Pamela Smerker Designs

Match Boxes

2012-01-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

I will be busy today cutting a large order of match boxes, which are being used as wedding favors. I already have ideas floating around in my head of things I would love to do in the future with these sweet little boxes. SO what does a girl do when she wants even MORE inspiration and ideas...well she turns to Pinterest of course. Here are a few fun and unique finds I gathered while searching for match boxes.

Found on The Coloured Buttons

Seriously, how sweet is this!! I know my daughter would love to make this and what a fun idea for a sleepover craft!! Click on the photo for instructions on how Coloured Buttons made this dollhouse box.

Found on Kommunicated

Sweet, simple and absolutely adorable! Wrapped in pretty paper, some bakers twine and a cute little tag. The perfect classroom treat!! Click on the photo to see the rest of Kommunicated designs and ideas.

Pamela Smeker Designs match boxes

How would you decorate your match box? What would you put inside?

Have a great weekend friends!

hugs,

Pam

What I would love for Valentine's Day...

2012-01-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

I don't typically get a lot of pink and red items for Valentine's day, usually some pretty flowers. My husband and I were married on February 11th, so Valentine's day gets mashed in with our wedding anniversary. In some ways this is good, since hotels, restaurants and spas have Valentine specials that we like to take advantage of. Then of course there are the hotels, restaurants and spas that have Valentine specials, that EVERYONE else is taking advantage of, so we have to really think ahead and plan so we can get a reservation somewhere. In the end both Valentine's day and our anniversary being mashed together is fine with me, they are both meant to celebrate the one you love.

Back to the pink and red, with me being a Pinterest addict I thought it would be fun to put together a small gallery of Valentine (no anniversary stuff) inspired items I found that I think would be fun to have for the holiday or really anytime of year.

Anything with a "P.S" is perfect for me *wink*. I simply adore this pillow and think it would be a great addition to my bed with a bunch of other fun decorative pillows.

Found on Etsy made by Joshua by Oak

HELLO cupcake, this raspberry and lemon cupcake sounds and looks so refreshing, especially in the cold winter months.

Found on BHG

This is so my style, jeans, a t-shirt, cardigan and cute little flats. LOVE!

Found on Polyvore

I am a sucker for letterpress and the bigger the better. I really do think I need this artwork!

Found on Etsy made by Roll & Tumble Press

How about this sweet handbag, pretty darn cute with those lollipop flowers.

Found on Etsy made by Eight Seasons

Loving this little cupcake pedestal, so stinking cute!

Found on Amazon by Rosanna

Talk about refreshing, these strawberry champaign beverages are just my style, bubbly and oh so fruity!

Found on Simply Creative Insanity

While we are at it, I will take one of these too...

Found on AutoModifieDesign

What's on your wish list this Valentine's Day???

Hugs,

Pam

A real party challenge and more!

2012-01-25T09:52:00.001-07:00

Hop on over to PS Make it your own to see what "The Sundry Soiree Challenge" is all about!! The contest starts today and is similar to the Food Network show "Chopped". There are mystery items that you must incorporate into your Soiree theme, which has also been announced!! I would love to play along in this challenge, but I am one of the judges *insert big cheesy grin* along with Lisa from Fancy That, Ann from Inkberry, Courtney from Pizzazzerie and Dawn from PS MIYO.

WAIT THERE IS MORE!!!
There is also a giveaway going on over at PS MIYO, for digital scrapbooking software (doesn't have to be used for scrapbooking either, can be used for card making or other fun digital items). OH and one more thing...a FREE Valentine Subway Art printable by Blush Printables! Seriously you need to check it out!

Brag Party {DIY Inspiration}

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

I was recently invited to be apart of My Grafico's Brag Party group. Every week an image is shared with this group to use for free, so that you can share/brag what you designed with this image.
This past week we were given the cherry image from this adorable clipart set created by dreAmLoft called "Cherry Love".

Here is what I made using one of my DIY kraft mini gable boxes.

I created a tag, added the cherry image and a sentiment that will work great for Valentine's Day or any day for that matter. I used a clear craft lacquer on the hearts to make them look really juicy! Using a eyelet border punch I created a fun border along the white edge of a piece of green gingham paper I printed out. This piece was then wrapped around my box and the tag was attached on the front. A piece of white taffeta ribbon adorns the handle. Not quite sure what I will put in this box, maybe some wrapped chocolates or a gift card, maybe both!

Be sure to check out the Brag Party group on My Grafico and see what fun things you can create with their free image each week.

Thanks for stopping in!
Hugs,
Pam

Gift Card Holder {DIY Ideas}

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Since I am sporting a fresh new look on the blog I thought I would share a fresh new product from my shop. Gift cards have become one of the most popular gifts for birthdays, holidays and thank you's. What better way to dress up a gift card, then with a gift card holder.

gift card holder shown in kraft card stock

My DIY gift card holder kits come in quantities of 6, 8 or 12 and come in your choice of either kraft or white card stock. These decorate your own kits make it easy for you to design each card the way you like and for any occasion.

I have a very special friend who has a birthday coming up, so I set to work with some scraps of pink Chevron paper, a "Happy Birthday" digital image I created and printed out, then colored and a few embellishments.

Here is the back side of the card...

and the front!

Stick a gift card in the inside, there are 4 corner cut outs to hold your standard plastic gift card into place and voila!! An easy personalized gift!

gift card holder shown in white card stock

Stop in my shop and check out my new DIY kits, lots of fun to decorate for any occasion.

OH and don't forget to hop on over to PS Make It Your Own or as we like to call it for short "PS MIYO". Dawn has a great scrabooking product to show you and along with a change to win a fabulous prize!!!

Hugs,
Pam

A New Home

2012-01-21T11:05:00.000-07:00

Dawn and I are going to let you in on a little secret, ok it's not really a secret... we are shouting this news out loud!!

"PS Make It Your Own" has a NEW home!!!

www.PSMIYO.com

We weren't exactly sure if we were going to make the move or stay here at PamelaSmerkerDesigns.com. However with the response we have had in just our first week both Dawn and I decided that PS MIYO ("PS Make it your own" for short) really needed it's own home. You can find all of this week's posts already moved in to our new home, so you won't miss a thing. WE ARE SO EXCITED!! Jump on over to www.PSMIYO.com and follow us (there are lots of different ways to do so). We have a contest starting on Monday, a beautiful free printable on Tuesday, Wednesday kicks off The Sundry Soiree Challenge, Thursday and Friday we will have a recipe and more home decor ideas!! Really you won't want to miss it!!

As for Pamela Smerker Designs (the blog), I am working with a very talented designer to give PSD a fresh new look. It is true...there are just some things I just can't keep the same for too long and my blog's design is one of them. Just like you redecorate your house every now and then, I need to redecorate my blog...it keeps me motivated. SO for the next month or so please excuse the dust while Pamela Smerker Designs (the blog) is cleaning up and remodeling. Thanks!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Hugs as always,

Pam

Squash Goulash {Foods}

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.psmiyo.com/2012/01/squash-goulash-food.html

This post has moved to PS Make it your own's NEW home site www.PSMIYO.com

Click the link under the photo to hop on over and read my post plus grab the recipe to this dish.

~Pam

Floating Shelves {Home Decor}

2012-01-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

This PS Make it your own blog post has moved over to it's NEW home. Come visit www.psmiyo.com to read all about it.

The Sundry Soiree Challenge {contest}

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to be challenged? Lisa Komer owner of Fancy That and the girls at PS Make It Your Own are prepared to do just that...challenge YOU!!

The Sundry Soiree Challenge is a twist on the traditional designers challenge. Every 6 weeks we will announce a theme and 5 mystery components found in most homes. YOUR challenge is to design a soiree using at least 3 of the mystery items out of our 5 listed. You will have 2 weeks to put your creativity to the test and submit photos of your design! OH and we realize not everyone has the ability to take professional quality photos, just send your best!

We have five judges who will be looking for the most creative use of our mystery items. The winners of our first 6 rounds/challenges will then compete against each other in one final round for a fabulous prize package!

Here they are...your judges

Courtney Dial from Pizzazzerie

Ann Peplinksi from Inkberry

Lisa Komer from Fancy That

Dawn and Pam from PS Make It Your Own

Round 1 of the contest will begin Wednesday, January 25th 2012 when we will post the theme and what 5 five items are in our mystery box. Stay tuned and get ready to be challenged!!!

Valentine's Day Inspiration {Friends}

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Please Note his post has moved to PS Make it your own's NEW home site www.PSMIYO.com

Click HERE to hop on over to read and be inspired by our friend Melissa of Truly Chic Inspirations.

~Pam

Cute as a button {celebrating}

2012-01-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

This post has moved to PS Make it your own's NEW home site www.PSMIYO.com
Click HERE to hop on over and read my post plus get your free printables.

~Pam

Welcome 2012!

2011-12-29T11:17:00.002-07:00

Wishing you and yours a fabulous New Year

from the girls at PS Make It Your Own!!

To help you ring in 2012, I have created a FREE New Years Eve printable collection just for you! Included in this NYE 2012 collection is an 8" x 10" sign, mini bunting pieces and party shapes. Hop on over to Scribd to download, print, cut and decorate!!

See you on January 16, 2012 when we come back from break with lots of new and fun inspiration!!

All the best,

Pamela

2011-12-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

Change it good!

2011-12-16T12:06:00.001-07:00

As you may have noticed, things look a bit different around here. That is because changes needed to be made and I am happy with the way 2012 is going to start off! Give a warm welcome to

"PS Make It Your Own"

After much thought and trying to patch things up here and there this year I felt that I was cutting myself short. I wasn't doing all that I wanted, because of all the time needed for both Party Starters and PS Harvey. While I love selling my work, I love sharing ideas more! So together with my wonderful friend of many years, Dawn Rumin and I will be giving you all that our creative minds have to give. Just like me Dawn loves to be in the kitchen as well as get her craft on and has been called "Martha" more times then we can count! I know you will adore her as much as I do.

So what does this mean for Party Starters and PS Harvey? Party Starters will now only offer DIY kits, no more custom party boxes. All of our boxes will be available in either white or craft card stock so that you can decorate them anyway you like. Don't worry we will have lots of inspiring ways you can make these boxes "your own". As for PS Harvey, well it is being put on the back burner for now until I can fully decide which direction I want to go with my digital designs. Good news for you, there will be a lot more free printables available here on the blog!

We will officially start blogging about food, crafts, home decor and celebrating (don't worry there will still be a ton of party inspiration here) on January 16, 2012!! You can follow us now on Twitter and on Facebook and we hope that you do!

Thank you so much for your continued support, you are the reason why I stay motivated to keep changing and growing.

A very happy holidays to you and yours.

All the best,
Pamela

Pumpkin Donuts {Recipe}

2011-12-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend the kids asked for pumpkin pancakes AGAIN! (normally I make these only once a year, a Thanksgiving morning tradition of ours)

So, I gave in (wasn't that hard to give in since I love them as well) and while mixing up the batter thought, I really should see how this would work in my Bella donut maker. OH MY WORD!!!! Forget making pancakes....these are da' bomb!!

Typically with our pumpkin pancakes we top them with chocolate chips and whipped cream (the kids like to make smiley faces). While I thought of adding the chocolate chips to the tops of the donuts, the thought of chocolate ganache sounded irresistible. Add a dollop of whipped cream and hello...HEAVEN!!!

These would make an amazing dessert (we loved them for breakfast, but they are pretty sweet) and with this recipe you can make approximately 4.5 dozen mini donuts. YES, over 50 donuts and sadly enough the three kids and I ate ALL of them! They cook in 2 mins, and are a big softer and more moist then a regular cake donut, but seriously oh so good! Let me know if you try this and what you think.

Here is the recipe again for those of you who missed it.

Pumpkin Donuts

2 C Bisquick
2 Tbls brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
1 can evaporated milk (12oz)
1/2 C cooked or canned pumpkin
2 Tbls vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all dry ingredients together, then add wet ingredients. Pour into machine, per manufacturers directions.

Chocolate Chip Ganache

1/2- 1 C semi sweet chocolate chips

1-3 Tbls whipping cream

Melt chocolate chips over double boiler or in microwave (in 30 sec intervals, so not to burn the chocolate). Stir in enough whipping cream until you get a smooth glossy consistency.

***Tomorrow's Post***

Check back in tomorrow, I have some news...major changes going on around here, yes AGAIN!!

Hugs,

Pam

Holiday sparkle and cheer

2011-12-12T08:28:00.002-07:00

Today I wanted to share a customer appreciation "sweets" buffet I put together for Maria, of Studio Sister Photography for the holidays. My "Holiday Sparkle and Cheer" printable collection was made for Maria, to go with her companies color scheme and her love of the Chevron pattern.

On the table were divinity, pink meringue cookies, chocolate salted caramels, small pink colored chocolates, pink peppermints, cheesecake, egg nog and a cream puff tree. Also included were mini gable boxes which held coupons for future photo sessions.

The cream puff tree (a spin off of the popular French Macaron tree) was made using a styrofoam cone wrapped in tin foil and approximately 60 mini cream puffs (frozen) that were attached using tooth picks. To fill up some of the gaps, white frosting and pink chocolate candies were applied. Super easy, inexpensive and what a great edible centerpiece!

A big thank you to Maria for taking these gorgeous photos to share with all of us!!

Holiday Sparkle and Cheer printable collection now available at PS Harvey.

Happy Holidays!!

Photography by Studio Sister

www.studiosister.com

Styling by Pamela Smerker Designs

www.pamelasmerkerdesigns.com

Mini Gable Boxes by Party Starters

www.etsy.com/shop/partystarters

Printables by PS Harvey

www.etsy.com/shop/PSHarveyDesigns

Sparkly sneak peak...

2011-12-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

I recently created a holiday customer appreciation dessert table for my friend Maria of Studio Sister photography. Be sure to stop in on Monday when I share the entire table!

Have a great weekend friends!!
Hugs,
Pam

*PS Harvey's "Holiday Sparkle and Cheer Collection"

It's all in the wrap

2011-12-08T10:42:00.001-07:00

I was recently a guest blogger over at A Blissful Nest. Check out my post on fun and inexpensive ways to wrap up your small gifts this holiday season!

Happy Holidays!
Pam

Fall Inspired Boxes

2011-11-29T13:44:00.005-07:00

Hello again everyone, Dawn here again with a post on how I used some of the boxes from Party Starters for my Thanksgiving Day celebration! I started with petal boxes done in a great fall pattern and turned them into pie boxes. To make the window, I just used one of my Stampin' Up! punches, before I put the box together, and then I added a panel of acetate to help keep the pies fresh. Once the boxes were put together, I added a strip of waxed paper beneath the pie, to help keep the oils in the crusts away from the sides of the box. Then I took the pieces I cut out for the window and used them to make the little tag on each box, I did not have names on them as they were just for people to grab on their way out the door after dinner. I hope you enjoy these and I would love to see some of your creations with Party Starters boxes!!!

3 Holidays Collections!

2011-11-28T09:45:00.001-07:00

I am excited to share three new collections that are now available at PS Harvey for the holidays.

"Cheer for Merry & Bright" is a collection with both Chevron and Houndstooth patterns, nutcrackers, gift boxes and Martini glasses. Great decorations for an adult evening of celebrating!

"Land of Snow" is a whimsical set of party shapes,

perfect for recreating the Nutcracker Suite with it's soft shades of pink, blue and green!

"Holiday Sparkle & Cheer" is the perfect collection for a girl night out. Shades of pink, grey and black Chevron, along with martini glasses, gifts and sparkling snowflakes will make dazzle your guests!

All three of these DIY printable sets are ON SALE!!

Happy Holidays!!

Thanksgiving Ideas

2011-11-10T10:29:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving is sneaking up on us, are you ready? Here are some cute ideas to help you get ready.

1. Finger puppet turkeys, pilgrim hats and bonnets from Martha Stewart
2. Pilgrim hat cookies from Woman's Day
3. Pumpkin pancakes image from Family.go.com (see the recipe we use every year below)
4. Free 8" x 10" Printables from Blooming Homestead

Pumpkin Pancakes:
2 C Bisquick
2 Tbls brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 eggs
1 can evaporated milk (12oz)
1/2 C cooked or canned pumpkin
2 Tbls vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla

Mix all ingredients. Then using a measuring cup pour 1/3C batter onto hot greased griddle. Keep an eye on them, since there is brown sugar in mix they tend to brown faster. Serve warm!

I personally like to sprinkle mini chocolate chips on my pancakes then fold them in half so the chocolate chips melt. Then I put whipped cream on the top and eat them up before the whipped cream melts. YUMMY!!

Thanks for stopping by.
Hugs,
Pam

Virtual birthday party!

2011-11-07T10:55:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my 40-1 birthday and I wanted to celebrate with a virtual party. So I have created a list of 39 amazing party people who make me want to throw a party everyday! Stop and check out each of these talents and follow them if you aren't already. These creative geniuses never stop inspiring me and I am sure they will do the same for you.

Pizzazzerie

Blush Printables

Truly Chic Inspirations

Fancy That

Celebrate Today The Superchick Way

Sandra Downie Events & her new shop Pretty Little Party Shop

Best Wedding Sites

Paper & Pigtails

Catch My Party

Crossing The Bugger Dixon Line

Kate Landers Events

Eye Candy Event Details

Lynlee's Petite Cakes

Grey Grey Designs

Firefly Confections

Pink Little Cake

Save The Date For Cupcakes

The Girls At Eighteen 25

House Of Smiths

Little Shindigs

Bird's Party

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Table Tops For Tots

Green Beansie

and one to grow on...the first party blog to ever inspire me...

Hostess With The Mostess

PARTY ON friends!!
Hugs,
Pam

"Breaking Dawn" inspired photo shoot

2011-11-02T10:57:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about the photos I am about to show you today. My wonderful friend Melissa from Truly Chic put together a "Breaking Dawn" (part of the Twilight series) inspired photo to show her interpretation of the BIG Cullen wedding, which will be in theaters on November 18, 2011.

Here is what Melissa had to say...

I (Truly Chic Inspirations) planned this photo shoot alongside Sandy from Firefly Confections. We are both avid Twilight fans and our inspiration came from the Breaking Dawn wedding. We were lucky enough to team up with such a talented photographer, Janelle from Janelle's Photography, who made our vision come to life. Janelle not only captured our vision but incorporated the perfect model for this shoot.

Using the last name "Cullen" was key for us. The "Cullen" crest cookies were created by Sandy (Firefly Confections), the "Cullen" cake banner was created by Meli from Blush + Jelly, and the "Cullen" crest wine label was created especially for us by Sandy's mother.

We didn't want this to be all about deep reds and black so we took some time in finding white and silver touches to give more elegance to the wedding theme. The wedding invitation and place cards were must have items and Kristina of Uptown Girl Designs gave us an amazing design (she is a fellow Twilight fanatic as well).

I was lucky to come across the vintage photos and candle sticks at an antique flea market while on vacation this summer and Sandy took some time in finding the perfect plates.

Sandy and I are beyond thrilled with the results of our shoot and couldn't be more thankful to the ladies that joined us in the process.

A big thank you to Melissa for sharing these images with me. I am totally inspired and can't wait until November 18th to see Breaking Dawn in Theaters!!

Check out:
Truly Chic on Facebook
Firefly Confections on Facebook
Janelle's Photography on Facebook

Blush + Jelly on Facebook

Uptown Girl Designs on Facebook

Mad Hatter goes West

2011-11-01T12:10:00.000-06:00

I was asked to be a part of a Mad Hatter goes West inspired bridal shoot this past June by La Vie le Gage. Finally I am able to share some pictures with you. (In case you didn't know...I am not a patient person so waiting 5 months has nearly killed me).

These two photos were taken by Hays Photography

These photos I took before I shipped this cake off.

As you can see it was a two tiered cake, but only one was used in the photo shoot. the tops of each cake favor box were done in Harlequin pattern and decorated with tiny white pearls. The sides of the cake were done in light pink ruffles and flowers that were embellished with rhinestones and pearls. There are a total of 48 favor boxes in this set.

To see more photos from La Vie le Gage's shoot check out the gallery featured on Style Me Pretty.
~Pam

Halloween Favors

2011-10-31T11:25:00.002-06:00

A quick post today, these are my daughter's Halloween classroom party favors. We decided to go with full size Hershey bars with custom wrappers. What kid (or adult) wouldn't love a full size candy bar for Halloween??
Just one problem, she woke up sick today and can't go to school or trick or treating. A very sad day for one little girl... so the two of us will hang out together in our costumes and play our own games.

Hope you all have a safe and happy Halloween!
Hugs,
Pam