DIY Candy Bow Cupcake Toppers

Hello there, bowtiful!  If you are like me, and haven't mastered the art of piping bows on a cake with frosting,  and are always hoping to make a big impact in a short amount of time, then you'll love these easy candy bows that will transform your cake or treats in a jiff!  They are so much more forgiving, since you can move them around before applying them to the frosting.  I used them on my store-bought Valentine's Day cake, and I just wanted to share the tutorial.  They can be used for many different occasions and themes, so you know what they say -- when in doubt, put a bow on it!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Tootsie Fruit Chews in Assorted Reds (2 per bow)

• Microwave (not pictured)

• Wax Paper

• Kitchen Scissors

HOW TO:

Step 1

Wash your hands!  Unwrap two fruit chews, and place them on a small piece of wax paper in the microwave.  Heat in five-second increments until the chews are warm enough to mold with your hands.  (I heated mine for about 7-10 seconds.)

Step 2

If both chews are the same color, roll them together into one ball, and if you are using two different colors, roll them into two separate balls.  (NOTE:  If you want the bow to have a yarn-like appearance, you will want to roll the chews into two separate balls no matter what colors you have chosen.)  Rub them between your hands to form a "snake" out of each ball.

Step 3

If you are going for the yarn-ish look, twist your two strands of candy together.

Step 4

Create a loop on one side of the "rope", with a tail hanging below.

Step 5

Create a second loop on the other side of the rope, and place the tail over the center of the first loop and tail.  Squeeze together in the middle a bit to keep the bow in place.  

Step 6

Use kitchen scissors to snip the end of each tail at an angle.

Voila!  You have an adorable candy bow!  You can place it on a cupcake, the top and/or sides of a cake, or just put it on a little plate for a cute after-school treat.  TIP: Store in a cool place so the bows keep their shape.  Also, wait until the day you plan to serve the cake to place bows on the side.  They may begin to slide down if left overnight, depending on the type of frosting.  I would love to know what you do with your bows, so please do share!  ...or tag me on Instagram.  Thanks!

DIY Mini Stick Horse Piñata

It's Derby week here in Kentucky, and it's time to make some stick horse piñatas!  These are perfect favors for the kiddos, and you could even have a fun little race with them!  They could work for a pony party as well.  You can find the tutorial here, in the Handmade Charlotte archives.  

DIY Honeycomb Flowers

Happy Easter friends!!  I can't believe that it's tomorrow already.  We haven't even decorated eggs yet!  I have gathered everything for Easter baskets though.  How will you be celebrating?  You can make these DIY honeycomb flowers with mini honeycomb balls and a glue gun.  I will link the supplies below.  In full disclosure, I may make a small commission if you shop my links.  Thank youuuu!  :)  

Create this look:

Mini Honeycomb Balls

Mint Stripes Plates

Mint Plates (Large)

Diamond Party Cups

Striped Napkins

Giant Confetti Table Scatter

Easter Egg Cups

Floral Baking Cups

If you have any questions about making the honeycomb flowers, feel free to comment below.  Happy Easter!

OH HAPPY DAY shop!

Baking Party Invitation

If your little gal loves to bake, then a "Baking Birthday" just might be the perfect way to celebrate!  Invite some friends over to make some cookies and cupcakes, using these adorable whisk invitations!  Find the full tutorial over at Handmade Charlotte.

Gumdrop Swans-a-Swimming

If you're looking for a quick cake or cupcake topper this Christmas season, these gumdrop swans would be perfect!  They would also be sweet for a first birthday, baby shower, or any other swan soiree.  Follow the tutorial on Handmade Charlotte, and have a very Merry Christmas friends!

Bowling Ball Cupcake Toppers

At this house, most of us have fall birthdays, and the weather is pretty unpredictable!  Bowling is the perfect fall or winter party idea, and these marbled bowling ball cupcake toppers would be adorable in any color scheme.  If you want to make your own, check out the tutorial on Handmade Charlotte! 

THURSDAY THEME | bunny brunch

Here is all the inspiration you need to start planning the most adorable "bunny brunch" for your favorite little ladies!  Wouldn't this be a fun Easter tradition?

LEFT to RIGHT:  

1.  BUNNY BRUNCH INVITATIONS  The most adorable FREE printable invitation you ever did see! | Emma Trithart

2.  BUNNY COOKIES  You're going to need a bunny-themed snack...and these cookies are darling! | Handmade Charlotte

3.  DIY NO-SEW BUNNY EARS  Guests will love being able to make (or at least wear) their own pair of bunny ears. | Live Free Creative Co.

4.  BUNNY TOTE  Some adorable inspiration for your favor bags... | Cotton On

5.  BUNNY BREAKFAST  Isn't this the cutest bunny food art EVER?  Make your own using pancakes, cherries, bananas, etc. |  We Heart It / @ivanavai  

6.  EASTER PRINTABLES  These are the sweetest FREE printables, and you can use them to make cupcake toppers, pancake toppers, garlands, stickers, name tags, etc. | Emma Trithart  

7.  BROWN SACK BUNNY MASK  This would be another simple party craft for young guests. | Oh Happy Day!  

8.  ARM-KNIT BUNNY  So, it might be a little extravagant to make enough bunnies for each guest to keep, but if you're feeling ambitious, one or two would be cute to have lying around at the party. | The Style Files 

9.  RABBIT FABRIC BALL HAIR TIES These are a must for the favor bags. | Rare Rabbit   

10.  HARD BOILED BUNNY EGGS  The perfect side to go with those bunny pancakes! | Parents

11.  DIY BUNNY EARS TWIST TIE  ...one more fun craft or favor, depending on the age of the guests. | The House that Lars Built

12.  BEAD BUNNY BOOKMARKS  Such a cute DIY!  Party activity or favor? | Small for Big

THURSDAY THEME | "camp unicorn" part two

There are too many brilliant unicorn ideas to fit into one post, so I split it into two.  Be sure to check out part one for even more unicorn party inspiration. ...Then come back next Thursday for a new theme!     

LEFT to RIGHT:

1.  DIY UNICORN BALLOONS  Studio DIY came up with a fun way to dress up some plain pink balloons!

2.  CAMP UNICORN PENNANT  This was a custom order from Chic Baby Rose.  I am SO in love! It would be so fun to run with a "camp unicorn" theme! Isn't it inspiring?

3.  STUFFED UNICORN BALLOON ANIMAL  It would be fun to make enough unicorns to hand out as party favors.  Click the link for the tutorial on Little Inspiration.

4.  PRISM PARTY PLATES  These just look unicorn-ish, right?

5.  UNICORN POOL FLOAT  How about a unicorn pool party?!  You would definitely need this float.

6.  UNICORN MOTEL KEY CHAIN If you're hosting a unicorn sleepover, the girls will need a key to the unicorn motel!  This would also be a fun party favor.

7.  UNICORN CAKE This naked watercolor cake has the perfect magical look for a unicorn theme.

8.  UNICORN RING  The hostess should definitely wear this Kate Spade balloon animal unicorn ring!

9.  UNICORN DONUTS  These are actually edible "spray paint" donuts inspired by Lisa Frank, but they look perfect for a unicorn party!  Find the tutorial on Aww Sam.

10.  UNICORN BUTTON  Shop Sweet Lulu has the most adorable buttons for sale!  You should browse the entire collection, once you're done buying the unicorn!

11.  UNICORN SUSHI  The perfect party dessert.  Find out how to make this sweet treat on Poppytalk.

12.  UNICORN TERRARIUM KIT  If you need an activity or craft, this would be perfect!  You could probably create a very budget-friendly version on your own, or you can buy this adorable kit.

That's it, folks!  I may gather enough photos for a third board at some point, but for now, be sure to check out PART ONE!

Rainbow Balloon Cake Topper

The tutorial for this fun cake topper is up on Handmade Charlotte!  This would be perfect for St. Patrick's Day, or a unicorn party?  Happy Weekend!

THURSDAY THEME | "camp unicorn" part one

Unicorns are still going strong!  In fact, there is so much inspiration out there for a fabulous unicorn party, that I had to break the post into two parts...and I still couldn't include everything!  I recently saw a pennant for "camp unicorn" on Pinterest, and that inspired the party title.  How fun would it be to host unicorn camp this summer?

LEFT to RIGHT:

1.   FREE PRINTABLE UNICORN VALENTINES  So, I know these are valentines, but they're so adorable that maybe you could somehow white out the "valentine" part, and use them as party favor gift tags?  Of course, if it's a Valentine's party, just leave 'em!  

2.   RAINBOW FROSTED CUPCAKES  These are soooo unicorny!  There is a fantastic recipe and tutorial at Party Patisserie.  

3.   UNICORN ORIGAMI BROOCH  Love this.  It may be a little expensive for party favors, but would be super cute for the hostess!

4.   SPRINKLE ICE CUBES  Such a fun idea!  There is not a tutorial for the ice cubes pictured, but there are similar "glitter cubes" at a Subtle Revelry.

5.   OMBRE PARTY CANDLES  These are perfect for a unicorn shindig!

6.   UNICORN BACON NECKLACE  How clever is "unicorn bacon"?  This Etsy seller created adorable necklaces, which would be great for party favors.  You could also use some "rainbow sour belt candy" to serve as actual bacon. 

7.   UNICORN PINATA MAKEOVER  All you have to do is buy a donkey pinata, and give him a cute little makeover!  

8.   UNICORN LOVERS CLUB  You could use this phrase on the invitations, or post it on the front door.  You could even make a garland using a cutting machine, or if you're feeling artistic - make a poster to hang in the "unicorn lounge".   

9.   UNICORN RINGS  I'm a HUGE fan of these rings...and they happen to be on sale right now!

10. UNICORN TOAST  Unicorn lovers need snacks, right?!  

11. UNICORN RIBBON ROSETTE  SO cute!  Hang these on the wall by your "unicorn lovers club" garland, or use them as literal game prize ribbons.

12. UNICORN FOOD  Throw a bunch of pink, sparkly sprinkles and candy together to create "unicorn food".  Unicorn fans will love it!

Be sure to check out "PART TWO" next week!

THURSDAY THEME | rainbow party inspiration

A friend of mine is planning a rainbow party for her daughter's 4th birthday, so I pulled together some inspiration for her, and just in time for St. Patrick's Day! This is such a fun theme to pull together, and you can make it as simple or complicated as you please.  Here are some of my favorite ideas!

Left to Right:

1.   FREE printable rainbows | Oh Happy Day!

Use these printable rainbows as gift toppers, or print enough to string on a garland!

2.   Lucky Charm Kabobs | Fête Gazette

Lucky Charm Kabobs would be adorable cupcake toppers!  

3.   Candy Rainbow Cake Topper | The Sweet Lulu Blog

So cute, right?!  It's even better that it's edible.  Yum!

4.   Rainbow Cake | One Charming Party

I have always wanted to make a rainbow cake.  Great way to add color to the party!  I have seen really cute versions of this in mason jars too.  

5.   Mini Rainbow Balloon Arch DIY | Oh Happy Day!

This would be a really cute, and inexpensive backdrop for the cake table!

6.   Rainbow Fringe Garland Backdrop | The Sweet Lulu Blog

This is one of my all-time favorite rainbow party ideas!  I love simple DIYs that make a huge impact.

7.   Rainbow Balloon Backdrop | Oh Happy Day!

This is a larger-scale rainbow idea that would be fun if you have a big space to decorate, or as a fun photo booth backdrop!

8.   Rainbow Plates and Napkins | Shop Sweet Lulu | photo credit: Instagram @theoriginalpartybagcompany

Every party needs some fun paper plates and napkins!  I adore everything from Meri Meri!

9.   Rainbow Candy Favors | Catch My Party

This is such a genius party favor.  All you need is some colorful licorice and mini marshmallows!

10. Rainbow Meringue Cookies | Eugenie Kitchen

All I have to say is ADORABLE!    

11. Rainbow Mylar Balloon | Shop Sweet Lulu

What's a party without balloons?!  Shop Sweet Lulu has the cutest party supplies EVER.  

12. Edible Rainbow Flag Cupcake Topper DIY | Oh Happy Day! 

Another genius idea!  Chiara always has the cutest DIYs for Oh Happy Day! They are always simple enough for non-crafters, yet make a huge impact. They always make me say, "Why didn't I think of that!"

I hope you are inspired to throw the rainbow party of your dreams!  

Kitty Party ~ Part 2

This is "part 2" of Kalia's kitty party!  I took some detail shots before the big day, and just wanted to share.  Be sure to check out "part 1" for some beautiful shots taken by Dawn of Details Portrait Art. 

The Purr~fect Party

Kalia asked for a kitten party for her 9th birthday, and I wanted to make it sweet, but not too sweet!  It is one of the last few parties we will be having before the pre-teen years, so we're getting close to the time when I won't have a valid opinion about the party decor!  I also feel like this is the year when the girls are starting to distinguish between "cool" and "lame", so I figured if I added a few of the trendy geometrics, it would be the perfect juxtaposition of sweet and edgy.  The decor itself isn't exactly "edgy", but it is for a kitten party, right?! 

Each girl got a cat-ear headband and collar, and of course we painted whiskers and a nose on their faces.  I was a little worried about doing anything too babyish, but they were all thrilled to dress the part, and my husband and I got to hear lots of meow-ing for the duration of the party!  We went on a scavenger hunt for (candy) mice, and played a lot of kitten-themed games.  They also painted some cat faces I found at Michael's, and we put magnets on the back to make them somewhat useful.  We sent them home with their headbands, collars, magnets, candy, journals, and a little mouse. 

I will be sharing party "details" in the near future, so if you're interested, be sure to check back for some DIYs, individual shots of the decor, and a more detailed source list!

Sources:

Honeycomb balls & paper straws:  Shop Sweet Lulu

Cupcake liners: Cath Kidston

Photography:  Dawn of Details Portrait Art

A very special thanks to the talented Dawn, for taking such beautiful photos of Kalia's special day!  Be sure to check out her facebook page for her current photography projects and info.

You Are the Cat's Pajamas

It was kind of obvious that my daughter had an underlying motive in asking for a "cat party" this year when she said ..."and mom, wouldn't it be so funny if I got a REAL kitten for my present?!"  We actually made her dreams come true, and adopted our first family pet!  She named him "Tuna", and he is soooo sweet -- when he isn't chewing up the Wii sensor cord!

When I first hit Pinterest for inspiration, I found a lot of toddler cat parties.  I had to get creative, and find ways to make the theme a little less juvenille.  I can't wait to share my ideas as I work on more party DIYs!

If you follow me on Pinterest, I guess it's no secret that I LOVE free printables!  I have had my eye on the printable bunny paws from Love Mae for ages.  When the cat theme was official, I knew I had to incorporate the paws...so they became invitations!  Purrrrrrrrrfect, right?!

If  you would like to make your own cat party invites, this is what you'll need:

printable paws

printable "cat's pajamas" business card

printable hexagon cuties

white cardstock

scissors

glue stick

glassine bags

washi tape

First, print and cut out your freebies!  Next, type up a small blurb for your invitation (as seen in the photo) to fit on the back side of the paw print.  Once you have printed your invitation blurbs, turn the paw upside down over the writing, and trace around it, attempting to have the words centered in the paw.  Cut, and glue to the back side of the paw.

Next, place one paw print invitation, one "cat's pajamas" business card, and one hexagon cutie of your choice in a glassine bag, and seal with washi tape!  Your guests will love receiving a little bag of paper goodness, and will be as curious as a kitten about your party!

Girly Dino Party

My daughter is a girly tomboy (if that makes any sense!), so I love to take typically masculine themes, and give them a feminine twist.  I have some dino DIYs over at Confetti Sunshine if you happen to need some inspiration for a female dino lover!

Girly Pow Wow

Hey there!  I'm Abby, and I LOVE to plan parties for my kids!  My background is in interior design, but I decided to be a stay-at-home-mom, and found myself pouring hours into planning my daughter's birthday parties.  It is the perfect creative outlet, and I love my "client"! 

Last year, we put together a girly pow wow for her 8th Birthday, and my PBFF (pinterest best friend forever) became the social media director for Shop Sweet Lulu.  She offered to post the party, which led to a blog contributing position over at Confetti Sunshine!  

A few months later, Shop Sweet Lulu began to pull together a design team, and I was thrilled when Stevie asked if I would be interested in contributing for their site as well.  I am finally at the point where I feel the need to begin a blog of my own, where I hope to share any contributing work I have on other sites, as well as current party DIYs and projects!  I hope you'll take a look around, and be sure to come back for even more party inspiration in the near future.  I'm working on a 9th Birthday for October, so stay tuned!     

You can see more photos from my daughter's girly pow wow over at the Shop Sweet Lulu blog.  Be sure to stay a while, and check out my friend Stevie's work.  Everything she does is Ahhhhmazing!

PS I know there are different pronunciations of "fete", but on this blog, you'll have to appease me and make it rhyme with gazette!