 craft store tshirts and black fabric paint to create the look. I'm always a fan of pulling each kid in to the party theme!
5. Matchbox Favor Boxes
Sweet, polka dot matchboxes are adorned with cutout black bees. You can find these at Ivy Lane Designs on Etsy. Just fill with your favorite candy treat or wildflower seeds. Right now, Ivy Lane Designs is offering 10% off through June 5th to all Simply Swanky readers - just enter the code SWANKYPRESS at checkout.
Be sure to check out Ivy Lane Designs on Facebook and Twitter!
6. Bee Happy Necklace
This "bee happy" necklace from Elena Grace would look great around mom's neck at the bumblebee party - or around YOUR neck every day! We are so happy to announce that Tracy, the owner of Elena Grace, has offered to give away one of her "bee happy" necklaces to one of my lucky readers!!! Head over to our giveaway section to enter to win.
{If you know me personally, you probably realize that I wear an Elena Grace necklace every day. Her products are the best quality and always have a fun, personal twist to them.}
7. Paper Straws
I am a huge fan of striped paper straws, and these straws from Pebbles in my Pocket on etsy come with free party tags.
8. Bee Sidewalk Chalk
I love the idea of having a basket of bee sidewalk chalk sitting out during the party. Let the kids decorate and have fun. And then, when it's time to go, have a new chalk wrapped up as a favor for each child. You can find these adorable chalks (and many others, too) at Sunshine and Sidewalks on Etsy.
9. "Buzz" Wine Labels
I realize you can't do it at every party, but when it's appropriate, wouldn't it be great to have some custom "buzz" wine ready for your grownup guests? You can find the printable file by clicking here. Just print, cut, and glue or tape on a wine bottle.
To go along with this week's bumble bee party theme, we are SO happy to offer a giveaway for a wonderful necklace from Elena Grace! Tracy, the owner of Elena Grace, is giving away this adorable "Bee Happy" necklace that is sure to put a smile on anyone's face! The necklace would be perfect to wear the day of a bumblebee party, but I'm pretty sure I'd end up wearing it daily!
I really can't rave enough about Elena Grace jewelry! Tracy has been a close friend of mine for many years, and I have always been inspired by her sense of style and her happy, quirky twist on just about everything. She named her company after her twin daughters (their middle names) and creates beautiful, hand-stamped pieces. I wear one of her necklaces every single day - it is stamped with all of my children's names and birthdays. You can see by the photos below just how many personalized looks she has created - there truly is one for everyone!
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment below letting me know that you have "liked" Elena Grace's facebook page. You can also earn an extra entry by "liking" Swanky Press on facebook or by tweeting/sharing this post. Make sure you leave comments below stating all the ways you entered.
Open to US residents only. Winner will be announced Friday, May 27th.
Have you ever seen those cool, shaped crayons? Turns out, they are very simple to make, and make a great party favor! Read on to learn just how easy and affordable this recycled party favor idea really is.
To make recycled crayons, you will need: old crayon stubbs, a candy mold in the shape of your desired finished product, a microwave, and a microwavable cup.
For the stubbs, chances are you arleady have tons of crayon broken bits and pieces laying around the house. If you need lots, though, I found the moms in my neighborhood were MORE than happy to let me come clean out their crayon collections. Also, check with your kids' teachers. They usually have tons of leftovers around by the end of the school year.
Candy molds are also called chocolate molds and are sold at cake decorating supply stores, Michaels, and Amazon.com. You can get just about any design for $6 or less at Amazon, but I found tons of styles available at my local cake decorating supply shop for only $2.09 each. When you are done making crayons, you can wash your molds and have them around for chocolates or other candy-making. (Hmm...I sense a future blog post on chocolate making!)
Simply Swanky Sidenote: After completing this tutorial, I have two extra tips.
1. That cup with melted crayons is REALLY hard to wash. In the future, I might use a fast food drink cup that I can just throw away when I'm done.
2. Don't turn your back on your 4-year old and a pile of crayon nubbs. I will be needing a new photo backdrop before my next post. Mine now is decorated with a lovely picture of "mommy as an octopus." Lesson learned.
Having a Mustache Bash? There's no need to spend money on fancy, expensive, or boring favor bags. We've got something way better for you!
Sometimes, crafts are WAY easier than they look. Luckily, this is one of those cases. I actually found it hard to come up with 4 steps to make this project. You could probably make about 10 of these bags in 20 or 30 minutes. They only cost about $0.15 per favor bag, depending on where you get your bags. Check the dollar store or Michaels (but always use their weekly coupon).
You will need: white paper lunch sacks, a printer and some paper/cardstock, lollipop sticks, and tape
I included 4 different tie prints so you'd have some variety. If you are using a different color scheme, you can just use the shape as a template and trace it out on patterned cardstock (Michaels has a great selection). Also, feel free to use that mustache template for all sorts of party adornments (glue them to paper drinking cups, tape them to drinking straws, blow it up larger and make wall decor, etc.).
The bags I used (also from Michael's) were slightly smaller than a lunch sack. They are 4-5/8 x 2-7/8 x 8-5/8 inches. If you use larger bags, just blow up the template a bit larger on a copy machine and you are good to go.
These are a great craft to hold a handmade Father's Day gift, too!
If you spend any time at all on etsy, you know that mustaches are everywhere! I've taken this theme and wrapped it around a little boy's birthday party - featuring one of Swanky Press' most popular invitations. Whether you call it a Mustache Bash or a Big Man Party, it's sure to be a great time.
Don't forget to check out the diy tutorial to make the cute favor bags AND a free printable template to help make it.
1. The Invitation
I just designed this a couple of days ago, and it's already one of my favorites. You can find it on our website or at our etsy shop.
2. The Mustaches
What would a Mustache Bash be without the mustaches? Whisker Works on etsy is a great resource for all your 'stache needs. AND, they are made out of hard plastic, not wax, so they are sanitary and long-lasting. You can find an assortment of mustaches here. And I must give credit to Stacy Burt Photography for the amazing picture of this lil' dude!
3. Necktie Onsies and Tees
Chic Couture Boutique sells adorable onsies and tees that would be great for the birthday boy.
4. Assorted Ties
You can hit up garage sales or used clothing stores for an assortment of ties in your color theme. You'll be able to find used ones for just pennies on the dollar. I'd have a big basket by the door when everyone arrives so that kids AND parents can pop one on.
5. Favor Bags
These cute favor bags cost almost nothing to make, are simple to do, and really look great lined up on a table for kids to grab as they head home. Fill them with anything you like - cookies, popcorn, toys. I've got a tutorial to make them - and I've included the mustache and tie templates for free.
6. "Got Milk (stache)?" Milk box wrappers
These milk box wraps are about the cutest thing ever! I saw them on etsy in KadenAshley's Shop. They are a printables, so after you buy them (only $7!) you can print as many as you need.
7. Cupcake Wrappers
These bright cupcake wrappers are available at Sweet Lulu for $14.50 OR you can make your own handmade version by following our cupcake wrapper tutorial.
8. Fondant Cupcake Men Toppers
How easy are these? Just order a set from Parker's Flour Patch and pop them on store-bought or home-made cupcakes. You'll look like a party diva!
9. Mustache Balloons
These mustache balloons from Dandy You on etsy are a great finishing touch to the party. Mix them with solid black and solid red balloons, and you're ready to go.
10. Photo Booth
A photo booth is a must-have at a party like this. Have an area set up with a backdrop, extra props on hand, and good lighting. This photo booth sign is available on etsy from Sarah Q Happy Booths.
11. Bunting
Red, black and white fabric bunting is a wonderful addition to the party decor. Since it's fabric bunting, you will be able to re-use it over the years for other parties (ladybug, pirates, etc.). You can find this bunting at Blue Moon Studios.
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There are so many more ideas that would be great for a party like this: Tape cardstock mustaches on paper drinking cups. Make mustache lollipops. Pin the mustache game (use a blown up photo of the birthday boy instead of the traditional donkey/tail). Tug of War (using knotted together neckties).
Be Flexible: Yes, this is a great boy's birthday party idea, but consider it for father's day, a couples shower, a baby shower (when it's a boy, of course), or even an engagement party (using big lips as the girl's accessory).
1. The Invitation
The invitation was custom designed for this bridal shower, but it is now available in our shop. When you are throwing a party, always remember that we do custom work at no extra charge. Just give us the vibe of your party and we'll come up with some options for you. In this case, I was told the theme (organic elegance), the color scheme, and given a swatch of fabric from the table. Just email us at orders@swankypress.com if you are ever in need of custom design.
2. Mini Cherub Cakes
These yummy, gluten-free cherub cakes are covered in a chocolate ganache and garnished with a white rose. You can order them on etsy - which just makes your party that much easier!
3. The Dessert Table
This table, designed by Angela Saban, is simply gorgeous. I love how she uses multiple fabrics and then added trim to the hem.
4. The Cake
The cake was inspired by a wedding dress, with a ribbon sash, and pearl broach, and a delicate petal skirt made from sugar.
5. More Dessert
Chocolate-dipped lime-coconut pattie-pops. Yum!
6. Favors/Decor
I think this is the most clever touch! The favors doubled as a backdrop for the dessert table. Handmade plantable paper seeded roses were hung from branches by delicate white ribbon and included green taffeta leaves. Find the tutorial here. I love the idea of guests taking home a favor that will grow. I am definitely going to use this idea in other showers and outdoor parties.
As promised, I have a wonderful tutorial today by Laurie Cinotto of La La Laurie. She designed these adorable Bird Cage Lanterns and pulled together an easy to follow diy tutorial. These bird cage lanterns would look amazing strung as garland at a birdcage themed bridal or baby shower. They'd make a cute addition to a playroom or nursery, too. Thinking outside of the party world, they'd also just be a fun rainy-day craft with the kids!
What You'll Need:
An assortment of patterned and colored card stock
String or crochet thread
Double-sided tape
Plastic lids (ice cream pint lids work great!)
Small brads
Small hole punch
Paper cutter or straight edge and X-acto knife
Scissors
1. Begin by cutting 12″ x 1/4″ strips of paper with your paper cutter or straight edge and X-acto knife. You will need four strips per bird cage. (see image A)
2. In the center of each paper strip, punch a tiny hole with your hole punch. Set aside. (see image B)
3. Download your bird template and print it out on heavy card stock. Cut out the bird, and trace around it on one of papers. Cut out your bird, and punch a hole in the center of it’s back. (see image C).
4. Cut a 14″ length of string. Tie your bird to the end of the string, and the tie a not in the string 1.5″ above the bird. (see image D)
5. Thread the string through the holes in your four paper strips. Slide them down the string until they meet the knot. (see image E)
6. Secure the strips together (just above the knot) by running a small brad through the holes. (see image F)
7. Run a strip of double-faced tape around the edge of the lid. (see image G)
8. Take your bundled strips, and fan them out like a starburst. Stick the ends of the strips to the edge of the lid, keeping them evenly spaced. (see images H, I and J)
9. Cut a strip of card stock 1.5 inches wide and long enough to wrap around the lid diameter. If your lid diameter is greater than the width of your paper, cut two strips.
10. Wrap the strip around the tape-coverd edge of the lid. Press down and smooth with your fingers. (see image K)
Voila! An adorable bird cage lantern! Make several at one time. To display them, consider running them together on string or ribbon as garland. They also look great hung from tree branches.
Again, thank you Laurie for a wonderful tutorial. Everyone please be sure to check out Laurie's blog - it's full of amazing ideas and inspiration!
Birds and bird cages are everywhere this season - and they make a wonderful theme for a bridal shower or couples shower. We've done some of the planning and legwork for you to make is simpler to pull the shower together. You can use the classic "love birds" idea, or take a different approach and play up the "nesting" idea for the shower.
Let's be Flexible: This party would work just as well for a baby shower - you could add a nest and egg in the birdcage and -voila! - it works for baby, too!
1. The Invitation
We've chosen Swanky Press' birdcage bridal shower invitations to set the tone for the party. They are wonderful for a shower intended to help the love birds "stock the nest".
2. The Cake
Can you believe how amazing this cake is? It was created by Yvette at Baking Addict. She really has some amazing creations - I'm sure I'll be posting more of her goodies in the future. Please check out Baking Addict on facebook and flickr.
3. A Gift for the Bride
This antique-style love birds necklace from Penny and Paper would make a great gift for the bride. It will always remind her of the party, but also looks funky enough to enjoy wearing day-to-day. Check out the full etsy shop of Penny and Paper.
4. Birds Nest Cookies
Yum! This recipe by Laura Flowers of The Cooking Photographer made me drool. They are moist coconut macaroons that look like little nests with an egg inside. Laura was sweet enough to let me reprint the recipe it below. It's looks a bit long, but she swears it's as easy as it is delicious!
1. Move the oven racks to the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 275 degrees. Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Separate eggs, put the egg whites in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl. Save the yolks for something else. Set aside.
3. Microwave hazelnuts on high in a small bowl two times for 30 seconds each time. Stir in between cooking times. Immediately rub together in a paper towel to remove a little of the excess skin. Leave most of the skin on. Chop coarsely and set aside.
4. Melt baking chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave on high 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each stop until melted. Set aside.
5. With a hand mixer or stand mixer beat the egg whites on high until stiff and glossy. Add the salt, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and chocolate. Beat until mixed. Stir in the coconut and hazelnuts.
6. Scoop into mounds with a small (size 24) ice-cream scoop or a 1/4th cup dry measuring cup. Place on cookie sheets and make an indent in the middle with your thumb.
7. Place both cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Switch the cookies to the opposite shelf halfway through baking. This will prevent overbrowning. Meanwhile unwrap the candy.
8. Immediately move cookies to a cooling rack and set a timer for exactly 5 minutes (and see notes). Working quickly, set the Lindt balls on top of the cookies. Let cool completely. The Lindt balls may drip a little so you may want to place a sheet of parchment underneath the cookies.
Notes: These cookies need to be just warm enough for the Lindt balls to stick, but if the cookies are too warm the white chocolate will melt into goo. Check and place the Lindt balls on the cookies when they are just slightly warm to the touch, but not hot.
Makes 16 to 18 large cookies.
5. DIY Bird Party Lanterns
These adorable bird party lanterns are the brain-child of Laurie Cinotto of La La Laurie. These would look awesome at the bridal shower. You can read the step-by-step instructions here.
6. Muslin Favor Bags
These sweet favor bags by Paper Moon by Kat would be perfect filled with goodies for your guest. I love the idea of filling them with pink and blue Jordan Almonds (reminiscent of bird eggs). At only $1 each, they will really add a lot to the party without draining the bank.
7. Birdcage Stamp
This bird cage stamp by Skull and Cross Buns is a great way to embellish all sorts of goodies for the shower. You can use it for gift tags, to make custom notecards, or even as an accent on the buffet's food labels. Feeling extra crafty? Consider hand stamping this image onto linen napkins - and don't forget to make a set for the bride and groom!
8. Truffles
These extra large blueberry truffles are beautiful, and remind me of robin's eggs. You can find them at Calabasas Candy Company on etsy. I haven't tasted them personally, but considering that Calabasas Candy has sold over 3,000 sweets on etsy AND has a 100% positive feedback, I am sure they are quite tasty!
We are happy to announce that the winner of our PSA Essentials Gift Pack is Jutta! Our selection was made by random.org, and Jutta won for her comment about the Stamp Camp blog. Jutta, we will be sending you an email soon so you can claim your prize.
To everyone that wanted to win, but didn't, check out our sale on PSA Essentials Stamps!
I'd like to give a big thank you to PSA Essentials for providing such an awesome prize!
