February 28, 2014

 

Stamping 1.0

Stamping 1.0 at Paper Source

If you're a creative person you probably love Paper Source as much as I do.  So many beautiful papers, fun stamps, stamping supplies and friendly helpful staff.   
 I've dabbled in rubber stamping but have never taken a class.  So when I saw Paper source offered a Stamping 1.0 Class I signed up.   Look at all the fun stamping supplies we got to work with. There were 4 of us in the class and Erin our instructor was very nice, peppy and informative.  My class mates consisted of two friends who work at Starbucks and a tween.
We all enjoyed playing with the glitter and bright embossing powders.  The two friends wanted to glitter and emboss their name tags and emboss peoples names on their cups when they ordered. The friends thought this would make them the most popular baristas at their Starbucks.  I'd say they were right.
This embossing tool is AMAZING! Embosses in a snap! It heats up to 800 degree's so if you use it, hold the paper with a clothes pin to keep from burning your fingers. Our instructor told us this very helpful safety tip.
What do you learn in Stamping 1.0?  Several different stamping techniques.  Lets run through them.

Starting top left- We worked with Colorbox Pigment ink and embossed it with clear powder.  This was to get us use to the heat gun and to see what embossing is.

Middle left- Colorbox Chalk ink. It's just like using chalk on a chalkboard. A lighter softer look.

Bottom left- Colorbox Metallic ink using the heat tool. No embossing.  I love the metallic inks.

Top right- Stamping over printed words.

Bottom right- Glitter embossing powder. This was one of the class favorites. Glitter will never go out of style.
Starting top left- Versamark ink. Versamark is a clear ink that gives a watermark effect on the paper.

Middle left- Versamark ink, embossing with clear, white and coloured powders.  This gives an almost velvety look.

Bottom left- Using the Versamark clear ink with gold resin and glittered embossing powder.

Middle right- Brilliance inks. This is suppose to give a bit of shimmer to the look. As our instructor said, the products we were using for the class are well loved so they might not work as well as if you bought the products brand new.

Bottom right- neon inks.
Starting top left- Masking technique.  I didn't do very well with this one. It's suppose to look like one stamp is behind the other.

Middle left- Quiver effect. Stamping one image over top another.

Bottom left- Cannon repeat pattern without re-inking. Ink your stamp and then just keep stamping until you run out of ink or until you have as many images as you want.

Top right- Delicata Gold on dark and light papers. This gold gives a radiant metallic finish that will not lose its luster.

Middle right- using Souffle pens. Gives an embossed look to your image.

Bottom right- Glue pad and chunky glitter.  Stamp onto the glue pad, sprinkle glitter on top and it stays!  We all loved this one. Who doesn't love glitter?!
The class was an hour and a half and was only $25.00.  I discovered new products with this class and had a fun evening with people I didn't know.  If you're interested in rubber stamping this class is worth taking.  You get a taste of a lot of different products and discover which products you enjoy and which ones you don't need to purchase.

February 26, 2014

 

Vendor Spotlight-Cookies

The Carousel Magazine came out!!!  Did you see it? If you did than you saw some beautiful cookies by Creating Awsomenessity.  Katherine took inspiration from the printables and created little works of art. The cookies were almost too beautiful to eat. Almost :)

Creating Awesomenessity has been featured in parties in Everyday Party Magazine, Carousel Party Magazine, Vintage KC Magazine, Mirassou Winery Facebook page, Whimsically Detailed, Party with the Warriors, A Delicate Gift, and Next Brides.

Having a back to school party? Creating Awesomenessity has just the cookies you need. 
Creating Awesomenessity Cookies

I love the detail work on these Sea Stars cookies.  It looks like they just washed ashore on the beach.
Creating Awsomenessity Cookies

Creating Awesomenessity Cookies
Katherine doesn't just make beautiful cookies. Caramel apples drizzled in purple chocolate with a little added sparkle.
Creating Awesomenessity Apples
Creating Awesomenessity is located in Tennessee and can help you with catering, party planning and design.

See Creating Awesomenessity's edible works of art:
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February 24, 2014

 

Valentine's Cookies

The weekend before Valentine's Day I was going to have a party with some friends. Then it happened. It snowed in the area of Oregon I live in and I had to cancel the party. Now depending on where you live you're thinking, why would you need to cancel the party?  We don't get much snow and therefore don't have the equipment to clear the roads. I didn't want my guests getting in accidents so I cancelled. I intended to make lots of treats. One of those being Pillsbury Pink Lemonade Cupcakes. Or so I thought...


When I pulled out the box I realized it wasn't a cupcake mix but a cookie mix.  oops! Of course I was still going to make them.
Valentine Cookies, Pillsbury, Cherry M & M's
Thinking the cookie mix might be too sweet and it being the holiday of chocolate, I decided to add some Cherry M & M's to the cookie mix. In my head this combination sounded good.
Valentine Cookies, Pillsbury cookies, Cherry M & M's
The first batch of cookies I made I just scooped them out and blobbed them on the sheet. They could look prettier.
Valentine Cookies, Pillsbury cookies, Cherry M & M's
For the second batch I shaped the cookies all pretty so when they were done baking they would be all ready to party.
Valentine Cookies, Pillsbury Cookies, Cherry M & M's
How did the cookies taste?  Myself and friends who tried them all had the same reaction.  The first bite you think, hmm different, not sure if I like them. Then you take a second bite and think, mmm these are good. The Cherry Chocolate M & M's cut the sweetness of the pink lemonade.  With out them the cookies would be way too sweet.  Even with the Cherry Chocolate M & M's one cookie is all you really want. 

February 17, 2014

 

Vendor Highlight-sweets


For the Carousel Magazine styled shoot I knew I wanted some specially made cookies.  Those beautiful cookies you see that look like works of art. Kima Konfections made the most beautiful mask cookies that sparkled.  I can't wait until you see them in the magazine. Or if you can't wait, visit Kima's Konfections etsy shop.

"Kima's Konfections is a custom cake boutique that is located in Philadelphia, PA. We create custom cakes, cupcakes, dessert tables as well as custom fondant toppers. "


Adorable candy toppers for your cupcakes or cake.  The detail on the gumball machine is great. It looks just like a real gumball machine. 
Kima's Konfections

Beautiful chocolate covered Oreo's.  Kima's Konfections made the chocolate covered Oreo's for my Elf party.  My guests loved them and the detail she put into them. See them here.
Kima's Konfections
I love these ruffle cupcake toppers. So delicate and beautiful.
Kima's Konfections
If you live in the Philadelphia area and need a cake for your special occasion or party Kima's Konfections can make you a beautiful tasty work of art.
Kima's Konfections
I like the different look of these. The gold pops against the black and small touches of gold glitter add an elegant touch.
Kima's konfections
From cookies to chocolate covered Oreo's to fondant topper and cakes, Kima's Konnfections has you covered.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/KonfectionKonnection?ref=si_shop:  
 

February 13, 2014

 

Vendors Spotlight- Fondant

I can't wait until the February issue of Carousel Magazine comes out. You'll get to see the beautiful fondant work created for me by Fancy Cakes.  You may have seen Fancy Cakes work on my blog before. She did the cupcake toppers for my Elf Christmas Open House.  My friends were so impressed with her work.

When I was asked to style a Mardi Gras party I looked to Fancy Cakes to create the cupcake toppers and cake topper.  I gave her details of the look I was going for and she captured it perfectly.  If you've ever thought of getting some fondant art for your party check out Fancy Cakes.

Beautiful winter cake high-lights the versatility of Fancy Cake's. All white winter cake with touches of colour and a variety of  textures.
Fancy Cakes Fondant Winter Cake
How adorably cute are these bee's!
Fancy Cakes Fondant Bees

Giddy Up little cutie! Fancy Cakes really captures the sweetest look on her fondant characters.
Fancy Cake's Fondant Horse

I have a feeling Fancy Cakes is going to be busy with Easter orders.  Make sure you get your order in early. 

Fancy Feast Easter Fondant


To keep up with all of Fancy Cakes fondant art follow her at the links below.



February 10, 2014

 

Vendors Spotlight-Printables

December 2013 I styled my first party for a magazine.  Coming in  February Carousel Magazine will feature my styled shoot. Without these vendors that I'll be spot lighting this week, this magazine shoot would not have been possible.

Once I had my theme I went right to Swish Printables and asked her to create the printables for me. Donna helped bring my vision to life and really set the tone for the whole shoot.
Swish Printables has any theme you could need for a party in her etsy shop. She has everything from adorable kids parties printables to adult party printables. Donna not only creates printables, she throws parties too.  Lets learn a little more about Donna,

Donna Martin is the Creative Director and Owner of Swish Printables.  She is a self-professed party junkie - she loves everything about parties: planning, attending, shopping for, and getting her craft on!  She loves it all!

Donna opened Swish Printables in 2007 and originally sold wedding printables.  Her business grew and has purposefully morphed into a company that creates party printables for a wide variety of life events.  When Donna isn't creating printables and dreaming about parties, she's chasing after her two active kids, taking care of her busy husband, and trying to fit in her zumba classes.
Visit Swish Printables blog for great party ideas. Especially kids parties.


With Valentine's Day coming up, Swish Printables has created three FREE printables for you.
Get the printables for this banner here.

Need a Valentine for your boy to pass out to his friends without making him feel all sappy? Get yourself some glow sticks, use this FREE printable and your son will put a smile on his friends faces.

Remember how fun these sticky hands were when you were a kid? Print out this FREE printable for your kids Valentine's sticky hands to take to school or give to their friends.

Follow Swish Printables on:
www.swishprintables.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/swishprintables
www.twitter.com/swishprintables
www.instagram.com/swishprintables
www.pinterest.com/swishprintables

February 9, 2014

 

The New Black


Introducing The New Black, COPPER!
Valentine's is filled with red, pink and white. It fills the store shelves and party blogs.  In November 2013 when I started thinking of Valentine's Day, I didn't want to do the typical Valentine's colours. But what colour? Copper came to my mind.  Gold and Silver are such metallic hogs, it's Copper's time to shine.  Of course when I looked around for copper items I couldn't find any.  I knew I was on to something.  I love it when I can't find something I'm looking for. It means it's not popular, which I love. I was so excited about not seeing copper everywhere and then the day before my shoot, I saw Triple M Good Parties on her Facebook page write that copper is her new black. Great party minds think alike :)
In the party world, a lot of the ladies are tired of seeing parties in the snow where no real party would actually take place.  So I asked on my Facebook page if you wanted to see the Valentine's shoot in the snow which is not typical for Oregon and you said YES! Great idea my friends.  The purple and copper POP against the white of the snow.

Copper, The New Black from Fizzy Party
The wind is picking up a little
I've never been much of a hearts girl so I went with jewels for my party. I found this great template on Minieco.co.uk They look great in glitter copper.
Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party
Auntie Bea's Bakery did a beautiful job of capturing the theme of my party with her jewel cookies frosted in glittery copper and purple.
Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party
Glitter cupcake liners from Parties in Style get dressed up with a jewel.  I frosted the cupcakes in purple and added disco dusted chocolate jewels. Have you ever worked with disco dust? It's so pretty but it gets just everywhere.
Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party

Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party

Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party
I had to move the shoot indoors because the wind began to pick up and blow snow everywhere.
Copper, The new Black by Fizzy Party


Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party
Jewel Rice Krispies glittered up with disco dust.
Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party
Chocolate covered marshmallows dipped in chocolate and glittered up with disco dust.
Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party
3-D paper diamonds template from Minieco.co.uk
Copper, The New Black

Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party

Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party

Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party

Copper, The New Black by Fizzy Party
Here's to seeing Copper in parties everywhere this year. From Triple M Good Parties and I,
Copper is the New Black!

Styling, Photography and Crafts by Fizzy Party
Purple Poms available here 
Cookies by Auntie Bea's Bakery
Straws from Green Party Goods
Cupcake Wrappers from Made by a Princess, Parties in Style


February 3, 2014

 

The Big Football Game

Did you watch the Big Game? Maybe have a few friends over. Did your team win?  Mine did. Oregon not having a team and Washington being the closest state to where I live, I of course rooted for the Hawks.


We had a party of two this year. No party is too small.  Since it was just the two of us I didn't go all out. I just decorated the table a little with supplies I had on hand and some free printables. 
My printer ran out of green ink and I didn't know this until I starting printing. So what does a party girl do? She pulls out her pens and glitter glue.
Jones Soda had the perfect colours for the game.
Skittles are a must for a Seahawks game.
I skipped going all out on the treats and bought cookies.


Party Supplies:
Football Board: Dollar Tree
Grass: Hobby Lobby
Glass Container: Joanns Crafts
Jones Soda, Skittles, Cookies: Fred Meyer
Football Eggs: Hobby Lobby
Tablecloth:Dollar Tree
Ribbon:Michael's Craft Store
Tulle Poms: Fizzy Party