I Copied That

First day of School

2011-09-12T14:47:00.003-05:00

Here is my little guy heading out to preschool. (No he did not walk there alone!) But he was ready to head out without me!

Bye Ma!

The Party!

2011-08-22T20:20:00.002-05:00

And the last of the Construction Birthday Party posts...

Pictures

Construction Birthday Printables

2011-08-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

For the big birthday I created some printables. These little details just help personalize the party a little more. I find it easier just to make what I want then try to find what I am looking for. I used the internet, picnik.com and Microsoft programs to create the following.

Invitation

These invitations I picked up from Microsoft Word Templates. I modified them to be postcard side and created a second page to print on the back with addresses.

Coloring Pages

Dump Truck

Construction Site

Cutouts
I printed these cards (there are various cards) on card stock and cut them out to display in various placed.

Hat Labels

I printed these on sticker paper then cut them out and stuck them on the hats.

Construction Birthday Party Decorations

2011-08-22T18:22:00.001-05:00

Ah, the big day has come and gone! It could not have been smoother or more fun! The kids had a great time playing which allowed the parents to enjoy a little conversation. It was a success!

Now here are the details!

I ordered just about everything from Oriental Trading Company! They are the best! This banner came from them. I originally got it for a row of pictures, one from each month of his second year, but it was so big I could cut it up and use it in numerous places. I did cut each triangle apart because the space between them was too wide. I just used a glue gun to stick them back together. It really was not a big deal. I believe it came with a 100 feet, which was way too much but allowed for some added decorations around the house inside and out.

This banner is the reason I bought it in the first place. I put a picture of Jacob from each month- 13 through 24. I did this last year and really loved seeing how much he changed so I wanted to include it again this year. He has changed so much in the last 4 months it is unbelievable! I made a sign like a construction sign that said, "Jake's Second Year." I will link to this on my printables post. I used the website picnik.com to write each month on the picture. This is a dummied down photoshop and I love it. It is free or you can upgrade for about $25 bucks a year!

Here are a few other places I included the banner. The last picture is the party favor table I placed the tool belts in a tool box for display. I made a printable for the banner that said, "Thank you for helping us celebrate." The truck is just an added decoration.

Another party favor were these hats. I bought them through Oriental Trading and just added the sticker (Printable page) with each child's name and a few foam stickers, again through Oriental Trading. The kids could grab the hats during the party but I saved the tool belts for when they left. These children were young and I knew that pieces would be lost or mixed up as the party progressed if I handed it out at the beginning of the party. Plus it helped the little ones say goodbye without tears.

Horrible picture, but here is a wreath I made. I will use this as a prop in a photo shoot for his birthday pictures as well.

Here are foam stickers of road signs I bought at Oriental Trading Company. I received a HUGE bag of them and just used them as decorations all over. I took one and stuck it to a string then put the matching sign on the opposite side and hung the string from the chandelier.

This is the food table. I did not serve a meal just finger foods. In the corner you can see a bucket with a sign reading, "Dirt Pudding." Here is a link to the recipe. Appropriate for the theme! :)

I printed two different coloring pages for the children. (printables) One was a picture of a dump truck and the other was a construction area. I placed them on this window seat with two buckets of crayons and some truck books. I did not know if anyone would read or color but it was an option. We did have a couple

color-ers and book readers. It was a nice way to defuse a sticky situation.

And the most important decoration... The DIG, DIG Table!

I had a train table that I placed in the center of the room with pea rocks in it. I then made some road signs to decorate it with and filled in the trucks, bowls, cups and shovels. By husband thought I was nuts and told me he would have no part of the clean-up if I went through with this! But after the party he was willing to admit it was a HIT! It would obviously be better suited for outside but here in Tennessee it is just too hot to have an outdoor party in August! At least for a 8 month pregnant lady, like myself!!

The last part of decorations is the cake! I was planning on making a cake but being 8 months pregnant and having a tiny kitchen in a HOT August I decided to buy one. This one could not have been a better choice. I picked it up at Publix.

The decorations always seem to help set the mood of a party. Although we rent and I DO NOT love the house or paint colors/wall paper, I try to make the most of it for the party.

Construction Party- Party Favors

2011-08-08T21:35:00.000-05:00

For the party favors I knew exactly what I wanted to do! Jake loves dressing up and I knew the other children do too. So I wanted to include some dress-up items.

I went over to Home Depot and picked up these tool belts. They were $0.77 a piece. I embellished them a bit by adding the children's names and a few foam tools. The foam tools are beads that came from Oriental Trading Company. I love this store! I have used them for years, through my teaching career.

I used the foam beads to make necklaces. I initially bought them to use as an activity during the party. But after receiving them I decided they were too small for the children to bead by themselves. I included the necklaces in the tool belt.

I included these plastic water squirters. I thought they were cute and fit perfectly with the theme. I placed one of the squirters in the tool belt.

The last thing I included was a small plastic dump truck. Inside the dump truck was a notepad, crayons and stickers.

I wrapped the tool belts up with the child's name showing. I plan on displaying them as part of the decorations until the end of the party. We will see if the kids let me do that! All of the items inside came from Oriental Trading and I also bought construction hard hats. I plan to put those out for the children during the party. I made sticker labels for those and will post pictures of those later. They will be the "party hats" so the kids will hopefully want to wear them! I am getting so excited!

Felt Cupcakes

2011-08-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love all the felt food out there and wanted to try to make some as well! Then I came across this opportunity from Something Splendid.

For a small fee I received all the supplies, template and web video directions on how to make these delicious cupcakes! It was so fun and well worth the fee! I ended up making two sets for gifts. Here is the first set:

I made two sets so mine are slightly different because of my available supplies. I then took the cupcakes and placed them in a fun basket. With a handmade apron and pot holder.

I made the apron out of kitchen tea towels and used the same towels to make the pot holder.

I love these sweet cupcakes and think this gift it too cute for a toddler!

Thanks Something Splendid, I copied that!

Second Birthday- part 1

2011-08-01T20:19:00.003-05:00

I cannot even begin to believe that Jacob is almost two years old! I am so proud of the little guy and love getting to know him and watching him grow everyday!

Preparations are well on their way for the birthday party! I went back and forth about even having one but decided that we would have a small party with his friends. The party theme is Dig, Dig (Construction). Jacob is obsessed with all things construction! He has actually been fascinated with construction since last October!! When planning the party I pulled out my Party Planning Template again and started brainstorming.

I just googled construction birthday parties and found a great supply of resources. There are so many creative people out there so, I Copied That! Here are the plans I made for Jake's party.

I have started getting the decorations ready and the party favors together as well. It is so fun and I just can't wait to see Jake's face when he sees the house decorated and his friends over all ready to "Dig, Dig!"

2011-08-01T19:43:00.000-05:00

I found the cutest idea from My Own Road. This is perfect for my little guy!

Jen took this trash bag box and turned it into a mailbox for her daughter. I knew I had to do the same thing for Jacob because he loves the mail! He loves getting the mail and saying hello to the mailman. He then takes each piece of mail and studies them very carefully! :)

I didn't have as large of a trash bag box but this one worked just great! I had to use paint to write Mailbox on the box because when I used stickers they mysteriously disappeared! Although I did get a very nice 'picture' out of the deal!

Sorry about the picture I was messing with my settings and had to click fast.

Jen made some mail for the mailbox out of felt. She took the time to make them very cute. I did not sew two pieces together but I did made some mail.

After playing with the mail and mailbox I decided we needed a mail bag to put the mail in before it was delivered! Jake kept taking the mailbox and moving the mail around, kind of missing the point. So I threw together this little mail bag for him to use to help deliver the mail. It seriously took about 30 minutes to make! It is very simple, I used an old receiving blanket and a scrap piece of fabric. I love using receiving blankets to make toys for Jake because the flannel is strong, soft and does not fray. I added a little pocket on the front with a flag and the letters for US Mail. The bag is simple to allow for easy access for putting the mail in and taking it out. I made one strap and place it across his shoulders so the bag hangs at his side. He was super excited! :)

Check out Jen's tutorial over at My Own Road!

I heart Faces- Water

2011-07-25T06:43:00.000-05:00

I have been waiting for this contest! We went to the beach this summer and I was able to capture the sweetest picture! Isn't the beach the best place to photograph?!?!

iheartfaces

Tea Wreath

2010-12-08T07:52:00.000-06:00

More Christmas gift making over here! When I saw this Tea Wreath at Kojo Design. I was excited about this project because I knew exactly who it would be good for! Kojo's tutorial was supper easy to follow and it make the project a quick gift to knock out!

I did change a few little details, just because I did not read the tutorial carefully the first time! I just Mod Podge to glue down the paper down instead of a glue gun. I used thick paper and had to use the glue gun for the base of the wreath to get the paper to stay down.

I covered the base of the wreath and back of the wreath with the same paper. On the clothes line pins I used 3 coordinating papers. I used a large wide ribbon to hang the tea wreath. When I give the wreath at Christmas I am going to pair it with a over the door hook.

After seeing the finished product I totally want one too! Thanks Kojo, I copied that!

Sugar Scrub

2010-12-05T23:39:00.000-06:00

We all have those family members or friends that have everything they need or go buy what they want when they want it. This makes Christmas giving very hard. Every year I try to get creative to find something that these people could enjoy!

I found a cute idea for a Sugar Scrub at By Stephanie Lynn. She provided a super easy recipe for making a sugar scrub. Since my family and most of my friends are in cold Ohio a nice sugar scrub is great for the dry skin of winter.

I mixed up the brown sugar, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and sunflower oil and that was that! Then I scooped it into canning jars. I created a label on picnik.com and cut a small piece of fabric for the lid. The whole project was completed in a very short time and partnered with a couple other items will make a great gift!

Thanks By Stephanie Lynn, I Copied That!

Little Girl Apron

2010-11-18T23:07:00.000-06:00

Christmas gift making is in full force over here at I Copied That!

I was at Target picking up a few things and had to walk through the dollar section, of course! I saw they had some bags of toy plastic fruit and vegetables. I thought about my friend's daughter and knew she would love the food. After thinking about ways to make it creative, while I walked through Target with a toddler who has decided that the front of the cart is NOT cool anymore, I was idea-less.

That evening I went through my bookmarked projects for toddlers. What could I possibly do? Finally I came up with an idea! Phew! I would find a cute little basket and make an apron to add to the basket and fruit. I was at World Market to pick-up some cookie cutters and found the cutest tea towels.

I thought that I could use the red floral (with the cute little ruffle) to make the apron! I could also use the solid red (they came together) as a liner for the basket. Oh, I found the cutest little basket there as well!

I took the tea towel and cut it in half. I then folded it in half and measured four and a half inches over from the fold. From that point I cut a J shape to create the shape of the apron. From there I followed the tutorial prepared by Joanna at Star Dust Shoes. I had some scraps that I used for the ties and for the pocket.

Although it is not perfect, I think it turned out pretty stinkin' cute! Love the ruffle at the bottom, and I did not even have to do it! I cannot wait to see sweet Nyah walking around in this apron!

Here is the whole gift! I found the collinder at World Market as well. It is tiny and so cute. I thought it would be a good addition. Come on you have to wash those fruits and veggies after you pick them!

Merry Christmas, Nyah!

Hope you love your gift!

Thanks, Star Dust Shoes, I copied that!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-03T10:26:00.001-05:00

After all the craft projects we were finally ready for the big day!

And a big day it was; Jake's first trick or treating!

This was the full gear for the costume. Cute right?

Now the best part... a couple days before Halloween there was a mysterious backhoe parked at the end of our street. No one was quite sure why but I did not care. Jake got all dressed up and we went down for a photo shoot!

Off to work!

He could not have been more excited!

Yes, he pulled out his screwdriver to 'work' on the wheel!

Could he be any cuter?

Ok, Ok back to Halloween.

We all had to dress-up for our neighbor's birthday party before trick or treating.

Trick or Treat!

What a fun night!

Little Girl Birthday Gift

2010-11-03T08:36:00.000-05:00

Julia loved her gift! She actually told me, "When I opened it I knew I was going to have to write a BIG thank you note for this gift!"

The gift consisted of the art case, a fabric covered notebook with lined paper, a fabric covered notepad with plain paper, color pencils, crayon pencils, pencils, erasers, and a protractor. All supplies that she can use to inspire creativity.

What a success and what a great feeling giving a homemade gift! Try it soon!

Toddler Tool Belt

2010-11-02T19:39:00.000-05:00

I was done to the wire getting Jake's Halloween costume finished in time and what happened?? BROKEN SEWING MACHINE! (of course!)

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

What to do? There is nothing to do but get CREATIVE! I still needed to make the tool belt for his costume and I had a basic outline for doing so from The Creative Maven.

Her plan used a place mat to create the tool belt. I loved this idea because I knew that he would be rough with it and I wanted it to last so he could use it for dramatic play. I decided that I could pull this off using a GLUE GUN! Thanks to A Girl and a Glue Gun for inspiring projects using a glue gun!

This plan could not have been easier especially using a glue gun!! All I had to do was fold the place mat in half then fold one side down one inch. I glued the half inch down then glued the sides down. I added a loop for the hanging hammer. I also glued binding to add a bit of embellishment.

I glued the strap on the back of the tool belt. I already had bought the clip to open and close the straps and I just put it on with a bit of glue too! I am telling you, SUPER EASY! And I still think it looks cute! I did not tell anyone it was glued and no one noticed. So make a tool belt for your little one today!

Thanks The Creative Maven, I copied that!

Art Case

2010-11-02T08:36:00.000-05:00

In looking for a birthday gift for my sweet neighbor I had to think back to being seven. What would I have wanted? I then searched the blog world with the thought of a 'arts or crafts' theme. I found the cutest art case that I knew right-a-way this was the way to go!

Carrie from This Mama Makes Stuff made the cutest case and added a tutorial so we can all make one as well!! Not being the best sewer, I did have a few problems while following the tutorial but I managed to push through! :)

I made a few changes; larger pocket for 'tools' AND I added some decorative fabric on the front. Not because I intended to do so but because I started making the case with the reversible fabric backwards! BOO!

I think is worked out well after all. You truly need to think through the tutorial and work though it before you start it is somewhat complicated. The best idea for the case is using quilted fabric! I have not used it before and I was very please with it and did not have trouble sewing with it!

Thanks This Mama Makes Stuff, I copied that!

Covered Composition Notebook

2010-10-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

My sweet little neighbor is turning 7 in early November. I wanted to make her gift, something special. I decided on an art case with color pencils and a notebook. I started with the easy part- the notebook!

I found the cutest and easiest directions at A Girl and A Glue Gun. The entire process only uses a hot glue gun, NO SEWING! An exciting concept!

I started with two coordinating fat quarters, ribbon, buttons and the notebook.

It is as easy as wrapping the fabric around and gluing it down. She also included a piece of fabric over the inside cover to finish it off. I added a strap with velcro to seal it. Then wrapped a ribbon around the notebook and glued some buttons in the form of a flower. I also wrote her name in fabric paint above the ribbon.

Super easy project that I hope will bring some creative inspiration! Stay tuned for the Art Case!

Thanks Kimbo, I copied that!

Trick or Treat

2010-10-07T11:22:00.001-05:00

I picked up this little orange bag at Michael's Crafts. It was $1.00 and I knew I could make this little bag a cute Trick or Treat bag for my guy! I had some extra reflective tape from the construction vest so I thought I could add that and maybe some paint to represent a pumpkin.

I made a stencil, just out of paper, and used this glitter spray paint. It had a squirt top so it was very easy to use. I then outlined the face with some fabric paint. One side done. Check!

Sorry not a great pick, but you get the idea!

On the other side I decided to get a little more creative! I saw the cutest idea from a post on a Halloween Round-up but my computer went dead and I lost the site! Boo! I had to work from my memory. The basic idea was a spider web made out of black floss and a spider out of a button. Super cute! Here is what I came up with...

I had to make this picture extra large because, come on, it is too cute!

After attaching the spider, button, I went over two holes with bright yellow to make the eyes. I felt like the bag needed something more so I stitched his name down at the bottom and stitched a black dotted line through the handles. After all the stitching I needed to add a lining. I put a black lining in the bag with some extra fabric I had laying around.

Hopefully this bag will not only be used this Halloween but for more to come!

Sorry I can't give credit random blogger, but I copied that! Thanks!

Edit:

I was not completely satisfied with the pumpkin side of the bag so I added some more embellishments. I added a pumpkin shape around the face and wrote Trick or Treat. Much better!

Mr. Builderman-Halloween Costume

2010-09-25T12:02:00.000-05:00

So excited for Halloween!

I have been thinking about what the little guy should dress up as for his second Halloween. Although the hubby thought Jim Tressel (Ohio State Football coach) would be cute, I thought it would go over the heads of people in Nashville. While the discussion continued our neighbors started construction on a new screened in back porch. Jacob loved watching and listening to all of the work being done. He even says bang, bang now in reference to the hammering. He received a tool box with tools for his birthday, so he has been carrying around a hammer for a few weeks now. So without many words, he was able to tell us what he wanted to be for Halloween!

I searched and searched for a cute builder costume with no avail. Everything I found was plastic and cheap looking. The crafter in me knew I had to create a costume for my little man! I wanted something cute, of course, but something realistic. Looking at the workers next door did not give me much inspiration, being that none of them wore hardhats or tool belts?!?! So I went to google images and searched out inspiration there. I decided a florescent vest with reflective tape would help the look along with a tool belt and hardhat, of course.

I started with some knit fabric and reflective tape. I also bought some velcro to use to close the vest but I did not end up using the velcro. I just sketched out a bit of a plan then traced one of Jake's jackets to get the size correct.

(I tucked the sleeves behind the jacket)

I double layered the fabric to give the vest some weight and make it sturdier. (Knowing my boy!) As I worked Jake woke up from his nap. I was so excited about the project I tried to keep working on it while he played. (Right!) He decided he needed to be up on my lap helping the whole time! It was actually really cute! But after I accidentally sewed the arm hole closed I decided it was best to pick up the project later! :)

It ended up being a good thing because I had some good embellishment ideas and decided to add pockets.

I used reflective binding at the sides of the vest where I sewed the front and back together for added detail. I also added the reflective tape to the front and back of the vest.

*Warning:

Please read disclaimer before viewing final project

Disclaimer: I am NOT a seamstress! I just teach myself and do the best I can!

Ok so it is a little crooked and the pockets are not even I am not selling it and isn't it the thought that counts? Come on when it is on you cannot really even tell! (Or at least that is what I am telling myself!)

It is kinda cute, right?

Back

Now I just need to make the tool belt! FUN! Stay tuned!

I Heart Faces

2010-09-13T10:45:00.000-05:00

I have been following I Heart Faces website/blog for a while now. It is a great way to learn more about photography as well as a source to get ideas for photo-shoots.
I have not summited a photo in their photo challenge before, but today is the day! We went to the apple orchard this weekend and found the quaintest old tractor. Jacob is all boy and all about the broom, brooms. (Anything with wheels, yes anything with wheels; strollers, bikes, cars all go broom, broom!) We had to put him up and watch him drive!
When I was reading through my blog reader and saw that I heart Faces theme this week was Vroom, Vroom I knew it was time to make a submission!
Here it is...

Notice the mouth he is broom, brooming as he drives! :)

I chose to edit the picture with an 'old' look to go with the rusty tractor. I softened the edges and gave the picture a brown tint. I love the focus in his eyes as he is driving with clear intent!

Thanks I Heart Faces for giving me a platform to showcase my hobby and the little joy of my life!

Birthday Shirt

2010-08-30T20:11:00.000-05:00

You can find birthday shirts, especially first birthday shirts, everywhere! I wanted to do something a little more special for my little fellow and I wanted it to follow the party theme.

First thing first, I had to find a plain t-shirt. That was a chore of its own! I was not picky about color but it had to fit and I wanted it to be plain so that I could embellish it! I settled on a brown front pocket tee. (Best I could do! Thanks Target!!)

Now what?? I went through my fabric scraps to get some inspiration. The party theme colors were brown, blue and green. I found some felt fabric that had clouds on it, good start. I decided to cut out a one with the fabric. After placing the one on the shirt I decided to embellish it more. I used some brown and white plaid fabric to go behind the 1. Then I cut out a bird from a blue fabric. Lastly, I embroidered Jacob into the shirt pocket. I zigzag sewed the items on the shirt so I could give it a scrapy look. I washed it after I sewed it to allow the scrapy edges to come out.

Birdie Party: The Big Day

2010-08-28T07:44:00.048-05:00

I spent the last 3 months planning the party and now the big day was upon us! I was excited to see it all come together. (Although extremely nervous to make the cupcakes.) I knew everything else would come together just fine. I had about 25 people coming to the party (more than I initially intended), but with proper planning I felt it would be ok. I needed to decorate, make the cupcakes and tidy up.
The most important planning piece for me was NAP TIME. I wanted to make sure Jake enjoyed his party and I knew to do that he NEEDED his naps! He still is taking 2 naps a day and sleeping about 4 hours a day. He needs his sleep to function so he IS a good sleeper. My sister and her fiance stayed with us but I asked everyone else to not come before noon to ensure a smooth morning. (The party started at 3pm :) )

Jake playing with his first birthday present from Mommy and Daddy, a sand and water table.

The decorating started at nap time. I had an idea of where I wanted everything so the decorating was more about placing things where I thought they would work.

Mantle

Sofa Table

Playroom

The Wreath with the J was suppose to go on the door but it kept falling down so we repositioned it in front of where Jake would be opening his gifts.

Dinning Room

Our wonderful neighbors have a family tradition they shared with us. They may pictures with the age of the birthday child and decorate the house with them. Here is an example, one that was placed on the front door.

The party turned out to be great! Everyone had a lot of fun especially Jake! He was not at all shy or uncomfortable with all the attention and did not have any meltdowns! (Success!)

I tried to pace the party so that we got to everything and did not run over. We started the party with small talk and introductions. While we were doing that I had burgers cooking on the grill. We then ate a little. The party was 3-5pm but I wanted food because I knew that Jake would need to eat during the party. I wanted him to eat before the cupcake and he would be too tired to eat after. Following dinner we opened presents. I had Jake open only the gifts of the guests. I knew a one year old would not have the patience to open all the gifts and family would be around later to watch him open presents. Next we moved on to singing Happy Birthday and the cupcake. That concluded the party, from then we just talked and hung out watching the kids play. That way everyone felt comfortable (and ready) to leave right at 5pm. Family and a couple out of town friends stayed a couple hours later to catch-up. Jake went to bed about 5:45 because he was overstimulated and exhausted. Great afternoon!

One year already! What a great party to celebrate and even better year!

Birthday Party Labels

2010-08-27T08:42:00.009-05:00

I completely stumbled upon this idea! I was actually thinking of buying labels to use but hesitated because I could not find exactly what I wanted and did not want to spend money on something I did not love.

I was reading through my Google Reader and saw these posts from I am Momma Hear Me Roar. She gave tons of photography tips but also included a tutorial on picnik.com. I had used picnik before but did NOT know the extent of the capabilities. Cheri did a great tutorial and I started playing like crazy!! It is so much easier than photoshop and it can do most of the same things!!

I used these labels for the party favors and for decorations. They added that personal touch that really makes an impact at a party! I received so many comments on all the little details and I think it was these that had a big impact!

Thanks I am Momma Hear Me Roar, I copied that!

Birdie Birthday Cake...or Really Cupcake

2010-08-26T09:24:00.001-05:00

This was an uneasy topic for me! I am a little crazy when it comes to what my little guy eats. I did not want to have a 'Smash Cake' at all! But at the same time I was willing to let Jake have his first sweet!
I started looking for something cute to make. Enter Martha Stewart.

Love it!! I decided this would be the best option because I would not have to have a smash cake and I would not have to take time to cut and pass out cake to everyone.

It was not as easy as it looked! I followed the directions and even bought the appropriate tools. Needless to say, I am NOT Martha!

Although they are not as cute as Martha's. I still think they worked, they were delish, and I learned an important lesson, I will NEVER be Martha but I can try to copy her!

Bird Party Favors

2010-08-25T08:30:00.001-05:00

Planning Party Favors for a one year's birthday party was a tricky feat! The children attending the party aged from 5 months to 8 years old. I wanted the favors to be the same for all the children and I wanted them to be personalized as well.

The idea started with a link and tutorial from Skip to My Lou. It is a tutorial for an advent calendar but I loved the shapes of the little birdies! I decided to copy the pattern for my Birdie themed party.

Cute right? I know! Cindy is so creative! I downloaded her template and traced out the birds on blue felt. I then used green felt for the wings. I chose to skip the feathers on the back, the heart and the beak. (My sewing skills are still not up to par!) I played around with the design quite a bit! And made a few prototypes. I had a very hard time sewing around the outside of the bird with a sewing machine. So I chose to hand stitch the final product and make it obvious. I used thread that did not match to allow it to stand out, but not too much to be distracting. Cindy's numbered beads inspired me as well. I remembered that I had wooden blocks stamped with letters. I decided to add each child's name to the bird as well. (Personalized...check!)

Part one complete, now what?!?!

I thought I would float through some of my bookmarked projects to get some inspiration or ideas. I loved THIS idea. It is from MakeitandLoveit.com. The idea wasn't going to work exactly for me but it made me think of an I-Spy bottle (which would work better). I first thought of using water and oil but realized that would be too 'easy' for the older kids. Then I thought sand and actually bought it, but that did not work well so I settled on rice. I searched and searched for small items that could fit into the top of a water bottle. Finally, I found some confetti and small plastic table decorations at the local party store that I thought would work.

I created a label on picnik.com (One of my favs! More to come on that later) Then I hot glued the lid on and hot glued a ribbon around the top to secure the bottle. I thought this would be fun for the children of all ages because not only could the older children search for items but the younger children could use it as a shaker!

What else? Bird theme?? What do birds have/do/like? BIRD SEED!

I decided to mix Cherios, Chex, Raisins, and M&Ms to make 'Bird Seed'! I made a label for this as well so parents knew what exactly was inside just in case of allergies.

Alright good start! I need at least one more thing!?

I took to google for the final item. I decided on a little container of play dough. I took off the label and put my own on. And here is the final items in the favor bag...

Now I wanted to make something for the adults that would be attending the party. I knew that adults would not want to 'take' anything. I decided that something simple such as a snack would work best. I dipped pretzel rods in dark chocolate and sprinkles. I added a ribbon and a label that thanked our guests.