DIY: Valentine Ribbon Bunting Garland & A Revelation

I love crafts. I haven't crafted in quite a while because whenever I tried, a little child would wake up or need me or just mess it up.  So...I stopped.  My house has been looking a little bare since Christmas was put away, so I decided I should make a little something.  THEN I realized that I should just involve my kids in the crafts I make.  I can get my creativeness out whilst playing with and teaching the little ones.  Why oh why hadn't I thought of this before? I mean we've made crafts before but they've all been kind of kitschy and childish.  Of course, I still want to make those sorts of projects because little kids can only do so much, but I want them more involved in my forte. Does that make sense to anyone else? Anyway, by the time I gathered my supplies and set up, my youngest 2 were out.  Just me and Ashton were left to take on the easiest project ever.....and it was free.  You guys can try and tackle it:

Cut some string. Cut some ribbon. Tie them on in whatever random order you choose. Hang up. And voila.

Yummm. I love the different textures!

Look at this face!! He is so proud- as am I! He did this one on his own!

I organized them for those of you with OCD.

 

 For more detailed instructions, here ya go:
1. Cut string to your desired length. I cut about 9 ft.
2. Cut enough ribbon to spread out through string (I cut 37 total using 7 different materials: ribbon and fabric about 4" long).  I spaced them out about 1.5".
3. Tie them on- a single knot will do. At this point I taught Ashton how to tie so if you are doing this project solo it should take you about a million years faster....but you won't get that proud grin from your lovely (and stubborn) little one!
4. Hang wherever you please.

Ashton's Reptile Birthday Party

I cannot believe I have a 4 year old! My son is obsessed with creepy crawly things....there is no way we will ever have any of those in my house, so a birthday party filled with them will suffice.  I thought it was a wonderful party- the kids had a great time and so did some of the adults!  Jeremy, from Scales and Tails was amazing!  He was so great with the kids and we were treated to a special surprise! 

 I made Ashton's snake invitation, along with his thank you cards, favors and bookplates.  I really wanted to keep it simple this year...I tend to go a bit overboard for my kids' birthdays, but with a 2 month old and recovering from a c-section and yadda yadda yadda...I just wanted to take it easy.  And it worked! Take a look:

 

Sorry for the pictures- just iPhone pics of the unfinished products.  I need to remember to take pictures of the finished products.  Like- I was going to post about the business cards I made my husband, Lorin, but I forgot to take pictures before he left for his conference!  Next time!

Lego Birthday Party

Lego Birthday Party by frommewithlovedesign on polyvore.com

5x7 Green and Blue Lego 3 Photo Invitation by frommewithlovedesign
$12 - etsy.com






My son is actually not into legos right now (thank goodness)!  I only say that because I step on enough toys as it is.  And my other son sucks on legos (the ones he has gotten his hands on).  BUT, I know someday, the time will come that he will love legos and needs to have them all.  However, I have friends whose kids LOVE legos.  


Here are some party ideas for a LEGO themed party.  I love them all!  You can keep everything simple (or not- like me).  I am a DIYer but I have been pregnant through 2 kid birthday parties and I hired some stuff out! Best plan ever!  So for those that still want to be a little more involved, I have several party packages you can purchase along with a photo (or non-photo) invitation.  All you do is assemble and voila! 


There is something here for everyone- I would never in a meeelllion years attempt to make that gorgeous cake.  Nope. But, I can make those cute cupcakes with the cute little lego men- in chocolate- yum.  And while I am at it, make those crayon lego men.  My friend did these as favors and my kids love coloring with them! Or for those with a sweet tooth, you can make those lego candies.  You can find those molds here.  And for the ambitious, you can even make those lego men cakepops. 


Can we say "awesome?"  I can't wait to throw one of my littles a lego party.....or can I?  For those of you who have stepped on way too many pointy building pieces, here is your chance to make peace with them and devour a few lego man cake pops and color that little head off.  And make your little child oh so very happy with his all time favorite toy for now.  


**I hope these links work.  If not, they are on polyvore.com.  I want to give proper credit where it is due! I did see all of them on pinterest though.

Orange and Pink Floral Party

From Me, With Love Designs

Here is an example of what you could do with these mod floral pink flower invitations.  I found this gorgeous party here.  This is originally for a little girl's birthday party, but you can totally use this for a bridal or baby shower.  

Look at those beautiful paper flowers.  You can find the tutorial here.  Just use the coordinating flower colors on the invitation (tangerine and pink).  

And you can keep the food simple and use coordinating colors in the sprinkles.  Isn't that ombre sprinkle cake amazing?!?

And of course, use a real flower centerpiece!  These are absolutely amazing.  

This party is simple yet so elegant.  And it is multi-functional for a little girl, a bride to be or even a mother to be!