Le Poppy Design

ROARING Good Time; A Dinosaur Birthday

2011-05-25T23:48:00.000-07:00

At least once a week I'm cursing our Seattle weather for being the reason I can't photograph yet another awesome party before shipping it off. I'm not sure if you've heard - but it rains a lot here in Seattle. This month we've set some really exciting records - all having to do with wetness and low temperatures - but I figure it's just God's little gift, giving us more time to get ready for summer clothes.

I take all of my pictures outside for a multitude of reasons, the biggest one being that I only know how to point...and shoot. Natural light is the KEY for pointers and shooters like myself. My dream is to one day own a camera that was built in the last 5 years and is not currently available in the "Free Stuff" section of Craigslist....and then of course my next dreams are to;

a) not break it

b) not lose it on vacation

c)learn how to use it (white balance, aperture - say what?!)

But in the mean time, my trusty little ~~piece of crap~~ camera gets the job done... as long as we're outside with natural lighting. But when our weather isn't cooperating there just isn't much that can be done about it. So with a little tear, and with no photos - off the party goes to the post.

So as you can imagine it makes.my.day to get photos of your parties! Most importantly I love seeing happy kiddos, proud parents and lots of frosting. But coming in at a close second - I love to share photos of those parties that "got away". The parties I wanted so desperately to photograph prior to shipping but couldn't. Because about 10 times a week I'm asked if I have a dinosaur party and NOW I can finally send everyone here!

We do! We do have a dinosaur party and it is dang cute! Not quite as cute as an entire family in party-coordinating-outfits....but still cute.

and even better when the pictures come from an excellent professional photographer, Jenny Ann Photography.

Morsel's Cookies & Milk Party

2011-01-24T21:30:00.000-08:00

With a nickname like Morsel - was there really any way around a cookies and milk 1st birthday?! I didn't think so. I know what you're thinking, "what kind of nickname is Morsel and where did that come from?!" Maybe this will help... (also printed on her invitations)

All of these describe sweet Brie, I just love special nicknames. Especially when they inspire great parties!

This party took place a really long time ago and I realized I hadn't shared it on the blog while looking through pictures for my recent series of "sunny" parties. This party was *very* sunny... that glistening, melty and leaning chocolate cake up there? Let's just say it slumped over in a major way about 15 seconds after that photo was taken.

This was the first time I had worked with Kristen at Just Iced Cookies and she did not disappoint. Kristen's cookies are gorgeous and delicious - I have said it before and I'll say it again - check the girl OUT!

I had the idea of having milk bottle shaped cookies and even though she didn't have one on hand, Kristen went out and found one just for me! She is that good.

I used frappacino bottles for the milk bottles which works well for two reasons. They are much easier to find than "real" vintage-inspired milk bottles (especially in bulk!) and because they are so inexpensive, it's not the end of the world if one is trashed on accident or broken. I came across the idea a loooong time ago while searching for milk bottles and came across Mama Urchin's blog and flickr stream. One of my recent clients who hosted a cookies and milk party for her son found the "Frappe" version at Costco/Sams and said they were even cheaper. Score!

The bottles had a cookie wedge (also incredibly melty, did not want to stay put at all) and the cupcakes, topped with a mini cookie from those 100 calorie snack pack things sat on a bed of...morsels!

I found the most awesome chocolate milk straws. Those little chocolate beads turn regular milk into chocolate milk as you suck the milk up the straw! Mom said they were a hit with the kids and I'd be lying if I said I didn't try one the night before the party... so cool! In addition to the milk in (actual) vintage milk bottles we had individual serving milk cartons - because really, unless you have like 4 people sharing each bottle, there aren't enough there to go around.

Which leads me to my next point. Let's get real about kid parties people. While everyone loves a beautifully styled party, they also like to not be constantly reminding their children "you break it, you buy it". It's important to me that the focus of any party I help with be L.O.V.E and the celebration of another great year of life. This is hard to do if everyone is walking on eggshells and doesn't feel comfortable grabbing a cookie off of you perfectly styled dessert buffet (especially if it looks like there may not be enough to go around!).

I use plastic. There I said it. I also use wood. You see those pretty ruffled boxes up there? Cardboard. Children are children and hyped on sugar children are nightmares. You're crazy if you think a kid is going to have fun looking at dessert. They are going to eat it, things are going to hit the ground and if your party is outside like this one was - you want those things to bounce. Not shatter into a million pieces, embed themselves in the bottom of tiny feet and warrant a trip to the ER for shard removal. As event planners, let's know our audience, shall we? Let's stop pretending that we throw parties for 4 perfectly behaved blue-eyed robots. I'll take looking at pictures of real parties for real children over a "styled" photo-shoot any day of the week.

end of rant.

More Fun In The Sun

2011-01-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

I promised more sunny parties... is a sweet summertime birthday at a water park in Puerto Rico sunny enough for you?

This mama went all out!

A candy shop...

An ice-cream sundae bar...

A personalized piñata...

and most importantly lots and LOTS of loved ones!

Mom sent me links to her photo albums posted on Facebook and I had a hard time picking and choosing which pictures to use. SO many friends and family, SO much fun had by all makes for SO many awesome pictures! It brings me so much joy to know that our little ol' party goodies are present at so many special events...even at water parks in Puerto Rico!

One more of the sweet birthday girl... just because.

(On another totally unrelated note, I've designed a party around those bloomers! I'm not sure who makes them but I'm assuming it's someone on Etsy. If you're interested I can find out because boy oh boy they are CUTE!)

A Little Sunshine In January

2011-01-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

It's cold. Colder here (in Seattle) than in other places, and yes I know - not near as cold as others. But still cold. I have the heat bill to prove it. There is the slightest dusting of snow that refuses to melt and in the shade, parts of the road are icy. I tend to wear flip flops almost year round and even I retired my trusty flips for the time being - now that's saying something!

All this to say that I could use some warming up, I'm sure you could too. So today I'm sharing some photos from a party held a few months ago during much warmer weather...in California (sounds dreamy right about now!). Although it looked like a gorgeous day for an outdoor party- nothing compares to the sunny disposition of little Jaslyn!

Mom Carolyn did a fantastic job putting this party together and really left no detail unattended to. She also takes incredible photographs - the 12-month photo banner for this little beauty was amazing thanks to her great talent.

I think people love watching 1 year olds eat their first cake more than the babies do eating it...

Thanks again for sharing your gorgeous photos, Carolyn! I think I'll post some more "sunny" parties. Maybe the threat of summer will get my buns to the gym to burn off this Christmas ~~pudge~~ fudge.

One more example of mama's mad photography skills... and a really cute invite.

Fancy Nancy Shmancy

2011-01-02T00:55:00.000-08:00

Forget Nancy...it's allll about Presley!

I mean, come on! Is she just the cutest little thang or what?!

Mom came to me looking for "Fancy Nancy-ish" party gear. Pink, purple, zebra stripes and a crown to add a little somthin'. While we couldn't use the actual, trademarked, copyrighted images, we could certainly design party-ware to coordinate with store-purchased, legal Fancy Nancy items to tie it altogether.

Whether it's Nancy, Mickey or the Gabba crew - there are always ways to work with commercial party themes to really make them your own...without breaking the law.

Mom did such a great job incorporating a character that her daughter loves with her own stylish touches to really take this party and make it her own. Most importantly, it looks to me that Presley really loved everything about her special day!

On "Commercial" Party Gear...

2010-07-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of requests for "commercial" stuff. A lot of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a lot of Hello Kitty, a lot of Toy Story...the list goes on and on and on. I tend to stay away from these sorts of themes because I don't want to get a slap on the hand from Eric Carle's (Hungry Caterpillar) lawyer again. Or anyone else's lawyer for that matter. To be quite honest I am shocked at how many Etsy shops are getting away with using all of these trademarked images for profit.

That said, I too am guilty of using commercial images every now and again - sometimes, when a kid just LOOOVES a certain something, you can't avoid using it. Afterall, this is about the children, right? Here are some pictures of some parties with a few familiar faces...Keep in mind that I'm only doing these kinds of parties for friends (not for profit) at this point... but don't worry - I have a back-up plan!

Now before you go tying up your kid and beating her with a wet noodle until she changes her mind from something commercial to something out of my shop... hear me out. Although I'm not willing to use these trademarked images as is - I am very willing to use my own images and graphics that will compliment your commercial theme. Up next I'll show you how we turned "Fancy Nancy" into "Fancy Presley". Mom was able to use store bought "legal" commercial products and pair them with my designs to throw a gorgeous party that the birthday girl loved and I didn't get sued over!

Kerby's Dance Party

2010-07-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

Best thing about cleaning out my inbox? Coming across pictures sent by customers that I somehow forgot I had! I actually squealed in delight when opening mom Allison's email that contained these - because as you can see from the date on the invite - it was a little while ago.

I loved everything about this party. I loved the birthday girl's name, Kerby. How cute is that? And when mom sent Kerby's photo for the invite, I loved Kerby! How stinkin' cute is she? And that tutu-pettiskirt number? Love. I loved the bright colors. I loved that all the little girls came dressed in their ballerina best. I loved those leg warmers best of all. I loved that it was a party theme I hadn't done yet. I loved that she was having her party at a dance studio - my best friend owned a dance studio so I know how fun those places can be for little girls.

Although hosting a party at a venue other than your home can be a challenge, mom Allison did a fabulous job. By bringing your own party gear, table covers, banners etc you can transform any space into a party space. Make a quick visit ahead of time, see what they have to offer in terms of tables, chairs etc - use what they have and bring the rest! It's not as difficult as it may seem, especially when your Le Poppy stuff comes assembled and ready to party - straight out of the box!

Just add tutus.

I fell off the blog horse.

2010-07-15T21:05:00.000-07:00

I probably owe my mother an apology at this point seeing as she really hates - wait, no - "hate's a strong word" - she really dislikes the word "suck" when used in reference to anything other than lollipops. But really - in this case, lollipops be damned (sorry again mom!) I just plain suck at blogging and there's no sugar coatin' that one.

Since I had a few extra minutes today I thought I'd check out my blog stats to see if anyone still comes by and was shocked out of my yoga pants (being your own boss rules) to see that YOU DO. Some of you come here every day and every single day leave instantly after seeing that yet again, for like the 40th day in a row, I have nothing new to share. I lure you over here for a month or two, give you all sorts of fun things to see and then when things start getting serious - I disappear on you.

Perhaps I have blog commitment issues - or perhaps I ran out of crack cocaine and finally after going without for three months, decided that I do in fact need sleep. The UPS woman keeps dropping off boxes of paper and ribbon but she has yet to deliver me all those extra hours in the day I keep requesting.

So, I'm here to say that extra hours or not, I'm going to get back on the bloggy horse and make time to share all of the awesome things going on over here. Thanks to those of you who continue to stop by - I promise there are great things coming so stick around!

Just-Iced Cookies

2010-05-21T21:38:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon Kristen of Just-Iced Cookies, cookie maker extraordinaire, in one of my late-night hunts for any and everything awesome on Etsy. She is everything and anything awesome. As are her fabulous cookies.

At the time I was planning a "milk & cookies" party (more on that Monday) and was looking for some cookies that would stand out and be different than

a) anything I could find at the grocery store

b)my fancy Seattle bakeries where each cookie costs $5.00

c) my last batch of sugar cookies where I substituted sugar with salt

I got in touch, she happened to have a son having a birthday coming up, I happened to need her cookies - we traded and I couldn't be happier with the outcome! I had a crazy idea about wanting cookies in the shape of old fashioned milk bottles. She didn't have that cookie cutter so she went out and bought one!

She is that good.

I've already passed on her info to a few of my existing customers who I think could benefit from her services. As I started looking through all of the pictures of her cookies, I realized that A LOT OF YOU could benefit from her services! We have never worked together in the past, yet by the looks of this little ditty - you'd think we've been working together for months! On the left are pictures from Kristen's collection, on the right are images I grabbed straight from my customers' files! I didn't change a thing!

Crazy right?! I've never "officially" endorsed anyone before. I'm a perfectionist who takes a lot (probably too much) pride in her work. I've been approached to "team up" with Etsy shops before but have never felt comfortable having my name associated with anyone elses work. This right here is my endorsement! I love Kristen, I love her cookies - I encourage all of you to check her out!

Did I mention yet that the cookies are delicious?

Because they are.

So in return for the cookies for the "Milk & Cookies" party, I helped with her little boys' second birthday.

Stay tuned to see more of Kristen's cookies featured on the "Milk & Cookies" table I did for

"Morsel's" first birthday!

Whale of a birthday!

2010-05-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

I'm begging here. Somebody puh-lease go with the whale theme! This banner and hat turned out so cute - it's probably good that the order wasn't any bigger because I may have died from the cuteness and not lived to tell about it. I'm now left with visions of whales swimming through my head - I MUST do this one again! Is anyone with me? Do you see the potential? Could quite possibly end up being a top five fave (don't ask what the top five faves are because I'm pretty sure they change daily.)

I snapped a few pictures before shipping this one off, not knowing whether or not I'd see any pictures from the party. Little did I know that mom (with great party throwing taste, may I add) Lindsay would send me some of the cutest pictures I could have imagined! Will you look at those cupcakes? And the cake!? Come on - it doesn't get any cuter! This one really was a whale of a birthday party!

...and the best one

I'll be waiting (not so) patiently for someone to start banging down the doors demanding a whale party.

Jungle Fever

2010-05-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

Jungle parties are all the rage - but I doubt there are many with a birthday boy as cute as Brayden! I have had so much fun working with his mom and am delighted to show off her wonderful party! By the way Amanda, did you make that cake?!?!? Amazing!

and my favorite picture of all....

Thanks for sharing your beautiful phots Amanda, you make blogging easy!

Boys Love Cupcakes Too!

2010-05-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Oh cupcakes, how we love you. You are almost impossible to mess up. You always look scrumptious and I've never met one of you that I didn't adore. I design a lot of parties that include you, cupcakes - and they always turn out even better than I imagined they would. I don't know when and I don't know how, but cupcakes - somewhere along the way you went pink and you never went back. Don't get me wrong - you look great in pink, you really do - but I have always wanted to see you in something different...something...blue. Because hey, boys love cupcakes too!

After months and months of waiting I finally got the request I'd been wishing for. Mom Dana wanted to see you in blue too - for her adorable son Gavin's first birthday. I'm hooked and I'm hoping there are more mom's out there wanting a cupcake theme for their little guys' party because this one turned out so cute! Dana did an awesome job hosting this house full of loved ones, complete with a candy bar and perhaps my favorite detail - cupcake coloring pages!

Thanks for sharing Dana, I LOVED seeing your pictures (especially Gavin and his cake) - I'm sure your party will inspire a lot of little boy mamas out there and I'm looking forward to it!

How Sweet It Is

2010-04-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Best thing about my job? I get paid to do what I love. Second best thing about my job? Meeting and getting to know some really awesome moms. There are some of you out there, that if I didn't live halfway across the country - I'd be drinking lattes with you at your kitchen table - or maybe on your couch if you'd let me. Planning parties is really fun, so I'm quite lucky that when most of you contact me, you're super excited and pumped up about all of the birthday cute-ness to come. It would really suck to be the girl who answers the phone at the "Call this number if your kids' diaper failed" hotline. I'm very blessed to be making my living, in a generally (except when the post office fails me and drops off a bag of soaking wet (yes, soggy, wet, ruined, disgusting) birthday party orders on my front stoop with a note saying "We regret to inform you that your parcel has been damaged by the USPS" YA THINK?!) very friendly, very happy, very exciting and creative industry.

Speaking of friendly, happy, exciting and creative... meet Robin! Robin contacted me last fall for her little one's 1st and 2nd (combined) birthday party. She decided on the sweet shoppe and ended up throwing a great big bash! Everything came together beautifully and Robin was so pleased with the outcome that she referred me to a friend of hers here in Washington. That friend happens to run the local Macaroni Kids website, featured me there and ended up using me for her little girls Winter ONEderland party. Then her sister in law (who happens to be one of Robins best friends - crazy!) contacted me to do her little girls' milk & cookies party next month! (More on that later - so cute I can barely contain myself.) Do you see where I'm going with this? I love what I do because I get to meet "Robin"s! She has been such a blessing to me and the growth of my business, has introduced me to her amazing friends who have then in turn continued to encourage me, and spread the word. How sweet it truly is, to be surrounded by such amazing girls - so Robin, Sarah and the like... here is my great big virtual hug/latte/thank you letter - you girls are the best! Here's to the many more party-friendships to come!

These pictures were taken by Robin's friend - if you're in Texas and looking for a photgrapher..check 'er out!

Look Whooooo's One!

2010-04-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

I promised you a few days ago that there were pictures of an incredible owl party on the way. Being a girl of my word - I'm here to deliver! Mom Karin did an absolutely amazing job hosting this party, the first birthday of her beautiful daughter (I'll show you later) Berkley. Every detail was attended to, she even matched the fonts I used on her party goods for the items she created at home. When we were first chatting about her party, she told me that she had a photographer coming and that she would share the pictures with me after the party.

I had to wait for someone to walk in the room so they could pick my jaw up from the floor and hand it back to me. When I opened up these photographs my heart skipped four beats.

Jenny Ann Photography did an amazing job capturing the details of this event. I happen to live just about as far away as possible from this girl - but if you're anywhere near her, hire her to take your pictures! I could go on and on about Karin and Jenny Ann - but I don't have to, the pictures and the party speak for themselves!

So, I welcome you to take a peek at Berkley's first birthday -

a party that makes my lil' ol' party goodies look really, really good.

I have Karin and Jenny Ann to thank for that!

Party Over Here Y'all!

2010-04-20T20:45:00.000-07:00

Be sure to bop on over to A Few Of My Favorite Things where Danielle is hosting the mother of all celebrations - PARTY PALOOZA!

I'll even make it easy for ya and LINK TO THE EXACT POST YOU NEED TO VISIT IN ORDER TO ENTER!

There are roughly four-thousand things you can do to enter (like "liking" Le Poppy on Facebook and "following" this here blog), so be sure to head on over there and complete each one. One lucky winner will be announced on April 28th (contest ends midnight on the 27th) so be sure to check back in with her to see if you won! Winner will get to choose an existing banner design from my shop - or we can work together to create the banner of yo dreams.

Looking forward to working with one of you! Good luck!

Jungle Boogie

2010-04-20T00:59:00.000-07:00

Coming soon to the shop! Be sure to boogie on over and check it out!

Sail Away With Me

2010-04-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

"One cannot look at the sea without wishing for the wings of a swallow."

Sir Richard Burton

It's far too nice outside today to sit in here and type. When you live in a place where scenes such as these are mere minutes away, going out is a requirement. Seattle isn't known for it's great weather, ya know.

So, rather than the entire post I had planned on, I'll give you just a little somethin' to tide you over. Get it? Tide you over....

Little sailor boy design inspired by Christy & Joe

Stay tuned for pictures from Noah's first birthday party. As if the kid could get any more adorable - his Grandma even made him a little sailor suit!

Sweet Shoppe.... Shop?!

2010-04-17T00:44:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular birthdy party themes is the sweet shoppe...sweet shop...whatever. However you want to spell it - it's darn cute and tastes great! My own birthday parties as a child included a sheet cake and some punch - had I walked in to see a spread like the ones kids are getting these days I would have had a child-sized stroke!

You don't need me to post pictures of any more candy buffets - Lordy knows these party sites are full of them. You know what they look like. A whole lot of jars filled with a whole lot of candy. If you ask me, the best way to make your next Sweet Shoppe stand out is not more candy...it's personalization!

That's where I come in!

I finally got around to putting a listing up for the Sweet Shoppe stuff in my shop! If you're interested in creating your own sweet candy haven - get in touch!

Stay tuned for pictures of Kaden & Ainsley's Sweet Shoppe - a brother/sister party featuring double the candy, double the cuteness and double the mess!

Like....totally!

2010-04-16T01:00:00.000-07:00

Annie has a lot of friends, and a lot of family, and all of those people at one bridal shower would have been like, totally too many people. So, we let her mom and sister throw the "traditional" shower. Beautiful setting, beautiful flowers, officially dubbed "Lemon Drops & Flip Flops" guests wore flip flops (again, we got a little creative) while sipping on yummy drinks. It was truly a lovely event, a perfect bridal shower.

So, natually it was time for Annie's like totally, super fun and creative, (beautful, smart, witty - the list goes on) friends to step up and plan the next shower. Myself, Carli (from Dimpleprints) and our other two best friends (collectively, with Annie the bride - we form the fiercesome fivesome - ok I just made that up) decided what better theme for our fun-loving best friend than an 80's shower?! We are all products of the 80's, Annie's favorite movie is Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and we all love any excuse for costumes (we've been known to come up with totally rad 80's outfits, within minutes - from clothing we already have on hand.) Wait for it.....

So the invites went out, and girls came dressed to kill. When the bride arrived, she found a note on the door telling her that her outfit was in the bathroom and to go put it on.

The stage was set with favorite 80's candy, pearls and a Paula Abdul tape. What 80's celebration is complete without some wedding bells and carnations?

We had a drink station featuring two signature drinks, "Pretty In Pink Lemonade" and the "Cousin Balki"

...and what did you put those drinks in you ask?

It really was a totally rad party. If yours is the kind of tubular friend who would appreciate this type of bridal shower, I say go for it - it was truly, truly, truly outrageous.

To get the party started, you'll be able to order the invite in my shop!

Owl Love You Forever

2010-04-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

....if you send me your party pictures!

Let me first say that I have amazing customers. I have met and worked with so many incredible moms (and one sweet dad - what up Paul!! Shout out! Woot woot!). You take my little ol' party goodies and really make them shine! I LOVE LOVE LOSE MY MIND LOVE it when you send me pictures of your parties. I put so much work, so many hours (literally hours!) into each and every one of your parties. I treat each one like it's my own. I don't send any of you anything that I wouldn't feel 100% PUMPED about handing over to you face-to-face. After getting to know you via emails and Etsy "convos" and pouring my heart into your parties it's so hard to just box 'em up and ship 'em off. My imagination runs wild trying to picture what your banner will look like hanging in your home or what your little one will look like in that hat. If I didn't do your invites it's even worse because I don't even know what your little one looks like - torture I tell you! It usually just ends there, with me and my imagination - hoping that you love everything as much as I think you will.

Then there are those of you who remind me of why I love what I do. When a customer takes the time out to follow up and let me know what they thought of it all - melts my heart and makes my day! Every time! Throw in a couple pictures from the party and it doesn't get any better!

So far, Allison wins for sending the most pictures - because I've done two of her kids' parties and she's sent me pictures both times! You might remember the awesome job she did with the Cars party a while back. In keeping with the ever-popular owl theme, I'm showing off her party once again!

Isn't he the cutest?

Thank you to all of you who have sent pictures, I'm waiting for just the right moment to show you all off. Stay tuned for pictures of another incredible owl party coming up later this month! Send me those pictures, owl love you forever.

Having My Cake and...

2010-04-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

Christy over at Thrifty and Thriving is hosting a contest to see who among us has snagged the best clearance deal. Oh sister, it's me. Do I love clearance? I live for clearance. I literally have a route - driving around town from one hot spot to the next, digging through all of my usual piles, searching out my next treasure. My friends will tell you - I find good stuff.all.the.time.

Planning parties and events for a living, I have a perfect, work-related reason (this is what I keep telling myself) to collect these found treasures. You never know when you'll need that rusted bird cage, or when a very old, child-sized wheelbarrow (first time ever typing that word, ever) will come in handy. Can a girl ever have too many cake stands? Nope. Thankfully, I now have an entire room devoted to my found goodies. Does it look like a made-for-tv movie of Hurricane Katrina devastation? Yes. Does my chest get tight in panic-attack-fashon every time I think about the disorganization in that room? Yes. Does Todd tell me that he's going to submit my story to the A&E show "Hoarders"? Yes. Do I want to hold a garage sale to get rid of any of it? Oh hell no.

So, in the spirit clearance - I'm entering the contest! I've never entered a bloggy-contest before, but being so near and dear to my heart, this time I just must. Plus - what better way to show off my latest gem?

You may or may not be familiar with the brand. I, personally love it and just about fell over when I saw these sitting there at Tuesday Morning. For those of you without a Tuesday Morning, it's like a HomeGoods/TJ Max/Ross/ect etc - the kind of store you go to alone, so you can slowly and carefully pick apart each and every square inch of the store. As I moved the giant, hideous, ceramic flip-flop-shaped chip and dip bowl I saw them. The very ruffles I'd seen before in magazines, and blog posts, the very ruffles I've lusted after for a long long time. The very ruffles I've searched Ebay for.

"Flirt" Ruffle Plates by Potluck Studios.

Sure, I don't have a real reason to own them, not at the moment anyway. I can't plan a party with two measly plates. Sure they will find their way into "the room". But there are only two left...and you have always wanted them Michelle. Just flip it over, just see how much they are - maybe they'll be cheap. Keep in mind that this brand is sold at a cute little upscale shop in Seattle, a set of 4 is $40.00. At Tuesday Morning they won't be that much - but they'll still probably be more than I want to spend.

$0.69

Boo.Yeah. Done and done. Best clearance deal ever.

I even discovered that only having two perfectly pretty plates isn't a bad thing at all! It's the perfect excuse for the two of us to enjoy a perfectly pretty day together outside!

Wriggle On Over - Annabelle's Caterpillar Party!

2010-04-12T16:07:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung! The flowers are blooming, the cherry blossom trees have pretty much come and gone, and with them my favorite - magnolia trees. If I had to pick the one thing about Spring that excited me the most, it would be this tree. We're blessed to live in an absolutely gorgeous place. I've been slowly making my way around the world and there really is no place like the Pacific Northwest. It's green and lush all year round, but in Spring - it really comes alive.

Being Seattle(ish), it's still not warm enough to spend too much time outside, but the few sunny days we've had have had me dreaming of the sunny and much warmer days to come. I love being able to host events outdoors and so do a lot of my customers! Last summer I worked with an awesome mom, who was able to host her beautiful daughter Annabelle's first birthday outside.

Does a kid even get any cuter than that?

Mom Keri had asked if I could make something for her potted grasses, used to add the perfect touch to the outdoor party space. These caterpillars were on sticks that she could easily just stick in the dirt. Add coordinating ribbon and you have an easy, inexpensive, perfect way to tie everything together.

Indoors, she did an equally amazing job! Things like party hats and goodie bags make for perfect decorations before being passed out to the kiddos. I love the caterpillar shaped cupcake arrangement!

In the spirit of late Spring and Summer parties, I urge all of you to begin planning early! Summer calendars book up quickly. Make sure your event is one of the first ones family and friends plan to attend! If you'd like to host a caterpillar/garden party of your own, or any other kind of party for that matter - I'm your girl!

Because after receiving something like this in the mail

who would want to miss out on the fun?

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T23:36:00.000-07:00

"I do not at all understand the mystery of grace, only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.” - Anne Lamott

Jungle Fever - Giraffe Birthday Party

2010-03-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

Or more specifically, giraffe fever! Giraffes have been all the rage lately - my (real life) friend Carli over at Dimpleprints did this printable giraffe shower that turned out super cute and just in the last week I've had three separate moms planning giraffe birthday parties contact me! Had I known that there were so many giraffe lovers out there, I would have posted about this party a long time ago!

Back in September I worked with a mom who (long story short) flew us down to San Fransisco-ish to make this party happen. The entire order was originally shipped via UPS (never again) and when it didn't arrive, we did what any logical, dedicated party enthusiasts would do - got on an airplane, rented a car, drove to their home, met the fam, found our hotel, recreated the entire party over night, set up the following morning, ate a delicious cupcake, jammed out to a seriously awesome kiddie band, explored San Fransisco for a day, and flew home. If it sounds crazy, that's because it was. But I met a really wonderful family and we had a ton of fun while down there - oh and the party - well it will knock your giraffe-print socks off.

Doesn't anyone speak french around here?

2010-03-25T00:26:00.000-07:00

Not knowing how many guests to prepare for can be very frustrating. In my own life I've found that people don't really start "RSVP-ing" until they've had the experience of being the hostess themselves. I remember the first shower I hosted, and I remember what a jerk I felt like when I finally got a taste of my own "too busy to RSVP" medicine. I can remember a time or two where I didn't want to be married to the decision of going to an event for fear that something "better" may come up. Thankfully I grew up and now realize that there is nothing better than celebrating with the ones you love. Whether it be a mailed response card, a phone call or a box checked on an "e-vite" - I always respond, and so should you. As any hostess will tell you, it is SO NICE to feel fully prepared for an event. Worrying about whether or not you have enough food or chairs even - is enough to take most of the joy out of the party planning process. I've discovered a few tips over the years that should help to get answers out of your guest list. (These tips are geared toward the kiddie party crowd who I most deal with these days)

Get your invites out as early as possible.

It shows that you are putting a lot of forethought into your event. If you care, they are more likely to.

An empty(ish) social calendar means people will have an easier time committing.

Include an email address.

. For those who can't make it, it's easier to email bad news than tell you over the phone.

Most people are on email at least once every single day.

People are busy. They may not want to be on the phone for 15 minutes worth of small talk.

Guests won't have to worry about calling during a "convenient" time of day.

ESPECIALLY if you have invited older guests or folks who may not have an in-home computer;

Include a phone number. Email may not be their "thing".

Include the RSVP name.

If you're RSVP-ing to say, your kids' classmates party, you may not know mom and/or dad's name.

Include a "RSVP by DATE"

For some reason, I've found that people respond well to deadlines.

It gives you the "right" to follow up after that date if they haven't responded.

The best thing about a finalized guest list? It gives you the chance to really personalize your party and make each guest feel extra special. You'll be able to customize just about everything - like this!

I LOVE customizing parties - get your guest lists in order and let Le Poppy help make your guests feel appreciated at your next event!

How awesome exactly?

2010-03-24T23:59:00.001-07:00

I mean seeeeeeeeeeeeriously awesome. Get your buns over there and enter that contest!

Yes, it's true - you could win a $75.00 Le Poppy Design party package. Don't get me wrong - that's really awesome. But would you like to see what else you could win? Would you like to see what is seeeeeriously awesome?

Do you believe me now? I would LOVE to see a Le Poppy customer win that bad boy. So get over there and enter!

Feathers; Not just for the birds ya know...

2010-03-21T20:18:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I posted about a wedding I'm working on taking place this June. For those of you who are new here, let me bring you up to speed. It looks a lil sumthin' like dis...

All of the photo credits can be found in the original post.

Stunning right? I think so...and apparently so does my biggest and dearest fan. I actually received an email from a customer asking to see the "Save the Date" designed for this wedding. I had mentioned it was on it's way in the original post but never ended up sharing it. Good thing I have all of you to keep me accountable! Maybe I should tell you to continually ask me how the "I'm not eating sugar" thing is going... yeah - probably not.

Names have been changed to protect the awesome.

In the never ending hunt for beautiful things, I've gracefully stumbled on yet another amazing idea to incorporate in this wedding. The wedding blog, Green Wedding Shoes recently posted about this wedding where yes, the shoes are to.die.for but it's the floral arrangements that really got me.

Bouquet & Boutonniere by Liz Maxwell Photographer Ashleigh Jayne

Are you kidding me? You had me at teal feathers. Stunning. So often the really "original" flower arrangements are a little...well, weird. This one however, feels so natural - something about it screams natural. Which really makes no sense because I've yet to run into any giant deep teal birds roaming around handing out feathers. The colors are so warm, everything flows seamlessly - both on the bride and the groom. We'll have to make sure not to hit "feather overload" for the wedding in June seeing how we like the feather earrings, the feather hair pieces and now the arrangements. Something's gonna have to give. I assure you it won't be the bouquet.

Stuck?

2010-02-25T18:17:00.000-08:00

If you haven't yet decided on a "theme" for your party - fret not my pet - you are not alone! I hear from at least 3 people a week who, like you - are "stuck". Personally, I LOVE working with moms who don't know what they want. I find it challenging and extremely rewarding to have my hand in the process from start to finish. Don't get me wrong - I also love those of you who know EXACTLY what you want, as I tend to be that kind of person myself. But there is something so fun about helping a family put together the perfect party from scratch. I've designed parties around certain toys, favorite blankets, the family pet, books, outfits - you name it, I've seen it and built a party around it. Regardless of where it comes from, inspiration is all around us. Especially for me - I see life through "party-colored glasses". I can not leave the house without finding something that I want to build a party around. Since I don't have 19 kids to throw parties for - that's where you all come in. BOY DO I HAVE A DEAL FOR YOU AND YOUR 19 KIDS! Somebody get on the horn and call the Duggars! (Did I really just say "horn"?)

For those of you who are "stuck". For those of you who are open to ideas. For those of you who just want to save a few bucks.... I'm your girl. Here's the deal. I have a laundry list of "themes" I've been wanting to design for a long time. Parties that I know will be nothing short of ridiculously adorable but for whatever reason have not yet been requested. If you're ready to give me all of the creative freedom I require to make these parties come to life - then I'm ready to give you a BIG DISCOUNT!

Times are tough, you're stuck, I've got ideas - lots of ideas, for both boys and girls - let's do this!

Here are the requirements;

Your party is taking place in mid-April 2010 or later

Your party "theme" is chosen from a list I provide you with

You can just go with the flow and trust that I will deliver you with an adorable end result.

After your party you send me some awesome photos and a little ditty about what you thought of the process (and the end result).

You like paying less than everyone else for some seriously great party goodies.

Most of my very best work comes when customers just sit back and let me drive - I promise you will not regret taking me up on this deal. So get in touch before a) I change my mind or b) the spaces I have reserved for these discounted parties fill up!

Happy Birthday To....

2010-02-22T17:06:00.000-08:00

That's right folks! It's MY birthday! Despite what I do for a living, my own birthdays are pretty low key. I guess that's how it goes when you start getting old. Am I old? Nah... but it's beginning to feel that way sometimes. The other day Todd and I set out for what I was calling in my head "trail running". Ha! More like trail crawling, panting, crying, dying. I sure felt old the next morning - tell you what.

It's probably a good thing we got out and burned some (oh, I'd say it must have been at least forty billion - give or take) calories because tonight I'm about to bust in to that there cake like it's nobody's business. Butterscotch. You either love it or you hate it - that's what I've found. Around here it's considered to be the main way God let's us know that He loves us. Boy does He love us!! It's a chocolate cake with butterscotch frosting - seriously so good. If you want the recipe...holla at a girl.

I'm not really allowed to bake all that often. If I could I'd do it every.frickin.day. I LOVE to bake. But - once things are baked, turns out they don't grow legs and leave the house. They stay. And we eat them....which requires more trail torture. So, it's reserved for special occasions like today!

We are off to celebrate with Todd's family tonight - his little sister's birthday is tomorrow - two birthdays in two days? I think that's reason enough for cake. Let them eat cake. Let ME eat cake!

Estoy muy emocionada

2010-02-19T23:33:00.000-08:00

Any Spanish speakers out there? Don't quote me on this but I'm pretty sure I just said;

I'm so excited!

We're off to Barcelona and Sicily next month! Spain has been on "the list" for a while now, we found an awesome deal and snatched it up! As for Sicily - that's our mini "trip within a trip" because airfare from place to place once you're in Europe is too ridiculously cheap to pass up. I mean really cheap. I mean like 8 Euros cheap - that's like $11.87 right now (the Euro is down - woo hoo!) - from Barcelona to Sicily! That's like a 2 hour flight for twelve bucks! Can you imagine if it only cost that much to get from here in Seattle to San Francisco?! Or from Chicago to New York - a two hour flight for $11.87 - unheard of around these parts. I'd just get on an airplane and personally deliver your party package...and then stay for a cupcake.

Which brings me to the reason for this European brag-fest....for those of you who are thinking of ordering a package and will need it before March 10th - you have only a day or two to get it ordered. For everyone who's order I'm already working on - you're all fine. I've told you all separately when to expect your order and if I haven't - just ask me the next time we chat.

I will still obviously be taking orders for parties taking place after we return. The calendar for all of March and parts of April are booking up fast - so if you're thinking of ordering, get in touch - the sooner the better!

Adios for now...oh and PS - we can all thank Flickr for those photos I gathered. That plate of seafood looks so stinkin good I scoured photos until I could read the entire name of the restaurant printed on the plate. You can bet your bunnies we'll be eating at "El Rey De La Gamba"... I love the internet.

Perspective

2009-12-07T23:44:00.000-08:00

It's all about me, right? I'M so busy, I'M so stressed out, I have so much to do, I don't have enough hours in the day, why do I do this to MYSELF - the emails, oh the bloody emails....BLAH BLAH BLAH!

I suppose the fact that the last time I posted was Halloween (Thanksgiving was great, thanks for asking) shows just how busy I've been and well, blogging always finds it's way to the back burner. Sometimes there are literally just not enough hours in the day.

Some people run out of hours altogether.

Not like "oh I'm so tired of making party hats, it's 3:30 am, I need to catch some zzzz's" but like - they give birth one day and die the next. Leaving a newborn and a husband behind. Or, they are talking with their husband and 3 kids one second, suffer a massive stroke and are flat in a hospital bed the next. These things happen. People run out of hours. Those left standing need help to get through the hours that follow.

Other people take the hours they have and they really make them count. I'm lucky enough to know one of those kinds of people and have been given an opportunity to help make a difference. I'll give you the run down - for the detailed version - head on over to MamaKat

Basically, a great group of women bloggers have banded together and are putting on a 3 day auction called BLOG BID HOPE - people like myself have donated goods and services for people like ourselves to go and bid on. 100% of the money raised is going to two wonderful causes (again, for the details of these causes, go here ).

Here's the exciting part for you! I've donated a $75.00 party package - fully customized, whatever you want - you got it! If you've been thinking of ordering, head on over there and bid on it! Use it now or for a party 10 months from now! You'll sleep great knowing that your hard earned money is going to help out some people that could really use it!

It's good every once in a while to be reminded of what's important. It's especially good to reflect on those things and shine a light on all of the good things we take for granted every day. If we are blessed with a gift to give - it's important that we give it. We can't really do much about how much time we're given - but we can do a lot about what we do with our time. I know that being involved -even in my little bitty way - has helped me put things in perspective.

More humility, less complaining(even when I'm knee deep in party hats at 3am). Things could be worse, much worse. In all things - give thanks.

NOW GO BID BID BID!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T17:12:00.000-07:00

Considering I already have some pretty big plans in store for the Christmas season - including a beautiful "Winter Onederland" that's been in the works for about a month already - I decided I better savor the moment, stop and enjoy the current holiday - Halloween! I've put together just a taste of what I've been up to this Halloween season.

An old friend threw a birthday bash for another old friend turning 30 (I'm getting old!) and asked for my help with the banner. I thought it turned out super cute - hope you girls loved it!

Next to that we have some DELISH candy corn bark my friend Julie made for her husbands birthday bash - let me just tell you that it includes candy corn, oreo's, pretzels and white chocolate - are you kidding me? It was so good. Julie put together an awesome "Guitar Hero" gathering for Justin, and what gathering is complete without some good ol' food toppers made by yours truly? The pictures are blurry - but you get the idea. Sayings like "Justin Rocks" and "Hope your birthday is a rockin' good time" brought the theme together. Fun fact - I play "Hard" on most Guitar Hero songs - and I've even done one song on "Expert". No joke, I'm seriously good!

Moving on... Nutter Butter ghost cookies. Pretty easy to figure out - cookies, frosting (I thin mine out a little bit with some milk, so it spreads easier) and I used mini-peanut butter cups for the eyes - anything small and dark will work just fine. Another fun fact - Nutter Butter has other products other than the traditional peanut (ghost) shaped cookies. BE SURE of what you are buying before you buy it. They tricked me with some disgusting wafer-type cookie - I had to go back to the grocery store and find the right cookies... so be careful - and Nabisco, you owe me like $3.49 for your tricky packaging.

In keeping with the ghostly theme of our Halloween so far, Todd and I are attending all of our parties as ghosts. I found some nice white fabric at a thrift store for $.99 - cut it in half, cut out some eyes, painted around them - whamo - costumes! Best part about this picture - we were both smiling under there. Hope you all have a fabulous and safe Halloween!

Macaroni Kids!

2009-10-15T21:58:00.000-07:00

Man, I love mac & cheese. Not the "blue box" kind - but really yummy homemade mac and cheese. It's so bad for you though, all of that cream and cheese and noodles - I can never bring myself to make it, the guilt - oh the cheesy guilt.

Macaroni really has absolutely nothing to do with what I'm writing about today...other than the fact that it's the name of the TOTALLY AWESOME WEBSITE I'VE BEEN FEATURED ON!

Have you heard of Macaroni Kids? If not, you must check them out. It started in the Hamptons (I'm sorry but am I the only one who thinks of P-Diddy and his parties when I think of the Hamptons...?) by two friends who wanted a place where all of the local family/kid-centered events and activities for the area could be found. Macaroni Kid was born. They spread to cities all over the country and now people everywhere can find great current and local information in one place. The best part is, each local site is run by a local mom. If you check the national Macaroni Kid website, and there ISN'T one set up in your area - YOU could be the one to run it! YOU could be a hero to moms and dads all over your town! I highly suggest checking them out, signing up for the local newsletter and getting involved!

Robin, a client of mine in Texas, who's party I'll be featuring soon, is friends with Sarah, the woman who runs the Macaroni Kids website in my area. Robin contacted Sarah, letting her know about Le Poppy Design, one thing led to another and whamo! Little ol' me is featured on Macaroni Kids! I couldn't be more excited and I couldn't be more honored that Robin was so pleased with my work that she felt the need to spread the word. I never guessed in a million years that I would develop such special relationships with virtual strangers - just by designing birthday parties!

Be sure to check out the fabulous write up on Le Poppy Design on my local Macaroni Kid site and stay tuned as there are some big things planned for the future! If you're local - check out some of those awesome give-aways and sign up for the newsletter - you won't regret it!

Just a little somethin' to break the monotony...

2009-10-09T00:34:00.000-07:00

Will Smith anyone?....ANYONE? OK, so I know that song is titled "Summertime" and well, it's fall...but - it fits. Why? Because with June comes summertime, and in June Rosie's getting married! Just what I needed in the midst of kiddie-party-chaos - something to "break the monotony"(...see I told you that song fit)! A wedding! I couldn't be more excited and I couldn't be working with a sweeter girl! Rosie and I used to work together, along with her sister - who's wedding I planned a couple of years ago. I'm so honored that she's come to me for help with her big day - her colors are awesome and she's got great taste - what more could I ask for?

Her bridesmaid dresses are green - like real, grassy, beautiful, rich green (one of my personal faves) and she's pairing that with hints of true blue...almost royal blue but not quite, but almost. You get it. And if you don't get it... well you will when I show you this;

Awesome right? I put this little ditty together for her last night - to make sure we're on the same page and drumroll please....she loved it. Personally, I'm loving the peacock feather earrings for the bridesmaids and the hairpiece for Rosie. I'm not sure if she'll go for it - but I'm workin on it. I found both of these pieces on Etsy - very reasonably priced but I'll probably just end up making them...because I'm crafty like that....which is why we are both here.

As for the centerpieces, we are going to start collecting a multitude of rectangular glass vessels from various thrift stores (and Ikea - $2.49 each...sweet!) and will be growing our own wheatgrass centerpieces in early June. From what I read they only take a few weeks max to grow - but given my propensity to kill anything alive and green within a mile of my own yard...we'll be doing a test-run...or 4. Wrap a couple of crisp ribbons around and whamo - really inexpensive, really classic and simple centerpieces. Leave your floating candles at the door.

I'm sure I'll be writing plenty more about this wedding as it nears, and hopefully showcasing the mind-blowingly cute "Save the Dates" I'll be creating, very soon.

And because I don't want you all thinking I sewed that cute dress - I should tell you that it's from J Crew, the tie from Brooks Brothers, the cupcakes from a shop in London called Crumbs and Dollies, earrings from Etsy shop Stars and Rocks, hairpiece from the Etsy shop Neva Plume, the socks from some bride who somehow convinced her husband to wear them, and the cookie bar from Martha... whew! That's a lot of props - but they deserve it, so check them all out - especially those Etsy shops...and while you're there, visit MINE!!

Fan Club Photos!

2009-08-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, so there isn't really a fan club.

But if I were to make one, how many of you would join? Perhaps I'd set it up the same way the only fan club I've ever been a part of was set up. You write me a letter....like, with actual paper, telling me how much you love me, and I am your everything and you dream that you and I are married in real life every.single.night and you send it to me in the mail. I then send you a piece of paper back saying something like, "Congrats! You're an official fan!" You get so excited that you literally run around the block telling everyone about the letter. But it doesn't stop there. Maybe I'd start sending you things in the mail, things that other fans don't get. Things that only official fans get. Things that really make your friends jealous. I mean really jealous. Maybe things like, fake backstage passes, or little mini posters of me. Don't forget the sneak peak magazines that have pictures of hundreds of things you can BUY that have me all over them. Pillow cases, telephones, huge buttons - the list goes on. Maybe after being a fan for a while, your collection starts to look like this;

Ok, so maybe my own fans won't be quite as fanatical about me as I was about the New Kids. But did anyone else get in SERIOUS trouble for calling 1-900-909-5KIDS? It was like $2.00 a minute or something like that - my parents were not happy.

On to my own, less obsessive but just as charming fan club. I am LOVING getting pictures of the parties I've helped to create. So far a handful of moms have sent me pictures of the end result and I couldn't be more excited about it! These photos are from a "Cars" party I did - not offered on Etsy for obvious copyright reasons - and it turned out so cute! Mom did an AMAZING job taking my little partyware gems and making them really shine!

Thanks to Allison for being my first offical fan here on the blog - looking forward to many more posts like these to come!

Side note - please do not associate my past love of NKOTB with any sort of current love of NKOTB. I saw them on the Today Show - they haven't seemed to change and that weirds me out. One of my best friends got free (please note, that for her sake they were free) tickets to see one of their reunion shows and she said that the audience clearly was NOT interested in any of their new music. Duh New Kids - you're not New anymore, and I'm not 10 anymore. It's over between us.

H aaaaaaggggghhhhhhhhh TS!

2009-07-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

I've now been forced to move my hat making operation to the floor - for the time being anyway. You see, no table around this place is big enough to assemble 46 hats! Yes that's right folks - 46. I've been up to my ears in ribbon, tulle and paper for the last couple of weeks and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight! Right when I ship a huge order, another one comes in - it's fabulous! So if it seems like I don't have time to write much here in the next short while, you now know why that is. I'm on the floor trying not to hot glue anything to my rug! Please take a moment to imagine what it would look like if an elementary school classroom and an 80's wedding had a child and that child threw up all over my living room....

200?!?!

2009-07-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

200 people "heart" my Etsy shop! Can you even believe it because I can't!

I bop on to the "hearts my shop" page every couple of days to see how my numbers are. If you have an Etsy shop and you don't do that - you're a liar. Because it's fun and addicting and it makes you feel good and you know it. Dry spells, like 3 days where the number stays the same, are depressing. You can see how many people look at each listing - so I know people are looking. But then they leave without hearting me. What the heck. So I take that as a hint that I need to step up my game. Game on haters.

Over the past week or so I've been checkin' the numbers a little more often knowing that I'm approaching the big 2.0.0. Lo and behold...or is it low and behold - hold on let me google it....ok I was right - it's "lo and behold" and it comes from "way back when" (that's a techincal date) and the "lo" is short for look...so it means "look and see!" We're all smarter now, you're welcome. Moving on...

Lo and behold yesterday I hit it! "jennputney" an Etsy member since September of 08 with no feedback made my day! I think I'll send her a message referencing this blog post to let her know. She didn't even have to do much and look at the impact! Thanks Jenn!

So, to recap. My first listing was posted on May 1, 2009 and a short 85 days later on July 24, 2009 - 200 people have recognized that they like what I do. What an awesome feeling!

Thanks everyone and here's my proof!

Can You Tell Me How To Get....

2009-07-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

This banner turned out so stinkin' cute, I just had to share. I made it a long while ago now, for a mom who originally wanted the banner but for me to leave the spacers (where the characters are) blank. She was going to try and find images herself, cut and glue them on... WHAT ARE YOU PAYING ME FOR WOMAN? I can do that!! That's my job!

I know what you are thinking, "Michelle, just yesterday you posted about not using commercial images" and to that I say "sshhh." I've decided that I'm not going post anything like that on Etsy - where I make money. But here my friends, here where my own personal life unfolds - where I share pictures and stories based in my real world - here is where I've chosen to share these little treasures. Some of what I post on here was done for free, for and with dear friends where Lord knows we weren't making money - we were spending it! A LOT of it!

I typically don't like the commercial stuff. I like parties where the "feeling" is there - but not necessarily the "faces" plastered all over everything. Sometimes, with the little ones - who just LOVE certain characters... you just gotta. Afterall, the party is for them, and they don't quite yet understand that mama really captured the essence of Elmo's spirit in this red punch. They want you to capture Elmo. Like in a cage. So they can drag him around all day, while wearing Elmo sunglasses indoors and spilling that red punch all over the hardwoods. Sometimes you just give in and roll with it.

Which is why I was a little bit excited to make this banner. Again, just like as in yesterday's post - this theme is a throwback to my own childhood and reminded me of things I hadn't thought about in a long long time...like where the 3 kids are doing the same thing but one of those kids is doing his own thing... I'm usually that kid - doing my own thing - designing banners I don't have the rights to.

The Worm-like Critter Who Really Needed A Meal

2009-07-23T23:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you knew this or not but apparently I didn't write the book "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". A (I'm sure) very lovely and talented man by the name of Eric Carle wrote that book. He's worked on many other fabulous books as well that I'm sure you are familiar with. I was raised reading many of these books and some of my very first book-related memories involve the book "Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?" which he illustrated. In fact, I love this mans' books so much that when one of my customers requested a first birthday party based around "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" I was thrilled! It's a pretty popular theme these days, which I think is so wonderful. Parties for young children involving books - it doesn't get any better! So much better than all of the uber-commercialized, generic, if not trashy "children's" partyware out there. The day my child eats birthday cake off of the bare mid section of a "Bratz" girl on a plate...well...let's all just hope that day never comes.

But I digress.

So, up goes the "reserved listing" in my shop. Complete with "the" caterpillar. I wanted to give the customer an idea of the "feel" of her party. I wasn't selling the caterpillar image. I was selling my time and talent and paper and ribbon and glue - all of the things it takes me to create an entire birthday party revolved around a simple "theme".

BUT FIRST I went out and PURCHASED THE BOOK.

Because it's such a great book, and because I knew I'd hold on to this book for years to come, because I would need a refresher in order to design coordinating partyware, because there was a long waiting list at the library - I bought it. Did you read that Eric Carle? I bought your book. You're welcome buddy. Go get a cheeseburger on me.

Before I was even done with the party, with only the purchased "reserved listing" in my Etsy shop - I received an email from Etsy telling me that Mr. Such and Such, a LAWYER representing ERIC CARLE had contacted them regarding MY party listing. Apparently I didn't write the book, and I don't have the rights to the images and I'm not allowed to ever post anything like that ever again. I wonder if all the folks with hungry caterpillar listings - all 4 pages of them - received emails like mine.

On one hand, I see where they are coming from. Sure he wants to be the one making money on his book. OH WAIT...HE DID. I wouldn't have purchased it if I hadn't been so garsh-darn excited about that party.

Why did I write this you ask? Why did I take the time to rant my pants off regarding this matter? Because it was a good reminder for all of us creative kids- stay away from the commercial stuff. Even when it seems harmless, healthy even - just stay away. Because all of those Erics out there want more cheeseburgers.

So, because I know you are all wondering how it turned out - I give you a picture of my "time and talent" - I call it "The Worm-Like Critter Who Really Needed A Meal"

I hope all of the darling little kiddies at the party had so much fun that they all run home and beg their parents to go out and buy them a copy of the book. mmm....cheeseburgers.

I Feel So Special!!

2009-06-09T13:31:00.001-07:00

My first month of business has been a HUGE success! Not only have I worked with some incredibly lovely moms, had a blast designing 25 different birthday parties, but I've made enough money to keep the lights on! All while having so much fun doing it! As if that isn't enough, I've been featured on FOUR major blogs!

First there is MamaKat - I designed a party for her daughter who turned 4 in May. She ranted and raved about me on more than one occasion, and considering she has like over one billion readers every day - that's some awesome advertising! If any of you are here courtesy of her, let me know so I can be sure to thank mama. If you aren't here courtesy of her - you should really go check her out. She's what convinced me that you could still be pretty and funny and smart and also a blogger.

Next there was my feature on PoshLittle.Com which I blogged about not long ago. It was so awesome being on a website of that caliber, and I know that the post sent a few customers my way because they told me they found me on PoshLittle!

Now on to the two latest features. AlphaMom is " a consumer lifestyle brand, new media and research company for moms and moms-to-be." I took that from their website. They really take time to research and write about quality items that they feel busy moms can benefit from. How awesome to be part of post alongside some of Etsy's party-designing royalty! And at the top no less... check out my feature here!

Finally we have my write up on EvergreenMoms.com This website is awesome because it's local, and it focuses on local products from local people. Here is a little bit from their site describing what they do; "Artisans and small businesses across the Northwest are making some some fantastic products for children and families. Evergreen Moms shines a spotlight on them." I'm so honored to have their hip spotlight shining my way today!

All in all, I feel so special! Thanks so much to everyone who has supported me in my very first month of business online - it's truly been my pleasure!

Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto

2009-06-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! Just as I was saying that rush orders are the pits - I get a request for a seriously awesome one! I've been wanting to do a robot party for some time now, and was going to do a "sample party" (read; waste of time and money because the party is for nobody in particular - it's mostly so we can eat cupcakes once the photo shoot is over) because I know it would be such a cute theme. Well da da da daaaah (super hero sound)- a mom named Robin to the rescue! Her son is turning four - a perfect age for a robot party if I do say so myself - the party is in like, less than two weeks, and I'm ready to get started! Here is her reserved listing from my Etsy shop - I think my Mr. Roboto turned out pretty cool - once I make a few more robot friends for him we'll be ready to rock and... robot.

I can make those kinds of jokes because I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who even reads this...

Monkeying Around!

2009-06-02T18:16:00.001-07:00

As you may have read, I have been doing a lot of monkeys lately. This party is no exception and has been my biggest order to date! Keep in mind that this party was a rush order to begin with - I'm surprised I got any sleep at all these past few nights! I am beginning to see why some people don't do rush orders. It's kind of stressful! None the less, I worked well under pressure this time - and with a little bit of help from my lovely assistant - finished with a day to spare! The feeling of freedom I experience walking away from the post office is such a good one - another adorable party on it's way to a pair of adorable twin boys. Hopefully their mom will send me some pictures of their party because by the sounds of it (she has custom monkey cupcakes, custom made shirts, custom made cookies) this party is going to be seriously awesome! Hopefully my little contribution below is included in said awesomeness....

Race (Not like Nascar) On Over

2009-05-31T19:23:00.000-07:00

My "Race On Over" line was designed for an adorable little guy named Jake - who, don't tell him, is getting an equally adorable vintage race car scooter for his first birthday! Mom wasn't 100% on a theme when she came to me, she told me about Jake's new wheels, and together we figured it out and ended up with this adorable party - probably one of my favorites yet! It was a nice break from monkeys. Not that I don't love doing the monkey parties or anything...it's just that I've been doing a lot of monkeys lately. Not "doing" doing monkeys - you're gross.

Anyway - here is the newest line, I'm lovingly calling it "Race On Over" - I hope that doesn't sound too Nascar. I don't care for Nascar. I would say that I "hate" Nascar, but my mama always told me that hate is a nasty word. You wanna know what wasn't nasty though? Those delicious cupcakes I ate once the photo shoot was over.

Vintage, Retro, Cupcake, Dick & Jane, Red, Blue, Pink

2009-05-07T21:25:00.001-07:00

Those are the words I was given to come up with a little girls' first birthday party. Talk about creative freedom! My challenge was in translating all of the cute ideas in my head in to something real...I have had so much fun coming up with this one! I sent the proof off to mom Amy... here's hoping she loves it because I would LOVE to revolve a party around this theme! If she doesn't end up liking it, and one of YOU do... have your people call my people.

Featured on PoshLittle.com!

2009-05-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful surprise to see that my monkey party was featured on Poshlittle.com! If any of you out there are in the business of getting knocked up you should definitely go visit that site! They have something for everyone in baby/kiddie land! It's so exciting to see that people other than my friends and family love my work. Now if I could just get the people at PoshLittle to also tell me how smart and pretty I am...we'd really be in business!

In other news, I have my first Etsy sale in the pipeline! Mom, Lauren, loved Laina's puppy party for her almost two year old and requested some of the same items for a party in July! Hopefully everything works out, and if it does - you'll be seeing more puppies and paw prints real soon...this time in pink & green (adorable!). To see Laina's finished puppy party package... go here!!!

Laina's Puppy Party!

2009-05-02T15:24:00.000-07:00

Laina's purple puppy party is almost finished and I am so pleased with how everything is coming together! Here is a sneak peak... Want more? I knew it. You can see the entire (almost) party over at my Etsy shop...

Britten Wedding

2009-04-30T22:46:00.000-07:00

Meet the Brittens! This couple really had a lot of fun planning their wedding - and I had fun with them! When I say couple, I mean couple! Even the groom was super involved (not in like a groom-zilla way or anything...he's very sweet) in the planning of their wedding. He was up late assembling invitations and hand picking his own outfit, even helped the day of with centerpieces! They are quite the team, a true couple's couple and pretty goofy (if I do say so myself :) ) - and they wanted their personalities to shine thru on their wedding day. Every detail was personalized, from getting the recipe to "Grandma O's Famous Raspberry Filled Cookies" just right - down to the made-to-match strawberry vinaigrette! It was such a pleasure working with the two of them and as you can tell by the photos below, their big day was truly one-of-a-kind!

My Etsy shop is open!

2009-04-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

My Etsy shop is up and runnin'... I'm currently in the process of getting all of my listings up for sale! Click that Etsy button over there to your right ------------->

and come see me!

Payton's Elmo Party

2009-04-25T18:11:00.001-07:00

This party was almost a year ago now, but I just came across the pictures and because it's so cute - I have to post it! One of my best friends is pretty much wife and mother of the universe...what you see here is just one of many reasons why I think so. She works so hard to make everything special. Down to the last detail, she strives to make sure everything is perfect - and it always is! Carli is my creative "other half". Together we have worked on countless birthday parties, showers, weddings etc and always end up with a fabulous event! From coming up with invites and outfits to Elmo pizza and party hats - we do it all - and always have fun doing it!

Carli specializes in invitations/announcements/thank you cards etc - here are the ones she created for Payton's Elmo Party!

If you are in the market for invitations or announcements of any kind - bop on over to Carli's Etsy shop at http://www.dimpleprints.etsy.com I promise you will looooove what she does!

Marshall Wedding

2009-04-25T17:44:00.001-07:00

This was the kind of wedding that little girls' (and my) dreams are made of. Since the couple met while working at a golf course in college, celebrating their "big day" on a golf course made perfect sense! The golf theme was carried out in subtle details throughout the event. This, paired with the gorgeous setting and classic ambiance of the country club made for a meaningful and elegant wedding. It was an absolute pleasure working with these two families, I'm honored to have helped create such a special day!

Laina's Pup Party

2009-04-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

It was no surprise learning that Laina wanted a "dog party" considering she pretends to be one pretty much every time I see her. The challenge, however, was designing a "cute" dog to base the party around, rather than using a graphic of an actual dog (hideous). I'm not in the business of making anything with some big ol' slobbery-faced, googly-eyed dog on it. Let alone anything for an adorable little girl's fourth birthday party! Keep in mind that she loves purple, not typically a color I associate with canines... but I think it's coming along smashingly! Here is the invite, word on the street is that Laina likes them, and her favorite part? The dog. More of Laina's pup party coming soon!

Sophia's Monkey Party

2009-04-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

Today I met up with Sophia's mom Jaymie to deliver her party package! Over a delicious cupcake (thanks Jaymie!) I was able to show her everything I've been working so hard on for the past few weeks. It turned out so stinkin' cute! I'm honored that Jaymie entrusted me with the design of her daughter's first birthday party and I'm so excited for the celebration on May 30th so I can see how everything comes together! For now, here is a taste of Sophia's first birthday!

Let's Monkey Around...

2009-04-02T10:25:00.001-07:00

Today I'm starting to gather ideas and inspiration for

Sophia's First Birthday!

Stay tuned - this one is going to be so darn cute!

2009-03-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

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