Miscellaneous Monday!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We are recovering from all the painting fumes ;o) but our new library is coming together! woot!

Below are a few miscellaneous items from my inspiration stash... enjoy!

This yarn charger idea could work for just about any party, not just a craft one! just change the color! Hint - wait for some hideous color charger to go on clearance and then snag 'em up! Source and tutorial

This tutorial makes me actually believe I could get chocolate to look like this! This would not only be a beautiful (and yummy!) decoration, but it would be a beautiful gift, as well! Source and tutorial

Great tutorial on how to turn any plastic toy into a candle holder! Can you imagine - you could do a bigger toy and have multiple candles! Source and tutorial

Shopping Saturday!

The skies opened up and the rain came down today! We sure needed it but it definitely cut my shopping short! ...but today was my FIRST time EVER at a Hobby Lobby! WOOT! They finally opened one close enough - 1 hour away!


...here are the items I found at local stores (but national chains) to help you stash away for your future bash!

These might be tree toppers... but they would be perfect for a Princess/Prince or Cinderella party!

Found: Hobby Lobby
Section: Christmas
Price: $14.99

For your Woodland or Owl themed parties, pick up a few of their many themed products...

Found: Hobby Lobby
Section: Fall/Seasonal
Price: varies

I love finding ornaments that can be used in themes... who would have thought to find Pink Poodle/Parisian themed ones! Cut off tops and use as cupcake toppers or string them for a unique garland!

Found: Hobby Lobby
Section: Christmas
Price: $5.99

Same ideas for these Dinosaur ornaments... or use them to put inside homemade dinosaur eggs/dig (here)

Found: Hobby Lobby
Section: Christmas
Price: $3.99

Stash these mirrors away for a great art activity at your Spa, Alice in Wonderland, Princess and Snow White parties!

Found: Hobby Lobby
Section: Unfinished
Price: $2.99

These trucks would make great decorations or favors for just a buck at your Monster Truck party!

Found: Dollar Tree 
Section: Toys
Price: $1.00

Football party ideas/inspiration

I am not a football fan, but the buzz is everywhere about the season starting! as for me... I am watching HGTV thank you lol...

Here is some inspiration for a Football themed night... don't forget older, but still fresh!, Frosting for a football party here.

Super cute setup - Love the pompoms and the shirt cookies! Source

I love these mini "burgers" and "fries" desserts displayed to look like bleachers - very cute! Source

How fun is this?!? Football cakeball/truffle setup! Would take a lot to pull off but would be a stunning centerpiece! Source

Rice crispy footballs! Source and recipe

Under the sea party ideas/inspiration

Can't believe it's Wed already! Today was FINALLY a break in our humidity - woot!

Below are a few ideas/inspiration for a under the see party! Don't forget about older, but still fresh!, frosting for the same theme here.

I love the multiple colored streamer background and all the fun color touches! Source

How about these scuba egg guys! How stinking adorable?!? Source and tutorial

Add "snorkels" to the drinks by just using an upside down straw! So clever! Source

Are you not dying over these?!? Just use a cookie cutter and a skewer - love the presentation! Source

Octopus cake pops would be the perfect dessert! Use melted chocolate to pipe the base and let dry then use a little chocolate to adhere them to your dipped cake balls... candy eyes (here) and edible markers (here) to finish them off! Source

Miscellaneous Monday!

Hope you all had a great weekend! I am recovering from an extra long crazy work day! Bagels for dinner baby! No time for food prep tonight lol...

...here are a few Miscellaneous items from my stash to start off your Monday

I saw this and thought - how fun for your guests to put out a frame (or even on a table) shoes, clothes, art work, etc from throughout the years of the birthday boy/girl.  Makes for a great conversation piece! Source

Super genius tip - food coloring and powder sugar mix and a clean stamp can transform any plate (even paper or plastic!) Think of the possibilities! Source and tutorial

Votive holder ideas to match any party decor! Source and tutorial

How fun is this?!? Have your guests write something funny, embarrassing or just not well known on a piece of "clothing" and air the dirty laundry of your guest of honor! Source

Shopping Saturday!

Hope your week was less crazy than mine! I am STILL trying to find balance of life and a new long commute/new job. whew! I am sure it will start getting easier and I can get back to internet party fun!

Here are a few local finds (at national chains) that may help you stash away for your next event!

You know I love a barn party! I think it's such a great theme for all ages and gender! Use as decorations or wait for a sale and have the kids each decorate one!

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: by registers
Price: $4.99

Having a Parisian party? Run to grab these off of clearance!

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: Clearance
Price: $1.80!

Snag up these glitter stems for a Butterfly or Garden themed party! They can be anywhere from cupcake toppers to simple decorations...

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: Christmas
Price: ? - under $1

Peacock wreaths! Every party needs a wreath! Don't just use them on the door, lay they flat and put serving bowl in middle or cake stand or candles - get creative!

Found: Michael's Craft
Section: Wedding
Price: $21.99

More unpainted! Haunted houses would be the perfect art activity at your Halloween party! Coffins could be used to serve treats as favors, too!

Found: ACMoore
Section: Halloween
Price: $3.99/$1.00

These sleighs would be great cupcake/dessert stands at your Winter/Christmas party! Or again, a great art project for the kids!

Found: AC Moore
Section: Christmas
Price: $1.49

Ok, I am obsessed with unpainted today! ...Paint this Train up to serve up treats - add some styrofoam and it it will be the perfect holder for cake pops!

Found: ACMoore
Section: Christmas
Price: $9.99

Shark party ideas/inspiration

In celebration of shark week... here's some ideas and inspiration on a Shark themed party!

Super cute activity for the kids - paper plate shark! You could even make them and put snacks inside on the table so the kids have to put their hands inside the shark's mouth to get them! Source and tutorial

Two rocks glued together make the perfect shark! Source and tutorial

Goldfish bar with Shark looming over! So clever! And with all the flavors they come in now, this would be an easy setup! Source

The perfect favor - Shark Attack snack mix! Gummi fish! Source

Appetizers

You know I love to throw you guys tons of appetizers posts! (can you tell I am always thinking about food?!?)

What a great way to serve up veggies! I am thinking for a more casual party, serve up snacks in cozi things! Source

omg, I shouldn't admit it, but I could eat an entire dish of 7 layer dip! Maybe serving up this way will help with my portion control ;o)  Source

Use your mini cupcake pans to do mac and cheese bites! Source and recipe

Miscellaneous Monday!

Sorry I left you guys with no Shopping Saturday :o( CRAZY weekend! I had so much fun today after work, though - took a girl that I mentor school shopping - love spending time with her!

Here is my miscellaneous pile for this Monday!

Super cute idea! Hammer a cookie cutter into a candle to personalize a gift or to coordinate with an event! Source and tutorial

I love finding new tutorials for display stands! This one is using burner covers from the dollar store! Source and tutorial

Paper roses! Source and tutorial

At a nature themed event or any outdoor event - a bucket of river rocks are great to help napkins stay on the table! Source