Real Hip Decor: Cupcake Liner Pom Poms

So while we know Tissue Poms have been hot property in the land of party blogs for some time and while we have been taking orders for them left, right and centre since we began stocking them, we couldn't resist sharing this very clever adaption of these essential party pretty.

Heidi, from Made by Heidi: Sew. Craft. Create. has a guest post tutorial on How Does She? showing how to turn cupcake liners (papers, patty pans, baking cups - whatever baking language you speak) into these gorgeous frilly poms!

(Image from Made by Heidi: Sew. Craft. Create. via How Does She?)

Now I must say that I tried this and I have some tips to share:

1. Try the glue gun - I think it gives you a more precise glue spot than the craft glue I used.

2. Pay close attention to Step 4 - I missed this in my quick perusal of the instructions and it is difficult to do when the craft glue is wet (again maybe better with glue gun) but ensures that really full ruffled look.

3. I am going to try another one and use pins instead of glue - I think this would work as well and perhaps be a little quicker.

You can try your own by following the instructions here.

Adorable!

Delicate Drinks

You know how we've got a little thing for doilies going on ?

Well after seeing these . . . .

(images via A Field Journal)

it's officially a head-over-heels, heart-pounding, butterflies-in-the-tummy, can't-get-enough-of crush!

Pop over to this gorgeous blog for more details and links to the DIY tutorial.

We have been busy creating some doily garlands in white for a very special project, but wouldn't they be pretty in pastels too? Off I go in search . . .

Enchanted . . .

image via My Life -My Loves

by these cuter-than-cute invitations. We have always adored the idea of sending invitations with an extra something that hints at what awaits on the day. There is such fun in digging through a layer of sweets to get to the details beneath or receiving a little dress-up to wear to the party. These mini woodland terrariums would have any lucky invitees anticipation-ometer sitting on Very High, don't you think?

Sharnel has been planning and collecting and crafting for Olivia's 6th Birthday for some time and we love that we could help her find the perfect home for these friendly folk. Sarah at Style Me Gorgeous has translated the vision perfectly on paper. Follow the trail through the woods over here, we predict there will be magic made in a couple of weeks time.

Hello Sunshine

Image via Eat. Drink. Chic

I'm with Amy. It's certainly a little dark and grey around here today. And slightly chilly.

Winter in Brisbane passes in the blink of an eye, coming and going quicker than you've had a chance to even think about getting the woolies out of storage. Up here, Summer seems to always be lurking quietly around the corner waiting for it's chance to sweep Winter away for another year.

But Summer must be sleeping in today - and letting Winter do it's thing for just a little while. So if it's a little grey where you are too, head over here and get you some summer with these sweet printable tags. You'll even love them if it's all bright and sunshine-y where you are. Happy all round, really.

In the window: What's the Buzz?

So, you'd be forgiven for thinking the windows might be a little dusty around here.

Truth is we've been busier than ever filling the store with new releases and old favourites and would love for you to press your nose up against the glass and take a look - we promise not to make you sneeze!

Un-Party Invitations

Six little envelopes are off to school today. Mia wrote and decorated each of the labels herself. Inside are our favourite invitations from KatyJane Designs. They are for the party-she's-having-when-she's-not-supposed-to-be-having-a-party. Shhh! Don't tell her Daddy.

Six little people is such a nice number - last year it was four times that plus their parents. Which is precisely the reason we are not supposed to be having a party! So, finally, we are doing the one-friend-for-each year-rule. We are keeping it sweet and simple. And if we wipe the frosting from our noses quick enough, we may just sneak this little un-party by Daddy.

But probably her happiness will give it away.

In the Window: KatyJane Designs

Press your nose against the glass today and meet the adorable fill-in invitation range from KatyJane Designs.

Aren’t they just so reminiscent of a perfectly simple, carefree childhood?

Imagine if you might that the window today is strung with paper chains made from vintage children’s books. There is an old-fashioned trike, probably a red wagon, definitely a spinning top and a jack-in-the-box. There is a party table laid with Nanna’s finest embroidered linens mixed up with some fun contemporary tableware. There is a row of paper party hats. There are paper bags filled with 5c sweets from the corner store – milk bottles, teeth, spearmint leaves, cobbers, conversation hearts – and tied with these tags. There is homemade lemonade in glass bottles with stripey paper straws. And a beautiful, simple birthday cake – homebaked, of course - perhaps vanilla sponge with strawberry jam and fresh whipped cream.

And if this window were wired for sound there would be giggles for sure – happy kids without the need for a jumping castle or magician to direct their party play.

We remember birthday parties like these – and we want that for our own children. Thanks KatyJane Designs for making old so very new again.

To herald their arrival in our store, we are giving away a delightful KatyJane Designs pack of 12 fill-in invitations + party bag tags of the winner's choice. Just leave a comment here and let us know which design you love the most and a prop you might use to theme the party.

The winner will be randomly chosen next Monday 8th March, 12.00pm AEST.

International entries are welcome, however please note prize will be shipped using Australia Post Standard International Mail service.

Any excuse

Don't you agree any excuse to celebrate life and love is a good excuse? Any excuse to hold on a little tighter, dance together in the kitchen while the kids giggle at us or sneak in an extra smooch is a good excuse. And any excuse to maybe bake a little something sweet and get a little creative in the gift-giving department is definitely a good excuse. Critics may holler about commercialism and hype but we say bring on Valentine's Day! Here's a few adorable (and mostly downloadable!) projects we found to help you celebrate this weekend with your loved ones in style.

Treat bags from Twig and Thistle. Head over here to download artwork for free.

Candy-filled heart cones from Martha Stewart. Instructions can be found here

Candy bar wrappers from Creature Comforts. Free download over here.

Lollipop Heart Flowers from Martha Stewart. Head over here for instructions

Message garlands from Whisker Graphics.

We love her ideas for cute places to hang them!

You can download them for free over here.

Handmade heart doilies from Martha Stewart. Get crafting with these instructions.

Little matchbox valentines from inchmark. Follow the way to download templates here.

Hanging crayon hearts from Martha Stewart. Create your own with these instructions.

Adorable Valentine's packaging set from marialunate on Etsy.

A pretty package

Don't you just love these adorable little sweet bags from The Farm Chicks? The best part is that they come as a digital file for you to print as you wish and use over and over again. Now you'll never be caught short of something a little pretty to present a sweet treat, a thank you gift, or something to say I'm-just-so-glad-you're my-friend. Gorgeous for wedding or party favours and just in time for Valentine's Day too. We would be most happy to receive just one of these filled with kisses and hugs! Or maybe one of these Sweetie Pies . . . .

Serena has a delightful blog and lots of great ideas, recipes and products for living with simplicity and beauty. The Farm Chicks will ship to Australia - Yay! - these tags will be lovely in our stash of packaging pretties.