Wrap it up Thursday - On the Road Part II

Here is a little collage of some of the decorating I did for Helana's birthday down south this year, a few weeks ago.  As you may recall, my plan was to have a packed up birthday in a box, to make things easier.  I always forget how hard it is to find things down in the Keys and truth be told, I share my birthday with Helana and sometimes I find myself stressing and running around the whole day.  My plan was to try and enjoy it as much as I could, but really, I stopped celebrating my birthday years ago - it really is about making her day special.

I did bring some tissue for the flower poms and then I came up with making some medallion style flowers with heavy kraft paper my dad had in the garage. (you can see a rough idea of how I made those flowers when I did some for grad last year)

 I think it looked rather sweet but, it was a hassle trying to get everything to stay in place.  Next year, I am following the plan below.

Here is a board of what I can easily order on-line and have ready to go.  (The local party store will blow up the globe balloons I hope)

Tissue Flowers - (Pom Love - etsy)  - 5 in krafts, creams and pinks - 18.00

Balloons - large globes (Shop Sweet Lulu) - 5 in creams and pinks - 25.00

Pink Striped Cups - (Shop Sweet Lulu) - 7.00

Striped Straws (Shop Sweet Lulu) - 4.00

Painted Wooden Spoons  (Shop Sweet Lulu) - 8.00

Striped Paper Kraft Bags - (Shop Sweet Lulu) - 7.00

Cake Banner ( Tuck & Bonte - etsy) - 30.00

Optional fabric banner (Tuck & Bonte) - 45.00

Total - $99 (about $150 with fabric banner)

(note: I show the divine twine in bubblegum pink from Shop Sweet Lulu but I already have some so that is not in my total here  (1 large roll is $15)

So, for just a little over $100 (to include shipping) I can decorate and serve up goodies, for both our birthdays, with ease and anticipation.  I think for peace of mind and the ability to take something off my to-do list, this is the route I am going to go for next year.  In fact, I might have enough supplies for two years.  I might make a cake like I did the other day but if I can find something special (maybe William Sonoma) I can dress up something we would all like with the beautiful banner from Tuck & Bonte.

This was a paper banner I made last minute from extra tissue and kraft paper.  I cut out various sized flower shapes from pink tissue to create a flower for the candle.  This was a cake from the local grocery store (It was cookies and cream and Helana loved it ... I know ... store bought ... how could I !!??)

That little banner made the cake seem special and it also meant that we could enjoy our time out on the water on a jet ski and hanging on the beach, rather than slaving away in a hot kitchen.  Hopefully she isn't too scarred by this - store-bought concoction...she seemed to be just fine :)

Better Homes and Gardens - Simply Handmade

I picked up the November issue of Better Homes and Gardens and unexpectedly came across this gorgeous spread.

I love the cut felt letters and brackets.  I just makes me want to start making something with my felt stash.

This article is all about Etsy.  There are some really great ideas and shop finds.

I was happy to see someone I have followed for quite awhile.  Heather Shaw, of pi'lo has a thriving business making beautiful items for babies, kids and homes.

My mom and I used to visit her display booth at the Toronto One of a Kind for years and she was always a big hit with her gorgeous take on the letters of the alphabet.

She made our "go-to-gift" - a bear in a pillow pocket  - for every baby shower we went to.  About 12 years ago, my mom had her make two gorgeous linen duvet covers - they are still in perfect condition.

On this page she contributed the felt cracker in the top left and the sewing kit.  Both can be found in her etsy shop (see below) but this issue also gives directions so you can make them yourself.  Heather has a beautiful crafted simplicity to her work.  I remember once visiting one of her studios and she kept her invoices in silk pouches hanging from the wall!  The whole space was a dream.

You can visit Heather's blog here or visit her etsy shop and pick up a sewing kit or wonderful pillow.

find here

find here

Now, back to BHG..

 it's time to find a reason to cut out letters from felt ...