Stix n Pops

Chameleon Party: Designer's Challenge, Green Theme, Party under Budget

2011-12-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

I was so happy when Kristy from The Purple Pug contacted me, to be part of this awesome Challenge.

It was a Designer's Challenge created by Ebony from Sparkling Event & Designs. The real challenge was to create a party under $100 and with a "green" theme!!!

When Kristy told me about her theme I loved it....a Gree Grass Gala, with chameleons! how cute is that?

To get more info about this amazing party please click Here

To view all the other great party entries please click Here.

As always Kristy did a magnificent job....she always does a great job combining colors, and textures!!! loved this party...please take a couple of minutes to browse trough all the party details, the tablescape, the dessert table and the cute kids' activities!

Girls Ice Cream Parlour Party

2011-09-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Since Last year I already knew I wanted to do an Ice Cream Parlour Party this year. I was planning to buy an Ice Cream Party Printable...but during this past year I discovered a lot of Free Ice Cream Printables. One day I was planning my budget for the party...and I decided to make a party on a budget of $100, so mission was to create a beautiful party for less!

Therefor I decided to use as many free Printables as I could....I found several with ice cream themes...but I choose the ones that had the same color palette I already had on mind: Aqua, Pink, Brown and white.

Tip: To decorate your party you do not need to have everyhting with the same graphics,...think COLOR. try to unify all your party with a color palette. With the color on mind you can use almost anything: trowns, pillows, lamps, jars, plates, flowers, baskets, chairs, paper, fabric...just look around your house, and you'll find lots of decorating elements, which will save $$$

In this party I used Scrappbooking Paper I already had, and I used on the banner, I made paper flowers, decorated each table setting, and decorated the toppings containers.

The Invitation

I printed on Cardstock paper the Free Printable Invite from One Charming Party, you can find the link HERE

The Birthday Girl, excited about her party!

My two Beautiful Girls

Both with new dresses, and to complement their attire beautiful accessories from Bebellissimos Children's Boutique

The Dessert Table

The focal point of the dessert table was the cake. I only get to practice my Cake decorating hobby a couple times during the year...and on each birthday cake I like to try different techniques!

Tip: If you want to save money on your party...go DIY. bake and decorate your own cake. Try making your own fondant, and you'll save around $50. You can make your own cake for less than $12, if you make everything yourself...I'll share my fondant recipe next week! it's easy, fast to make and inexpensive!

I know the ice cream topper is a bit tilted...but believe me...I tried lots of things to make it straight...Oh well maybe on my next cake I'll get better! with every cake I learn something new : )

On the dessert table I had the following:
Chocolate cupcakes baked on ice cream cones, and cake pops as ice cream cones, some cute marshmallows in ice cream shapes. I also decorated chocolate covered cookies and I decorated them with royal icing to match the cake. I also made Neapolitan Marshmallow pops covered in chocolate

The Goody Bags

I decorated white lunch bags with the scrapping paper I used trhough out the party decorations. and I printed the Free printable by One Charming Party, you can find the Free Printables HERE

In the goodie bags I only put an Ice Cream bowl and matching spoon, and a cute Bubble Ice Cream Bar (there were 3 scents: Chocolate, strawberry and banana..how fun right?) and found them all at the dollar store...great deal!! I bought the bowls like 5 months ago, and the bubble ICB like a month ago.

TIP: Plan ahead of time, choose your party theme, and be on the look out when you go out shopping, it's a clever way to save big! when you save you feel extra smart!!

The Table

Each girl found on their table setting the following:

A plate with a small package with their first craft elements (we made a name bracelet) The plate was for them to pour the beads and make it easier for them to assemble their bracelet without loosing all the beads.

Polkadot Bowl, with napkin and spoon: ready for them to make their own Ice Cream Sunday. I bought the bowls at the dollar store, 2 for $1, I decorated them with white circle stickers, to make a bit more interesting! I already had spoons and pink napkins. (I collect all my party left overs on a closet...so I always have plates, napkins, balloons, etc ready for the next party)

A Rice Krispies Cone treat, to snack on while working on all the crafts!

A cone decorated with a brown napkin (to simulate a chocolate ice cream cone ) and a paper cheery with each child's name.

Crafts

Each child made a name bracelet, they had lots of fun making it! I bought the beads at the Dollar store, total $2.00

We also decorated an ice Cream Parlour Hat with ice cream Stickers. It's fun to see how easy kids can get entertained with stickers... and so inexpensive ( I bought the stickers book at JoAnn, it was on clearance for $0.50

For the Bracelet Package I used another great Free Printable from Trillustrations

You can see the Free Ice Cream Cut outs HERE

You can personalize them as you wish. I only used the pink and brown Icre Cream cone Cut-outs...to continue with my color palette.

they did a great job!

The Ice Cream Toppings

I wanted to do all the crafts and serve the Ice Cream in just one place...so Planned to have the table set up for both. In the middle of the table I set up all the Ice Cream toppings: Mini Chocolate Chp Cookies, Sprinkles, Mini Bear Grahams, Whipped Cream, M&Ms, Fudge, Gummy Bears, Cherries, Marshmallow Cream, Chocolate Roll Wafers, and Mini Flower Marshmallows. To save big on my Toppings' Check, I bought them all at the Aldi Supermarket, I also bought from Aldi the Ice Cream, and some Chips and salsa for the adults.

I didn't have the time to make tissue pompons or any other decoration, so I used some Urchin paper decorations I made earlier this year for a photoshoot for my Art Business: Dreams Come Painted. so don't be surprised when you see these again! I only used here the ones that had the colors of the party decor....so I really did not spend any money here!

For the Toppings titles I used another great Free Printable from:

Eat Drink Chic, you can find all the Free Printables for an Ice Cream Parlour HERE

I just used two of the fre printables. They are beautiful, and they were White and pink...so they matched my colors...a plus!!

The girls posing with their Ice Cream Parlour outfits: the Hats they decorated with stickers and a disposable apron. These were probably the biggets ticket on my budget (and the wasn't that big either...the total for the hats and aprons was aroung $20), but they were well worth it. I purchased them from Growing Cooks. They sell great products at great price. If you are ever planning a cooking party...please check them out!

Making Ice Cream Sundays

The girls had so much fun creating their very own Sundays... they had so many options, and it was interesting to see what toppings they chose, and how they wanted them arranged in their bowl...it was like watching them doing a scince experiement...it was fun!

We all had a blast! It was a small and intimate party, just with Valeria's Best girl friends.

...and after so much sugar...treats and Ice cream...the girls were a bit energetic! so we had another surprise...thank God my Brother owns a Moonwalk party Rental: Gorilla Jumper, so we had a Giant Dinosour Moonwalk outsite waiting for girls full of energy! Believe me, all the parents were happy to know that most of that sugar was going to be burned out!

Monters Party Photoshoot by Elissa Stone

2011-09-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

Today's Blog guest is Elissa Stone from One Stone Events, I had the opportunity to work with her on a Fun Monsters Party styled Photo Shoot for Bird's Party Magazine. It was an honor to work with such a talented woman. Please make sure to visit One Stone Events website and facebook page....Elissa styles just beautiful party and events.... and now lets have Elissa talk a little about herself and the the details about this cute Monsters Party scape!

Elissa Stone from One Stone Events

I'm really excited to be guest blogging today at StixNpops! Elizabeth collaborated with me on this 'Little Monster' Party' for Bird's Party Magazine. Her marshmallow pops are so much fun and they were a great addition to the shoot. I really appreciate Elizabeth letting me hang out on her blog today. I hope you all enjoy the party. I am moving into the niche of boutique party styling, so keep an eye out for my new blog, coming soon. And now, onto the party details!

Because the color palette is very bright and exciting, I chose to let those colors really pop off bright white linens and platters. I wanted to add another pattern to the polka dots, so I went with stripes; always a nice complement. You can imagine how excited I was when I found striped wrapping paper in the exact same colors as the darling ‘Little Monsters’ printable collection I was designing to.

Dessert table: While I am careful to not design so literally to a theme, the hanging installment of koosh monsters and balls was too fun to pass up! I knew the moment I saw those, what I wanted to do with them. They were so full of color and texture and added the quirk factor I’m always looking for. I spent a long time hanging them at various heights and levels and on different planes to get the right balance.

TIP: Take pictures with your camera as you set up to get a different view of what your table looks like. This helped me find the balance when hanging everything, so I knew what it would look like in pictures.

I made the paper rosettes, using Bird’s party circles as the center. I used those to frame out the hanging installment.

I used science beakers for décor, vessels and as buffet sign holders. I made colored water with food coloring and bought dry ice to create a really cool effect on the table.

Some TIPS about dry ice: bring a cooler with you to pick it up. Always use tongs or gloves when handling. Don’t touch the dry ice directly. Warm water makes thicker fog. You can use it in a drink dispenser, as long as it is not touched or ingested. The liquid it is in is safe to drink. It is, after all, just ice.

I made jell-o ‘shots’ with edible eyes.

TIP: put the eyes in the jello at the last minute or they will melt and run. These sat upon Skittles and Mike & Ike’s, which matched the colors of the party.

Cakes by Costa made a collection of cupcakes to form the pink monster. I love how it came out! It matched the printable collection perfectly. She also made individual cupcakes sitting up on their side, which is a nice twist to the tradition cupcake. These monsters were also from the collection. They sat on platters adorned with the polka dot paper from the ‘Little Monsters’ printable collection.

Cupcakes by Cakes by Costa

The simple marshmallow pops were really easy to make and were covered in nonpareil sprinkles, to emulate the polka dot theme.

The ‘Little Monsters’ bunting banner hung over the fuzzy fabric, on the front of the dessert table, which I saw as monster ‘teeth’.

Alternative desserts: I would not make every dessert to match the collection, but some alternatives to the cupcakes would be the cookies or marshmallow pops that have the matching monsters. You can learn how to make these Marhsmallow pops following Elizabeth's Tutorials on StixNpops.

The cookies are from The Cookie Jar and the adorable marshmallow pops are from StixNPops.

TIP: Make sure to take great photos of all your details at least an hour before guests arrive. You will cherish those memories and have proof of all your hard work! My photos were taken by Darci Woodiwiss Photography.

Cookies by the Cookie Jar

Monster Marshmallow Pops by StixNpops

Drink station: I kept the drink station very simple because everything was on a bright yellow cart against an aqua wall and we put lots of dry ice in the grape juice to add that super cool monster-y effect. The water bottles were wrapped with paper from the collection and the party circles and a small circle banner (made from the party circles) hung on the front of the cart.

Seated table: The placemats were made from cut up fuzzy fabric. The floral arrangements were in tin cans, wrapped with the polka dot paper from the ‘Little Monsters’ printable collection. My two favorite details of the party were the fruit loop ‘runner’ and the eyes on the leaves hanging over the table. It’s always great to infuse a little humor where you can. To continue with the stripes I added to the theme, cut ribbon was laid across the ends of the table to add that nice pop of color and look like stripes.

Vendors:

Printables: Bird’s Party

Event Design/Styling: Elissa Stone of One Stone Events

Photographer: Darci Woodiwiss Photography

Cupcakes: Cakes by Costa

Cookies: The Cookie Jar

Marshmallow Pops: StixNpops

How to Color Marshmallows

2011-08-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

Being an Artist by nature and by profession...I am always looking at things from an artist perspective....I am always changing the appearance of everything in my house with paint. The same thing I do when I cook, or decorate cakes....everything has to have color in one way or another....

That's how I discover Marshmallows...as my Blank Canvas Treat....I could make with them anything I wanted! and even paint them!

This is another Frequently asked Question about my StixNpops....How do you get colored marshmallows?

Well here you go!!!

In this Tutorial I am just going to show you how to transform a plain white marshmallow into a colorful one. You can apply the edible coloring to each marshmallow piece before putting them together, or you can apply the color, after you assemble your character...It is up to you!!

You'll need:

Marshmallows
Food Coloring (I prefer the Wilton Brand)
Paint brushes
A small spoon
Small cointainers/dishes
Water
Disposable gloves
Parchment Paper

Put a small amount of water in your container, and take some food coloring with your spoon.

Add the food coloring to the water and mix. There is no exact amount of food coloring...it all depends on the shade of color you want.

In this case I am using an orange food coloring, If you're not sure if your color mix is ok...test it.

Take 2 marshmallows, 1 pink and 1 white. They both will end up with a different orange shade, because of their base color. With every StixNpops poject, I keep a test marshmallow, where I test my colors first.

I have tested here my orange food coloring on both marshmallows....and I like the color on the pink marshmallow...its a bit darker...and I want to make a pumpkin....so the color its perfect.

Once I have decided which marshmallows I am going to use. I start painting my marshmallow. As you may notice, I am using small amounts of the water-color....not dripping...because it will turned a really big mess...and will take forever to dry.

I usually have all the marshmallows I am going to color lined up on the parchment paper. I paint the top and the sides...and let it dry for 30 min- 1 hour

after it dries, turn it over to paint the bottom.

and there you have it....a colored Marshmallow!!!

I Painted both the white and the pink marshmallow, so you an see the difference.

It depends on the colors you are looking for...before you start painting all your marshmallows...test the color on both marshmallow colors.

To learn more Mallow Trick go Here

Here are some exmples of the StixNpops I have made using this technique!

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial!!!

and go ahead start StixNpoping!!!

How to make Sugar Crystals to stick to Marshmallows

2011-08-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

This is a question a get really often...how did you make the Sugar to stick to the Marshmallows?
Well here I am reveling my secret! it's pretty simple!

Once you know the design you're making, you can cut all the marshmallow pieces and have them ready to cover with sugar individually, or you can assemble your character, and then add the sugar....it is really up to you.

In this Tutorial, I am just showing you how to make the Sugar Crystals stick to the marshmallows.

You'll need:

Marshmallows (either cut into the shapes you need) or assemble. Please check my other Mallow tricks Tutorials Here, to learn how to cut and assemble Marshmallows.
Sugar Crystals (store bought or home made-I'll share in another tutorial how to make your own sugar crystals)
Water
Paint Brushes

Take your Marshmallow (cut or your character already assemble)

In this Tutorial, I am using a whole Jumbo Marshmallow.

Dip your paint brush in the water....

...and just like painting...."paint" with water the whole Marshmallow (whatever you want covered with sugar crystals should be covered with water.

Tip: Do not over do it.... it does not have to be damped in water. Dip the brush into water, and use a piece of paper towel to discharge the excess water.

Once the marshmallow is all covered evenly with water (not dripping water) you can rolled in the sugar container....

...or you can pour the sugar crystals in a plate (this is how I do it)

I dip in the bottom of the Marshmallow in the sugar

then... turn it over to cover the rest of the Marshmallow

and to prevent a big mess, and to avoid getting sugar stick all over yourself, use a spoon to cover the rest.

Be generous with the sugar...if you want the Marshmallow to be covered evenly

and voila!!!

there you have it....a delicious and sugar covered marshmallow.

Let it dry for at least 1 hour.

You can do as many colors as you want!!!

Here are some examples of the things you can do with this technique.

the wings of the butterfly have been decorated with sugar Crystals, I first did the centers of the wings, covered with pink sugar, and after they dried, I did the borders with purple sugar Crystals

The center of this flower was decorated with Sugar crystals using this technique, after if was dried, I decorated the border with royal icing.

After this princess Characeter was assembled, I decorated the dress with sugar Crystals, using this technique. After it dries, I add the sugar decorations (royal icing, candy or fondant)

The Body and the shoes of this clown was decorated using this technique. I assembled the whole character, without the shoes. I decorated the body with the the Red Sugar Crystals, and separately I did the same with shoes. Once they were all dried, I added the shoes, glueing them with royal icing.

This whole Elmo was decorated using this technique. I assembled it first, and the added the sugar, and at last the details with royal icing, and mini marshmallows.

the body of this rooster was decorated with white/clear coarse sugar crystals, to add texture to the rooster's body.

The ears and body of this cute mouse was decorated with white/clear sugar crystals...after I added color to the marshmallows, and assembled it. How to add color to marshmallows will be my next Tutorial!

I hope you have enjoyed it!!

StixNpops Giveaway

2011-07-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

--Giveaway is Closed--

You could win this Babycakes Cupcake Machine

This Cake Pops Machine

At the StixNpops we are celebrating a New Era!!! a New Concept!!!

We stopped selling our Products....to start sharing our found talents about Marshmallows, all FREE TUTORIALS!!

So we decided to start this new chapter of StixNpops with a GREAT GIVEAWAY!!!

The Winner will be able to choose between a Babycakes "cupcake machine" or "cake pops machine"

These are great!!! with the mini cupcake machine...you can make more than just adorable mini cupcakes...you can make mini pot pies...great for Party appetizers...

I have one...and I could not be happier with it!!

...and with the Cake Pops machine...well you can make fun cake pops!!! which I love! and mini donuts....and of course you can get very creative, and come up with your own creation!

We will announce the Winner on Wednesday August 3rd, and the winner will be chosen using random.org (You have 1 week to enter, and to let all your friends know about this exciting Giveaway...nobody will want to pass)

HOW TO ENTER:

Like us on Facebook, and write a short message on our Wall and leave a comment on this post that you are a fan.
Join our us on Twitter and tweet about the Giveaway, and leave a comment on this post that you are a follower.
Check out our StixNpops Categories and leave a comment about which StixNpops Tutorial you would like us to feature.

Good Luck everyone!!! and thank you for supporting StixNpops!!!
(Giveaway Only Valid in the USA, excludes Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands and Hawaii)

We have a Winner!!!
Comment #52

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
AUGUST 3, 2011

Tutorial Bunny StixNpops

2011-07-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

On this tutorial I am going to show the basics of how to assemble a bunny Marshmallow Pop.

Please refer to my Mallow Tricks and The Fixings Sections for further information. You'll need to learn those basics prior to this tutorial.

Get all your materials and ingredients before starting: your Marshmallows, royal icing, water, and scissors.

Take a Giant Marshmallow for the bunny's body, and put it in the Stick (refer to the Mallow Tricks Section) pull it down, so you'll have enough space for the head and ears.

Next take a regular marshmallow, and put it in the stick right next to the giant. If you want to can a bit of royal icing in between the marshmallows.

Take another regular marshmallow, and with the scissors (refer to Mallow tricks)

cut it almost in half, not all the way through... leave a little space to hold the ears together

dab a small amount of royal icing on the tip of the stick

put the marshmallow ears in the stick

Lay it down, and let it set for about 2 minues

I it's starting to look like a bunny already!!

while you wait for the ears to set in place. take another regular marshmallow and cut in half

these 2 halves will be the buny's feet!

You can cut 2 lines on each half to mimic it's toes, or you can just leave it plain, and do the toes and decorate the feet with royal icing at the end.

on each half, dab a bit of royal icing

put it on top of the torso...it will look like the bunny is sitting down!

We're almost there!!

Now time for the hands....take 2 mini Marshmallows, add Royal Icing to one of its ends and put in place. you can put the hands where ever you want, this is personal taste. You can put them on the sides, or in the center right above the feet, and then you can add a carrot with royal icing!

Now the face features: take one mini Marshmallow, and cut it in half

add royal icing to the back (where you made the cut)

and put it on the bunny's face!!!

We have a bunny!!!

Now all you have to do is to decorate it with royal icing, or candies.

I'll do another tutorial on decorating with Royal Icing

Food Coloring Types

2011-07-26T06:56:00.000-07:00

I have been asked what food coloring I use, and if there is any difference on the type of food colorings...and well I like to use Wilton's brand, but I know there are a lot of good quality food coloring. Try to buy the ones that are heavy in texture, thick...not the liquid ones. The thicker ones, like Wilton's have better pigmentation, and you'll need less to achieve your desired color.

There are 2 main different types of Food Colorings: The Icing Color, and Candy Food Coloring.

The Icing Color: (disolves in water), This is one you'll use to color your Royal icing, and to give color to the Marshmallows (tutorial next week)

Candy Food Coloring: (which is oil based) perfect to add color to candies, and chocolate (white chocolate), if you want to make chocolate covered marshmallows in a color chocolate, these are the food Coloring you'll need to achieve your desired color

Marshmallow Types

2011-07-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

People ask me frequantely How do i come up with so many shapes for the StixNpops Designs.

Well, I do make a lot of the shapes Cutting the Marshmallows, and I also make fresh homemade Marshmallows for other designs (I will share the Marshmallow recipes very soon), but the truth is that I always keep an eye on new marhsmallows...everytime I visit the grocery store I go the baking aisle where the marshmallow are....and believe me I always find new designs

During different seasons, you'll find cute designs like to Halloween, Valentines, Christmas and Easter.

I also like to visit the local Farmers Market and I always find a wide assortment in the Chinese and Hispanic Aisles. You can also browse online! there are lots, and lots of marshmallows!

Here are just some of my finds!!! you can store them in a fresh, cool place away from the sun for about 6 months, just check the expiration dates

Sizes

You can find lots of differents Marshmallow sizes, to make different parts of a character's body. Like torso, legs, hands, ears, nose, etc.

Here are some of the Marshmallows I use the most.

Giant or Jumbo Marshmallows: Found in the Baking aisle or Hispanic Aisle, great to make the body's of the different characters.

Regular Marshmallows: these are the regular size Marshmallows we all know. great for heads, minis, and Petites

Big Mini Marshmallows: Are minis but just a bit bigger, found in the International Aisle of your Market or Farmers Market. Great for hands, and small feet.

Mini Marshmallows: Are the minis we all know, come in different colors and flavors. Great for small features like noses, ears, and small hands.

How to add a Lollipop Stick to Marshmallows

2011-07-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

To make a Marshmallow Pop you need to have a Stick, right?

well it may sound a waste of time, this next trick...but believe me...it is necessary!

If you just go ahead stick a "stick" without water, the marshmallow may move around the stick...I have even seen people add chocolate to the stick...but is much easier...

To add a stick to your Marshmallows you'll need: Water, Sticks (I prefer paper sticks for safety reasons with kids) and your Marshmallows.

Take your stick and add water to the end, and shake off the excess.

put it in your marshmallow

if you're making a simple Marshmallow pop, covered in chocolate. just lay down, and let it dry.

After a few minutes, the stick is stuck to your marshmallow.

If you are making a figure/character that requires more than 1 marshmallow stacked together (like a kabob) this trick is awesome!

add water to the tip og the marshmallow (this will be the marshmallow that will go on the bottom of the character: torso, feet)

pull trough.... and bring it down until in place

put the tip of the lollipop stick again in the water, shake off the excess. You need to this every time to add a new marshmallow, so it won't stick.

In this example, I just make a tower of marshmallows, which went trough the stick like butter!

Crystal Sugar Types

2011-07-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

When making Marshmallow Pops, you want to decorate them as pretty and delicious as possible. To create textures and colors I use Crystal Sugars and there are 2 basic types: Sanding Sugars and Coarse Sugars

Sanding Sugars: Thin, it has the texture of sand (like its name). Great to add color, a smooth finish, and to cover exposed Marshamallow edges to to cover imperfections for a clean finish.

Coarse Sugars: Thick, looks like small beads/sprinkles. Great to add color and texture. you can make fur texture, and hair/ mustache etc

Mario Bros Party by Not Just a Mommy

2011-07-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here is a very well planned and organized Mario Bros Party for a Tween Boy!

Dawn from Not just a Mommy created this wonderful Mario Bross Party for her son Jawan. and I am sure that this the dream party for any tween or teen age boy. Dawn not only offered all the guests with a beautiful table full of beautiful and delicious treats but also with round of video games.... from a Game Truck! how cool is that....I didn't even know those existed!!! if I ever have a boy....that's on my party list!

Some cute Petite StixNpops (chocolate covered Marshmallows)

To view more details about this party, and vendors please visit Not Just a Mommy. Click HERE

Hamburger Party by Grey Grey Designs

2011-07-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

What a great and creative party Britanny from Grey Grey Designs pulled off for her lil' boy Greson's 3rd Birthday Party!

She planned, organized and made most of the decorations herself. This is an absolute awesome Burger, Pickles, cheese and Buns party!

Check out the way she displayed the hamburguer cupcakes! love it!

Our Burguer and Fries StixNpops!

To check out more details about this party and all the vendors please visit Grey Grey Designs, Click HERE

Octopus and Whales StixNpops

2011-07-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Another great StixNpops set for an Ocean themed party!!

Cute Octopus and whales...which you can make in any color you want! embellished with sanding sugar crystals. I just love the color combination of the orange octopus and blue whale.

The bottom marshmallow decorated with blue

Add personalization (a number, a letter, or a monogram)

Jungle Baby Shower

2011-07-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is my Sister in Law's and Brother Baby Shower for their first Baby Boy Matias.

I had so much fun planning and organizing this baby Shower...I just could not believe that my baby bother....my younger brother was going to be a daddy...I always saw him like the little kids that had to hold on to my hand to cross the road....but now I was planning the Baby Shower for his Baby!

They only asked for a Safari/Jungle animals themed Baby Shower! the rest was just a matter of putting all my ideas together!

I love Cupcakes, and a made a very cute cupcake tower, with Printables from mygrafico

The main table was decorated with he cupcakes tower, colorful safari animals StixNpops, some Monkey Marshamallow Pops (chocolate covered and decorated with yellow non-pareils) great favors for all the little ones. Some faux palm trees, ivy and monkey plush animals! I think it turns out really cute!

I also set up a table with photos from their maternity photo studio, some more ivy and a guest book!

cute diaper cake surrounded by the favors, cute lil' brown boxes filled with almonds!

Here is a sneak peek of all the beautiful photos from their Maternity Photoshoot!

Picnic Favorites StixNpops

2011-07-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

These Picnic/Summer Favorites!!! have been a Huge Hit!!! I never thought how many order requests I was going to get about these!
They were so much fun to make! The hot dogs are another big hit!!! AKA...hot diggity dogs! which were famous on the Mickey Mouse club House Party

Olivia the Pig StixNpops

2011-07-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

Olivia the Pig!!! this is one of my 3 years old favorite character...and why not to say it....mine too!!

it's not only a cute pink pig!!! but it makes me laugh everytime I watch it with my kids!

If you're planning an Olivia's party this is the perfect party pop to give to each of your guests!

Garden Fairies StixNpops

2011-07-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

I just love the vibrant colors of these Fairies. This was another request....my customer wanted StixNpops to match her party decorations. These are one of my favorites!!!

They each have a different dress, and hairdo. They are all decorated with sugar crystals, and luster dusts and sparkling dust.

These Garden Fairies are perfect for a Fairy Princess party, and they would look adorable next to your birthday cake!!! what a great addition to any little girl's dream party!

Famous Super Heroes StixNpops

2011-07-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

I received a special request about Marvel Super Heroes!

I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I love challenges!

I am sure any boy would be excited about these Pops at their party...I know one big boy that was excited about these....my hubby!!!

Spider Man

Batman

Hulk

Iron Man

Super Man

Easy Royal Icing Recipe

2011-07-09T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is the Royal Icing recipe I use for all my StixNpops.

The Royal Icing Plays two roles: as a Glue and as 3D decorations

For this Recipe you'll need:

Powdered Sugar (1 lb)
Meringue Powder (3 tablespoons)
Water (6 tablespoons)
Flavoring (optional) (1 teaspoon)
A mixer

To start put the powdered sugar in the mixer

Start adding the meringue powder

Turn the mixer on slow

start adding the water

turn up the speed to medium

mix until fluffy, add your flavoring (you can add any flavoring you prefer: vanilla, almond peppermint, and I like lime juice!)

Mix for 2 more minutes and cover.

This mix should be very thick. this will be the glue for your marshmallows, and to make 3D decorations: like hair. For other decoration you will need a thinner Royal Icing: For this just add a couple more tablespoons of water

get a damped towel and cover your royal icing, if you will working with it right away. You can even store it a a container and place in the fridge, it will last around 1 week (fresh)

cover with the towel as you are working, if the towel gets dry, just damped in water again.

How to cut Marshmallows

2011-07-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

On this Tricks Section, I will be sharing tips on how to work with marshmallows, and small tricks that will be help you to make all mu designs and also to come up with your very own Designs. This First trick is very important!! how do you think I come up with different marshmallow shapes? even though you can find today a lot of different Marshmallow shapes, colors and flavors...there are many shapes you need to make yourself to make a 3D Marshmallow Figure.

How to cut Marshmallows

You'll need: Marshmallows, water and scissors.

It sound easy to cut Marshmallows, but if you try to cut them with plain scissors or a knife....you'll discoverthat your mission can turn a bit sticky!

That's why you'll need water....

Put your scissors ends in water

shake off the excess

depending on your design cut your marshmallow

you can just cut a line: if you want to make fingers, or bunny ears.

You can cut a marshmallow in half, or quarters

you can even cut out a shape in your marshmallow

or you can come up with more complicated designs...this is how you can make french fries, octopus legs, and so on.

I hope this will help you to discover a whole new face of Marshamallows!!!

Share your Stix

2011-07-07T09:02:00.002-07:00

I know there lots of creative people! who not only create edible pops, but also create beautiful and original creations on stix!!! If you have a party decoration, a craft, or home decoration on a Stix please share it with us.

Only Party, Decoration and Craft projects accepted. other content will be removed without notice.

Share your Pops

2011-07-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

I know there are many talented people, creating beautiful Pops of all kinds as gifts and as Party Favors.
If you have a Cake pop, A marshmallow pop, a Pie pop, or anything edible as a pop, Please share it with us!!

Only party and edible Lollipops. Content not related to this topic will be removed without notice.

Tutorial: How to create a StixNpops Arrangement

2011-02-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

1. Materials

A base: Bucket, floral pot, or basket
Floral Styrofoam
Tissue Paper Scrunchies on Stix (preferible on small bamboo sticks) the tissue paper can be just white, or combined with other colors to match your party decorations
Curly Ribbons on Stix. You can get creative and combine as many colors as you want, to match your party

2. Arranging the StixNpops

Start with you base, secure in your floral styrofoam. In this sample I stacked 2 floral foams and atached with a wooden stick.

Take your first StixNpop and find the front-center of the base.

For the Arrangement we are going to be arranging the StixNpops on 2 Rows, I will do each arrangement of 5 StixNpops, but you make them of 6, 8, 10 or 12 StixNpops, it depends on how big your Base is.

Before putting it in the foam, take your StixNpop by the Stick and Pull up the poly bag-like shown in the pic (you do not want to pull down the bag while inserting the stick, by doing this you may damage any sugar decoration on the StixNpops)

Insert it in all the way down into the foam, and at the front -center (think of it as the first row) of the base.

Since I am making this arrangement of just 5 StixNpops, I will put 3 StixNpops in the First Row.

I take the second one and put it next to my centered one, but i just incline it a bit, like in a 60 degrees angle to the left.

The third one I put it on the right, also at a 60 degree Angle

All the StixNpops of the Front Row, insert them all the way into the foam

Now I start in the second row

I take my fourth StixNpops and I put in the second row, behind the First SNP and the second SNP, but kind of in the middle of them, and you just insert the Stick half the way into the Foam

For the Fifth on, do the same as you did for the previous one, just on the other side

Here I am just showing you how it will look with 6 StixNpops. You can also see better in this pic how the Sticks of the SNP are inserted into to foam

3. Filling with Tissue Paper Scrunchies on Stix

Take your Tissue Paper Scrunchies, and start filling the Front base of the arrangement

Continue filling in, until you can't see the foam

This is how it looks with all the Tissue Paper scrunchies covering the base. You can leave it like this, or add a bit more "bling" I recommend the next step the Curling Ribbons!

4. Adding the Curly Ribbons Stix

Make some curling ribbons and add a couple to a bamboo stix, make several curly ribbons sticks, about 6-8 per arrangement

Distribute the curly ribbons through out the base of the arrangement. It will look good if you let some curly ribbons hang over the edge.

...and there you have it! a cute arrangement of StixNpops Edible Favors, not only cute to display at your Party's table, matching with all your decor, but the best part is that these cute creatures are your guests' favors!!!

Your guests will be delighted to take home one of these!!!

You will keep them forever in your memories, and on those great party Photos!!! They'll look Phenomenal!!!

Tips

*You can also add bows, or flowers to decorate the base of the arrangement, get creative.

*Instead of Tissue Paper scrunchies you can use decorative shredded paper.

*Use your imagination and make your StixNpops Arrangements a work of Art!!!

Here are some pics of some other arrangements

Whimsical Love Birds Valentines Photoshoot

2011-02-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

This is a very creative Valentines Table setting Collaborative Photoshoot Styled by Khaliah from The Party Muse and Corrin from Dahlia Galas. A few great Creative Women were part of this Project, at the end of this post will be a list of all the vendors.

I just have to say that this Whimsical Love Birds theme....is so cute and romantic!!! I love it!

Here you can see our StixNpops...These are the Petites, Chocolate Covered Marshmallows, with royal icing decorations...in this case I made the Love birds to match the table runner's fabric!

Vendors

Here is the list of all the vendors that participated in this beautiful Photoshoot, if you want to get more information about every vendor please visit The Party Muse Blog, Khaliah did a great job describing every one of us!!!

Ann-Margaret's SpecialTea Shoppe: All Valentine's Day printables
Lic-a- riche: Mini Cupcakes
StixNpops: Marshmallow Pops
Dandy Delights: Decorated Cookies
Dreamin N Details Design: Cake pops