Bon Fortune

Let's Get this Party Started!

2014-02-12T15:33:00.003-08:00

Celebration Supplies: Bon Fortune
Photo: ©www.rosemagic.be

A new blog, a new shop, and a new look. We can't wait to get the party started. We hope you will join us in the celebration at www.bonfortune.com

DIY Snow Globes

2013-12-05T10:58:00.001-08:00

Many, many years ago I became enchanted with snow globes. It never occurred to me to make one until I read a how to article by Martha. Hampered by the inability to find the cute things to put inside, I was discouraged. Mind you, the internet was not what it is now. That was 1998. Fast forward a decade or so and the article resurfaced as a "good thing" in an anniversary issue of MS Living a couple years back. By then, I was ready.

A new box full of these fun novelties just arrived at Bon Fortune last eve, so it seemed to be the right time to share this fun craft idea with you. The link to that initial DIY snow globe article is here, and your good fortune is to have a resource for all the cute little goodies right here too.

Assemble the kiddos or invite the girlfriends over for craft night. Tie a tag to the bottom with our cute twine and gift your enchanting creation, that is, if you can part with it.

Happy Holidays. Enjoy!

Ultra Fine Glitter 2 For $3.75

12 ply Bon Fortune Twine Full Spool $7.50

Count Your Blessings

2013-11-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

Blog credit: Somewhatsimple.com

As we begin to plan our Thanksgiving feasts, thoughts turn to creating lists, recipes, table arrangements, and such. In the midst of all this planning and preparation it is all to easy to forget to do one simple, important thing. We should all count our blessings.

Go over to SOMEWHATSIMPLE.COM to download this adorable blessing tree. Create a few copies and use the provided circles or your own stickers for a lovely Thanksgiving activity.

Everlasting Balloons

2013-10-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

Many of you already think of Bon Fortune as your resource for special balloons. Many of you also often enquire about how long they last. Since our balloons are all 100% natural latex, the answer is that they will be at their best the day you inflate them. So, enjoy them while they last, and when your celebration is over, try this fabulous idea and make them last forever....in spirit that is.

Another inspired idea from A subtle revelry. You'll find the tutorial here.

What a treat! Happy Halloween.

Photo credit: Prokopets Studio

End of Summer Fun

2013-09-26T14:31:00.001-07:00

Polka Dot Birthday Cake Set Available here: www.bonfortune.etsy.com

Amazing Quality Custom Cabana Towels Kutekiddo

Jumbo balloons with ribbon sash available here: Bon Fortune

Polka Dot Cups and Straws Available Here: Bon Fortune

Cupcakes by Violette Bake Shop Fondant Toppers by Clementines Cupcakes

Water Bottle Wrap Graphics available from Sunshine & Pop

Birthday Banner Available here: Bon Fortune PartyBon Fortune Party Shop

Graphics for Bon Fortune by Sunshine & Pop

The Bees Knees

2013-07-26T22:04:00.002-07:00

Photo Styling by Jennifer of Milk and Honey Farm

I never really understood the expression, but always knew that it meant something good. So I looked it up and found it to mean something "excellent or outstanding". Perfect! This was exactly the expression I was looking for to describe Milk and Honey Farms. It is "the bees knees" for fabulous vintage finds, and creative decorative elements.

If you have ever wondered where we get the cool trailers and props for many of our photo shoots and parties, this is our secret. We are willing to share only because it is just to good of a find to keep all to ourselves. Besides, we are really excited that they have just launched their new website. So spread the word about Milk and Honey Farm for amazing props, rentals, coordination and styling services. Take a peek at it here and bookmark it. You will want to add it to your blog roll, and keep Jennifer's services in mind for your Bonne Fete's and styled photo shoots. Truly, the cats pajamas!

Strong Man Carnival

2013-05-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

Strong Man Carnival Party Dessert Table
As Featured on Amy Atlas.

There are so many wonderful ideas that can be incorporated into a theme such as a carnival party. The key is to pick one element and emphasize it. Our inspiration for this carnival was The Great Alberto canvas shown below. The idea of a strong man theme resonated as the party was intended as a celebration of strength, determination & progress.

The youngest birthday boy, Ryan age 4 has been challenged with a neurological disorder known as Apraxia. This disorder affects the muscles that relate to speech. Since before the age of 2 Ryan has been in therapy to improve this neuro- muscular challenge. Now at the age of 4, his speech communication progress is miraculous in great part thanks to his own strength of character and tenacity and the good work of his dedicated speech therapists. As a way to give thanks to the speech program that Ryan so greatly benefits from, the brothers Jack 8, and Ryan 4, agreed to share a big birthday party and in lieu of gifts, asked guests to make a donation directly to the non profit Speech Program (see invitation).

Many Bon Fortune friends and vendors participated to create a unique and fun carnival experience for all. The boys uncle Ben, was an extraordinary DJ, spinning vintage vinyl calliope and carnival music from the barn loft. A gypsy wagon awaited adventurous children and told of fabulous good fortunes. The Great Alberto served as the backdrop to an inflatable set of barbells that made each child feel extraordinarily strong. A photo booth backdrop & banner was set up by Whitney Hartmann Photography and guests were treated to a picture party favor donning hats and clown noses.

A happy clown twisted balloon animals, and put on a magical performance beside the charming child's tent. Kids meandered through the farm and played old fashioned carnival games, earned prizes and enjoyed carnival fare, such as popcorn, peanuts, corn dogs, hot dogs, fresh lemonade and sweet treats by the jar full. Both children and parents alike had a unique party experience and left with a bag full of goodies, balloons, and custom Strong Man theme cookies by Tiffany of Baked Perfection and the sweetest cupcakes from Violette Bake Shop.

Thanks to Shannon from To you From me for her styling services and gift of floral. and Jennifer Housh of Events by Milk & Honey Farms for all the amazing vintage props and trailer. A special thanks to our charming gypsy, Chloe, and her band of friendly & lovely helpers. And thanks to Auntie Christine & Mike for the pink popcorn delivery and helium balloon duty, and Grandpa Tom for creating the ticket booth that will likely be reincarnated as an ice cream stand for a blog post this summer. It was truly an affair of the heart for family and friends and Clarrisa Koenig photography captured many of the images here, along with Whitney from Whitney Hartmann Photography and we are so fortunate to be able to share these fabulous images and ideas with you.
Thank you to all. ~ Gina, Bon Fortune.

The Great Alberto from The Tent Merchant

Top Hat Novelties from Bon Fortune and Cookies by Baked Perfection

Vintage Rentals, Props & Styling Services Courtesy Milk & Honey Farms

We see amazing parties in your future.

Custom Invitations by Brightside Prints

Old Fashioned Carnival Games!

Muslin Gift Bags from Bon Fortune

Prizes and Favors

Children's Carnival Tent from The Tent Merchant

Pre Packaged Cotton Candy & Peanuts. Bags & Bows from Bon Fortune

Cupcakes by Violette Bakeshop in Golden Cups from Bon Fortune

Parasols & Paper Straws in every color at Bon Fortune

Lovely Floral & Table Top Styling by To You From Me

Cookies by Baked Perfection

Pickle bags from Bon Fortune

Milk & Honey Farms for Vintage Props

Corn Dog Bags & Wooden Utensils From Bon Fortune

"Make a Wish" Mobile from Bon Fortune

Carnival Balloons available at Bon Fortune

Custom Keepsake Clothes Pins graciously donated by Etched in Time LLC

Photography by Whitney Hartmann Photography & Clarissa Koenig Photography.

Party coordinator, stylist, favors and party supplies: Bon Fortune

Cupcakes and cake: Violette Bakeshop

Cookies: Baked Perfection

Floral Tabletop: To You From Me

Props Rental & Styling Services: Milk & Honey Farm Trailer

Custom Clothes Pins: Etched in Time LLC

Invitations & Graphics: Brightside Prints

Carnival Tent & Strong Man Canvas: Tent Merchant

Shop Like a Pro

2013-04-27T19:06:00.001-07:00

Bon Fortune Golden Cupcake Crowns

The Cover

Bon Fortune Balloon & Tassel

We often hear from the party pros while they are gearing up for stylized shoots, events, and parties.
We were particularly busy in Feb/March as a few designers were shopping for all the pretty details for their editorial features for Party Bird Magazine Spring/Summer Edition.

Thank you to Jasmine Shah from IDEA Event + Design for your creative vision for the Cover and to Lauren Borquez of Capes & Crowns for the darling polka dot bikini submission on pages 43-44 featuring our polka dot yellow balloons.

To view the magazine online click here: Birds Party Magazine-Issue 8

Come shop where the Party Stylist shop, at Bon Fortune.

Bon Fortune Balloons available HERE

Flying Elephants

2013-03-27T14:57:00.001-07:00

What an adorable Dumbo theme party from Lark & Lola featuring goodies from Bon Fortune. The peanut cookies in the tiny treat bags are so clever. The thing about this party that I especially love is that Mommy made the cake! This is a very well crafted party with lots of great ideas and wonderful details. Click over to Lark & Lola to see the rest of this sweet little Flying Elephant Party and then click back to Bon Fortune to pick up some charming details for your fun fete.

Popcorn Bags from Bon Fortune

Treat Bags from Bon Fortune

Visit Bon Fortune for pretty party balloons & tassels.

Other charming details for this theme might include our paper straws, and twine, and jumbo balloons.

Baby Your A Firework

2013-03-08T02:46:00.001-08:00

Bon Fortune Favors Photo Styling Courtesy Whitney Hartmann Photography

Have you met Amy? Amy Atlas. If you haven't, let me introduce you. Her event design blog is one of the best. Take a look here at her blog post featuring an amazing and original party by Whitney Hartmann.

Whitney asked Bon Fortune to pull together some party goodies for a Firework Theme Party. So, of course we did and we are so glad. The party was a success, the girls had fun, and we just love the pictures Whitney shared with us. Thanks for inviting Bon Fortune to the party!

Thanks to Tiffany at Baked Perfection for creating the charming cookie confections for us as our gift to the birthday girl.

If this party sparks your fancy, come on over to Bon Fortune and take a peek at our celebration supplies, and favors. Who knows, maybe Amy will want to introduce your party style in a blog feature.

Bon Fortune: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2013-02-14T11:00:00.001-08:00

Bon Fortune: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!: Photo: Sky Stone Photography /Styling: Adressa Hara of Twinkle Twinkle Little Party/Balloons w/Tassel by Bon Fortune It's always nice ...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2013-02-14T10:57:00.002-08:00

Photo: Sky Stone Photography /Styling: Adressa Hara of Twinkle Twinkle Little Party/Balloons w/Tassel by Bon Fortune

It's always nice to get a surprise in your mail box. Especially on Valentine's Day. Here is what I found when I opened up my mail today. A lovely note from Adressa Hara of Twinkle Twinkle Little Party
and this lovely pictoral feature by Chandra Fredrick on the beautiful wedding blog Oh Lovely Day featuring balloons and handmade tassel by Bon Fortune.

Congratulations to Stephanie & David on their engagement. While the balloons will long be gone by now, I hope you have held on to your tassel in your keepsake box. So glad that Bon Fortune could, in a small little way, be part of your moment and memories.

Happy Valentine's Day.

My Heart Could Be Yours

2013-02-07T10:47:00.001-08:00

Photo: Emma Magazine Feb Issue

I discovered a promising new lifestyle magazine called Emma that I wanted to share with you. Each month they offer great printables. This months feature is especially dear to my heart, so to speak, as they are the perfect addition to my heart shaped balloons available in red, pink and white in the shop here at Bon Fortune. Click here to have a peek at Emma and access to these lovely Valentine printables available free.

3 Foot Heart Balloon from Bon Fortune

15" Heart Balloons Pack of 5 at Bon Fortune

Adorable favor box tag printables courtesy Emma.

Available sizes 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 and 5x5

For a charming balloon weight, I love the idea of a clear favor box filled with a favorite candy such as m&m's or candy kisses. Available in various sizes at Bon Fortune. What are your ideas for Valentine's Day gifting? Share our post on Twitter or Facebook and send us a message with your ideas and pictures for an opportunity to win a free 3' heart shaped balloon and gift box Priority shipped to you. One winner chosen at random. February 10th deadline for submission. My heart could be yours.

A Conversation About Hearts

2013-01-22T22:42:00.001-08:00

Photo BraveTart.com Conversation Heart recipe by Stella Parks

Conversation hearts are to Valentine's Day what Peeps are to Easter, or candy corn to Halloween. A quintessential treat that no one really eats. Sweet hearts are fun to look at and perhaps play with but a bit hard and tasteless. So why not make them yourself? Yes. You can. Just 4 simple ingredients plus extracts for color and taste.

Flavored with banana, strawberry, wintergreen, orange essence, perhaps violette and rose essence. Flavors to match those divine colors. Now that is love. I heart Stella Parks and her recipe for these sweets available on her BraveTart.com blog here.

Once you make these beauties, package them up pretty in tiny glassine bags, or eco friendly clear cellulose bags, available at Bon Fortune. Valentine treats worth talking about MADE BY U.

Dashing through the snow

2012-12-10T11:36:00.001-08:00

www.imaginechildhood.com

Ok so, not much snow here in Santa Barbara but this darling little sled does encourage a visit to the mountains and a dash through the snow. This is actually a convertible piece of a wagon. Too cute for words and possibly YOURS. To win this heirloom quality sled wagon click over here to Imagine Childhood for details on a chance to win. This giveaway will be over in a flash so dash on over.

Kindergarten Mother's Tea

2012-11-30T18:04:00.000-08:00

What better way to welcome New Mother's to their elementary school community than to invite them to a Tea Party.
Hosted by the school parent foundation with a little help from Bon Fortune and a few of our favorite vendor friends.

Welcome banner and invitation suite by Pretty Little Studio.

Charming rubber stamps on name tags identify to all which class the parents students are in. Stamps gifted to each teacher after event. Custom Stamps by Cupcaketree.

Mismatched china tea cups and saucers from The Tent Merchant.

The most divine cupcakes from Violette Bake Shop.

Striped straws from Bon Fortune.

Violette Bake Shop signature cupcakes. Amazing!

Tea Sandwiches and biscuit bar with ham, a variety of cheeses, fruits and chutneys by Omni Fresco Catering.

Cheesecake bites, mini quiche and apple pielettes by Simply Pies.

Each guest departed with the favor of an apple graphic magnet
with office number, school website address and attendance line information and a delicious iced sugar cookie from Baked Perfection.

Lovely floral by Ruby + Romeo

Yummy bite sized apple theme cookies by Baked Perfection.

Photos courtesy Whitney Hartmann Photography.

With gratitude to our generous hostess, vendors and friends.

Giveaway!

2012-09-29T06:52:00.000-07:00

Halloween is around the bend. Time to get your supplies and goodies lined up. Feeling lucky? Just like us on Facebook then click on over to Dishert to enter a drawing to win a Bon Fortune prize package drawing for a fabulous burlap Trick or Treat bag filled with Halloween twine, spooky cupcake toppers, black foil cupcake cups, cupcake sprinkles, striped paper straws, popcorn bags an orange pierrot hat, balloons, and perhaps a tiny trick too! But hurry! Drawing October 15th.

Alas, many may enter, only one will win so come on over to Bon Fortune and pick up some trick or treat supplies while they are available. And then, if you win, you'll have twice as many enchanting goodies to giveaway. Happy Halloween!

Just One!

2012-09-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Clarissa Koenig Photography via Ruby + Romeo

According to Emily over at Dishert.com ( Dish + Dessert) Bon Fortune is the "mother load of all party necessities". Wow! Not sure we are quite there yet, but that is the aim, so thank you for finding us and we hope to fulfill that expectation as we add new inventory every week.

To read Emily's full blog post click here. To see her shop dedicated to dressing up occasions click here. And don't forget to visit Bon Fortune too, for a load of fabulous balloons and charming party details or..."just one!"

2 Out of 21. Not bad.

2012-09-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

Vintage Japanese Glassine Blow Outs

It is always nice to be surprised with a blog post that features your stuff as "cool". So, thank you Molly for the great blog post featuring two Bon Fortune vintage goodies on Babycenter.com:

"21 amazingly cool finds from etsy for your next birthday celebration"

Vintage Retro "Flights of Fancy" Bakery Novelties

Visit Bon Fortune on Etsy and see more of our whimsical vintage and new celebration supplies. To see the other 19 cool finds as featured on Babycenter.com click here.

Butterfly Garden Party

2012-08-08T11:23:00.005-07:00

Whitney Hartmann Photography from Kara's Party Ideas Blog

Invitation Suite by Allison Powell Designs

Tea in Tiaras Lovely Garden Fairy

Butterflies, decore and custom favors available at Bon Fortune

A hint of the lovely florals by Ruby+Romeo

Bon Fortune featured on Karas Party Ideas Blog!

We will be releasing more pictures from this sweet Garden Party soon

but thought you might like a sneak peek now.

Our gift boutique will be open in time for the holidays but to shop for party supplies,
goodies and favors now please visit our

Bon Fortune Party Shop by clicking here

and be sure to click links above to visit our friends and party partners.

A special thank you to Whitney Hartmann for her photography and blog submission.

Crafted Party Favors by Bon Fortune

2012-07-15T10:42:00.000-07:00

Valerie Hart Photography for Kara's Party Ideas

There are some really great party blogs out there and Kara's Party Ideas is among my favorites.
So when Kara placed an order at Bon Fortune for a variety of goodies, I knew that a fabulous photo shoot would be on the horizon. I was not disappointed. Bon Fortune original flutes, pouches, and feather party hats were featured in the Cowboy & Indian theme party. Needless to say, I was flattered.

Berry "Useful" Baskets

2012-07-15T02:19:00.000-07:00

Berry Baskets from Bon Fortune Photo Courtesy of Kristine from Lucky Lime Photography

Recently a group of gals joined together in Southern California for the Elevate blog conference. Bon Fortune was happy to contribute some berry baskets to be used as snack baskets for popcorn. Cute idea, right?

To get your "berry" useful little baskets click here. Made of recycled paper pulp and manufactured right here in the USA in the most lovely shade of turquoise blue. Pick up a dozen and feature them with your favorite snacks, or garden goodies this summer then send us a picture. If we post it, we'll thank you by sending you a dozen as a gift.

Pink Lemonade Stand

2012-05-18T14:01:00.003-07:00

I was flattered when photographer Whitney Hartmann asked Bon Fortune to supply some goodies for her "pink lemonade stand", a styled portrait photo shoot. Here is a peek at her flyer and her talent. You can also check out her blog here. If you are in the area hurry and schedule a portrait session for some charming pictures.

If these photos inspire you to create your own lemonade stand visit my Bon Fortune Shop for all the fabulous little details that will have your neighbors lining up for refreshments and your children happily occupied all afternoon.

Available here.

Photos courtesy of Whitney Hartmann Photography

Happy Mother's Day

2012-05-12T21:43:00.000-07:00

I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to Mother's Day than a garden party celebration to benefit Angels Foster Care of Santa Barbara. Angels Foster Care is a non-profit organization with a mission "to rescue abused, abandoned, and neglected children ages 0-2".

The event Al Fresco Afternoon On the Riviera was hosted by Coast 2 Coast Collection and Juliska at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. It was a lovely luncheon, with table settings and centerpieces featuring gorgeous Juliska of Spain, breathtaking floral by Ruby + romeo, and a fashion show by Saks Fifth Avenue. Magnolia Event Design coordinated the event and created a charming French market in the courtyard. Bon Fortune and Ruby + romeo collaborated to create a table full of charming gifts just perfect for Mother's Day gifting. There were tea cups with flowers, surprise balls, gardenia scented candles, striped straws, bonbonniere, and nostalgic novelties.

Other tables featured french style chocolate confections by Cali Bressan, vintage Chanel jewelry, Jo Malone fragrances, Juliska, Christofle and so many more gorgeous things.

To learn more about Angels Foster Care and to contribute to this most worthy cause click here. With sincere gratitude to Meichelle Arntz, founder of this organization that has made such a wonderful impact on so many children and families, including one that is particularly dear.

Happy Mother's Day!

A peek at some goodies available at Bon Fortune Boutique opening soon.

Pretty paper straws in every color stripes, and polka dots available now from Bon Fortune click here.

Sweet Soda Stand by Magnolia Event Designs
Photos courtesy of Melissa Musgrove Photography

Special thanks to Shannon from Ruby +Romeo for inviting Bon Fortune to collaborate,
to Lindsey from Magnolia Events for a splendid event, Holly from Coast 2 Coast for her vision for this grand luncheon, and Melissa Musgrove for capturing so many lovely images from the day, and of course my Mom, for all those things good Mommies do even when the kids are all grown up.

Cupcakes Anyone?

2012-04-01T12:15:00.001-07:00

Cupcake baking cups with crown wrap available at Bon Fortune. Cupcakes by Bottega Louie.

A few weeks ago I went shopping at the LA gift market. I went with a friend Shannon, who has just opened the most wonderful floral and tabletop business, Ruby+Romeo. We had a grand time visiting showroom after showroom looking for what others might have missed. We found a few things that I will be sharing with you soon but the one thing I discovered that I just can't wait to share is my adoration for the place we went for dinner and of course dessert, Bottega Louie.

I was enchanted by the whole of the place, it was as my friend, Shannon proclaimed, "So Bon Fortune!" In fact, it was so Bottega Louie. I was in love already with the splendor of the pastels and then I saw the cupcakes.

Adorned by a crown of gold these cupcakes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Topped off with a signature mini macaroon they are in my opinion the best of the best. Want one? Visit Bottega Louie.

By the way, Shannon was right, in a small way. Hundreds of cupcake crowns were already en route to Bon Fortune before I actually saw them in full glory at Bottega Louie. Want some? Come visit Bon Fortune Party & Novelty Shop for the gold cupcake wrappings, and for all the other charming elements of your party visit my Party Shop open now on Amazon. My party gift boutique will be open soon.

Visit Bottega Louis for a taste of Europe right here in California.

To purchase these gorgeous golden cups from Bon Fortune click here.