FREE DOWNLOAD from DimplePrints Thanksgiving Recipe Cards

While working on our Thanksgiving plans (we are hosting this year!), I realized it is quickly approaching, I know we haven't yet even reached Halloween, but the few weeks in between seem to come and go so quickly. Our family loves to "experiment" and share new recipes at the holidays. We even host an annual Thanksgiving bake-off. This year the guys are doing it!! I think I shall make a back up or 2, just in case! I created 2 different printable recipe cards (2 sided) so you can share your recipes with friends & family this Thanksgiving.

Many thanks to my customers. Enjoy, Carli

DOWNLOAD Damask Recipe Cards here

DOWNLOAD Leaves Recipe Cards here

Payton's Baseball Party

After a couple of requests for more pictures of Payton's party, here they are!

I went with a traditional red, white and blue baseball theme. His birthday party was the week of 4th of July, so the color scheme was very budget friendly as I was able to pick up numerous "4th of July" items from the dollar store, etc.

Pumpkin Carving Tips

Jack -O-Lantern Preservation Tips:

If you live in a dry climate, after carving, soak your pumpkin in cold water, allowing it to absorb water. This prevents premature shriveling. If your pumpkin begins to shrivel, you can resoak or spray with a squirt bottle.

If you live in a wet climate (like me!) and moisture is not the problem but the enemy (moldy pumpkins, not so pretty!). You can prevent mold growth by spraying or coating with a LITTLE unscented bleach.

Always seal all cut edges with a thin layer of petroleum jelly (it works!).

Happy Carving, Carli

Free Coordinating Return Address Label Design

Order your Christmas or Holiday card by 11.10.2009 & receive a complimentary coordinating return address label design! Note this special at checkout to receive this offer. Check my store, new designs are being added often! Thank you, Carli

Spider Web Art

Spider web art is a great project for children and an affordable way to change up your Halloween decor.

The delicate and intricate geometric shapes of a spider's web can be preserved and enjoyed with only a few materials and a little practice.

Materials Needed

Sheet(s) of black paper or white paper (construction paper or heavier work best)
Can of hairspray or spray glue (to make your paper a bit tacky)
Can of white spray paint or black spray paint (on white paper)
Can of varnish or clear spray paint

First find a few spider webs. This should be relatively easy since spiders usually build a new one every day. The following procedure can be tricky and will need a bit of practice so it's good to find several webs. First make sure the web is not being used by its builder.

Gently spray your paper with spray glue or hair spray making it slightly tacky but not wet. Gently spray the web with the spray paint. Make sure the spray does not damage the web but only covers it with paint. You will have to act quickly since the spray dries quickly. The most difficult part is next and will usually require a bid of patience. Place the sprayed tacky piece of paper behind the web and gently bring it into contact with the web. Carefully cut the strands of the web. Finally to preserve the web, spray the paper with the attached web with a protective coat of varnish. Frame to preserve. Now you can display the interesting geometric patterns of your own spider web for months to come.

A Special Thank You

I wanted to send a thank you out to the wonderful photographers who allow me to feature their darling pictures in my designs. Check out their websites for more beautiful pictures.


Meredith Nelson Photography

and

Jeanne Phinney Photography

Kid Halloween Fun

Resources
1. Invite by DimplePrints
2. Maribou Spider Halloween Craft-Joanns.com
3. You Print Favor Tags by DimplePrints
4. Ribbon Pumpkins, Good Housekeeping
5. Pumpkin Topiaries by bhg.com
6. You Print Cupcake Topper Designs by DimplePrints
7. Pumpkins, Good Housekeeping
8. Halloween Paper Lanterns, flickr.com
9. Maribou Spider Craft-Joanns.com
10. Spider Cupcake-culinary.net
11. Candy Buffet, Amy Atlas
12. Candy Buffet
13. Candy Buffet
14. Ghost Shakes, Martha Stewart
15. And 16. Polka dot plates and pumpkins-Celebrationshoppe

Bird Baby Shower in Orange & Aqua

Decor: Crisp white with pops of orange and aqua. The orange poms are easy to make, directions can be found here. Using branches, hang baby photos of mom & dad, sonogram photos, mom’s belly, etc. with ribbon or thread. Darling banner by Nestables on Etsy. Check your local craft stores (or even flea markets & thrift stores) for old bird cages, spray paint them to match. Bird cages make great centerpieces but can also be used to house gifts, cards, words of advice, etc.

Tables: Make simple runners out of bright fabric, love this one by Amy Butler layer over white linens.

Flower Arrangements: Simple arrangements of stick and/or seasonal flowers. Sticking with seasonal flowers will help you stay budget friendly. Check your local farmers market, flower mart or roadside stands for great deals.

Fall-Dahlias, Chinese Lanterns and Chrysanthemum
Winter-Oranges. Sticks paired with oranges would also work wonderfully and is budget friendly!
Spring-Tulips and Ranunculus
Summer- Zinnias, Lillies & Gerber Daisies

I rarely buy sticks; rather take a nature walk and see what you can find, I love the character of sticks found outdoors vs. those purchased at a craft store (tip, let them dry out and “de-bug” for a few days in a cool dry location).

Food/Dessert: I love these bird cupcakes by Martha. The nest meringues are also cute and fitting with the theme. Top a simple cupcake with a felt bird topper by GiftsDefine. She also carries amazing mobiles which would be a perfect gift for baby. Pair these darling desserts with a simple menu for a great event.

Drinks: Water with orange slices, Izze sodas in Clementine & orange punch (or yummy orange martini).

Favors: Small nests can be found at your local craft store or online, place Jordon almonds or small soaps in the nests for your party favors. Nests can also double as place settings for a seated meal.

Gifts: 5 Piece baby gift set by Henry and Zoe. Check Etsy for amazing one of a kind bird inspired baby gifts, everything from clothing to mobiles to nursery prints.

Resources:
1. Invite by DimplePrints
2. Branches, picture courtesy of www.curiouscountrycreations.com
3. Orange pom dahlia, picture courtesy of www.flickr.com
4. Fabric Banner Bunting by Nestables www.nestables.etsy.com
5. Baby Bird cupcakes, by Martha Stewart
6. Chinese Lantern branches (physalis), picture courtesy of www.flickr.com
7. Bird Cages, picture courtesy of www.parents.com
8. Orange Tissue Poms, picture by http://www.nested.com/
9. Nest Favors, www.weddingchannel.com
10. Amy Butler Belle Acanthus Duck Egg, picture courtesy of www.fabric.com
11. Felt Bird Topper by GiftsDefine, http://www.giftsdefine.etsy.com/
12. Baby Gift Set by Henry and Zoe, www.henryandzoe.etsy.com
13. Photos on branches, picture courtesy of Pottery Barn
14. Bird Nest meringue, courtesy of Family Fun

BATTER UP!

In June my little boy turned 3 and it was apparent we would be having a baseball themed party. Everything he played turned into a baseball bat & ball; in fact even everything he ate--carrots were bats, peas were balls, hot dogs were bats, buns were rolled into balls, when I say everything, I mean everything! As it was near the 4th of July, I went for an all American, red, white and blue & baseball too theme.

Invite by DimplePrints (of course!)

Menu: We went for the classics; burgers, hot dogs, french fries & concession fare-popcorn, licorice, soft pretzels, candy, sunflower seeds & lots more (sadly no peanuts & cracker jacks here, due to our kids food allergies). Drinks-Old fashioned soda

Dessert: I am no cake decorator, by any means. My normal cake people (my aunt or sister) both live out of the state and I have been left to fend for myself and boy could I use some pointers & tips! Love these baseball cupcakes & cookies, wish I could have pulled these off (looks easy right, but when working with vegan/allergen free cake & dairy free frosting-nothing is easy!)!

Cupcakes & cookies by bhg.com

Decorations: Red, White & Blue

I used 4th of July decor & bunting to create a classic ball park theme.

Centerpieces: I filled galvanized buckets with astroturf & baseballs. I created table runners out of $1/yard fabric found at Walmart. I created banners, cupcake toppers & signs to coordinate.

Games: The kiddos were a bit too young to play any organized baseball, but we set-up baseball tees for them to practice. I also picked up foam water splash baseballs at the dollar store and they played with them. Other ideas for older kids: Ball pass, longest hit/throw, or even a good old game of baseball.

Other Ideas: If you know me, you know that I insist we all dress-up for our parties. My husband hates it (he's not much of a costume person!), but I (and my kids) love it! I happened to find shirts for myself & kids at Children's place this summer (glad the boys size fit me!). I would have loved customized shirts, but just ran out of time I love these darling shirts by MSK Wear, she even has baseball dresses for sister!:

I always have a sign in book of some sorts, this year I decided to have guests autograph a baseball, which has been a fun keepsake after the party.

Favors: We gave out plastic bats & balls, which I was able to find at the dollar store!

It was a wonderful party. Happy 3rd Birthday Payton!