Oink! the blog of Piggy Bank Parties

{behind the pig} this lil' piggy is outta here!

2011-08-17T23:48:00.001-05:00

We made the decision a while back to switch back to WordPress from Blogger so...this lil' piggy's on the move!

I will be taking a break from blogging for a few days to make the switch and prepare for an extraordinary new adventure with some AMAZING party chicks, my favorite party dude, and my favorite pig! I have so many surprises under my party hat that I can hardly keep it on!

I hope you'll stick around and we'll pick up on our next installment of "Roadtrip to a Great Party!"

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{sneak peek} a fifties inspired birthday!

2011-08-15T15:06:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry I missed sharing the final few days of

planning my birthday party with you last week.

I had great intentions but found that I was busy

helping clients with last minutes requests

instead of focusing on my own party!

Even though I ended up having a number of

late nights {okay...early mornings...}

last week, it was so worth all the effort.

Seeing the smiles on every one's faces during

the party was the best gift I could ever receive!

I wanted to share a {sneak peek} of our

Fifties Photo Booth featuring my two

favorite people in this world...

my mom, Audrey, and my hubs, J!

I'll be back tomorrow to share my {real} party budget in

the second installment of Roadtrip to a Great Party!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{free download} a lil' surprise for you!

2011-08-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

{free download} Create-Your-Own Party Cards

Click here to download!

I hope you're INSPIRED to have fun just like our lil' crew!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{roadmap to a great party} where do I begin?

2011-08-06T02:35:00.000-05:00

Do you want to plan an amazing party but you don't know where to begin?

Do you always blow your budget by picking up, "Oh, that's cute!" items?

Does planning any celebration overwhelm you?

If you answered, "Yes!" to any or all of those questions

then you'll love our new series...

My birthday is on Monday and we'll be celebrating with family and friends next Saturday. I thought it was the perfect time to share my tips and tricks on planning a fun and memorable celebration with a Piggy Bank budget!

Over the next two weeks I'll share a timeline that I follow when planning an event which can be adjusted depending on how many weeks you have to plan. In addition, I'll share how I planned my REAL birthday party step-by-step.

I created a printable version of my party timeline for you to download. Print one for yourself and you can follow along as we go through the party planning process.

Click here to download the "Roadmap to a Great Party!"

Grab a pencil and paper--real or virtual--and get ready to write.

Writing things down is the key to party planning.

Ready? Let's plan a GREAT party!

The first stop on our Roadmap is 6-8 Weeks before the Party! Don't panic if you don't have 6-8 weeks to plan your party. The timeline can be adjusted but the longer you have to plan will ultimately reduce your stress level. After we've traveled through the entire Roadmap, I'll give you tips on how to plan a party with a shortened timeline.

1. Establish your party budget. This is usually the biggest roadblock for most people. I have worked with countless clients who either have blown their budget or had unrealistic expectations of how much things really cost. How much can you afford to spend? Be realistic and be firm. This is not the area to be flexible.

If you have $100 and 25 guests then you have $4.00 to spend on each person. The $4.00 will need to cover food and beverages, servingware, décor, activities and favors. I know you sometimes find the "perfect" item at the last minute BUT if you've reached your budget limit either something else has to go or you'll have to pass on the "perfect" item. It's hard but STAND FIRM!

I use a spreadsheet to keep track of my expenses as I'm planning an event. As soon as you've purchased something, write it down. Don't wait until the day before the party to see if you're on target. If you're aware of budget, it helps you stay away from those last minute impulse buys.

2. Set the date and time. Check with any special guests--your child's best friend, out-of-town grandparents, etc.--to see if they are available on the date you've chosen. When planning your celebration at a venue, it's a great idea to have a few dates in mind.

When choosing what time to have your event, it helps to decide what kind of party you would like to throw--casual barbeque, formal dinner, playdate snacks, appetizer potluck, etc. If you want to serve light snacks then choose an appropriate time like 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. This gives your guests a hint that lunch won't be served and the party will be over before dinner time.

3. Choose a theme and color scheme. When choosing a theme, it should always represent the honoree. I know it's tempting to plan an event around a theme you love but the most memorable and meaningful events are those that truly reflect the guest of honor's interests.

When choosing a color scheme, it's best to keep it simple. Two or three colors create a palette that's easy on the eye and won't overwhelm your guests. If you add more colors, use neutrals like white, black or brown.

4. Create your guest list. The amount of guests you invite will be dependent on your budget. If you have $100 to spend, a dinner party for 10 will allow you to spend $10 per person versus a birthday party for 40 gives you $2.50 per person.

Another great question to ask yourself is, "Does each guest mean something to the honoree?" I'm a social butterfly so I have more friends than J does. When it's time to make the guest list for his birthday, I only invite friends who are special to him. Then no one feels awkward and everyone is free to enjoy the celebration.

5. Brainstorm: Dream big then be realistic. Surf the Internet for inspiration, gather photos of your favorite things and write down everything you would love to have at your party if you had a limitless budget. Next speed bump...be realistic. How can you achieve your dream party on a budget? Pick 3-5 things from your brainstorming session that you can realistically accomplish with your budget and timeline. I'm always amazed at how adding just a few special touches can make a party extraordinary!

6. Set the location. Reserve venue, if needed. A number of factors determine where you'll be holding your event. You may need to ask yourself some additional questions to find the answer. Is your house big enough for the guest list? If you're planning an outdoor party, do you have a "rain location" just in case? Is there an activity you'd like to do that requires you to have the party at a specific location? If reserving a venue, do it sooner than later. Some venues are booked months in advance so have a back up in mind.

7. Hire vendors: Entertainers, Caterers, etc. Book early. When I planned corporate events, I worked with all types of entertainers, caterers and party vendors. The good ones were always booked at least 4-6 weeks in advance. I received calls from clients looking for a clown or a hot dog cart 2 days before their event and they were often upset that we didn't have anyone available. If someone was available, they usually charged more due to the late booking. My best advice...book early.

8. Order custom invitations. If you want a custom designed or handmade invitation, order early. Many custom and handmade designers are booked months in advance. Our custom handmade schedule is currently booked solid for the next two months and clients are already making reservations for 4 months from now. My best advice...order early.

9. Create your party checklist. Now that you've set your budget, picked your theme and color scheme and taken care of a few other important details, it's time to make your own party checklist. Write down every single detail of the party--food, beverages, servingware, games, activities, prizes, favors, decorations, signs and DIY projects. Listing all of the details will help organize your thoughts and tasks for your specific event.

In my experience, having all of the party details on one list helps me stay focused on completing one task at a time. It also insures that something doesn't fall through the cracks that may be written down on another list. I also have the satisfaction of checking off items when they're completed.

Ta-Da! We've made it through our first stop on the road to a great party! Next up...I'll share how I accomplished the 6-8 Week tasks for my REAL birthday party.

I LoVe road trips!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{featured} hogs and kisses all around!

2011-08-04T13:05:00.000-05:00

In the party business, there's a fine line between

tooting your own horn and being excited

about features and big opportunities.

Today I wanted to thank some of the party blogs

that have so generously featured us lately.

We are so grateful that you like the parties we are designing
on a budget and it encourages us to press on!

Celebrations at Home

The Party Wagon

Pizzazzerie

Catch My Party

Sparkling Events & Designs

Kara's Party Ideas

I encourge you to take a lil' time to drop by
these fabulous blogs that inspire us and

don't forget to show them a lil' love!

I hope you're INSPIRED to take a leap of faith
and follow your dreams!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{casting call} contributors + sponsors + vendors

2011-07-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

If you've been following Piggy Bank Parties on Facebook then you have undoubtedly seen our lil' teaser....

As many of you know, J and I launched Piggy Bank Parties a year ago as a squiggly lil' division of our custom stationery business, Autumn Writings. We recently made the decision to slowly phase out our local business to concentrate 100% on Piggy Bank Parties. Two reasons...

A pig can only work so many hours and after logging 300+ in 3 weeks this lil' piggy was fried bacon!
We LoVe U. We love the opportunities that Piggy Bank Parties has given us to do what we love and meet amazing fans and peers!

What's going to change? We'll be adding new "Create-Your-Own" products to The Market in the next few weeks including favor boxes, envelopes, cardstock, ribbon and anything else we can find around our lil' pig pen! We have 11 years of overstock which we'll be clearing out at Piggy Bank prices.

Next we'll add a bunch of "Create-Your-Own Supplies" in smaller quantities like 10, 15 and 25. Perfect for the do-it-yourselfer who doesn't have room to store 75 extra zebra boxes they didn't really need! We'd love to know what products you would like to see added by leaving a comment or sending us an email (see "Email Hank" button above).

Of course, we also have TONS of new invitations and party décor to add to The Market including Pucker Up! (as seen on Pizzazzerie), 6TEEN, Magic Trick, Fairy Garden and so much more!

Change is in the Oink! The biggest changes will take place on Oink! Our current blog was always meant to be temporary. We've had a blog designed on paper for 2 years but it kept getting pushed to the end of the "To-Do" list. Not any more!

The new and improved Oink! will include all the things you've come to love--party inspiration, tutorials, recipes and the long awaited return of DEPOSITS! Yes, we'll once again be featuring your parties and getting to know you a lil' better. Thank you to all who have been patiently waiting to have your deposit featured!

Sponsors + Vendor & Product Directory! We're also adding a limited number of Sponsors to the blog. We want our fans to have access to fabulous products but still be able to find the inspiration they're looking for without having to wade through too many ads!

In addition to Sponsors, we will be offering a Vendor & Product Directory. The directly will include vendors we have worked with or whose products we've used and loved. If you're interested in becoming a Sponsor or part of our Vendor & Product Directory, please email us (see "Email Hank" button above) and we'll forward additional information.

Contributors....Casting Call! The most exciting change is the addition of a few new members to the Piggy Bank Parties Crew! We've hand-picked a couple of new contributors....but we're looking for more!

Are you interested in inspiring others to create easy, fun and memorable parties on a Piggy Bank budget? Do you have simple and quick recipes that will "WoW!" a crowd? Do you love to create amazing crafts with everyday objects and a few pennies? If you answered, "Yes!" to any or all of these questions, we'd love to hear from you!

We are looking for up to three contributors that believe in our penny pinching philosophy. You will be asked to contribute 1-2 posts per month and compensation will be discussed if you are chosen to join the crew. Please send the following to us:

Name, City and State
A Short Bio (including craft, baking, cooking or party background)
Party/Recipe/Craft Links: Please forward up to 3 links to posts you have written regarding what you would like to contribute to Oink!
The Answer to this important question, "Why are you a good fit for Oink!?"

{Don't have a blog or website? Please email us one tutorial including great photos--see "Email Hank" button above. It should be written like a real post which allows us to see your writing style.}

Deadline for Oink! contributor applications is Midnight (PST) on Monday, August 8, 2011. Our new contributors will be announced the week of August 15th.

We hope you're excited about the changes. We also have a few more surprises for you...but if I told you it wouldn't be a surprise! If all goes as planned, we will launch on Thursday, August 18, 2011. Mark your calendars!

Puttin' on my saddle shoes 'cuz I'm off to work on my birthday party...

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{real life} a lil' birthday wish

2011-07-21T16:14:00.000-05:00

Today is a special day...

my sister, Dort, is celebrating her birthday!

Dort has been Piggy Bank Parties'

loudest cheerleader and was our

first "official" client!

In honor of her birthday,

we have put our

Create-Your-Own Saying Banners

on SALE for $10.00 through

Friday, June 22, 2011!

Here are a few examples of ones

we've created for our clients...

You pick the colors, font, and style

from our menu of options.

They're perfect for any celebration!

Click here to create one of your very own!

Happy Birthday, Dort!

We ♥ U!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{inspiration party} pucker up for your sweetie!

2011-07-20T11:55:00.000-05:00

The Piggy Bank Parties Crew is beyond thrilled
to have been chosen as the Runner-Up in

Pizzazzerie's Summer Stripes Tablescape Contest!

{break for a Happy Dance!}

As I clicked the "send" button 2 minutes
before the deadline, I was filled with a mix of emotions.
J and I had accomplished our goal of entering the contest
but we didn't feel like the table was all it could be.

Why would I share that with you?
I always want to be authentic and let you know
that even when you plan a table or party design...
it doesn't always turn out the way you want.

Due to an overloaded work schedule,
my normal test run didn't happen.
The backdrop I had originally planned failed miserably
and I had to scramble to come up with another idea.
J struggled with lighting and wasn't happy with
the photographs...BUT we finished!

I knew we had a great concept and even though
we didn't finish it in time for the deadline...
I was determined to create the table
I dreamed up in my lil' brain!

Here is the table photo we entered into the contest...

...and here's the table after we took time to get it right!

It's amazing what a few days, a few simple additions

and better lighting can do for a table!

The really fantastic thing is I only added 4 things!

(1) Streamers, (2) plates and napkins, (3) paper flowers

and (4) a second layer to the signs.

We are so grateful that the judges liked our concept...

Party Concept: Before the big day, the bride will need to practice

her pucker before she kisses her sweetie!

The sour and tart sweet treats will offer her

and her guests plenty of practice.

Here are all the lil' details...

The Piggy Bank Parties' Paper Plate Backdrop featured

white plates with our yellow striped Sugar Cookie Paper

cut into squares and added to the center of each plate.

I added a Sugar Cookie Banner with one

of our new cookie shapes...Lemon!

Then I added my newest obsession...crepe paper ruffled streamers!

I made all of these for $3.00 using 3 rolls of crepe paper streamers

and approximately 1 hour behind the sewing machine.

{I'll share an easy tutorial soon!}

The focal points on the table were the

Lemonade Stand and the Kissing Booth.

The base of the stands are popcorn buckets from a dollar store

with striped paper attached using double stick tape.

Our Sugar Cookie Welcome Sign was customized with

a lemon cookie and a pink kiss to match our theme.

I attached two cookie sticks to the signs with

adhesive dots and tape for extra stability.

For the second photo shoot, I added yellow cardstock

to the back of the signs with pop-up adhesive dots

for an extra pop of color and a more finished look.

The finished signs were attached to the tops of

the popcorn buckets using molding clay.

Lip Smackin' Lemonade is served in glass jars with

striped paper lids, yellow straws and lemon slices.

Tart Sweets included Lemon Cake surrounded by

Lemon Drops and topped with Lemon Gumdrops...

White platters were lined with striped paper and featured
Lemon Loaf, Lemon Sugar Cookies, Lemon Tea Cookies
and Mini Meringue Cookies in yellow and white.
All of the treats were in straight lines to mimic stripes!

Time to practice your pucker...

Sweet & Sour Treats included Chocolate Kisses,
Lemonheads and Lemon War Heads...

Party Game: “Practice Your Pucker!”

Guests are asked to stand up in front of the group

and pop a Sour War Head in their mouth.

The guest with the best “pucker” face wins!

Hank's Hint: Always have a camera ready! Photograph the "sour" faces

and create a photobook for the bride-to-be or design a collage

which can be the front of the bride's Thank You Notes!

Lil' touches can take a table from cute to ADORABLE!

I added coordinating napkins to white plates

for a lil' pop of color...

...and made crepe paper flowers from leftover streamers!

Striped ribbon was added to the ends of the streamers

and tied around glasses and paper flowers...

Favor Idea: Place Lemon Biscotti and Lemon Herbal Tea
in a cellophane bag and tie with striped ribbon.
Your guests can practice their "pucker" at home!

Piggy Bank Parties' Party Budget: $75.00

{6-12 guests}

Sugar Cookie Welcome Sign: $8.00

plus "Lip" Customization: $5.00

Sugar Cookie Banner: $12.00

Sugar Cookie Paper: $3.00

Crepe Paper Streamers: $2.92

Sweet & Sour Treats: $29.47

Straws: $2.03

Napkins: $5.45

Favors: $6.42

All other items were pulled from the cupboards!

Pucker Up! Party Total: $74.29

{break for an Under-the-Budget Happy Dance!}

I hope you're INSPIRED to create a whimsical
party on a Piggy Bank budget!

I think there's one lemon sugar cookie left...I better hurry!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{tutorial} lil' party hat

2011-07-08T09:30:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited with the response from our

Sweet and Girlie Gingham Party!

Thank you for all of your kind words!

I created all of the décor for our lil' gingham party

using our Girlie Gingham Paper and

a few templates I designed.

Here's a lil' tutorial I originally designed for May Arts

on how to create a Lil' Party Hat...

Gather the following supplies:

36" of Ribbon per hat
2" Embellishments
Piggy Bank Parties' Lil' Party Hat Template
Cardstock or Heavyweight Paper
Scissors and Craft Knife
Hole Punch
Ribbon Adhesive or Adhesive Dots

Ready? Here we go...

1. Print the template directly on your patterned paper or on white cardstock to use as a tracing pattern.

2. Cut out the party hat and cut the slit using a craft knife.

3. Create a cone and insert the tab into the slit.

{Designer's Tip}: Fold the tabs in, insert into slit and then unfold the tabs. It takes a little practice but then it's easy!

4. Attach ribbon to the bottom of the cone using ribbon adhesive or adhesive dots. Add it slowly to prevent puckering. Trim any excess ribbon

5. Punch a hole on either side of the hat and add ribbon or elastic string. If using ribbon, tie a knot inside the hat and secure the ends in place with adhesive dots.

6. Embellish the hat with flowers and leaves using adhesive dots. Two back-to-back flowers were used at the top of the hat. Ta-Da! A perfect lil’ party hat!

For the Sweet and Girlie Gingham Party,

I used pink ruffled ribbon and created whimsical flowers

using circle punches and the same technique

to attach the flowers to the hat.

The flowers were created by punching three circles--1/2", 1" and 2".

I layered them whimsically, punched a hole and

added a 3/16" brad to secure all of the pieces.

Click here to download the Lil' Party Hat Template.

{free download} Lil' Party Hat Template

I hope you’re INSPIRED to create an adorable lil’ party hat!

Off to pick out which party hat to wear today!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

Vendors:

Ribbon :: May Arts {Styles: EN22 (5/8”), KB56 (3/8”) & 379-15-17 (1.5"}

Floral Embellishment :: Petaloo {Bristol Collection}

Brads :: Eyelet Outlet {3/16" Spring Brad Mix - Round}

Lil' Party Hat Template, Tutorial & Papers :: Piggy Bank Parties

{Spring Graphs Paper & Girlie Gingham Paper}

{inspiration party} sweet and girlie gingham

2011-07-07T13:23:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited to take part in the Vendor Challenge over on Celebrations at Home. Click here to see the beautiful post featuring our Sweet and Girlie Gingham {Inspiration} Party over on the Celebrations at Home blog today.

When I read the theme was "Pink and Orange," I knew instantly what party I wanted to create. A few months ago I designed an invitation for a sweet little girl's 4th birthday celebration using one of my favortie patterns--gingham.

I was so inspired by the invitation that I designed party décor to match. I’m thrilled to share how I created this sweet and special {inspiration party} on a $60.00 budget using one printables collection and some basic supplies.

The star of this party is the gingham paper. I used it to create placemats, napkin rings, party hats, favor boxes, favor bags, glass jar lids, flower embellishments, lanterns and serving platter liners.

The templates used here--party hat, purse favor box, favor bag, napkin ring and lil' lanterns--are all {free downloads} available right here on Oink! Click on the Free Downloads button at the top of the blog. In the next few days, I will be featuring tutorials on how I created each of them.

As a little girl, I always wanted to be grown up so I set up the dining table just like I would for a “big” girl party. Cloth napkins were safety pinned to pillows and used as sophisticated booster seats for the little ladies. The dark dining chairs were softened by attaching cloth napkins with simple ribbon bows.

I love using clear dishes to showcase fun placemats and white serving pieces that can be customized to fit almost any color scheme.

At each placesetting cloth napkins were rolled and encircled with flower napkin rings, little purses were filled with candy rings and whimsical flowers adorned party hats.

An orange chiffon birthday cake with a “sweet” mini banner was the perfect centerpiece on a cake stand embellished with pink ruffled ribbon.

The window backdrops for the dining and sweets tables included twisted pink ruffled ribbon and embellished paper lanterns. The same effect that I achieved with the ruffled ribbon can be duplicated using paper streamers that have been stitched and gathered down the center.

I also added the ruffled ribbon to the sweets table curtain using double-stick tape. The backdrop was finished off with a "sweet" banner!

I wanted to create a sweets table that was the perfect height for 4 year olds to feel like big girls so I used a bench from our dining set. The sweets included flower shaped cookies from my favorite bakery, store-bought wafer cookies and homemade cake mix cookies.

I used square platters and dishes to continue the gingham square theme. I even drizzled the frosting on the cake mix cookies to mimic the gingham pattern.

At the conclusion of the party, each attendee receives a favor bag filled with candy jewelry and a pack of sugarless bubble gum.

The Girlie Gingham Collection is available in six colors...

...and the party set is on SALE for $20.00 through July 15th!

I hope you’re INSPIRED to create a sweet and special party

for the little one in your life!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

Vendors:

Printable Party Décor, Party Styling & Photography: Piggy Bank Parties

Cake & Tea Cookies: Tag's Bakery

Ribbon: May Arts

{real life} a colorful getaway

2011-07-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, J and I took our first "real" vacation in 3 years.

It was a short trip from Chicagoland to a little

resort town in Michigan called Grand Haven.

Grand Haven has always had a special place in my heart.

I spent many summers working at a fine arts camp nearby

and I loved spending my nights and weekends off there.

I introduced J to Grand Haven shortly into our courtship

and soon this lil' town swooped him off his feet.

It's one of our favorite places in the whole world!

J and I sat on the beach and soaked in the sun,

and walked along the channel holding hands.

We enjoyed sunsets while eating dinner along the water

...and each night we took in The Musical Fountain.

The Musical Fountain--a light and water show--starts

after sunset each night during the summer.

The show is set to music and features

different musical selections each evening.

Simple. Relaxing. Fun.

Here are a few shots from The Musical Fountain...

We're still working on our night shots

...but I think they turned out pretty good!

The lights reflecting in the water are actually

boats that are watching the Musical Fountain.

I hope you're INSPIRED to take a little time off

to relax and enjoy the summer weather!

Thanks for indulging my vacation ~~slides~~ photos!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{behind the pig} where, o where, has this lil' piggy gone...

2011-07-05T00:42:00.000-05:00

First, I want to apologize for being so absent on Oink! lately.

It seems that whenever we get overloaded with work...

something's gotta give and unfortunately it's been blogging!

I wanted to give you a lil' insider information

on what we've been up to in hopes

that you'll stick with us during this time of change!

It's time for another installment of...

{cue soap opera organ music}

Many of you know that Piggy Bank Parties

is a squiggly lil' division of our original company,

Autumn Writings: Digital Calligraphy

and Stationery for All Seasons.

{If you're interested in knowing more

about us, click here and here.}

We've been in business in Chicagoland for 11 years and

are so grateful to all of our local clients and event planners

for their faithful support and word-of-mouth marketing.

BUT, we're ready for a change....a BIG change!

We're going 100% virtual!

How does this affect you?

We are gradually phasing out our local clients

so that we can focus 100% on you!

We will be offering more content on Oink!,

adding tons of new products to The Market

and providing new resources to help you create

fun, simple and unique parties on a budget!

It's a win...win...win for you!

Thanks for being so supportive of our lil' adventure!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

feelin' blue...and red...and white!

2011-07-04T09:10:00.000-05:00

We hope you make many memories today!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{link party} celebrating SupeR DaDs!

2011-06-21T12:34:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our SupeR DaD Link Party!

We can't express how THRILLING it is

to see how our fans and followers

use the products we've created

is such AMAZING ways!

{break for a Happy Dance!}

We can't wait to see how you used our

Super Dad Collection!

We hope you'll share links to

your Father's Day celebration

posts and photos here!

We'd love it if you'd add

our cute LINK button

to your blog post!

Don't forget to leave a COMMENT

on each of the blogs you visit!

Ready. Set. Upload your LINKS!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{free download} stars and stripes forever!

2011-06-14T11:44:00.000-05:00

In honor of Flag Day

and to celebrate reaching

900 Facebook Fans...

{break for a Happy Dance!}

...we wanted to share our latest addition

to the Patriotic Flair Collection!

The Patriotic Flair 4th of July {free download}

will help you decorate for your

Independence Day celebration!

Our lil' way of saying, "Thank U!"

to our Facebook, Twitter and Oink! Fans!

We've added Water Bottle Labels...

....Cake Stakes...

...and Party Squares!

Do you need the original Patriotic Flair Collection?

Click here for the {free download} links!

Are you ready for your Thank U Gift?

Click on the product names below to download...

Patriotic Flair 4th Water Bottle Labels

Patriotic Flair 4th Cake Stakes

Patriotic Flair 4th Party Squares

We would love for you to share our {free download}

with your Fans, Followers and Friends...

we just ask that they LIKE Piggy Bank Parties on Facebook

since this is a THANK U for our Facebook Fans!

We hope you're INSPIRED to create a

Patriotic celebration of your very own!

I'm off to put Old Glory out to wave!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{tutorial} a party placesetting

2011-06-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

It's time to hop over to the May Arts blog

for another fun {tutorial}...

Today I'm showing you how to create a festive placesetting

using scrapbook paper, ribbon and a {free download}

from a certain lil' piggy who loves to party!

Hop over to May Arts and leave a comment

for a chance to win a great prize from

May Arts and Creative Imaginations!

Off to decorate the table for lunch to surprise J!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{free download} a SuPeR father's day

2011-06-06T19:11:00.000-05:00

As an invitation and party décor designer,

I usually find inspiration everywhere.

There are times it is so hard to turn off my brain

and just relax because inspiration surrounds me.

That is...until a few weeks ago when

I sat down to sketch out a Father's Day collection.

As you know, we LoVe our Facebook Fans and

I wanted to create a collection to say, "Thank U!"

for helping us reach 800 Facebook FaNs!

{break for a Happy Dance!}

I thought about ties, pinstripe suits, golf, race cars,

barbecues, camping, sports, tools, gadgets...

...anything a DaD would LoVe!

Nothing. Zilch. Zippo. Nada.

I decided to take a break and see what was up on Facebook.

As I scrolled down, there it was in front of me...INSPIRATION!

{photo courtesy of Lizard & Ladybug}

Staci of Lizard & Ladybug had designed

these for her blog followers!

After checkin' in with Staci to see if she

minded being my inspiration,

I knew there was a certain SuperHero

in our studio who loved comics

and would leap tall buildings

to design the artwork!

Here's a SupeR lil' gift from The Piggy Bank Parties Crew

for you, our FaNtastic FacebooK FaNs...

The SupeR DaD Collection includes...

SupeR DaD Cake Stakes were used as

cupcake toppers and cake stand décor...

We created a SupeR banner with the

SupeR DaD Party Squares...

The SupeR DaD Fill-in Menu is perfect as a

menu or invitation for a SupeR brunch!

A SupeR Father's Day wouldn't be complete

without a SupeR DaD Card!

You can choose either the singular version

for one SideKicK...

...or the plural version for a whole bunch of SideKicKs!

Are you ready for your SupeR Thank U Gift?

Click on the product names below to download...

Super Dad Cake Stakes

Super Dad Card & Fill-In Menu (Singular)

Super Dad Card & Fill-In Menu (Plural)

Super Dad Party Squares

We would love for you to share our {free download}

with your Fans, Followers and Friends...

we just ask that they LIKE Piggy Bank Parties on Facebook

since this is a THANK U for our Facebook Fans!

We hope you're INSPIRED to create a

SupeR celebration in honor of the

SupeR DaD in your life!

This lil' piggy is off to change into tights and a cape!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{behind the pig} servin' up summer fun!

2011-06-02T17:55:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since our last installment of...

...a lil' peek inside our studio to see what we're creating!

This week we're servin' up these

placecards HoT off the grill!

A local event planner requested hot dog and hamburger

placecards for her son's Bar Mitzvah.

She'll be setting the placecards on

a large grill at the party!

LoVe.

J did an AmaZinG job on the artwork...

...but the lettuce and cheese were

a bit of a challenge to hand cut!

I hope to share more of these

lil' {sneak peak} posts

a lil' more often!

Hope you're INSPIRED to have a lil' fun

with your food this summer!

We had burgers for lunch...YummY!

Note: No paper burgers were harmed in the making of our lunch!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{link party} show off your patriotic flair!

2011-05-31T14:10:00.002-05:00

Welcome to our FIRST Link Party!

Yesterday we started seeing our

Patriotic Flair Collection

pop up in photos

all over the blogosphere!

We can't express how THRILLING it is

to see how our fans and followers
use the products we've created
is such AMAZING ways!

{break for a Happy Dance!}

We can't wait to see how you used our

Patriotic Flair Collection!

We hope you'll share links to

your Memorial Day Party

posts and photos here!

We'd love it if you'd add

our cute LINK button

to your blog post!

Don't forget to leave a COMMENT
on each of the blogs you visit!

We know you'll be INSPIRED for

your next patriotic event!

Ready. Set. Upload your LINKS!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{tutorial} 3-step party backdrop

2011-05-29T12:19:00.004-05:00

It's time for another May Arts tutorial!

May Arts is featuring projects created for the

Design Team Challenge this week.

It should be a fantastic week of amazing projects

so be sure to hop over and join the fun!

If you’ve followed my tutorials on the May Arts blog,

you're a fan of Oink! or you follow us on

Facebook and Twitter, you know I’m a Party Girl!

You also know that I’m always looking for

quick and simple ways to make a big impact

on a Piggy Bank budget!

Today’s tutorial is one of my favorite ways

to create a backdrop for a party buffet.

All you need is some delicious

May Arts ribbon to inspire you!

Gather the following supplies:

2 rolls of May Arts Ribbon
Scissors
Double-stick tape
Optional: Foam Core Board, Picture Frame or similar
Optional: Ruler or Measuring Tape
Optional: Piggy Bank Parties Party Décor (e.g.: Stars, Banners, etc.)

Ready? Here we go...

1. Measure the height of the window frame (or similar item).

2. Cut ribbon 1”-2” longer than the above measurement. Trim one end of the ribbon straight and the other can be trimmed straight or fancy (see photos 2 and 3 below).

3. Attach ribbon to the left and right sides and the middle of the window frame with double-stick tape.

Attach additional ribbon halfway between the left and the middle as well as halfway between the middle and the right.

Continue dividing the distance in half between ribbons until you have filled in the backdrop.

Designer Tip: Attach one style of ribbon first and then fill in with the second style.

4. Optional: Add embellishments like Piggy Bank Parties’ Patriotic Flair Party Squares and Cake Stakes.

Ta-Da! A Party Backdrop in 3 easy steps…

(1) measure, (2) cut ribbon and (3) attach with tape!

Here's another backdrop from February
using the same ribbons for our
Sugar Cookie Valentine's Party.

I also created an additonal backdrop by attaching ribbon

with double-stick tape to a foam core board.

If you use double-stick tape, it keeps the ribbon

in place for your event and then peels off easily.

You can then reuse the foam core board

and the ribbon for another project.

We added one of our

Create-Your-Own Custom Saying Banners

and we’re ready to set up our Sweets Table!

Piggy Bank Parties wanted to wish you a

“Happy Memorial-Independence-Military Welcome Home-Labor-Flag Day!”

so we are offering our Patriotic Flair Party Squares

and Patriotic Flair Cake Stakes as a free download

to you, our wonderful May Arts blog followers!

{free download} Patriotic Flair Party Squares

{free download} Patriotic Flair Cake Stakes

I hope you’re inspired to create a

“3-Step Party Backdrop” using May Arts ribbon

and Piggy Bank Parties party décor!

I'm off to design more "Sweet" party décor!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

Sources:

Ribbon by May Arts

{Styles: 365-2-14 (2”), HA09 (3/8”), 365-2-17 (2”) and 355-93 (7/8”)}

Patriotic Flair Party Squares, Patriotic Flair Cake Stakes and

Create-Your-Own Custom Saying Banner by Piggy Bank Parties

{free download} the patriotic flair collection

2011-05-24T19:03:00.002-05:00

We adore our Facebook Fans.

We love giving gifts.

Thank U for helping us reach 600 fans!

Okay...we know we now have 790 fans...

we're a bit behind BuT we didn't forget

about our 600 FaN Thank U Gift!

Here's a lil' gift from The Piggy Bank Parties Crew...

We designed the Patriotic Flair Collection

with all of your summer parties in mind...

Memorial Day, Independence Day,

Military Welcome Home Parties,

Flag Day and Labor Day!

The Patriotic Flair Collection includes...

...a banner that includes all 26 letters of the alphabet

so you can create any phrase you'd like...

...and a star, too!

The Fill-In Menu--one red striped and one blue striped--

can be used as a menu or an invitation...

...open the file using Acrobat Reader,

click on the blueish text box,

type in your text and print!

The Cake Stakes make perfect cupcake toppers...

{My favorite photo's next...}

...or use them on the center of paper medallions!

The Party Cards make wonderful placecards...

...or food labels on your buffet!

Open the file, click on the blueish text box,

type in your text and print.

The Water Bottle Labels can be printed on white paper

or full-sheet waterproof labels.

The Patriotic Flair Party Squares are a new item.

We used a 4" circle cutter to create the

centers for our paper medallions.

We designed six Patriotic Flair Papers

to help you create all kinds of fun décor!

We created the paper medallions using

the Patriotic Flair Paper,

the Patriotic Flair Party Squares

and the Patriotic Flair Cake Stakes!

The handmade medallions are one of my

favorite new paper craft projects!

Are you ready for your Thank U Gift?

Click on the product names below to download...

Patriotic Flair Banner

Patriotic Flair Fill-In Menu

Patriotic Flair Cake Stakes

Patriotic Flair Party Cards

Patriotic Flair Water Bottle Labels

Patriotic Flair Party Squares

Patriotic Flair Paper

We would love for you to share our {free download}

with your Fans, Followers and Friends...

we just ask that they LIKE Piggy Bank Parties on Facebook

since this is a THANK U for our Facebook Fans!

We hope you're INSPIRED to create a

PATRIOTIC celebration of your own!

I'm off to enjoy one of those Patriotic cupcakes!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{inspiration party} a chic zebra party

2011-05-17T13:53:00.000-05:00

Cineca of Dreamin N Details Designs contacted me a few months ago

and requested a Custom Invitation for a very

discerning client....a soon-to-be teenage girl!

Miss Madison was having a Dance Party to celebrate her 13th birthday.

She wanted a sophisticated Zebra theme and the color scheme

was to be primarily pink and black with splashes of orange.

The challenge was to create an invitation that was sophisticated

for a teenager who longed to be older

while keeping it young and playful!

Here's the Zebra Chic Invitation we designed...

Before creating the artwork for the invitation,

J, our resident artist, studied photographs of zebras

which inspired him to create an original zebra pattern

that he added pink and orange to for a funky twist!

He also added a slightly transparent black lace

background to frame the invitation wording.

The birthday girl loved the invitation!

{break for a Happy Dance!}

The invitation inspired us to create a coordinating partyware collection

and to design an inspiration party unlike any I had done before!

I found that working with such a strong pattern was challenging.

It's very easy to overwhelm the table with everything zebra

and in the end I took a few things off the table

that were competing with each other.

I started with a simple white tablecloth and added

my black pashmina scarf as a runner.

I then added our newest backdrop idea...

pink square plates!

The plates are attached to a large piece of foam core with Velcro.

The Velcro allows us to easily change the plates

whenever we need a different color backdrop.

I then added our Zebra Chic Banner

which was personalized for Madison's event.

In front of the backdrop, I placed two zebra gift bags

which I found at our local Marshall's for $1.69 each.

I filled them with white tissue paper,

replaced the gift bag handles with hot pink ribbon

and added a "13" Zebra Chic Cake Stake tag.

Hank's Hint: Gift Bags filled with tissue are perfect for filling in empty spots on buffet tables. Customize and embellish them with ribbon, gems and tags to match your event.

The Zebra Chic Welcome Sign was placed in the center of the

buffet table to create a focal point for the table.

Simple vanilla cupcakes with buttercream frosting

were placed on a white cupcake tower

embellished with the Zebra Chic Paper.

Instead of using the Zebra Chic Cake Stakes on all of the cupcakes,

I added just one to the uppermost cupcake

for a sophisticated presentation.

The welcome sign was flanked with Oreo Cakesters

renamed, "Chic Whoopie Pies"

in honor of the occasion.

We added our own custom text to the Zebra Chic Party Cards

using Acrobat Reader {free download}.

We've set up the font style and ink color on the party cards

so all you need to do is type in the text and print!

I decided to limit the sweets to five choices

which meant I had extra room on the table.

I embellished lil' white gable boxes with

Zebra Chic Paper and attached a

personalized Zebra Chic Thank You Tag

with ribbon I found at Michael's.

The favor boxes can be filled with sweet chic treats

or with your favorite nail polish and lip gloss.

Little Debbie Zebra Cakes were a perfect addition

embellished with a Zebra Chic Cake Stake.

The chic sweets also included

Little Debbie Snack Cakes and Zebra Popcorn.

The Zebra Cakes were served on chic pedestals

created using upside down white bowls

topped with black square premium plastic plates.

Zebra Chic Paper was added to the center of the
black square plates for a little extra pop of color.

The popcorn cones were created using Zebra Chic Paper.

The boxes used to display the cones were recycled from our

Charlie Brown Inspired Birthday Party

and labeled with Zebra Chic Party Cards.

I made the Zebra Popcorn with two ingredients--

microwave popcorn and melted chocolate chips!

After popping the corn, I used the microwave

to melt chocolate chips and then placed the

melted chocolate in a recloseable storage bag.

I placed the popcorn on wax paper in a single layer,

snipped the corner of the bag with scissors

and drizzled the chocolate over the popcorn.

After the chocolate hardened, I added the

yummy Zebra Popcorn to the cones.

For our clients who love to include a menu on their
buffet table or have a seated dinner,

we created the Zebra Chic Fill-In Menu.

The menu can also be used to create an invitation.

Just add your own text and print!

After the sweets have been thoroughly enjoyed,

move the favor boxes to the center of the buffet.

Add a little note from the birthday girl

and your guests will be sure to pick up

their favors before they leave!

The Zebra Chic Collection

is currently available in The Market...

...and the Zebra Chic Party Set is on sale

for $20.00 through May 22, 2011!

{$30 Retail Value}

Piggy Bank Parties' Budget: $50.00

{10-12 guests}

Zebra Chic Party Grand Total: $46.46

includes décor, favors, sweets and beverages

{break for an Under Budget Happy Dance!}

I hope your INSPIRED by our lil' party!

I'm off to enjoy two glasses of milk with my Zebra sweets...

...one chocolate and one white, of course!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{tutorial} lil' lanterns to brighten any celebration

2011-05-16T10:37:00.004-05:00

I LoVe parties.

I design invitations for parties.

I design partyware for parties.

I design and style parties.

I LoVe parties.

I’m always looking for ways to create the perfect party mood. Lighting is one of the easiest ways to create ambiance. The problem—an electrical outlet isn’t always readily available. Today’s project was one I designed to solve that problem.

Gather the following supplies:

10’ of May Arts Ribbon per 5 lantern strand
DCWV Adhesive-Backed Glitter Stack (1 sheet per strand)
Piggy Bank Parties Lil’ Lantern Template
1 sheet of 8.5” x 11” Heavy Cardstock
Celebration Party Lights (1-3 per lantern)
8.5” x 11” Translucent Paper (1 per lantern)
4-Ply Irish Waxed Linen Thread (10” per light)
1/8” Hole Punch
1” and 1.5” Flower Punches
Doodlebug Design Inc. Chunky Brads – Bon Appétit Assortment
Glue Arts Ribbon Adhesive
Craft Knife & Self-Healing Mat
Ruler
Scissors
Pencil
Bone Folder

Ready? Here we go...

1. Download and print the Lil’ Lantern template on heavy cardstock.

2. Cut out the template using scissors on the exterior solid lines and a craft knife, ruler and self-healing mat for the interior solid lines. A ruler will help you cut a straight line when using a craft knife.

3. Trace your template on the back side of the Glitter Stack cardstock. Repeat 4 times to make a total of 5 lanterns. Cut out the lanterns just like you did the template. Set the interior cut-outs aside to create embellishments later.

4. Peel off the backing on the lantern and attach to a piece of translucent paper. {If your lantern cardstock is not adhesive backed, attach the lantern using an adhesive roller.} Trim around the outside edge.

5. Score along the dotted lines {refer to the template}, fold and crease using a Bone Folder. {Hint: Score on the back of the glitter cardstock. This will help prevent the paper from cracking and tearing.}

6. Punch a 1/8” hole at the top of the lantern {see photo}.

7. Add ribbon adhesive to the lantern flap, tuck under and seal.

8. Add 1-3 Celebration Party Lights to 10” of Irish Waxed Linen Thread. Tie a knot 1” above the light. The knot allows the light to dangle and prevents it from going through the 1/8” hole.

{Designer Tip}: Irish Waxed Linen Thread is used in basket weaving and book binding. I discovered it 10 years ago and I use it for all types of craft projects. LoVe.

9. Pull the ends of the wax thread through the 1/8” hole at the top of the lantern. Tie a triple knot in the thread to keep it from falling back through the hole.

10. Tie the lantern onto the 10’ ribbon starting 3’ from the end. Then tie additional lanterns every 12 inches. There will be another 3’ length of ribbon after the fifth lantern. If you need longer strands, adjust your measurements accordingly.

11. Trim the excess wax thread and add embellishments. The flowers shown were made from punching 1” and 1.5” flowers from the lantern cut outs. Peel off the backing, stack the flowers and add a brad in the center. Attach the embellishments near the top of the lantern.

12. Hang up the lanterns, twist the lights to turn them on and…Ta-Da! Lil’ Lanterns for any occasion! Hang them in trees for outdoor parties or anywhere you need a lil’ light!

The Crew at Piggy Bank Parties created the Lil’ Lanterns Template as a free download for you, our AmAzInG Oink! and May Arts blog followers!

{free download} Lil’ Lanterns Template

I hope you’re INSPIRED to create some Lil’ Lanterns

for you next celebration!

I think I'll go turn on the lanterns now and have a lil' party!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{deposit} an artfully designed birthday

2011-05-15T09:07:00.000-05:00

It's time to open the PIGGY BANK

for another DEPOSIT from Kelly of

I "met" Kelly during one of the Children's Party Network chats a few months ago. I was thrilled when she sent over her party deposit. Here's what Kelly had to say about her party...

We recently celebrated my son's sixth birthday party. He had 5 of his friends over for an art party on Saturday afternoon, then the artistic theme continued with a fun day with family on Sunday. It was a really fun theme to work with! Everyone seemed to enjoy the parties....but most importatly Caleb thought it was just awesome. We wanted to share some photos of his parites, in hopes that someone else would be inspired to have an art-themed party of their own!

It all started with one adorable, creative and EXCITED birthday boy:

The theme was his idea. He came up with suggestions for decorations, activities and food. Of course, I had a few surprises for him...but he was a big part of planning and creating his party (just as it should be!).

Some simple invitations and thank you notes designed on Zazzle.com:

A welcoming banner painted by the birthday boy himself, a chandelier of tissue poms and a balloon centerpiece (Art billboard by The Purple Pug).

Of course there was a snack table! Obviously color was a big part of the theme! Goodies included: rainbow colored Goldfish, M&Ms, Skittles, pretzel rods, edible crayons (pretzel rods dipped in candy melts, wrapped with crayon paper), fruit kabobs, water and Switch Sparkling Fruit Juice (My new fav! Colorful cans and no added sugars or artificial colors.)

I made flags for the straws with famous quotes about art. The kids had a chance to get creative while decorating their own cupcake and the mini cherry pies were served at the family party (along with the colorful cake below!).

Each child recieved an art kit and bookmark. They ended up being the most economical favors I've ever handed out....yet they are actually useable!! How often do our kids come home from parties with goody bags of junk that ends up right in the trash? I didn't want to do that...but didn't want to spend a fortune on them either.

The bookmarks are made from Duron paint chips...obviously, they were free. The art kits were at Michael's around Christmas time for $2.99! A steal! I wrapped them in colored paper, tied on a ribbon and two tags. One tag was a thank you message from Caleb and the other a quote from Picasso that said, "Every child is an artist."

The big thrill for Caleb at the family party was his cake. He had great fun helping me make the cake batter. He measured all of the ingredients, added all of the food coloring and cracked all the eggs!

The bunting for the cake stand was made from paint chips (I love paint chips!) cut into flags and taped to the glass, then I covered the taped edges with the black polka dot ribbon. The cake was inspired by the rainbow cake over at One Charming Party.

The recipe for the icing, aptly named, "That's the Best Frosting I've Ever Had," is from The Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen Blog. And let me tell ya....it's named that for a reason. I'm not a big icing eater...but the whipped-cream like frosting was DIVINE!! We opted for fudge frosting in between the layers because we thought the chocolate would be a nice touch (plus I think it helps the over all color-effect!).

The cake was topped off with a perfectly adorable cake billboard from glittery gal Kristy over at The Purple Pug. These should be showing up in her online store soon. Caleb enjoyed tricking the guests by telling them, "My cake is soooo white and booooring!" He LOVED the "oohs" and "ahhs" as I cut in to it.

It really was great fun to plan this party...and great fun to attend it! Can't wait to see what Caleb comes up with next year!

I love that Kelly involved Caleb in the planning and execution of his birthday party. I adore the banner he painted to welcome his guests. A Masterpiece!

I wanted to get to know Kelly a bit better. Here's my lil' interview with her...

Do you do this as a full- or part-time job or is it just for fun? Right now, I only do children's parties for family and friends (and a few friends of friends!). I'm a special events decorator/floral designer at Romance of Flowers in Baltimore, but I don't own the business. We do mostly high-end weddings, and some corporate stuff...but not children's events. That being said, I'm trying to take more photos now and keep a better portfolio, as well as building some relationships within the children's party business in case I ever decide to venture in to this with both feet!

How did you get started? I've always loved to plan and style events. Before becoming a floral designer I had a 12 year career in the film business as a set dresser/prop stylist. I guess now that I create mostly "grown up" events professionally, I look for as many opportunities to do stuff for the kiddos as possible. I love working with a theme. My first kids party was when my oldest son turned one----I was hooked after that!

What penny pinching ideas/tips went into your event? There were several art related activities.

Caleb wanted to play bingo, so I created an art themed bingo sheet using Picasa. (FREE!)
I found coloring sheets of famous masterpieces at SuperColoring.com. They had everything from Matisse to Andy Warhol! (FREE!)
We drew self portraits. The kids enjoyed studying the shapes of their heads, eyes and noses in their hand-held mirrors!
The kids also painted their own lizard toy (we needed one messy activity!). ($1 each from Michael's)
Caleb came up with the idea of Freeze Drawing. Much like the traditional party game Freeze Dance, but--you guessed it--they drew! Actually, they ended up in a free-for-all dance by the end of the game.....they just couldn't contain themselves when Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" came on!!
Total cost of all party activities $1 per child

I hope your INSPIRED by Kelly's party!

It reminds me that you don't need to spend a lot of pennies

to create and very special birthday celebration!

I'm off to pull out my paint set and find my inner Monet!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{tutorial} spring in a can

2011-04-29T08:00:00.013-05:00

It's time to hop over to the May Arts blog

for another fun tutorial...

{click here for the tutorial}

See how I turned a tin can into a spring bouquet

perfect for May Day, Mother's Day

or to brighten someone's day!

Psst! There's a {free download}, too!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{deposit} Zzzebra slumber party

2011-04-27T23:25:00.000-05:00

It's time to open our PIGGY BANK

for another DEPOSIT from Alexandra of

I first "met" Alexandra when she featured one of our parties on her blog. It was exciting for us since we were new to the blogosphere and hadn't been featured much. I am so excited to return the favor and share this fun party with our blog followers. Here's what Alexandra had to say about her party...

I decided to throw myself a slumber party for my 33rd birthday and, of course, the crazy party planner took over! I found some cool zebra print dishes and decided to use them for the party. I paired the zebra print with purple and green and loved it. I looked high and low for items that would create a fun and youthful yet elegant atmosphere for the party.

My guests' ages ranged from early 20's to early 40's so I really wanted an event that would be fun and energetic for the young crowd and nostalgic for the older girls. Keeping that in mind I tried to design each room with a slightly different mood.

The main room was the girly lounge. This area featured the dessert table: vanilla meringues, black and white sixlets, purple and green chocolate covered sunflower seeds, sour apple candy sticks, dark chocolate caramels, lemon sugar eye mask cookies, cherry bon bon cookies (green ones), brownie hugs, chocolate slumber party girl cupcakes, grape rock candy, cake pops, chocolate dipped cookies with regular and chocolate milk.

The main room also had a beauty bar with makeup, nail polish, manicure tools, lotions and hair tools. Finally, I created a lounge area by the couch with floor pillows and a padded floor rug in front of a roaring fire with gossip magazines to read.

The second area was the kitchen and dining areas. I created a make your own pizza table and set the dining table for everyone to sit and enjoy their food and snacks.

The last area was the game room. I had this area set up with "Dance Dance Revolution" and "Guitar Hero" for the guests to play with or against each other. This room also had a roaring fire and either side of the fire was the food table and bar. Above the fire was where I set up the favors for all of the girls.

I also decided to have all purple and green drinks featuring grape and lime Jello shots, purple people eaters, apple martinis, sangria, Scooby snacks (in shot glasses made of ice) and water with custom labels.

I was speechless when I saw the photos from Alexandra's party. Her attention to detail is amazing! I love that she carried the zebra, purple and green color scheme throughout the entire party including the food. Creating this type of environment allows guests to flow from room to room effortlessly. Bravo!

I wanted to get to know Alexandra a bit better. Here's my lil' interview with her...

Do you do this as a full- or part-time job or is it just for fun? I started this business as a hobby. I then took time off from my full-time job (video game programmer) to stay home with my daughters. Now that I'm done having kids, I'm trying to transition this as my full-time job so I can work from home.

If a business, how long have you been in business? I've been doing weddings since 2004.

How did you get started? I loved planning my own wedding and started working on other people's so I wouldn't have to stop.

What penny pinching ideas/tips went into your event? A number of items were purchased from the 99 Cent Store including zebra plates and platters, beauty bar supplies and boas/scarves hanging over the pizza station. The favors and frames were from Target and most of the food was homemade. Zebra table runners and the dining tablecloth were on sale or I used coupons at the fabric store. The purple velvet fabric on the dessert table and beauty bar were leftover from my wedding.

I hope your INSPIRED by Alexandra's party!

I'm inspired to finally use the "Girl's Night Out"

napkins I bought 4 years ago!

A chocolate dipped zebra cookie and milk sound yummy right now!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

Sources:

Party Styling & Photography :: Enchanted Events & Design

Printables :: A Blissful Nest & Enchanted Events & Design

Eye Mask Cookies :: Firefly Confections

Cupcakes :: Fenella Higgins

{free download} easter favorites for our fans

2011-04-23T13:27:00.001-05:00

I hope you are enjoying the weekend with your loved ones!

I wanted to share two of my favorite things with you,

our faithful followers in honor of Easter.

My new favorite recipe by Jenny of

Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line...

{photo: courtesy of Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line}

{recipe photo: courtesy of Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line}

I was hanging out on Jenny's blog the other day

reading about her April Showers Birthday Party

when I discovered the Baked Oatmeal recipe.

I had all of the ingredients in my cupboard and

it's the perfect addition to any Easter brunch!

Most days I'm a savory breakfast girl but sometimes

I do like a lil' sweetness--and this is perfect!

I've been eating it for a snack every day and it's already

part of the menu for J's next birthday party!

Thanks, Jenny!

My second new favorite thing is our

Springin' Gingham Notes...

{click here to download}

...they're the perfect size to tuck into an Easter bouquet

or attach to an Easter basket!

We love it when you share our {free downloads} on

Facebook, Twitter and your blogs.

We hope your friends will join our adventure

by becoming a fan!

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{inspiration party} a springin' gingham celebration

2011-04-20T21:00:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I featured the Easter version of our

Springin' Gingham Collection.

Click here to HoP over and see our lil' party.

Today I wanted to share the Spring version...

This lil' collection is perfect for playdates,

afternoon tea or a May Day celebration!

Add the Springin' Gingham Banner to

an easy and affordable paper plate backdrop...

...the backdrop is a HUGE hit with the party chicks!

The Springin' Gingham Cake Stakes add a touch

of whimsy to plain white cupcakes!

Our lil' critter, Winston, hopped over from our Easter party

to watch over the spring flower cupcakes!

When I was a youngin', seeing a red-breasted robin

meant Spring was almost here!

Springin' Gingham Paper Cones

were placed in boxes we reused from our

Charlie Brown Inspired Birthday.

I cut holes in the top of a box and

covered it with a neutral paper.

Create easy spring flowers with four circles, a brad,

a lollipop stick and adhesive dots.

I used 1", 1.5" and 2" circles to create the flower

and a 1" circle cut in half for the leaves.

Piggy Bank Party Budget: $25.00

{10-12 guests}

Food: $18.93

Décor: $5.00

{drumroll}

Party Receipts Grand Total: $23.93

{break for an Under Budget Happy Dance!}

The Springin' Gingham Collection

is currently on sale for $5.00 through Easter!

I hope your INSPIRED to create

a lil' celebration in honor of SPRING!

This lil' piggy has a SpRiNg in her step!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{inspiration party} a springin' gingham easter

2011-04-19T22:09:00.000-05:00

I love gingham. It makes me happy.

I love red gingham. I love blue gingham.

I love pink gingham. I love green gingham.

I love yellow, orange and purple gingham.

I love gingham. It makes me happy.

It reminds me of spring...and summer...and picnics.

My inspiration for our Easter collection...gingham!

Here's my lil' inspiration party featuring our

Springin' Gingham Collection....

When I was little the first thing we did when we woke up

on Easter morning was to "hop" to the family room

to see what the Easter bunny left in our Easter baskets.

I wanted to recreate that childhood experience

of finding goodies in my Easter basket.

I pulled together a few baskets, recycled Easter grass,

plastic eggs and our Springin' Gingham Collection.

The backdrop is my lastest "penny pinching" idea

that came out of complete frustration!

It's made out of square plates velcroed to foam core.

Need a different color? Change the plates!

{I'll do a lil' tutorial on how to create one!}

We reused the blue plate background from a previous photo shoot
and added the Springin' Gingham Banner...

The colors were inspired by a package of plastic Easter eggs

and I created a different shape for the banner panels.

The food was inspired by traditional Easter favorite treats

and what was readily available at the grocery store!

I purchased a package of "Cotton Tails"

which I was so excited about....until I opened it!

It was a mass of tri-colored cotton candy which I had

to pull apart and form into lil' Cotton Tails.

They're a little sad but still fun to pop in your mouth!

Hank's Hint: If you're going to use cotton candy, don't open the package

until a few minutes before the party. As soon as the sugar hits the

air it will begin to dry out and eventually crust over!

The basket with the bunny is first filled with recycled

tissue paper and then topped with Easter grass.

An easy way to stretch one package of paper grass!

My basketweave pie server was perfect for

displaying cupcakes with our

Springin' Gingham Cake Stakes...

...and our Spring Flower Cupcakes...

The M&M flower cupcakes were inspired by

these cupcakes by Party Pinching.

She used mini cupcakes which would be much easier

to eat than the ones we decorated for this party!

We almost used a whole bag on FIVE cupcakes!

One of my all time favorites is up next...

...what's Easter without these lil' yellow chicks?

I made simple white cupcakes with

yummy buttercream frosting.

My sister, Dort, thought they were

storebought...until she tasted them!

Guess my piping bag skills are gettin' better!

We created whimsical flowers using our

Springin' Gingham Paper...

{they're my new favorite thing to create!}

...and topped a few cupcakes with them.

I also wanted to include some snacks to balance the sweets...

...Critter Snacks...

...Critter Dips {hummus and ranch dressing}...

...and Bunny Tails!

We created cones with the Springin' Gingham Paper and

used Springin' Gingham Party Cards as food labels.

The cones were placed in boxes we reused

from our Charlie Brown Inspired Birthday.

{you'll see a close up in our next post}

I filled in around the boxes with recycled tissue paper

and topped it with Easter grass and plastic eggs.

I used white serving dishes for smaller items and

cupcakes were displayed on upside down ramekins.

Easter grass and plastic eggs added the perfect lil' touch!

Favor Ideas? Send home leftover treats in lil' bags

embellished with gingham flowers

or "Happy Easter" Cake Stakes!

And last, but NOT least, I'd like to

introduce you to a very special critter...

...Winston, the lil' brown bunny.

{my favorite picture!}

Piggy Bank Party Budget: $50.00

{10-12 guests}

Food: $22.59

Décor: $9.90

Winston: $5.46

Backdrop: $5.46

{drumroll....}

Party Receipts Grand Total: $43.41

{break for an Under Budget Happy Dance!}

If you're still looking for a lil' help with your Easter décor,

the Springin' Gingham Collection

is currently on sale for $5.00 through Easter!

I wanted to send an extra special ThAnK U to my big sis, Dort,

for assembling the paper good for our lil' photo shoot.

I hope you're INSPIRED to create a whimsical celebration!

Maybe J will put on some music so we can Bunny Hop!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{real cards} a little peep...

2011-04-18T10:00:00.005-05:00

A certain Easter treat always reminds me of my friend, Cecilia. She loved to eat those yellow marshmallow treats months after they arrived in her Easter basket! {Yes, months!} So when the first signs of spring arrived on the shelves of our local drugstore {aka Easter candy}, I thought it would be a fun surprise for her.

I wanted to make a card that was whimsical and springy and I remembered a birthday invitation I designed 4 years ago for a client. I dug through the virtual archives for the artwork and here's what I created...

After finishing, it seemed like such a shame not to send out a few more! I had a lot of fun with the envelopes, too! There's even a little butterfly flying out of the envelope flap. My heart's all a flutter!

Wishing you happy memories and many blessings!

Happy Easter!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{sneak peek} the photo shoot marathon

2011-04-12T20:23:00.000-05:00

I've been hinting on Facebook that we've been doing

LoTs of photo shoots in the past two weeks.

Today, I'd thought you would like to see

a lil' {sneak peek} at what we've been up to...

{noah's ark collection}

{glow-in-the-dark collection}

{zebra chic collection}

{springin' gingham: easter}

{springin' gingham: spring}

{county fair collection}

{mini milestone collection}

{zoo kroo invitation}

{girlie gingham invitation}

{robot rascals invitation}

{create-your-own phrase banner}

Can you believe we still have one more BiG shoot to do?

We were just too exhausted to do any more last week!

I'll also be sharing about the {inspiration} for each

of the collections including some {real parties}!

Items currently available in The Market have links

and the others are {coming soon}!

Well...as soon as we can pick the best photos

from the ThOuSaNdS we took!

We wanted to send a HuGe

to my big sis, Dorothy!

Dort jumped on a train last Monday to help with food

and product prep for last week's photo shoots.

She shopped, baked, cooked meals, cut party cards,

strung banners and did everything we asked...and more!

Thanks, Dort, for being our biggest fan

and loudest cheerleader!

We ♥ U!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration....

{deposit} a superchicked military man

2011-04-09T22:56:00.000-05:00

It's time to open our PIGGY BANK

for another DEPOSIT from Genevieve of...

Blog . Shop . Facebook . Twitter

I am beyond excited to share Genevieve's party with you today! A few months before I took the plunge into the party blogosphere, I discovered Genevieve's blog, Celebrate TODAY...the Superchick Way! {Where motherhood, creativity and life collide!}. I loved her free spirit and crazy attitude and became an instant fan! A few months later I had the pleasure of "meeting" G and my love for this crazy kool chick has grown by leaps and bounds!

I am honored that THE talented and vivacious Superchick is sharing this amazing celebration she created for her son, Niko. Here's what Genevieve had to say about her party...

We chose a “Military Man” theme because the birthday boy, NIKO (9) is totally into war games, military legos, Nerf guns & paint ball games! The color palette included greens and browns… with a “camouflage” print!

Theme & Decor:

I purchased both “authentic” and “crafted” deco elements. The ammunition boxes, camo netting and old bullets were real! The boys LOVED that!!!! I found them at an Army surplus store! I found hats, toy grenades and paper plates at my local party store.

Food & Drink:
Hats were ‘flipped” and used as vessels for snacks! Treats included cleverly labeled snacks! Camouflaged cake pops (made by me!!!) were called "cake bombs," trail mix was transformed into "military mix/" popcorn with camo colored M&Ms and jelly beans was called "camo corn!"

We also had camo swirly lollipops, dark hot chocolate cupcakes, custom iced cookies and bottled root beer! Mini doughnuts, shelled peanuts, candy… I mean it went on and on!

I created mini versions of my Kandy Kones™ and used them as “cake toppers!" SO COOL!! The kones were filled with chocolate chips! Extra chocolate is ALWAYS a good idea!

Activities:
The boys played tug-a-war in the rain! They did target shooting with paintball guns! We also invited a veteran to come talk to the boys about his experiences!!!

Oh, and we asked a cadet friend to deliver the birthday gift which was authentic army fatigues!!!

Favors:
Boxes filled with silver and gold foiled candy with matching stickers! Each child also got to take home a plastic grenade and the “body target” the shot with paint ball guns!

Shopping Resources:
I called on my best GFs for product because encouraging other artists is huge to me! We all shine in our own rights! My printables were created by my sweet friend Kristy from Posh Pixel Designs! Cupcakes were baked by Stacy from Scrumptious Swirls! The cookies ROCKED MY WORLD!!! Sara from Dandy Delights did an outstanding job!!! Mini Doughnuts by Dough a Deer! Last, but certainly not least, my girl Pam from Party Starters created the favor boxes!

The invitations, Kandy Kones™, Kandy Kone™ Minis, crepe paper streamers, cake pops and styling was done by me, Celebrate TODAY!

Click here and here for more party details!

I love that Genevieve's unique style comes through every party she creates! She also proves that any theme can come to life with a lil' creativity. I love that she tweaked the traditional camouflage color scheme with pops of bright green. I also love that she asked a veteran to speak about his experiences as one of the activities!

I wanted to get to know Genevieve a bit better. Here's my lil' interview with her...

Do you do this as a full- or part-time job or is it just for fun? Depends on who you ask! lol What started out as a creative outlet has turned into an insanely awesome JOB! These days, the Kandy Kones™ Factory is open for biz 24/7! I'm home full time with my three littles so I get to design and create at will!

If a business, how long have you been in business? I started my blog (www.celebrate2da.com) in March 2010, way clueless! I just wanted a place to call my own! A platform where I could share my creative craziness! In November 2010 I created my first KANDY KONE™ and the rest is history! My biz exploded and has been evolving organically ever since!

How did you get started? I'm a paper addict! I love touching, sniffing and sniping PAPER! That said, for as long as I can remember I've wanted to design/create a UNIQUE party product! No joke! Something different! Something fun! In Sept 2010 while planning my daughter's Little Red Ridding Hood Party, I was crafting traditional paper cones when it HIT ME! It just did! Connect said cone to a wooden skewer and voilà! Kandy Kones™ were born!

What penny pinching ideas/tips went into your event? Love this question 'cuz I'm all about partying CHEAP!!! Always! For Niko's party, I purchased many of the deco items at my local $Store! (plastic grenades, helmet "bowls"...)

One of my best kept secrets is that I never buy more than ONE set of the "themed" paper plates/napkins! I buy a coordinating color (in this case black) and alternate! Stack 'em up, NO ONE ever notices or cares and I save $!

I also barter! If you have a talented gf who bakes, designs printables, whatever, offer up YOUR product/services in exchange! It's FREE and everybody wins!

Last tip (and trust me, I could go on forever!!!) Borrow Borrow Borrow! I always ask my friends to share and lend me items I know match my theme! Again, it's FREE! Hosting a pink dino party? Ask your ppl to drop off their dino toys big & small, dino books, pink vases/platters, faux plants/trees...you get the idea!

Here are links to some of Genevieve's amazing par-tays...

Sophie's Little Red Riding Hood Party

"I am Girly...Hear me roar!" ~ A Pink Dino Party

I hope you're INSPIRED by Genevieve's party!

I can't wait to design and create partyware for tween boys!

I'm thinking about hanging donuts on all of my evergreens outside!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...

{may arts} easy easter décor tutorial

2011-04-07T11:06:00.002-05:00

It's time to HoP over to May Arts' blog

for my lastest tutorial...

{Click here to HoP!}

While you're there, pick up our {free download}...

...and enter to win the lastest giveaway from May Arts!

This lil' piggy is hoppin' down the bunny trail!

Stay tuned to Oink! for more inspiration...